A significant public art installation in Battery Park City was taken down on Thursday.
This decision was made to pave the way for a new seawall, and local advocates expressed their disappointment, questioning the necessity of such demolition.
“Many are asking why this cherished artwork needed to be destroyed,” remarked John Delaportas from Battery Alliance.
“It’s hard to find a connection between climate change and the obliteration of public art in prominent locations.”
The sculpture, known as the “Upper Room,” had adorned the entrance of Albany Street Esplanade for close to 40 years before being reduced to debris this week.
Construction teams used jackhammers, saws, and heavy machinery to dismantle the artwork, which had functioned as a community hub for years, in a matter of just two days.
This sculpture was the first public artwork commissioned by the City of Battery Park and was valued at $1.5 million.
Authorities claimed they had no alternative but to demolish the Upper Room as they gear up for the contentious North/West Battery Park City Resiliency project.
The site where the sculpture stood is being considered for a large flood gate intended to mitigate future flooding risks during major storms.
Moreover, the artwork had displayed signs of deterioration in recent years, with rebar reinforcing the columns, complicating any potential relocation efforts.
An art conservator suggested that while saving significant local installations might be possible, the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) could have opted against it due to cost concerns.
“Relocating such a sculpture is generally more expensive than demolishing it, yet the BPCA has a duty to care for public collections,” noted Melanie Boursatte, who was contracted by the BPCA to evaluate the sculpture’s condition six years prior.
“The engineering firm recommending its destruction specializes in restoration but lacks a solid track record with public art. Perhaps the BPCA should have brought in experts who focus on art preservation and removal.”
The artist, Ned Smith, echoed this sentiment, revealing that he had previously urged the organization to explore the option of relocating the sculpture away from the BPCA premises.
“Ultimately, it seems to boil down to money. Rebuilding would require resetting the entire structure, which had a solid foundation,” said Smith, who is 77 years old.
