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Bowery's 'Bohemian Dream House' Gets Gentrified, Literally

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As if the transformation of photographer Jay Maisel's mysterious, run-down megamansion at the corner of Bowery and Spring into fancy (albeit still graffiti-covered) office space weren't an obvious enough sign of gentrification, street artist Gilf spelled it out for us. Per Animal NY and Bowery Boogie, she sheathed the entrance of the corner building in yellow caution tape emblazoned with the words "GENTRIFICATION IN PROGRESS." It might not be the best new public art to see around the city this summer—especially given that it's taken down, but it's sure making a statement expressed by many people over the course of 190 Bowery's sale and subsequent planned conversion to offices.


While the upper-floor tenants (and the Landmarks Preservation Commission) don't mind the graffiti, which has become a symbol of the house and the neighborhood, the ground-floor tenant gets the final say. "While there's a gallery there at the moment, it will likely be a boring global chain," Gilf told Animal. "I'm just so sad to watch NYC unravel into a culturally threadbare mall."

The art show currently on view there is one way to see inside notoriously secretive 190 Bowery. Even though the much-vaunted opening night fete was privatized at the last minute, enraging crowds that had gathered to sneak a peek, social media reveals that it's now easier to see First Show/Last Show. (It closes next week.) Find some photos of the show below—including one awesome couple who got engaged inside.

First show, last show at 190 Bowery. #thespacebetween #190bowery #julianschnabel #instasham #art #nycarts

A photo posted by Alex Mitow (@alexmitow4real) on




· Gilf [official]
· Street Artist Gilf Wraps 190 Bowery in Gentrification [Animal]
· Street Artist GILF Notes the "Gentrification in Progress" at 190 Bowery [BB]
· 190 Bowery Reneges on Public Opening, Angering Public [Curbed]
· 190 Bowery's Fancy Reno Won't Erase Beloved Gritty Graffiti [Curbed]
· 190 Bowery's 'Prime Retail Corner' Is Officially For Lease [Curbed]
· An Illicit Wander Inside The Bowery's Mysterious Mansion [Curbed]
· All 190 Bowery coverage [Curbed]

190 Bowery

190 Bowery, New York, NY 10012

190 Bowery

190 Bowery, New York NY