The Lot Radio is in the process of establishing a new headquarters and café venue.
Following the New York State Department of Health revoking its approval for The Lot Radio‘s kiosk, the venue had to halt its operations. The founder of the café and radio station has now revealed plans for a reopening in a newly renovated space.
In an interview with Resident Advisor, François Vaxelaire stated that The Lot Radio is collaborating with a Manhattan-based architectural firm, LOT-EK, to create a new venue. The existing setup is a converted shipping container equipped with a self-sufficient water system, as it occupies a lot without access to typical utilities. Vaxelaire chose LOT-EK due to their focus on repurposed materials, making them a suitable partner for this project.
Interestingly, the renovations are not a result of the recent closure; rather, Vaxelaire indicated that they were the cause of it.
Vaxelaire noted that five years ago, the Department of Health had approved The Lot Radio’s food truck-like water system. However, in October, the establishment experienced an increase in violations. “We want to clarify that the shutdown is unrelated to any sanitary issues or health concerns,” he stated. “It is purely due to our application for major renovations and being temporarily classified in an uncertain status with New York City’s Department of Buildings.”
“The Department of Health is fully aware of our renovation plans but has nonetheless chosen to shut us down instead of allowing us to continue operations during this period,” Vaxelaire added. “We are actively working to resolve this issue and hope to welcome you back to our little triangle as soon as possible.”
Although the café is closed, The Lot Radio is still broadcasting by allowing DJs to enter through a different entrance.
