LentSpace Is an Ideal Use of "In the Meantime" Real Estate Space

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LentSpace, the new public space in TriBeca, is one of the best uses of a vacant lot that I have come across. Aptly named for its three-year free-of-rent donation by Trinity Real Estate, LMCC (Lower Manhattan Cultural Council) grabbed the opportunity and turned the trapezoidal real estate-in-waiting bordered by Canal, Grand, Varick and Sixth Avenue into something that's inviting, unpretentious, innovative and environmentally responsible. While it houses a sculpture exhibition titled "Points & Lines" with pieces by artists like Graham Hudson, Corban Walker and Tobias Putrih, LentSpace also features a wide array of trees and plants -- some exotic (kiwi tree!) and some unassuming (wild weeds) together which create an environment that feeds the brain and relaxes the mind. The fence that faces Sixth Avenue doubles as rotating benches and will also work as a canvas where invited artists can "decorate." Film screenings and performances are being planned as well for the near future.

The space seamlessly integrates itself into the neighborhood, and thank goodness: it vastly improves the area that sits just before the mouth of the Holland Tunnel (which had felt like a concrete wasteland before) turning it into an urban sanctuary that can be enjoyed by all. When I checked out the site, it still had a new lawn feeling with plants that have not found their firm footing and the leaves still looking a bit frayed. Adam Kleinman, the curator of the project, says next spring is when the space will come into full bloom. "It's going to be very exciting to see the flowers on the trees and new buds sprouting. And we are also keep adding more trees here." The only unfortunate part is that everything has to be folded up at the the end of the three-year run. But the trees will find a new home somewhere on the streets of downtown Manhattan.

For more information and calendar of events, go to www.lmcc.net/lentspace.