NYC Graffiti mecca 5 Pointz whitewashed overnight (pics)

[Victor_c3]

8. It's too late now, but I wonder if they could have done something to the building like architects

did with the German Reichstag. After a 5 second search I couldn't find any pictures so of course I gave up.

The building burned down in 1933 (supposedly the fire was set by a socialist or a communist and Hitler used the supposed crisis to consolidate power) and, during the Soviet occupation of the area the remains of the building were vandalized and covered with various graffiti tags. After German unification in 1989, the building was restored and the architects chose to leave many of the vandalized sections undisturbed. Many segments of the walls were enclosed in glass and left in their state of disrepair. To a guy who has little appreciation for art and architecture, it had a great impact and was very striking.

Doing something similar to this building in NYC would have created something unique and memorable. Instead, I bet an unremarkable building will probably be erected in this spot. It's a shame. Something amazing could have come out of this.