A significant sculpture located at Battery Park City’s waterfront for almost four decades is set to be torn down as part of a contentious revival strategy for hot pot dining. The artist behind this cherished piece is understandably upset about its impending removal.
This Wednesday, demolition began for the “Upper Room,” created by Ned Smith, an artwork appraised at $1.5 million by Battery Park City officials. The goal is to access the underground area that is intended to become a seawall.
Interestingly, this sculpture is the only one out of 20 art installations managed by the BPCA that will be removed for the North/West Battery Park City Resilience Project.
“I asked, ‘Why do you think people are so drawn to it?’ … There’s really nothing I can do to change this,” Smith, who is 77, expressed to the Post.
Two years ago, the BPCA informed Smith that the artwork would be demolished, making it clear that saving the interactive piece wasn’t an option. The “Upper Room” has been a backdrop for countless gatherings and special moments in the community over the years.
Commissioned in 1986, it was the first public art installation in Battery Park City. The BPCA chose Smith’s design not just for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its role as a social hub.
Featuring a courtyard lined with long tables and chessboards, the space creates an atmosphere described by the BPCA as “a modern interpretation of ancient Egyptian temples,” providing a stylized refuge from the bustling city.
Valued at $1.5 million in 2019, Smith finds the figure perplexing given that officials have announced the plan to demolish it.
“Why can’t they just move it?” Smith questioned, suggesting locations like the Art Garden on Governors Island or an open space along the Westside Highway.
“The crux of the matter is they didn’t want to spend the money. It seems wholly about finances. To rebuild, they would need to reconstruct from scratch—everything’s set on real foundations,” he added.
However, the BPCA asserts it’s more complicated. The aging sculpture shows signs of wear, and the rebar-filled pillars would complicate any relocation efforts, as a spokesperson explained to the Post.
Since it is owned by the BPCA, there’s insufficient space to relocate the piece within their premises.
The location is also where officials plan to build a large flood gate for future storm protection, making the demolition of the “Upper Room” unavoidable.
“Unfortunately, this structure will have to come down to allow essential flood mitigation work that aims to safeguard lives and properties in Battery Park City and beyond. We understand its significance in the history of Park City and, as its first public art piece, it has been pivotal to a collection that currently includes 19 other works from various artists,” stated a spokesperson.
BPCA previously organized a farewell event for locals to bid farewell to the “Upper Room.” Smith, however, chose not to attend the gathering, which one neighbor called “heart-wrenching.”
Local residents voiced their sorrow over this loss, deeming it the first major casualty of the NWBPCR project.
“I find the decision to demolish it quite shocking and disappointing,” remarked John Delaportas, vice president of the Battery Alliance. He pointed out that the “Upper Room” is situated on elevated ground.
“I’ve lived in Battery Park City for 31 years, and in that entire period, we’ve never seen the Hudson River come anywhere near our foundation. It seems absurd that we’d need to tear down this artwork to prevent flooding,” he added.
Delaportas is among a group of residents currently suing the BPCA over this project, arguing that the seawall would fundamentally alter the neighborhood’s character.
The “Upper Room” is the first artwork to be sacrificed for this initiative, but the project plans to result in the removal of hundreds of trees as well.
“We love living here because it offers a beautiful escape from the chaos of New York City. This area is filled with parks, public spaces, stunning waterfront views, and art, all of which the Battery Park City government seems intent on destroying,” Delaportas concluded.
