Uovo Pursuing Plans for Another Large-Scale Construction Project in Brooklyn
In the vibrant neighbourhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn, UOVO, a renowned art logistics and storage company, has announced plans to expand its operations with a new 240,000 sq. ft art storage facility [1]. This expansion aims to supplement their existing 150,000 sq. ft space in the area, providing state-of-the-art climate-controlled storage for art, wine, and fashion, along with private viewing galleries and multi-functional project spaces [1].
The proposed location for this expansion is at 74 Bogart Street, currently a parking lot [2]. While the project has garnered support from the local community board for its potential to create employment opportunities for Brooklyn residents and support local cultural institutions [1], concerns have also been raised about its impact on the neighbourhood.
Some community members fear that the project could exacerbate the neighbourhood's housing deficit and increase rental costs [1]. Despite the site being zoned for commercial use, there is a broader worry about the overall impact on residential space [1]. Proponents argue that converting this existing parking lot into an art storage facility aligns with the area's zoning regulations and does not directly displace residential units [1]. However, the broader concern is whether such developments contribute to gentrification and rising costs in the area, indirectly affecting residential affordability and availability [1].
The expansion of UOVO's presence in Bushwick is not without controversy. An open letter circulating in the community raises concerns about the impact of UOVO's commercial development on the local residents [7]. Additionally, allegations have been made that UOVO retaliated against employees attempting to unionize during the pandemic, which the company denies [6].
UOVO, a collector-founded art storage facility, already operates 30 locations across the U.S. [3]. The company stores and manages collections for museums, galleries, high-net-worth individuals, artworks owners, wine owners, and fashion archives [5]. In partnership with the Brooklyn Museum, UOVO distributes a $25,000 annual artist prize [4].
If approved by the city, the new UOVO location will be overseen by architecture firm S9 [8]. The company also plans to help renovate Bushwick's Maria Hernandez Park [2]. The lot for the new UOVO location was acquired for $45.5 million in 2019 [2].
As UOVO moves forward with its plans, the debate around the potential economic benefits and potential housing implications continues to resonate within the Bushwick community. The outcome of this discussion will shape the future of this dynamic neighbourhood.
[1] https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2021/09/15/uovo-expands-with-new-bushwick-facility.html [2] https://www.bkreader.com/2021/09/15/uovo-proposed-bushwick-facility-may-help-renovate-maria-hernandez-park/ [3] https://www.uovo.art/about [4] https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/press_releases/2020/05/the-brooklyn-museum-announces-recipients-of-the-2020-uovo-prize [5] https://www.uovo.art/services/ [6] https://www.artforum.com/news/id=89561 [7] https://www.bushwickdaily.com/2021/09/uovo-expansion-letter/ [8] https://www.s9architecture.com/projects/uovo-bushwick
- The art logistics and storage company, UOVO, which stores and manages collections for museums, galleries, high-net-worth individuals, artworks owners, wine owners, and fashion archives, is planning to expand its operations in Bushwick, Brooklyn, with a new art storage facility.
- The collectors who founded UOVO partnered with the Brooklyn Museum to distribute a $25,000 annual artist prize, indicating their commitment to investing in the art community.
- Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of UOVO's expansion on the residential space and affordability in Bushwick, as some community members fear it could exacerbate the neighbourhood's housing deficit and increase rental costs. However, proponents argue that the development aligns with the area's zoning regulations and does not directly displace residential units.
