LES Punk Haven ABC No Rio Set For Demolition

The New York City Department of Buildings has issued permits for the demolition of ABC No Rio, a mainstay of New York's alternative art scene since 1980.

The institution, located at 156 Rivington Street, used the space as a venue for live music, photography and screenprinting classes and computer labs. ABC No Rio also hosted a number of community activist organizations including the New York City chapters of Food Not Bombs and Books Through Bars.

In June 2006, the arts collective bought the 95-year-old tenement building for $1 from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. ABC No Rio continued to raise money through public and private sources to maintain its crumbling edifice, staving off its slow demise.

Plans were drawn up in 2009 for a 9,000 square-foot LEED-certified "passive house" in ABC No Rio's place, but the vision has yet to be brought past the design stage. Streit's Matzo Factory, another Rivington Street staple since 1925, is also slated for demolition with luxury condos going up in its place.

Photo Credit: Bowery Boogie