A remarkable early mural by renowned artist Keith Haring has become a central feature of a luxury loft currently on the market in Manhattan’s TriBeCa neighborhood. The 8,000-square-foot, seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom triplex is housed in the historic American Thread Building at 260 West Broadway, a Renaissance Revival structure dating back to 1896.
The building’s current owner, Adam Zoia, discovered the black-and-white mural—painted by Haring in 1979 while he was a student at Manhattan’s School of Visual Arts—shortly after purchasing the property in 2021. The artwork, characterized by Haring’s signature fluid line drawings depicting dancing figures and graphic patterns, had remained hidden behind wallboard for decades after the space transitioned from an art gallery to a restaurant in the 1980s.
Zoia, chief executive and co-founder of Glocap Tech and executive chairman of Glocap Search, recognized the mural’s distinct style immediately and confirmed its authenticity through the Keith Haring Foundation. Despite being executed in an unorthodox medium—a mixture of shoe polish and alcohol—the mural is reported to be in good condition, thanks in part to having been concealed for many years.
The loft has undergone an extensive two-year renovation, including updates to its infrastructure and finishes, which incorporate marble flooring and Venetian plaster. The main living area boasts soaring 28-foot ceilings, and amenities have been added such as a sauna, cold plunge, screening room, and gym. The primary suite includes an expansive closet described by Zoia as “as big as most New York bedrooms.”
Preservation of the mural was a key consideration during the renovation. To protect the artwork, which is painted directly onto iron columns and beams that support the building, Zoia installed a custom bar around the mural, creating a functional barrier. The bar itself features additional painted elements by Haring on the ceiling, integrating the artwork into the design of the space.
The combined value of the loft and the mural has attracted significant interest, with the property currently listed for $25 million. However, experts note the challenge of assigning a separate monetary value to the site-specific artwork. Jenn Singer, an art dealer and gallery founder, emphasized the unique nature of such works, stating that pieces created specifically for a certain space belong to a distinct market category due to their physical integration and historical context.
Both Zoia and art professionals stress the importance of future owners maintaining the mural. Zoia expressed hope that any buyer would appreciate the artwork’s significance and care for its preservation. Singer highlighted the responsibility that comes with ownership, describing each custodian of the loft as a “guardian” of the piece, which she calls “priceless” for its survival and connection to the location.
The property represents not only a rare real estate opportunity but also a significant piece of New York City’s artistic and cultural history, embodying the early creative work of an artist who helped bridge street art and mainstream contemporary art.