[Another photo we use a lot]
On Tuesday night, as we noted, reps for Peter Brant were to meet with residents at Village View to discuss his plans for 421 E. Sixth St., the building he purchased last year for $27 million.
Posted flyers said that the owner would be present. Owner owner? Or owner as in owner of, say, the company overseeing the renovation project?
Well, according to an EVG reader who attended the meeting, "Brant was actually there. Yes. Cufflinks and all."
First, though, as previously reported, the building between Avenue A and First Avenue is intended to be a gallery space to display Brant's personal art collection. The intention is to have approximately two shows per year, with the first one scheduled for Fall 2016.
[Meeting photo via Bill the Libertarian Anarchist]
Back to Tuesday night's meeting, which the EVG reader described as intense, though Brant was "open, engaging."
Some guy asked Brant "Why don't you have your art displayed at your Polo Club?" To which Brant replied, "Because they play polo there."
Brant also said that he wasn't aware that the party on March 26 — for the world's top collectors of Dom Pérignon rosé — in the building would be what it was, that he was doing a favor for a friend. Per the reader, "He is aware how it affected the neighborhood."
He invited everybody to come to his foundation in Connecticut to see what he is all about. One woman kvetched that she couldn't get there, is anything closer? He said he has a building in Soho. Well, the guy was trying.
I'm starting to sound too much like I'm defending him.
Again, of all the things that could happen to this building, I think this seems like one of the best things. It will be a private space. Not a lot of people there. Maybe a couple of invite-only openings. I want to believe him. Basically it sounds like a garage to store some of his art.
Anyone who attended the meeting want to share his or her thoughts on Brant's plans?
Previously on EV Grieve:
Rumor: The Brant Foundation buying Walter De Maria's E. 6th St. studio for an exhibition space (19 comments)
Confirmed: Peter M. Brant buys Walter De Maria's amazing East 6th Street home and studio
1st permits filed for renovation of Walter De Maria's former home-studio on East 6th Street
A soft opening at the Brant Foundation's new space at Walter De Maria's former East 6th Street studio
More about the 1st show at Walter De Maria's former home-studio on East 6th Street
Here's what Peter Brant wants to do with his new exhibition space on East 6th Street
When the world's top collectors of Dom Pérignon rosé came to the East Village for dinner
Reader report: 421 E. 6th St. will house Peter M. Brant's personal art collection
Peter Brant's East 6th Street Outreach Tour 2015 continues