The Knockdown Center

Knockdown Center is committed to offering diverse programming across different formats and media, aiming to foster an interdisciplinary environment. Due to its unique architecture and rich history, the venue gravitates towards projects that showcase a sensitive reactivity to the site and surrounding environment.

The building spans 50,000 square feet and has a storied past, with continuous use for over a century. It started as the Gleason-Tiebout glass factory before becoming the Manhattan Door factory. The building is named after the Knock-Down door frame invented in 1956 by Samuel Sklar, which continues to be an industry standard. This frame could be taken apart—or "knocked down"— and shipped in pieces. The process revolutionized building construction by increasing its speed and efficiency. The Sklar family has retained ownership of the factory, and it continues to be a hub of innovation.

Today, Knockdown Center has undergone a renovation that blends preservationist techniques with state-of-the-art technology. The venue now produces and hosts cultural events and exhibitions that respond to its unique architecture and dimensions. From art exhibitions to musical performances, the space has become a premier destination for creatives of all kinds to showcase their work.

Knockdown Center has nine spaces: Main Space, The Ruins, Gallery, Ready Room, Arizona, Texas, Wood Jamb, Annex, and Basement.

The historic 20,000 square-foot Main Space, which can welcome up to 3,100, was the former site of the door factory. To preserve its unique architecture and heritage, KDC ensured that many of the original features, such as beams and surfaces, were retained during its transformation into a state-of-the-art venue.

The Ruins, which can welcome 1,000-1,500 people, is KDC's backyard. Each summer, it is transformed into a bustling venue that offers a range of exciting activities, including concerts, parties, performances, and community events. The area boasts a spacious 19,000-square-foot poured concrete patio, complemented by a mix of open-air and enclosed structures that were previously used as a boiler room for the factory. As many as 1,550 people can enjoy the warm sun by day and dance the night away under the stars in this vibrant outdoor space.