CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 4/10/2025

NYPL presents Joshua Charow on 'Loft Law: The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts'

Thursday, April 10, from 6:30–7:30 PM, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation branch of the NYPL presents documentary photographer and filmmaker Joshua Charow discussing his book Loft Law: The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts, which offers a stunning visual journey through a bygone era of New York's downtown art scene. This event will take place in person on the 7th Floor.

Envied by artists and apartment hunters alike for their wide windows and open floor plans, New York City’s lofts were once manufacturing centers in the late 19th and early 20th century. As urban densification pushed industry into the suburbs, these buildings were left empty. Looking for cheap rents and ideal studios, artists struck bargains with landlords to live and work in commercially zoned spaces. By the 1970s, these same artists faced eviction as their landlords embraced the new wealthy clientele that seeped into neighborhoods such as SoHo, Tribeca and the Bowery.

Enacted in 1982, Article 7-C of the Multiple Dwelling Law, better known as the “Loft Law,” allowed artists to obtain legal occupancy and rent stabilization. After discovering a map of the protected buildings, documentary filmmaker Joshua Charow embarked on the ambitious project of documenting them. Over two years, he rang hundreds of doorbells, interviewing over 50 artists still living in these lofts, and photographing them in their spaces, alongside their works in progress and the unique modifications they have made to the lofts to meet legal standards.

At this event, author Joshua Charow will discuss his book with NYPL Librarian Cynthia Chaldekas.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, the Library generally overbooks to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

Joshua Charow: Loft Law:
The Last of New York City's Original Artist Lofts
Thursday, April 10, 6:30–7:30 PM
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL), Event Center
455 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-340-0863