“A lawyer and notary public” That’s what the faded neon sign used to say. Now only ABC No Rio remains. Right here on Rivington Street stands a testament to art activism and community. This wasn’t always a building. It started in 1980 as a squat. Artists activists and punks occupied it. They created a space for themselves. A space for expression. A space for change.
ABC No Rio wasn’t just a gallery. It was a zine library a darkroom a silkscreening studio. It housed a public computer lab. It even hosted hardcore punk matinees. Think of the energy. The creativity. The raw power of self-expression. It was a breeding ground for radical ideas. A hub for the city’s Food Not Bombs collective. A home for those on the fringes.
The city tried to shut them down. There were legal battles. Negotiations. Eventually in 2006 ABC No Rio purchased the building for one dollar. They had to raise money for renovations. The renovations took years. ABC No Rio moved to different locations while the new building was being built. Their work continued. The spirit of ABC No Rio remained strong. It continued hosting exhibitions poetry readings performances concerts and workshops. It remained a beacon for art and activism.
The new ABC No Rio is a four-story building. It boasts exhibition spaces studios and staff offices. There’s even a roof garden. The building is designed for sustainability. It adheres to LEED Silver and Passive House standards. Super-insulated walls high performance windows energy recovery ventilation. This is a building designed for the future. A building built to last. A building that reflects the values of its community.
ABC No Rio isn’t just a building. It’s a legacy. It is a vibrant reminder of the power of community. A place where artists and activists come together. A place where ideas are shared and actions are taken. This is a place that has endured. A place that continues to inspire. A place to experience. So take a moment. Feel the history. Breathe in the energy of ABC No Rio. It’s more than a building. It’s a movement.