Laura E. Lee Extra Place.Construction is scheduled to begin Monday on a new plan to turn the historic Extra Place alley into a pedestrian walkway for retail patios and a new local arts venue.
The art space is a collaboration between developer Avalon Bay and Fourth Arts Block, a non-profit coalition of arts organizations.
“We’re really excited” said the arts block’s director Tamara Greenfield. “We think it is a fantastic opportunity.”
The vacant alley, tucked off First Street between Bowery and Second Avenue, has special historical significance. In the 1970’s, the backdoor for the legendary music club CBGB opened to the alley and bands like The Ramones were photographed in the space.
“It managed to make garbage look beautiful, in its context,” said Rob Hollander of the Lower East Side History Project.
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