City Sues to Shut Midtown Spa Over Alleged Sex-for-Cash Services

The city has filed a nuisance abatement suit seeking to padlock a Midtown massage parlor, East Garden Spa, where undercover officers reported being offered sex acts for an additional fee. The legal action targets the property at 23 W. 45th St. and comes more than a decade after the building's owner agreed to a court order prohibiting prostitution.

According to the lawsuit filed Sept. 30 in Manhattan Supreme Court, undercover officers visited the spa twice in late May. On May 21, a worker allegedly offered an hourlong massage for $80, with an additional $100 for a sex act. Ten days later, on May 30, a 30-minute massage costing $60 reportedly came with the same $100 add-on for sexual services.

The city's suit names the building owner, 531 Central Park Avenue Associates LLC, and the spa's unnamed operators. It seeks a yearlong closure of the premises, seizure of contents by the sheriff, and fines of $1,000 per day against each defendant for knowingly allowing the alleged nuisance.

However, property records indicate the building was sold on September 16 to an entity named 21 W 45 LLC, just two weeks before the lawsuit was filed. Reports suggest the new owner plans to demolish the building to construct a new development spanning 21 and 23 W. 45th St.

This is not the first time the city has pursued action against the third-floor unit. Court records show that in November 2013, a woman was arrested after agreeing to a sex act for $40 with an undercover detective. A subsequent investigation in February 2014 resulted in another arrest when a different woman provided a massage without a license.

In November 2014, the city sued the then-owner, 531 Central Park Avenue Associates, and the tenant at the time. A city lawyer noted in court papers that "the community and neighboring businesses have severely suffered and continue to suffer, as a result of the illegal activity occurring at the subject premises." A settlement was reached, resulting in a judge signing an injunction in March 2015 that barred prostitution in the unit. The city argues this history should have made the owner aware of potential illegal activities.

A woman who answered the spa's phone stated it had closed and been locked due to the building's sale. When approached by The Post, the elevator at the location would not stop on the third floor, suggesting the establishment may already be shuttered. The historic hobby shop The Red Caboose, a long-time tenant in the basement, closed in October after over 50 years in business.

Seville Real Estate Services, listed as the building's manager and leasing agent, stated they are no longer associated with the property. Neighbors interviewed, including those at adjacent businesses like Sophie's Cuban Cuisine and The Dawson Irish pub, reported no knowledge of illicit activities at the spa. The primary care practice NY Medical on the second floor also stated no affiliation or knowledge of the spa's operations.