Uncovering the Space on Attorney Street

Situated on a seemingly forgotten block of the Lower East Side, one might think the stout six-story brick building was little more than a run-down vacancy. A relic with a most certain expiration date. Though nothing could be further from the truth. After all, this is the space.

Not a space, but The Space – an underground recording studio, rehearsal den, and hangout for over a decade. Lucky (paying) musicians passing through the perpetually-shuttered security gates have access to an expansive room with sixty feet of open vertical space, a cellar comprised of practice rooms, and an upstairs studio for mixdown all at their fingertips. Notable clients through the years include Interpol, the Rapture, Azealia Banks, and Locksley (who shot a video in the neighborhood). Even the board carries an impressive pedigree – Norah Jones recorded her Grammy-winning Come Away With Me on it (though not at the Space). The facility doesn’t advertise, and accepts new clients only via word-of-mouth.

Nevertheless, its days occupying the far left of the dial are a few frequencies closer to center, as it were. Plans are presently afoot to crack open the doors ever-so-slightly this fall by offering more mainstream type events alongside its normal musical functions. For instance, they hosted an Airwalk party over the summer in which the skate brand built half pipes. Totally possible with sixty-foot ceilings. Film screenings, photo shoots, and private soirees are also considered.

If the facility looks like a theater to you, that’s because it once was. Known at the turn of the century as the Clinton Star Theatre, the box of bricks began life as a vaudeville theater sometime in 1914 (with entrance on Clinton). Cinema Treasures notes that the establishment was erected for the Islloderman & Cohen Amusement Company, and also boasted a fully-equipped stage house. The entertainment hub remained operational until 1950.

The Space occupies what was once the rear auditorium. We gained entry to give you a taste of the interior. Feast your eyes.