C-Squat, Housing cooperative in Alphabet City, New York
C-Squat is a five-story brick building on 155 Avenue C that houses apartments for artists and musicians. The ground floor functions as a space for exhibitions and community programs about neighborhood history.
The building was constructed in 1872 and later became a city-owned abandoned property before being occupied in 1989. Residents purchased it legally for one dollar in 2002 and transformed it into an official housing cooperative.
The ground floor hosts a museum that documents local movements and neighborhood organizing through exhibitions. Visitors can explore the area's history and how residents shaped their community.
The building can be viewed from outside, and the ground floor museum offers exhibitions and guided tours. Check ahead for visiting hours as availability varies throughout the year.
The original occupants paid just one dollar collectively to legally purchase the entire building. This unusual deal was made possible through an agreement with the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board, which converted abandoned properties into community ownership.
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