ASTORIA — A rental building under construction in an area known for its street art is taking inspiration from former graffiti mecca 5Pointz, adorning each floor with murals from well-known street artists, according to the developer.
Leasing began last week for 28 apartments at Graffiti House, at 11-07 Welling Court — an area home to the Welling Court Mural Project, where artists paint more than 100 colorful murals on the block and surrounding streets each year.
Aki Development is collaborating with Ad Hoc Art, the group that organizes the annual mural project, to have their artists decorate the building, which will "function as an art gallery," according to Aki manager partner Brett Harris.
"It was an homage to 5Pointz in Long Island City," Harris said of the project. "We had an opportunity to bring the art back inside of a building that was brand new, instead of putting a bland white box together."
The developer commissioned 10 artists — including well-known names like Lady Pink, Crash and Daze — to create works throughout the building as well as an 80-foot-high mural on the south facade.
There will also be a different piece of art on each floor of the building's elevator shaft, and the elevator will feature a glass wall so tenants can see each piece as they ride in it, he said.
"You can get this vertical art installation as you go up and down the building," Harris explained, adding that there will also be art on the roof, garage and lobby. "We infused the entire building with art."
Ad Hoc Art director Garrison Buxton said his group was happy to curate the building's look.
"It's exciting, it's nice to have developers that understand the value of art," he said. "They've been around in the area and they've seen the mural project...they wanted to continue some of that vibe and aesthetic."
With the exception of six affordable units, rents in the building will start at $2,500 for a one-bedroom, and apartments come with their own dishwasher, washer and dryer, a video intercom and heated floors in the bathroom.
The building itself will offer a fitness center, a parking garage with Zipcars available for pickup and a roof deck with an outdoor kitchen and grill, dining tables, lounge chairs, a shower and a "misting wall" to cool residents down in the summer.
"It's got dramatic views of the New York City skyline," Harris says. "Every unit has outdoor space."
The building will open to tenants Dec. 1, he said.
