Sifu Jai, Kung Fu master and Taoist priest. Sifu Jai shows the building. But it s clear that this Bowery-area building 9 Second Avenue has seen better days. Debris lines the perimeter of nearly every room and some overflow with long-abandoned furniture, books, board games and clothing.
Plaster crumbles from the steel-enforced walls and ceilings.
It s hard to imagine that this was once a thriving community center for nearly 30 local arts groups. The city-owned building has been slated for destruction since 1971, and finally, demolition is imminent. And since being evicted from his East Third Street apartment in 1986, he has been the building s sole full-time tenant. As a Taoist priest, he performs rituals to help people. He also does everything from feng shui consultations to divination to marriage ceremonies.