The National Jazz Museum in Harlem and ImageNation Sol Cinema have been selected to be included in the proposed Mart 125 development project in Harlem, New York City.
The former indoor market, which closed in 2002, is to be transformed into a mixed-use building containing space for cultural and arts organisations, a visitor centre, affordable housing and retail space.
The project is being developed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in conjunction with the City’s Department of Cultural Affairs and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone.
The Jazz Museum proposes up to 10,000sq ft of performance, exhibition and office space and a listening library.
ImageNation Sol Cinema will develop a theatre of up to 2,00sq ft to showcase arthouse films “for and about people of colour”.
The Jazz Museum and ImageNation, which supports independent cinema and progressive music, were selected for inclusion in the scheme as a result of a Request for Qualifications issued last year, the purpose of which was to pre-qualify not-for-profit organisations to speed up the redevelopment.
Commissioner of cultural affairs at NYCEDC, Kate Levin, said: “The Jazz Museum and ImageNation both demonstrate a record of dynamic programming and community engagement and that will help invigorate the Mart 125 site.
“Their role in the development process will help reinforce 125th Street’s unique character as a creative hub and a destination for artists audiences from Harlem and across the five boroughs.”
The project’s success is dependent on whether or not it can attract interest from developers.
