When the Dia Art Foundationopened a permanent installation space in Chelsea in 1986, it was one ofthe only arts groups among the district’s warehouses. Now, five yearsafter shuttering its space, Dia has announced plans to return to theneighborhood — which has blossomed into New York's premiere gallerydistrict — and construct a new building on land its owns at 545 West22nd Street.

Dia’s chairman Nathalie de Gunzburg and director Philippe Vergnehad stated in recent interviews that they were committed toestablishing a permanent exhibition space for the foundation, whichmaintains sites around Manhattan and has programmed a handful ofprojects in space provided by the Hispanic Society of the Americas inWashington Heights.

The new space will reportedly continue Dia’s tradition of commissioningartists to create long-term, often large-scale projects in its space.The new building will also reportedly host readings, lectures, academicforums, and performances. In an announcement this morning, Vergne toldpress, “We want to build a 'dream house' for artists.”

In an interview with ARTINFOlast month, Vergne emphasized an interest in working with artists tocreate new work. “I don’t want Dia to become a time capsule,” he saidat the time. Chairman de Gunzburg Dia’s echoed that sentiment in awritten statement. “We are thrilled to support Dia in providing livingartists with a new platform for in-depth exploration and innovation,”she said.

Dia, which transformed a former Nabisco factory into a permanentexhibition space in Beacon, New York, in 2003, celebrates itsthirty-fifth birthday this year.

Kate D. Levin, New York City’s Commissioner of Cultural Affairs, also released an announcement this morning, which endorsed Dia's plan. “In renewing its commitment to new work and to New York, Dia is playing an essential role in our City’s creative future,” she said.