Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Meet the Creative Community Collective — aka C3.
The former P.S. 64/Charas/El Bohio Community Center on Ninth Street between Avenue B and Avenue C has a new project name.
That was the big reveal during last Thursday night's public informational session at the Grand Street Settlement on Pitt Street, which attracted nearly 125 local residents who wanted an update on the long-dormant East Village property.
C3 is more than a restoration project — it's a commitment to preserving the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and community service that has defined former P.S. 64 for over a century. The goal is to shape the building into a multi-use arts, educational, and community hub that remains publicly accessible while serving both the Lower East Side and the broader needs of New York City and beyond.During this pre-construction phase, C3 serves as the platform through which we engage the community, invite feedback, and chart a path forward together.
There was a recap of the updates from the October public meeting with representatives from Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Denham Wolf Real Estate, representing the landlord, said to be a private foundation. (This post has more about the reported owner.)
There was an update on the structural surveys and exterior condition reports: The building is stable, though with some loose masonry. A partial vacate order remains in place.
Denham Wolf's Jessica Stander spoke about the interior work, the year-round security team, lighting, safety measures, and removing dead — and living — animals living or trapped inside.
"We are now pigeon-free with a safe and stable site," she said.
Meanwhile, the timeframe hasn't changed, per Denham Wolf's Paul Wolf, who discussed money for renovations and capital
expenses. The project will cost over $100 million and take four to six years to complete.
Afterward, Francis said he was pleased with the meeting (which was much less contentious than in October).
"Overall, it was a strong night. The community members asked thoughtful questions, which signals
sustained deep interest — fantastic news. I'm also very pleased with the
positive reactions to the project name, as it helps make it feel more 'real,'" he said. "There's clear momentum with fundraising opportunities; several
attendees approached me afterward, offering to make introductions. I'm excited to dive into fundraising aggressively because this is such
a compelling opportunity. Once we extend awareness beyond the
community, I'm confident we'll generate even more support."
You can keep tabs on the C3 website for updates.
Previously on EV Grieve:
5 comments:
I was at this meeting, and what I heard was that the final name has not been decided, so a "project name" needs to be used for now. It was explained that a committee is to be formed which will include some community members, and that anyone interested should use the website to message their interest and qualifications. Some of use spoke up and left comments on the note cards hanging in the back of the room that the name CHARAS should be included in any new, final name of the building and that the CHARAS history should be preserved and displayed inside, including some version of the well known mural on the wall outside (photos? re-painted replica?). The take away for me was that this creative project is for our community and the website should be used for suggestions and comments and offers of involvement. So please use the website link in this article to say that the word CHARAS should be part of the final name of this center and how you can personally help the project, be it fund raising, creative projects, or social media awareness. We have fought and won to save this cultural touch point in the East Village, but now the real work begins.
Is this it? Do they have a signed lease from the owner? What is the track record of the group? I'm in the arts. I've never heard of them... Who are the people in charge... What is their resume(s). What are they getting paid. What is their time line? How did they plan on sustaining the building? Overall I'm not impressed by the arty-farty, gobbledygook of their artistic statement. Too vague. Too cliched. The EV doesn't need another hangout using art as its pretext.
Good questions. The EV Grieve may not have the resources to try to get answers for you, and it sounds like you should show up at the next meeting, and/or submit your comments and questions on the website.
If they have not even made the courtyard safe yet you have to wonder why this meeting focused on a new name ? CHARAS or something else ?
It’s good strategy to show commitment to community involvement in the ideation of what the building will be. If they continue a cadence of every 3-6 months they’ll keep people involved and informed and foster good will, as well as trying to get the word out.
We don’t want any switcheroos (as in East River Park plan which also started with committed community meetings) and I think they are aware of that potential. I applaud them in this planning. I looked at their website and there is a long list of things you can check off to stay abreast of or help with, whether you are a creator or business or simply an interested community member.
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