In the heart of Greenwich Village, a new cultural hub has emerged, paying homage to the rich history of art and community that once thrived in the area. People’s, a townhouse-turned-venue at 113 W. 13th Street, is the brainchild of co-founders Emmett McDermott and Alexandra Hauer-King.
People’s: A New Cultural Hub in Greenwich Village
In the heart of Greenwich Village, a new cultural hub has emerged, paying homage to the rich history of art and community that once thrived in the area. People’s, a townhouse-turned-venue at 113 W. 13th Street, is the brainchild of co-founders Emmett McDermott and Alexandra Hauer-King.
A Shared Vision
McDermott and Hauer-King met through mutual friends a few years ago and quickly discovered they shared a passion for creating a space that would bring back the unique experience of New York’s downtown scene. “We wanted to honor what this cultural hub represents,” said Hauer-King, referencing the People’s Art Guild, a radical artists’ cooperative founded in 1915.
A Restoration Project
The townhouse, formerly The Downtown Gallery and home to Edith Halpert’s iconic art space, had been neglected since Spain closed its doors in 2020. McDermott and Hauer-King worked tirelessly to restore every salvageable aspect of the building, preserving its history while infusing it with their own creative vision.
A Space for Community and Storytelling
People’s is more than just a venue; it’s an immersive experience that combines art, music, and community. The owners work closely with curator Anne Parke to showcase emerging artists whose work supports the space’s mission of storytelling and connection. Prices are not listed, but patrons can directly contact Parke about purchasing a piece.
A New Prism for Non-Fiction
For McDermott, People’s is an opportunity to immerse himself in others’ humanity and be honest again. “People’s is just a new prism for non-fiction,” he said. “It’s an excuse to explore the stories that help us understand each other.”
The Downtown Gallery Legacy Lives On
Hauer-King, whose father Jeremy King is a renowned restaurateur, grew up around the industry but pursued marketing after graduating from Brown University. With People’s, she has realized how much of her father’s lessons about service and communication reside within her.
“We are building something together,” said Hauer-King. “It’s not just born of me, but of us.”
A Home for the Downtown Scene
People’s aims to revive the spirit of New York’s downtown scene, which has been missing since spaces like Beatrice Inn closed their doors. For McDermott and Hauer-King, People’s is a dream come true – a space where art, music, and community converge.
A Story to Each Show
The owners’ vision is clear: they want each show to tell its own story, adding to the space’s rich history rather than stealing from it. “There will be a story to each of our shows,” said Hauer-King.
People Just Have to Remember…
Hauer-King echoed the unconventional sentiments of The Downtown Gallery and People’s Art Guild: if you fall in love with something, just remember that a handshake at 1 a.m. is still a handshake!
