ArtPrize

In December of 2013, Jared Kushner purchased 170-174 East 2nd street buildings for $17 million, and quickly followed the purchase with the distribution of eviction notices to tenants of the two buildings. During the past nine months under the ownership of Kushner, tenants of both buildings were subjected to lengthy and severe construction work which has resulted in ceiling collapses, eroded floors, broken tiles, cut off gas service, and unannounced hot and cold water interruptions. Impacts on artists in the building range from fear of displacement, to damage of artwork, and compromised ability to do creative work under the stress and noise of construction.

Since Jared Kushner purchased the buildings at 170-174 East 2nd street, the Committee reports, 70 percent of its tenants have been vacated. Of the nine remaining tenants, about half are artists. Ironically, the building now boasts its “creative spirit” and history of housing artists as a draw. We’ll be watching this story. [Cooper Square Committee]