Downtown Alliance Launches Incentive Program to Beautify Construction Fencing in Lower Manhattan

Starting June 1, Lower Manhattan property owners will have the opportunity to apply for an incentive (of up to $10,000) to transform their construction sites into works of art. This incentive is made possible through a partnership between the Downtown Alliance and NYC arts nonprofit ArtBridge, who have developed a one-stop program — including installation, permitting and more — for property owners to easily and affordably beautify their sidewalk sheds and construction fencing. The five selected applicants will help demonstrate the value of adding art to construction sites and encourage participation from neighbors. 

Property owners can utilize a unique portfolio of six Lower Manhattan-focused artworks designed specifically for this program or their own custom artwork. The portfolio was designed to make selecting and installing artwork easy and straightforward to entice the participation of local property owners. This is an opportunity for property owners not to only enliven their construction sites and make them more interesting to passersby, but also to improve the overall streetscape of the neighborhood.

“Sidewalk sheds are a blight on neighborhoods. While necessary for public safety, we hope  that property owners will take advantage of this incentive to beautify Lower Manhattan and demonstrate just how simple and cost-effective it can be to enliven our streets,” Downtown Alliance President Jessica Lappin said.

This program was made possible by Local Law 163, which was passed in 2023 by the NYC Department of Buildings and requires property owners erecting a temporary protective structure to either display artwork or proactively opt out of the program. This law could dramatically improve the sidewalk sheds and construction fencing that have long been a ubiquitous eyesore of New York City’s streetscapes. 

“The Downtown Alliance’s innovative new initiative will incentivize property owners to creatively beautify construction fencing,” REBNY President Jim Whelan said.  “It is a win-win for downtown residents who have long sought solutions to unsightly sidewalk sheds and construction sites.”

The incentive is for up to $10,000 or 25% of the total cost of a project — whichever is less — to five properties within Lower Manhattan. The application period for the incentive opens on June 1 and will close on May 31, 2026.For more information on how to apply for this incentive, please visit: https://downtownny.com/business/artbridge-opportunity/