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...