By Jessie Kuenzel
Staff Writer

Once a safe haven for established and aspiring graffiti artists alike, 5pointz’ once colorful walls are now covered by a dreary coat of white paint.

The former industrial complex—purchased in 1963 by Jerry Wolkoff—lay abandoned and unused for years. It wasn’t until 1990 that Wolkoff was approached with the idea to his the vacant space as a safe space for graffiti artists to display their talents.

The once-empty walls of the 200,000 square foot, five-story quickly filled with colorful and eclectic art, and drew the attention of both New York City residents and art lovers worldwide.

After a long and successful run as one of New York’s most unique landmarks, 5pointz is now due to be demolished to make way for two apartment towers.

The plans for this construction have been in motion since 2010, and—despite the protestations of artists and community members, and a lawsuit attempting to name 5pointz as an official and registered landmark—it appears  that the demolition is finally about to begin.

As the sun rose on Tuesday morning, early morning commuters on the 7-train found that their once-stunning view of the walls of 5pointz had been painted over at some point during the night. Artists and volunteers arrived throughout the day to mourn the loss of the great works of art. Several 5pointz artists could be found quietly standing by the empty spaces that had once held their greatest successes with tears streaming down their faces.

Volunteers had been working to find a way to conserve some of the art displayed on the walls, but Wolkoff made the decision to paint over the walls in a move that was unexpected by everyone.

The team arrived at 3 a.m. on Tuesday with paint and brushes in hand to carry out what Wolkoff said was the best option for removing the art. “I can imagine going one piece, one pice, and going through hell, torture to everybody,” he said in an interview with NBC 4 New York. “So I said, ‘Let me do it one time and end this torture one time.”

Wolkoff also explained that—although he knows that the loss of 5pointz is going to be hard—artists will be welcomed back to the new premises to paint on a 60-foot-wraparound wall that will be specifically designated for graffiti.

If all goes according to Wolkoff’s plan, the buildings will be demolished by the end of the year. Despite the striking blow that came in the form of white paint, advocates for 5pointz have still not given up the fight, and plan to continue to battle—in court and on the streets—to regain their beloved oasis for artists and art lovers alike.