Storefront for Art and Architecture, a non-profit gallery at Kenmare and Grand Streets in New York, is hosting a party this Saturday to launch the renovation of its famous facade. Designed by artist Vito Acconci and architect Steven Holl, the wall is composed of vertical and horizontal panels that pivot and swing open to create doors, windows, seating and display space.

Built in 1993 for the cost of $45,000, the facade was viewed as a temporary structure to be replaced from time to time. But it became an architectural landmark that has attracted visitors from around the world. Damage from leaks and temperature change has taken its toll, and after serious consideration, the board of directors decided to recreate the Acconci/Holl design as closely as possible while including needed wheelchair access.

Storefront for Art and Architecture. Left: interior soon after completion in 1993; photo courtesy Steven Holl Architects. Right: interior during demolition; photo courtesy Storefront.

The gallery, which celebrated its 25^th anniversary last year, offers a public forum for emerging artists with the purpose of increasing interest and awareness in contemporary architecture and design. Holl and Acconci's purpose in creating a permeable facade was to blur the boundary between the gallery and the streetscape as a way of inviting the public to participate in the dialogue within.

The Storefront Closing Party begins Saturday, June 28 at 7:00 pm at 97 Kenmare Street, New York, NY. 212-431-5795. Free and open to the public, but donations to the renovation fund will be accepted. Donors will be acknowledged at the reopening party and in a special-edition newsletter to be published in September.

Fly's Eye Dome, designed by R. Buckminster Fuller, 1976-1977, built of Fiberglas and metal hardware; approximately 24 feet diameter x 18 feet high. Photos: Peggy Roalf.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Stay tuned to DARTs special coverage of events and items of interest in the field of architecture and design this summer. And don't forget to visit the Bucky Fuller Fly's Eye Dome, currently installed at LaGuardia Park between Bleecker and West 3^rd Streets. Check the Center for Architecture website for upcoming public programs on Bucky Fuller, including this Saturday’s Dymaxion Map Workshop.