We were warned this would happen. A year ago, in fact.

In that time, vomit-inducing renderings teased the future of the once-beloved Sunshine Cinema. That of a commercial tower. And now the inevitable is upon us.

Scaffolding was erected in front of the movie house last week, signaling the beginning of demolition activity. Permits to do so have been in play since 2018, and the wrecking ball was promised for last spring.

“The shed is up and the shovels are out at 141 East Houston,” boasts the developers on Instagram.

Owner-developers East End Capital and K Property Group – who together purchased the Lower East Side theater two years for $31.5 million – just secured a $67 million construction loan from CapitalSource.

In its place, a nine-story, $90 million building that will boast eight full-floor commercial units ranging in size from 5,000 to 6,800 square-feet. Each column-free office will have 12-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, concierge services, and private terraces. Other shared amenities include an executive conference room and roof deck. There is also one multi-level retail space with 60 feet of frontage.

No word just yet on the fate of the marquee neons. But don’t be surprised if it’s somehow incorporated into the new development as a trophy.