111 First Street facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 111 First Street |
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|---|---|
| General information | |
| Status | Approved |
| Coordinates | 40°43′15″N 74°02′15″W / 40.7208°N 74.0375°W |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 52 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Rem Koolhaas |
111 First Street was once a large factory building in Jersey City, New Jersey. It stood at the corner of First and Washington Streets. This old building, built in the 1800s, later became a lively place for artists. It had art studios, galleries, and homes for many creative people. In 2007, the building was taken down. Now, a very tall 52-story skyscraper is planned for this spot.
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The Old Building: A Look Back
The original building at 111 First Street was built in 1866. It was a strong brick building with a classic Greek Revival style. At first, it was home to the American Screw Company, which made screws.
From Factory to Tobacco Company
In the early 1870s, a big tobacco company called P. Lorillard & Co. bought the building. For about 85 years, it was a busy factory and warehouse for them. Workers made and stored tobacco products there.
In 1956, Lorillard moved its operations out of Jersey City. After that, different businesses used the building. It was used for light manufacturing, shops, and storage for many years.
A Home for Artists
In the late 1980s, the old warehouse got a new life. It was fixed up after being empty for a while. Soon, artists and small businesses started sharing the space. The building quickly became known as an amazing arts center.
Over 200 artists worked and lived there. They were painters, sculptors, photographers, musicians, filmmakers, writers, and poets. The area around the building became known as the Powerhouse Arts District, Jersey City. It was a creative hub in Jersey City.
Sadly, in 2005, the artists and other people living there had to leave. The building was then torn down in 2007.
Remembering the Art Community
The building and its artists were featured in a 2012 movie. The film, called 111 First Street, showed what life was like there. It included interviews with many artists and local leaders.
In 2017, many of the artists from 111 First Street got together. They held an art show to remember their time there. It was called "111 1st Street: A Community of Artists."
The New Skyscraper: Future Plans
A new, very tall building is planned for the 111 First Street site. It will be a 52-story skyscraper in the Powerhouse Arts District. This modern building will have homes, a hotel, and shops. It will also include special lofts and gallery spaces for artists.
Who Designed the New Building?
A famous architect named Rem Koolhaas designed the new skyscraper. He works for a company called the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA). The design was announced in 2006.
The building's design is very unique. It looks like three tall rectangular blocks stacked on top of each other. These blocks are turned at different angles. This makes the building look exciting and modern. The architects said this design helps each part of the building work well. It also gives great views and makes the building stand out.
