The Lot Radio is getting a facelift.
The nonprofit community radio station and cafe in New York City, which famously broadcasts 24/7 from a reclaimed shipping container on an empty lot in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, is planning to build a new home, according to a report from Resident Advisor.
In an interview with RA, The Lot Radio founder François Vaxelaire revealed that the organization is working with Manhattan-based architectural design studio LOT-EK on a new design for the tiny venue, said to align “with The Lot Radio’s own upcycled style.”
The news follows the mandated closure of The Lot Radio’s cafe last week due to health violations handed down by the City of New York. The radio station has continued to operate normally, and Vaxelaire clarified in the interview that “the shutdown is unrelated to any sanitary issues or health hazard.”
Instead, he said, “it is solely the result of us applying for major renovations and being in a temporary undetermined status with New York City’s Department of Buildings.”
Because it is on vacant land without access to city water and sewage, The Lot Radio uses its own self-contained water system for cafe operations. Though the food truck-style system was approved by the New York City Department of Health five years ago, according to Valexaire, recent health code changes have rendered it in violation. The Lot Radio then offered to undergo the renovations to establish the cafe as a permanent structure and adhere to the policy changes.
“The Department of Health is well aware of our renovation project but has nonetheless decided to shut us down instead of letting us conduct business in the meantime,” Vaxelaire said. “We are working diligently to resolve this situation and hope to welcome you back to our little triangle as soon as possible.”.
Since its first broadcast in 2016, The Lot Radio has served as a beloved gathering place for New York City’s underground music community and regularly spotlights rising selectors on the fringes of electronic music. In recent years, the venue has hosted huge sets from stars like Nina Kraviz, Louie Vega, Keinemusik’s Adam Port, Charli XCX, and many more, and even broadcast Four Tet, Fred again.., and Skrillex’s famous Times Square B3B.
Featured image from The Lot Radio.
