Time Ticking On Legendary ‘Graffiti Mecca’ 5Pointz as Demolition Nears
07/24/2013
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If you’ve ever taken the 7 train through Long Island City, Queens, you’ve probably noticed 5Pointz, the legendary outdoor exhibit space covered in eye-popping graffiti.
5Pointz, widely considered the “graffiti Mecca” of the world, isn’t going to be standing much longer. After years of uncertainty, the iconic 200,000 square-foot factory building is expected to be demolished by September as property owner David Wolkoff’s plans to replace it with two residential high rises move forward. The towers – 41 and 47 stories tall – would contain 1,000 rental units priced at market rate and up to 30,000 square feet of retail space, Curbed reports.
There was a glimmer of positivity for 5Pointz fans in early June, when the community board voted against G&M Realty’s blueprint and suggested the development feature affordable housing and increased art space. However, that advisory vote doesn’t count for much toward saving 5Pointz, and Wolkoff assured that the warehouse will be knocked down once he gets city approval for the project.
Wolkoff and his father, Jerry, have embraced 5Pointz as a cultural gem for more than a decade, but are now looking to capitalize on Long Island City’s rapid development.
“We believe this project will be an economic boom to the area because of the residents that it will bring,” Wolkoff said, according to the New York Daily News.
The first tower is slated to open in 2015, the Daily News says.
Graffiti veteran and Flushing native Jonathan Cohen, known by his tag, “Meres One,” began curating work for 5Pointz Aerosol Art Center, Inc. in 2002. Graffiti artists from around the world submit their work to Cohen for the chance to make their mark among the world’s best on an iconic building that embraces street art.
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As a company immersed in the world of artistic expression, we have a lot of respect for 5Pointz and are really going to miss it. We’ll be keeping you updated as details on its demolition emerge, and in the meantime we encourage you to take a trip out to LIC and appreciate 5Pointz’ creative beauty - Don’t forget to snap a picture and tweet us at @DuggalNYC for a shoutout.