Site 2
107 Ave B H. Epstein
From Aura Olavarria, Deputy Chief of Staff for Harvey Epstein, NY State Assembly
What made you choose this space to OPEN your office in the East Village?
I personally have always loved this corner space, I am born and raised on East 6th street so I have seen the space go from Jane's Exchange to gift shop. After the big windows were installed I loved the view of the park and was determined to find a way to get in there. It feels so connected to people in the community as a center point, we signed the lease just a month before the pandemic hit and Harvey opened the space for community resource. Our office was fortunate to have the opportunity to occupy such a beautiful space that is for the community.
What made you OPEN this concept?
I believe you spoke with Rebecca about this idea first, we were coincidentally looking for art to dress up the space with the Lower East Side Girls Club. We thought with all the social distancing and safety protocols this would be something everyone could enjoy from a safe space. So sad to see so many empty storefronts this art installation helps bring back a little life to the LES.
What would you love to see OPEN more of in the neighbourhood (in the vacant storefronts)?
I love seeing art on anything, especially a vacant store front.