At 188 Allen St., a curbside dining demolition like no other

Photos by Steven 

Early yesterday morning (6:40!), city crews from the DOT and DSNY joined forces to remove the curbside structure outside 188 Allen St. between Houston and Stanton.

Earlier this month, the DOT issued a termination notice for the space outside the now-closed Cheese Grille. A group of artists and some art fans had hoped the structure could continue on as 188 Allen Street Gallery, an art space that has showcased a variety of artists since last summer (see here and here). It was an outgrowth of the pandemic-era space that Cheese Grille used.

NYC street artist SacSix, who has curated shows here as well as created murals on the storefront, appealed to the DOT in a recent Instagram post, inviting city officials here "to see how small business entrepreneurs can create incredible communities in unique spaces." 

However, the DOT showed its appreciation of the space with chainsaws and crowbars...  

A few pieces were salvaged by artists, some of whom spent the night here ahead of the demolition... 

The removal was accompanied by pianist Kristopher Hull, who performed "A requiem for 188 Allen Chopin nocturne in c-sharp minor"... 

... and later... the return of three parking spots... 

Concern about the future of the 188 Allen Street Gallery

Cheese Grille has apparently served its last grilled cheese sandwich as a quick-serve restaurant from 188 Allen St. between Houston and Stanton. 

The long-and-narrow space — in business for nearly 10 years — has been closed of late... and a for-rent sign hangs in the front window...

Google lists them as permanently closed. [Updated: Ownership says they are open for catering and private events.]

Meanwhile, a group of artists and some art fans are hoping the sidewalk dining structure can continue on as 188 Allen Street Gallery, an art space that has showcased a variety of artists since last summer (see here and here)...

The Department of Transportation has already issued a "Termination" notice for the structure.

NYC street artist SacSix, who has curated shows here as well as created murals on the storefront, appealed to the DOT in a recent Instagram post, inviting city officials here "to see how small business entrepreneurs can create incredible communities in unique spaces." 

Said an EVG reader in an email: "This gallery has been a godsend for our community bringing creative artists together to showcase their talent. For many new artists, this is an opportunity to showcase their works ..." 

'Ladies First' at the 188 Allen Street Gallery

Photos by Stacie Joy 

There's a new group show titled "Ladies First" celebrating Women's History Month at the 188 Allen Street Gallery (between Houston and Stanton)... curated by Isabelle Ewing and SacSix...

EVG contributor stopped by the opening on Thursday evening...

... @madebymiriamg....

... Crackhead Barney...

The show is up through March 12... (daily hours on the flyer up top,,,)