ArtBridge and Downtown Alliance in partnership unveil first construction fencing mural

Manhattan, NY ArtBridge, a public arts nonprofit, and the Downtown Alliance, the nonprofit business improvement district for Lower Manhattan, have unveiled the first mural borne out of their partnership to beautify construction fencing across the borough. Award-winning artist Eirini Linardaki designed the artwork, which spans all four sides of 77 Water St., a 26-story building currently undergoing a 647-unit office-to-residential conversion by Vanbarton Group.

In early 2025, the Downtown Alliance announced the landmark partnership with ArtBridge, launching a new program dedicated to transforming temporary infrastructure — such as sidewalk sheds and construction fences — into platforms for large-scale public art across the borough. 

Titled “I See The Sky From The Other Side”, Linardaki’s mural offers a vibrant interpretation of the Lower Manhattan skyline as it shifts throughout the day. Drawn from fabric patterns she collected across New York City and representing a wide range of cultures, the mural reflects New York City’s boroughs, communities, and layered history. 

“We’re delighted to see the first installation through our collaboration with Artbridge come to life,” said Jessica Lappin, president, Downtown Alliance. “We encourage other Lower Manhattan property owners to take advantage of this opportunity to enliven their construction sites, beautify sidewalk sheds, and help brighten our neighborhood with public art.”

“This mural marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for public art in Lower Manhattan and exemplifies our mission at ArtBridge” said Stephen Pierson, executive director, ArtBridge. 

“Through our partnership with the Downtown Alliance, we’re transforming construction fencing into spaces for creativity, connection, and storytelling. Resonating with the cultural history and present of Lower Manhattan, this mural highlights what’s possible when artists, property owners and civic partners come together to convert temporary infrastructure into vibrant pieces that celebrate the community.”

Spanning 700 linear ft. and standing eight ft. tall, the vinyl mural transforms construction fencing at 77 Water St. into a public canvas.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to creating art with fabrics and materials I collect from my surroundings, as each material has its own history, story, and owner,” said Eirini Linardaki, the New York-based visual artist and public art project developer. “By weaving patterns collected across the city, I aim to reflect the shared history and experiences that unite communities across Lower Manhattan, while paying homage to the iconic skyline.” 

The program enables property owners to seamlessly integrate homegrown art into active construction sites, ensuring that periods of transformation and revitalization become opportunities for creativity and community connection. The partnership awards up to $10,000 or 25% of the total cost of a project – whichever is less – to five properties within the District to support the installation of artwork on temporary construction structures. Linardaki was one of six artists pre-selected by a select committee commissioned by the partnership.

The program emerged from the implementation of Local Law 163 in 2023, which now requires property owners erecting a temporary protective structure to display artwork or opt out of the program. This law expands the opportunity for urban property owners to improve streetscapes surrounding construction and infrastructure projects across New York City. 

ArtBridge held an open call for artist submissions and ultimately chose six artworks that enrich the neighborhood and celebrate the city’s creative spirit. While this is the first unveiling, all artworks will feature Lower Manhattan-specific themes and imagery by New York City-based artists fully customized to the site.

“As we transform 77 Water St. into Lower Manhattan’s newest residential opportunity, it was imperative that the site contribute positively to the surrounding neighborhood,” said Alexander Tendler, vice president, Vanbarton Group. “Partnering with ArtBridge and the Downtown Alliance, and having Eirini’s beautiful work displayed as we transform this building, will enhance the experience of the space, the neighborhood and the city.” 

Built in 1970 by the William Kaufman Organization, 77 Water St. is a 26-story office tower at the epicenter of New York’s Financial District currently being transformed into 647 rental apartments by Vanbarton Group. Construction began in 2024 and is expected to be complete by 2027. The mural will remain up for at least a year.