Nuyorican Poets Cafe Commences Comprehensive $24.1 Million Renovation

​One of the Lower East Side’s most iconic locations, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe recently embarked on a $24.1 million renovation project. Supported by the city’s Department of Design and Construction, and the Department of Cultural Affairs, the project focuses on a 236 East 3rd Street tenement building built in 1904. In 1973, the building was re-envisioned as a performance space that has welcomed theatrical productions, contemporary jazz, hip-hop, latin music, poetry slams, and educational offerings.

Age has caught up with the building on a number of fronts, including faulty electrical systems that threaten the entire power grid and a leaky roof. In addition to repairing these elements, the renovation will encompass an expansion of the first-floor performance space and main lobby, and a new fourth floor performance space. Another addition is a second floor flex space, which can be used for offices. A new elevator will also be installed and is designed to enhance accessibility throughout the four-floor structure. Other improvements include weatherproofing, plumbing, electrical systems, and sidewalk-level ramp accessibility.

The three-year renovation process is overseen by Rice+Lipka Architects and requires temporarily closing the building. Fortunately, creative voices on the Lower East Side will not be silenced. Programming geared toward emerging poets and artists will be shifted to a venue across the city, and a pair of site-specific artworks will be created by Cecilia Biagini, funded by the municipal Percent for Art program.

Ariel Soudry

Shop