Gadi (top center) filling first of two 40-yard containers with debris destined for recycling.
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Where E.156th Street meets Waterloo Road, Gadi and Sarit Zamir are creating a most appropriate intersection of their own. Within the walls of the old Jepson’s Pharmacy and Abby Theatre buildings on the southeast corner, development is merging with sustainability and art to bring a unique new vision to the heart of the neighborhood. 

As Negative Space, local artist Gadi and his wife Sarit are creating one new business and enabling many, providing what the neighborhood infrastructure really needs: affordable, attractive, safe and efficient business and working spaces for artists and neighborhood entrepreneurs. The vision is to split each property into a suite of affordable smaller units that will serve as new business incubators as well as providing needed neighborhood services. And it’s far more than a vision. 

“We know it’s hard to see from the street,” says Gadi, “but we literally had to start from scratch with this project. New architectural designs that respect the essential nature of Collinwood had to be created. Efficient electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling systems have to be installed. And because it is sustainable renovation, the interior demolition proceeds rather slowly. But we’ve come a long way already.”   

Two 40 yard containers with a unique destination have already been filled with debris from the project.  The demolition and construction waste materials that have not been salvaged for use in Gadi’s artwork are sent to a local Material Reclamation Facility which sorts and repurposes materials such as wood, metal, drywall, concrete and glass. At every turn, the costs and benefits of preservation and the reuse of existing materials are carefully balanced with the introduction of new and innovative materials meeting LEED standards. This intense focus on sustainability while preserving the essential character of an older neighborhood is the key to the Negative Space approach. 

The first floor will initially house several businesses: Gadi’s art studio, an upscale tattoo and body art studio as well as unique spaces for individual practitioners. The upper floors will become a commercial/office space co-op focusing on shared resources for small businesses. There are also residential units planned for the second floors.  

“Our mission is ‘Rethink, Reuse, Renew,’” according to Sarit. “Rethinking development by applying green building techniques to existing structures, reusing existing materials to reduce waste, and renewing this community through revitalized business.  We can’t help but believe that this approach, combined with our roots in art, is a perfect match for the Waterloo Arts District and this important project.” 

Art really is at the heart of Negative Space’s vision for the buildings. In fact, it was art that initially brought them to Collinwood, when Gadi’s artwork was exhibited at True Art in 2006. Impressed with the spirit and energy they found in the area, they realized Collinwood was the place to start.  “My art is all about telling stories,” observes Gadi, “and this neighborhood is a love story for us, and one we want to teach to our kids. My studio will be here. Our offices will be here.”   

Of course, the development is more than a commercial opportunity. It is a perfect fit for the intersection, facing the new triangular park now being redeveloped as part of the Waterloo Streetscape project, into a central public space complete with public art and room for everything, from festival events to quiet lunches in the sun.