Rendering of 5 Pointz via HTO Architect
The Long Island City warehouse-turned-street art mecca known at 5Pointz was demolished about five years ago, but its history has not been forgotten. David Wolkoff of G&M Realty has just announced that the firm is seeking artists and curators to be a part of the new mixed-used development rising on the site (h/t The City).
While this plan is consistent with other New York City condos and rentals alike that have made art a part of the greater development plan, it is more contentious at 5Pointz owing to the history. Before the demolition, the ever-changing street art on the warehouse was whitewashed without warning. A judge ruled that G&M Realty must pay the artists $6.7 million under a provision known as VARA (Visual Artists Rights Act), and it is currently being appealed.
While this plan is consistent with other New York City condos and rentals alike that have made art a part of the greater development plan, it is more contentious at 5Pointz owing to the history. Before the demolition, the ever-changing street art on the warehouse was whitewashed without warning. A judge ruled that G&M Realty must pay the artists $6.7 million under a provision known as VARA (Visual Artists Rights Act), and it is currently being appealed.
5Pointz circa 2013 via Wikipedia
5Pointz founder and curator Jonathan Cohen, known by his tag Meres One, has already said that he will not be returning to the site on grounds that “[the developers] are consistently showing that they like exploiting artists rather than supporting them.” He moved to Crown Heights after 5Pointz came down and led the team that transformed a stairwell in citizenM New York Bowery into the Museum of Street Art.
The search for artists is not the only hitch at 5Pointz. G&M Realty is currently requesting modifications that would expand the project to one 48-story tower and one 42-story tower with 1,122 apartments, 15,000 square feet of artist space, and 32,245 square feet in open space. Community Board 2 has not yet issued a recommendation, but it was already unhappy with the size of the initially proposed building. Nevertheless, the first tower is expected to open as soon as the end of the year.
Front desk rendering via Mojo Stumer Associates
Upon completion, the new development will have interiors by Mojo Stumer Associates and graffiti-inspired artwork throughout the building, including the logo behind the reception desk. In addition to the art, amenities are said to include a fitness center, climbing wall, swimming pool, and private courtyard between the towers.
Google Earth map of 5Pointz
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