Pop-up Artist and Community Spaces in vacant lots – East New York, NY
ORE was hired by the New York City Economic Development Corporation to work with the non-profit Arts East New York to create reNewlots.
The reNewlots Market and Artist Incubator was the transformation of two vacant lots into an arts, retail and restaurant anchored community hub and rooted in the East New York, Brooklyn community.
Simultaneously addressing the lack of cultural programming in East New York and presenting a desirable package of entertainment, retail, and food offerings to consumers citywide, the reNewlots project will serve as an impactful social and economic force in an area in sore need of rejuvenation.
This mobile project created new jobs for East New York residents, offered professional development training for artists and small business owners, and create a vibrant arts and culture destination unlike any other. Our hope is that this unique endeavor can serve as a replicable model towards the revitalization of East New York and the many other communities whose numerous vacant lots remain an untapped resource.
Activating the site
ReNewlots featured food and retail from 10 local entrepreneurs, an artist incubator and exhibition space for four local artists, and diverse programming and events for community members, as well as a youth-artist apprenticeship program and neighborhood mural project that were launched to expand the project’s impact.
A pop-up marketplace and artist incubator located on formerly vacant lots in East New York Brooklyn, enriching the local economy and cultural infrastructure of the neighborhood.
In recognition of the reNewlots grand opening, Mayor de Blasio has proclaimed April 23, 2015 to be “ARTs East New York reNew Lots Day” in the City of New York. Activation of the lots represents the City’s effort to provide economic opportunity to neighborhoods across all five boroughs through programs that respond to the needs and concerns of individual communities.
ReNew Lots was designed in direct response to East New York residents’ requests for local economic development opportunities and was driven by community engagement. Located on two formerly vacant lots totaling approximately 17,000 square feet, reNew Lots offered residents a community gathering space and provides local entrepreneurs and artists with space and resources to thrive.
Local Artist Tenants/studios:
Client: Arts East New York, New York City Economic Development Corporation,
Location: East New York Brooklyn Brooklyn, NY
Area: 17,500 sf
Status: Completed 2015
