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Bushwick Warehouse Owner Invites You To "Join The Gentrification"


By

Lauren Evans

Published Apr 4, 2014

Modified Apr 4, 2014


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Based on the fashion choices of these customers, the warehouse is located in Bushwick, Russia.

 


By

Lauren Evans

Published Apr 4, 2014

Modified Apr 4, 2014


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Gentrification is a touchy subject—for most people. Others are just like "HELL YEAH GENTRIFICATION, LET'S DO THIS." That's the tack one Bushwick warehouse owner has taken in attempt to lease out the space—only purveyors of organic dog toys and fixed gear unicycles need apply.

"Join the gentrication with notable businesses such as, Roberta's; MoMo Sushi; Fine & Raw Chocolate; Shinobi Ramen; The Pine Box; Swallow Cafe; TuTu's;" owner John Du writes on a website advertising his 2,700 square-foot warehouse space at 25-29 Thames Street. "Great opportunity to secure a long term lease at reasonable rent in the ultra-hip neighborhood, "Morgantown", of Bushwick/East Williamsburg."

The site features photos of the building in its current state, as well as renderings of what it could be for the right artisanal chocolatier or mustachioed cafe proprietor: Tables made from reclaimed wood? Check. An outdoor patio lit with whimsical string lights? Check. An additional space filled with ambiguous art and perpetually awkward cube chairs? Yes. Those too. The clientele appears to have been imported straight from the grips of a Hungarian rave, but no matter—Du's lessees will undoubtedly hand out complimentary normcore garb upon entry, as ripped acid wash jeans are not permitted to touch the cube chairs.

Du acknowledges that he's making waves by branding the warehouse as a potential den of gentrification, but that's OK, he told the Daily News.

“I heard Spike Lee’s rant on gentrification,” Du told the tabloid. “I’ve also heard the other side. I understand where that part of the neighborhood is coming from, but a lot of gentrification has made it safer.

"There are more cops. There are more food choices.”

Tagged

bushwick

east williamsburg

gentrification


Lauren Evans

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