Many single-story buildings in the East Village and the Lower East Side are later additions built on gaps in the fabric of tenement buildings. Retail storefronts make up the majority of the single-story buildings in the area. Like bars and restaurants, these run the gamut from high-end shops to discount stores. As retailing evolves and vacancies rise, the future of commercial street life is in flux and single-story retail storefronts are further imperiled.