ABC No Rio
AFHny worked with ABC No Rio in a series of participatory design charrettes, helping the group distill their design priorities, organize an approach to renovating the organization's building, and envision a number of environmentally sustainable and socially responsible design options for this active community arts center. In collaboration with ABC No Rio and the Pratt Institute Center for Community and Environmental Development, AFHny developed a series of these options, specifically outlining the design possibilities for an operable storefront and a green roof.
Envisioned for the site is a multi-use community arts center with darkroom, silk-screen printing facility, small press resource center, computer center, expanded space for art, music, performance, educational and community activities, and meeting and office space.
On June 29, 2006 ABC No Rio took ownership of the property at 156 Rivington Street from the City of New York, following several years of planning, review, and negotiations. While the purchase price for the property was $1, ABC No Rio must raise the funds necessary to renovate the building.
In August 2007, ABC No Rio announced that they would likely demolish the building and construct a new facility, as the cost of gut-renovation and structural work was nearly as much as new construction.
