The transformation of the “Pink Building” on Grand Street continues. Art News reports today that Chelsea dealer Zach Feuer and Joel Mesler of the Orchard Street gallery, Untitled, are merging and planning to maintain two Lower East Side spaces. A gallery known as Mesler/Feuer will operate out of 30 Orchard St., where Untiled is currently located. And Feuer/Mesler will open a 3,500 square foot space on an upper floor of 319 Grand St.
The Pink Building, the former home of the Ridley Department Store, was sold in 2013. The new owners, Waterbridge Capital and Continental Worsteds, have slowly been weeding out former tenants. The Foley Gallery moved into the building late last year. A vape lounge/art gallery called Avant Garde followed suit in the last few months.
The Gallerists were interviewed by Art News:
“I’ve been in Chelsea for 15 years and I kinda wanted a change,” Feuer said. “I have a better time when I see shows on the Lower East Side, and I don’t mean that as a knock on Chelsea in any way.” … “It’s an interesting time for galleries on the Lower East Side,” Mesler said, noting that many dealers there now have enough of a following that they’re able to move to spaces above street level. “It’s become an establishment in and of itself.” He pointed out that the new Grand Street location puts the two right in the heart of a burgeoning scene, about a block away from Gavin Brown’s new outpost and the new 47 Canal space, which are both located at 291 Grand Street.
The new Grand Street space is expected to open in May.
All these galleries are definitely helping making this neighborhood a more interesting, cosmopolitan one. Welcome!