Top photo by Stacie Joy
Several people have left messages of support for Genie and Lorcan Otway in the days after the owners of Theatre 80 were ordered off the property last week at 78-80 St. Mark's Place between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
One message reads, "We love you & need you back," signed by "the NYC artists and activist community." Another note says, "wishing you the best possible outcome."
As previously reported, the Otways have been battling in recent years to save the space, which houses Theatre 80, a 199-seat theater, the William Barnacle Tavern and the Museum of the American Gangster. (Lorcan had lived here since age 9 when his father bought the buildings to create an Off-Broadway theater in 1964.)
And the virtual bankruptcy auction has been set for May 9. Bidders for the property, which includes several residences on the upper floors, must register by May 8 and supply a cashier's check for $950,000 payable to a Chapter 7 trustee. (The auction signs arrived yesterday.)
Meanwhile, the Otways have a short window left to raise the rest of the money owed (roughly $6 million) ... and hope for an angel investor with deep pockets. (Lorcan has also said the IRS was being surprisingly helpful.)
New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs has supported the theater's survival efforts. The office expedited granting a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status to Historic 80 Saint Marks Inc., which opens the venue up to various grants.
Meanwhile, more than 7,000 people have signed a petition to save the space. Organizers have also asked supporters to contact Gov. Hochul to intervene.
Updated: There is a GoFundMe here.
8 comments:
When I saw Lorcan two weeks ago, he mentioned the IRS and also spoke about two angel investors, one of whom was going to invest $5 million. The other was going to invest $1 million. Don't know what happened.
The loan was for six million. The note was purchased by Maverick Real Estate who uped the debt to 12.5 or more. To correct Bill, and thanks for the comment, the IRS fast tracked our application for tax emption for our not for profit. There are two philanthropists, who have conditionally offered a three million and a two million dollar gift, should we get the rest of the money needed donated. Many thanks to all.
Is there a gofundme we can donate to? Or anywhere else? I want to help!!
In addition to the effort to get THEATRE 80 back to Lorcan and Genie, that building should be LANDMARKED ASAP!
@Chris Flash
Yes! Landmark immediately!
The details on how a loan amount doubled would be interesting to know as well.
Wondering how many and what will happen to the other residences on the upper floors ? Were they rented out ? If they were will the other people be evicted too ?
Chris- I think lamdmarking is a little late now-🙏🙏🙏♥️
Lorcan n genie✍️
Check out “ganas” community”
A commune on Staten Island.
A place to live🫖🍯✍️✍️✍️
Pennys herb co.
Bethlehem bakery.
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