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CULTURAL DISTRICT PLAN:
FAB was formed in 2000 to advocate for the preservation, expansion and formal recognition of the 4th Street Cultural District. Nearly all of FAB's 13 member organizations reside in 4 city-owned buildings. There are 2 vacant buildings on the block that were designated for cultural use by the Cooper Square Task Force when they created a redevelopment plan for the Cooper Square Urban Renewal Area in 2000.
The member organizations of Fourth Arts Block (FAB) have successfully collaborated with the City of New York on a plan to develop the East 4th Street Cultural District. Under the plan, six city-owned buildings on East 4th Street between Second Avenue and Bowery, with an estimated market value of over $20 million will be sold to the resident cultural and community groups on the block for $1 each.
Each of the buildings requires renovation work, ranging from moderate to gut rehabilitation. The scope of renovation work totals an estimated $5.8 million. When completed, 4th Street will become a permanent home for cultural and community groups. The space for cultural activity on the block will increase from 52,000 sq. ft. to 99,000 sq. ft., an increase of over 90%.
Highlights of the East 4th Street Cultural District Plan include:
- Transforming over 40,000 sq. ft. of vacant space into active community/cultural programming.
- Creating three new theaters, two new dance studios, & three new rehearsal spaces.
- Expanding spaces for three Latino theater companies, significantly increasing the block's commitment to Hispanic arts and audiences. They will become the first Latino owned theaters in NYC.
- Launching a four-story Youth Arts Center, training youth in theater and dance.
- Opening a public archive featuring one of the most extensive collections documenting the Off Off Broadway movement.
- Establishing the first set and costume construction shop on the block.
- Expanding and improving administrative spaces.
- Repairing facades and enhancing the streetscape.
- Making each of the six buildings more accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Setting resale and use restrictions, which ensure that the buildings will be, dedicated non-profit cultural use in perpetuity.
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