A once-in-a-generation opportunity deserves a community behind it.

We've raised the mandatory $5,000 RFP review fee, now comes the hard part. And we need your help!

Here's our story:

For decades, a small building at Allen and Delancey has sat empty. Most people walk past it without a second thought.

We see something else.

We see artists teaching workshops. Neighbors gathering over coffee. Young people discovering their creativity. Community organizations hosting meetings. Local history being preserved and shared. We see a space that belongs to the Lower East Side again.

We're working to transform this long-abandoned former public restroom into the Lower East Side Cultural Center—a permanent home for art, education, neighborhood organizations, and community life.

This isn't a fantasy. It's a real proposal in response to New York City Parks' Request for Proposals.

Now we need your help to compete.

Why We're Fundraising

Submitting a proposal of this scale takes resources.

Your donation helps cover:

~~The $5,000 required proposal review fee to NYC Parks~~ DONE!
Community engagement and outreach (events, flyers and info brochures)
Legal and administrative costs
Printing, presentation materials, and everything required to submit a competitive proposal
Architectural drawings and design work

Every dollar moves this project one step closer to reality.

Why This Matters

The Lower East Side has always been defined by the people who create here.

Artists. Immigrants. Musicians. Activists. Small business owners. Neighbors looking out for one another.

As the city changes around us, spaces where community can gather become harder and harder to find.

This project is about creating one.

A place that is open. Accessible. Creative. Welcoming.

A place built with the neighborhood—not just for it.

This Isn't Just Our Project

Over the last several months we've shared this vision with artists, architects, community organizations, educators, elected officials, and neighbors.

The response has been overwhelming.

People don't just want another building. They want a place that reflects the soul of the Lower East Side. That's exactly what we're trying to build.

Be Part of the Beginning

Every cultural institution starts with someone believing it can exist.

Today, we're asking you to believe with us.

Whether you give $10 or $1,000, you're helping ensure that this vision has a chance to become reality. If you can't donate, sharing this campaign is just as valuable.

Together, we can prove that the best ideas don't always come from the biggest developers. Sometimes they come from the people who already call a neighborhood home.

Let's build it together.

Thank you for believing in the future of the Lower East Side.

Help Us Build the Lower East Side Cultural Center

Team Members