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Nuyorican is a portmanteau of New Yorker and Puerto Rican that emerged in the 1970s and is more than just a nickname. It’s an identity, a movement and a way of life. The Nuyorican Poets Cafe is a place that embodies this, where the growing Latin diaspora and the United States come together to become a comfortable home and a place for art and learning. Now, 50 years after it opened, the cafe will undergo a $24 million renovation by Rice+Lipka Architects, with completion expected in spring 2026.
Founded in 1973 by Miguel Algarín, the café began as a living room salon for poets and musicians of color to perform. In 1981, in order to expand the cafe’s program and performance lineup, the tenement building where the cafe is currently located was purchased, but it remained a one-story structure. The main floor and the space that hosts open mics, jazz performances and readings are stately and small. The growing population and program led to the decision to expand the space to a total of four floors, while maintaining its authenticity.
Lyn Rice, co-founder of Rice+Lipka in New York, said one The firm received the commission as part of New York City’s Design Excellence Program. The studio was selected from a group of design architects. Its previous experience in cultural regeneration and public works explains why it was chosen as a culturally significant project.Past projects include Sheila Johnson Design Center and kitchen.
With the help of the Café, Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and the Department of Cultural Affairs, Rice+Lipka is looking to enhance the value of the café. Aside from the expansion, the cafe looks relatively similar to the original one. “A lot of energy is concentrated in the bricks,” said Caridad de Luz, executive director of Nuyorican Poets Cafe. The renovation will stick to its simple, rustic look, mimicking the feel of cafe founder Miguel Algarín’s living room. The main performance space will be expanded and slightly remodeled, and the bar will have a chicer black look. The facade will remain largely intact, but with new windows.
Astrid Lipka, co-founder of Rice+Lipka, said: “The facade has always been a canvas for expression, there has always been graffiti, so we continued to do that because the facade should be an interactive canvas. “
The new floor will contain new teaching spaces as well as a new stage to facilitate speaking practice. “We have a dedicated team of engineers and architects who will be working here every day for the next 24 months,” DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley said in a statement. A robot will also be installed within the scope of the project. The elevator is ADA accessible and provides office space for employees.
Luz was ecstatic when she heard Foley promise to turn a profit within 24 months. Since the pandemic, the cafe has been hosting shows remotely or operating from other locations.
considering she was founder As a leader of the café, Luz hopes the renovation will usher in a new generation of Nuyurecans. “This is also an important moment for Puerto Ricans, Nuyori and the diaspora,” Luz said. “Luckily. Fortunately, not even luck, because of the hard work and the seeds that were planted. Where are we?” No, we’re going to stay here, we’re going to stay here forever.”
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