Keith Haring's 1979 monochrome mural, painted on an iron column, ceiling, and beam in the American Thread Building, emerged from a wall of drywall on 260 West Broadway when the loft was listed for $25 million in June 2026. The Keith Haring Foundation confirmed the work's authenticity, noting the artist's use of shoe polish and alcohol to create the interlocking black lines that would later define his style.
The building, once a School of Visual Arts student gallery, became a restaurant in the 1980s; the mural was covered with wallboard and remained hidden until 2007 when the previous owners uncovered it largely intact. The discovery showed the resilience of unconventional materials and offered a glimpse into Haring's early, unsanctioned work.
Glocap Tech CEO Adam Zoia, who bought the property in 2021, spent two years renovating the 8,000‑sq‑ft triplex while installing a protective bar in front of the mural to guard against accidental contact, making the artwork inseparable from the structure. Zoia said the bar preserves the canvas while allowing it to remain a focal point of the interior design.
Art dealer Jenn Singer notes the mural’s site‑specific nature elevates its value, meaning prospective buyers must commit to preserving the original work. The listing now invites offers that include a preservation plan, ensuring the cultural legacy of the piece remains intact for future generations.