Movement
The Fight to Save
CHARAS / El Bohio
A community-led movement to reclaim a historic space for arts, education, and the heartbeat of the Lower East Side.
A Space That Brought a Community Together
For decades, the Old PS 64—an abandoned school building owned by the New York City Board of Education—was far more than just brick and mortar. It became a catalyst for community redevelopment and the rebirth of the Lower East Side.
Through a collaborative agreement between Interfaith Adopt-A-Building, Inc., the City of New York, CHARAS, Inc., and local community activists, the building was transformed into a cultural sanctuary known as El Bohio (The Hut).
It served as a launchpad for Latino culture, youth programming, education, activism, job training, housing initiatives, and support for the arts and local artists.
More than a building, El Bohio became a space where movements and ideas were born—and where the identity of Loisaida continues to be preserved.
“We didn’t just reclaim a building; we reclaimed our future.”
The Crisis
What Happened in 1998?
01
Building Sold
Despite massive public outcry, the city auctioned the historic PS 64 to a private developer for $3.15 million.
02
Building Sold
Despite massive public outcry, the city auctioned the historic PS 64 to a private developer for $3.15 million.
03
Building Sold
Despite massive public outcry, the city auctioned the historic PS 64 to a private developer for $3.15 million.
“The sale of El Bohio was a betrayal of the Lower East Side’s history and its future.”
Milestones
Our History of Resistance
A timeline of the building, the movement, and the struggle for Loisaida.
Foundations
The beginnings of the CHARAS movement as young activists begin organizing in the Lower East Side.
The Golden Era
CHARAS takes over PS 64. The building becomes a world-renowned incubator for Latino arts, environmentalism, and social justice.
The Sale
The Giuliani administration auctions the building to developer Gregg Singer against fierce community opposition.
Legal Standoff
Two decades of legal battles. The building sits decaying as the developer fails to convert it into private dorms.
Reclamation
The fight intensifies as the city and community demand the building be returned to its rightful public use.
The Movement Continues
Community Meetings
Weekly strategy sessions and town halls to align our neighborhood goals.
Advocacy Campaigns
Lobbying city officials and state representatives for the return of the building.
Cultural Preservation
Maintaining the archives and stories of El Bohio for the next generation.
Public Awareness
Exhibits, rallies, and social media to keep the pressure on the developers.
More Than a Building
"PS 64 represents our identity, our culture, and the very future of the Lower East Side. If we lose our spaces, we lose our history. We fight for a future where community needs come before private profit."
Join the Friends of CHARAS
Community support has always been at the heart of CHARAS. Whether through volunteering, attending events, or making a donation, every contribution helps strengthen programs that benefit the Lower East Side.