Should we make a new typology in an old space?
Info:
In collaboration with Terry Chan, the building owner of 88 East Broadway, and a private investor, we explored how a crypto NFT gallery and legal cannabis bar could breathe new life into a struggling commercial space while embracing emerging blockchain economies.
88 East Broadway is a once-thriving Chinatown hub—a mall built in 1988 at the base of the Manhattan Bridge, now largely vacant and in need of a $5 million revitalization. Once home to bustling local businesses and a renowned banquet hall, the space has suffered years of economic decline, bankruptcy filings, and a dwindling number of tenants. However, its deep cultural roots, central location, and architectural uniqueness make it a prime candidate for an experimental intersection of blockchain, culture, and commerce.
Our proposal sought to integrate digital assets into a physical space while respecting the site’s history, its challenges, and its potential. The plan included:
- NFT Gallery: A hybrid exhibition space showcasing blockchain-based art and collectibles, bridging digital ownership with real-world presence.
- Legal Cannabis Bar: A complementary hospitality space designed to attract a new wave of visitors and investors while respecting regulatory compliance.
- Architectural Adaptation: Transforming the mall’s underutilized lower levels into an immersive, tech-driven environment that integrates seamlessly with Chinatown’s evolving landscape.
- Blockchain-Powered Transactions: Implementing on-chain interactions, such as Ethereum-based payments, NFT memberships, and smart contract-enabled leasing models.
Key Contributions:
- Blockchain Strategist – Developing on-chain transaction models, NFT utility frameworks, and smart contract-based leasing concepts.
- Stakeholder Management – Engaging building owners, investors, and regulatory entities to align financial and cultural interests
- 3D Modeling & 2D Drawings – Designing architectural interventions that support blockchain-based interactions.
- Negotiations & Permitting – Navigating zoning laws, cannabis regulations, and crypto-related legal frameworks for implementation
In collaboration with Chad Gregory Dennis and Leah Hughes