Brooklyn Borough President

BOROUGH PRESIDENT PARTICIPATES IN CEREMONY DEDICATING ARTS BUILDING FOR COUNCILMEMBER JAMES DAVIS

Photograph by Kathryn Kirk
(Pictured – left to right – Councilmember Al Vann, Community Board 2 Chairperson Shirley McRae, Borough President Markowitz, BAM LDC Chairman Harvey Lichtenstein, Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Geoffrey Davis and BAM LDC President Jeanne Lutfy posed with Cakeman Raven (kneeling), who created an eatable version of the arts building)

The 80 Arts project, a $6 million renovation that will provide small arts organizations with affordable space and shared amenities, got underway today in the Fort Greene. A long vacant former State office facility, 80 Arts is the first renovation project of the BAM Local Development Corporation (BAM LDC) as part of its efforts to create the BAM Cultural District – a vibrant mixed-use multicultural arts district in Downtown Brooklyn. At a groundbreaking ceremony, it was announced that the building will be named 80 Arts – The James E. Davis Arts Building in honor of City Councilman James E. Davis.

“Councilman Davis was the perfect example of what makes Brooklyn so incredibly unique; he was filled with an enormous amount of creative energy that flourishes throughout the borough. This innovative facility, fueled by that creative energy, will allow many small arts groups to continue to thrive. All of the great and inspirational works of art, both big and small, that will be created due to this beautiful building is a great way to honor the legacy of James Davis,” Borough President Markowitz said.

Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel L. Doctoroff, Council Speaker Gifford Miller, BAM Local Development Corporation officials, Davis family members and other public officials were also on hand for the ceremony.

The 80 Arts – James E. Davis Arts Building project will restore a long vacant 30,000-square-foot, eight-story building, and will become home to up to 20 arts organizations. The building will feature office space ranging from 400 to 3,000 square feet at below-market rents, and will provide shared amenities such as conference rooms, rehearsal space, a lunchroom and a landscaped garden.