Nothing is safe.

One of the most vibrant, indeed last, bookstores in downtown Manhattan is apparently leaving. McNally Jackson Books might soon be history, fourteen years after setting up shop in Little Italy.

A tipster alerted us to the Winick leasing banners that were affixed to the facade of 50 Prince Street (at Mulberry) yesterday evening. Following the trail online, the brokerage is now pitching the 5,700 square-foot space for July 2019 possession (sub-divisions considered). No word just yet on the monthly rent, an increase of which is reportedly what forced McNally Jackson from the neighborhood.

Here is the rosy rendering included in the real estate listing…

To say that this is an enormous loss would be an understatement. This store sustains and nurtures a literary community; not to mention, the book selection is phenomenal.

Sarah McNally first opened the bookstore at 52 Prince Street back in 2004 as part of her family’s McNally Robinson chain. The store became independent four years later, when McNally split and teamed up with her husband Christopher Jackson. It later grew to include a cafe and in-house printing press.

The company expanded to Williamsburg in January of this year.

Update: the store is closing in June 2019, and is looking for a new location nearby.