Kenkeleba House

214 East 2nd Street | also 216 East 2nd Street | East Village | built 1908

The city photographed every building for its tax records around 1940 and again in the 1980s. NYC Municipal Archives.

Written with AI from the source each entry cites, then fact-checked.

1907
Herman Horenburger designs Henington Hall for Solomon Henig
Architect Herman Horenburger designed the building for original owner Solomon Henig. Its large first-floor hall worked as an auction room, a gym, a meeting room, and a Saturday and holiday synagogue. By 1960 the fourth and fifth floors held artist studios, and the third floor held a plaster-model and machine shop.
Source: buildingblocks.villagepreservation.org
1974
Kenkeleba House is founded by Joe Overstreet, Corrine Jennings, and Samuel C. Floyd
Village Preservation lists the Kenkeleba Gallery as a presence at 214 East 2nd Street since 1974. The founders dedicated it to African American artists and other artists of color that the art establishment had long overlooked. The name comes from a West African plant, the Seh-Haw, valued for its healing properties. About 25 artists can rent studio space in the building.
Source: buildingblocks.villagepreservation.org
2013
The Wilmer Jennings Gallery hosts "The Old Becomes The New"
In 2013 the Wilmer Jennings Gallery at Kenkeleba House hosted "The Old Becomes The New," an exhibition on New York's contemporary Native American art movement and the New York School. Village Preservation says it was the first time the city's contemporary Native American art was defined as a movement. The gallery also shows work in the adjoining sculpture garden at 212 East 2nd Street.
Source: buildingblocks.villagepreservation.org

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