Water-damaged floor in the O-D Studio gym at 45 White Street Photo: Oscar Smith
Editor’s note; A fire that began in the cellar at 45 White Street on the night of Jan. 22 displaced the residents and businesses of the building. Among the business owners is Oscar Smith, who has operated the basement gym O-D Studio for 22 years. Smith said he allowed his insurance on the studio to lapse in December and is seeking help to recover through a GoFundMe campaign. He asked the Trib to assist with his appeal. The GoFundMe can be found here [1]. Below is what he wrote:
My gym for the past 22 years is gone. All my cardio equipment along with other equipment is trash now. My heart sank when I arrived in the morning after the fire. I was in shock. Management told me that the building will need extensive repairs and it would be months before I can get back in. My worst fear came true. I lost all I worked for, all on my own, since 2003 when I stood on the corner handing out flyers, walking the neighborhood and introducing myself and my studio to anyone who would give me five minutes to listen, It is now time for me to start over once again and rebuild because Tribeca is not just where my gym is. It has become more like my home. I hope to get your support
Thank you,
Oscar Smith
Links:
[1] https://www.gofundme.com/f/restore-oscars-studio-after-devastating-fire?attribution_id=sl:fcfcb179-672d-453b-a2a6-85eb4ea277c6&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_tip&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link