On the Lower East Side there is a beautiful former Public School House located on the corner of Rivington and Suffolk, now known as The Clemente Soto Véles center, or CSV. Designed by C.B.J. Snyder, the Superintendent of buildings for the Board of Education, this five story building is a striking example of the neo-gothic style which was introduced to public school architecture in New York at the turn of the century. Erected between 1897 and 1898, the building served as a Public School until it was relinquished by the Board of Education in the mid seventies in favor of a more modern structure.

Despite decades of neglect, the building was well constructed and is in near vintage condition. The interior of the building has barely changed over the last 100 years and still rings with the echoes of its past. Coming up the steps, the original children's handrail, now dusty, is still in place, bringing to mind the buzzing sounds of children racing up the steps and through the hallways. The ornamental molding is still clearly visible under layers of paint, and ornate wrought iron work still adorns public spaces throughout the building.

In spite of its current state, the building at 107 Suffolk Street continues to convey its majestic origins and carries with it the remnants of its original educational intent.

The neighborhood where the building is situated is a diverse mix of cultures, with the communities of Chinatown, Little Italy, Soho and the East Village brushing against its borders. Traditionally of Puerto Rican make up, it now also enjoys a Caribbean spirit as a result of the arrival of many Dominicans. Jewish enclaves also still remain, with their rich cultural past. The contemporary cultural mix also includes diverse communities of artists who settled here back when the rents were affordable.

Rapid gentrification over the past several years has created an economic boom causing huge cultural flux in the area. Everyday new stores and bars open, altering the dynamic of the neighborhood and creating a growing economic and cultural disparity among its residents.

In the midst of such rapid growth, this significant structure, which for decades opened its doors to the community still lies unrenovated, and is in danger of being sold.

As an organization of creative, community minded artists, the Artists Alliance / Alianza de Artistas believes it doesn't have to be this way.

For the past several years the visual artists at 107 Suffolk Street have worked to help secure this city owned building as a community arts center. We believe that the arts organizations in the building are uniquely situated to work together with the local community in order to open up the building to the Lower East Side neighborhood, to continue to provide vital services, and to maintain desperately needed affordable workspace for artists of all disciplines.

The majority of visual artists working at 107 Suffolk Street are long time community residents. This affords the artists and other residents of the immediate vicinity the opportunity to participate in unique community interactions and meaningful cultural exchanges.

Artists Alliance remains steadfast in its commitment to the future of the CSV center. We believe that by working in cooperation with all the organizations in the building, this vital cultural resource can be preserved for the whole community.

ARTISTS ALLIANCE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED US SO FAR (MORE THAN WE COULD EVER REPAY!), THANK YOU.
ROBERT B., NICHOLAS C., AURORA F., DAVID H., LUIS H., BOBYE L., JED M., JIMMY N., DENNIS N., PETER P., NITZA T., LUIS V., DAVID W.

Special thanks to Borough President C. Virginia Fields,Councilwomen Kathryn Freed and Margarita López and Their tenacious staffs, as well as our other elected officials, for their diligent work in helping secure this building as a vital community resource.

The building st 107 Suffolk St.

Entry stairs with double railings for children of different heights, reflecting its origin as a public school

The neighborhood is a mix of old and new.

Continue on to THE BUILDING, Page 2, Existing Conditions Survey.