ChaShaMa Loses Brooklyn Army Terminal Wing, 29 Artists Face Displacement
In August, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) told ChaShaMa to clear out its 20,000-square-foot area on the third floor of Building A at the Brooklyn Army Terminal by the end of October. This move is necessary for a neighboring tenant looking to expand, but neither ChaShaMa nor the city has revealed who that tenant is. The nonprofit, located in Midtown Manhattan and managing 107 studios at 140 58th Street, is currently discussing a lease for another section of Building B, which could provide 70 new studios and improve their operations at the site. However, this transition will displace 29 artists, many of whom have been with ChaShaMa in Sunset Park since 2007, and they were told to have their things packed by October 12. With nearly 20 years of offering subsidized studios, the loss of half its space has raised worries about the artists' future.
Key facts
- NYCEDC told ChaShaMa in August to empty its 20,000-square-foot wing on the third floor of Building A at the Brooklyn Army Terminal by the end of October.
- The space is being vacated to accommodate a neighboring tenant that wanted to expand; the tenant's name was not disclosed by ChaShaMa or the city.
- ChaShaMa manages 107 studios between two buildings at 140 58th Street.
- The nonprofit is negotiating with the city to lease another part of Building B, which would add 70 new studios and consolidate its presence at the former military supply base.
- The move will displace 29 artists, many of whom have rented space from ChaShaMa in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, since 2007.
- ChaShaMa asked tenants to pack up their materials before October 12.
- ChaShaMa is a Midtown Manhattan-based nonprofit that provides subsidized studios to artists.
- The Brooklyn Army Terminal is a city-run facility where ChaShaMa has operated for nearly two decades.
Entities
Institutions
- ChaShaMa
- New York City Economic Development Corporation
- NYCEDC
Locations
- Brooklyn
- New York City
- New York
- United States
- Sunset Park
- Brooklyn Army Terminal
- Building A
- Building B
- 140 58th Street
- Midtown Manhattan