Regretfully, the Upper Room art project in Battery Park City has been demolished to make space for a new stormproof seawall. This decision has left local park advocates saddened by the loss of this beloved public art installation.
John Dellaportas, Vice President of The Battery Alliance, expressed concerns over the destruction of the artwork, questioning the connection between climate change and the demolition of a significant piece of public art.
The Upper Room, a 20-columned sculpture that had been a neighborhood gathering spot for almost four decades, was demolished in just two days using jackhammers, saws, and backhoes.
This public art piece, valued at $1.5 million, was the first commissioned by the Battery Park City Authority. Despite its significance, the authority felt compelled to destroy it to make way for the North/West Battery Park City Resiliency project.
The decision to demolish the Upper Room was influenced by the authority’s plan to construct a tide gate on the site to prevent future flooding. Additionally, the sculpture was showing signs of wear and tear, making relocation challenging.
While some believe the art piece could have been saved with proper expertise and investment, the BPCA chose to prioritize cost-efficiency over preservation.
Artist Ned Smyth expressed disappointment in the authorities’ decision, highlighting the financial aspect as a significant factor in the demolition of the Upper Room.
