Plans for the redevelopment of ‘5Pointz’ were recently approved, and the graffiti-hotspot will soon meet its end; the warehouses will be bulldozed for two new luxury towers, developed by the Wolkoffs.
The existing building has developed into a strong draw for both tourists and locals, with small crowds gathered on both sides of the structure during YIMBY’s visit; graffiti artists continue to paint the sides, despite the site’s impending doom. There has been no formal word on when the wrecking ball will drop, but given the recent approval, 5Pointz is likely in its final days. A temporary injunction against the redevelopment, filed earlier this month, has now expired – so there are no remaining obstacles to demolition.
Plans for the redevelopment include 12,000 square feet of artist space alongside the two new luxury residential towers. The new buildings will rise 41 and 47 stories, and contain 1,000 units.
5Pointz certainly has its charms, and its redevelopment will mark a major moment of change for the neighborhood, which has long been completely derelict – something the warehouse definitely symbolizes, as it isn’t easy to create a graffiti-encased building in an area with significant human activity. Even today, surrounding blocks are either minimally used or entirely abandoned. Long Island City may lose some of its soul, but it will gain new life – a quality that is still sorely lacking, and ultimately more important.
For any questions, comments, or feedback, email [email protected]
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
