As the construction of nine new gallery spaces on West 28th Street takes shape, the real estate company behind the development, dubbed the ‘High Line Nine,’ has forged an unlikely collaboration with two street artists to beautify the construction site.

Under most circumstances real estate developers would be the sworn enemies of street artists, especially the circle of artists working at 5Pointz, an abandoned Queens industrial complex that became a street art Mecca. (5Pointz was recently torn down by developers to make way for luxury condos, provoking outage and a law suit from members of New York’s street art community.)

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Somehow High Line Nine developer Related Companies convinced 5Pointz veterans Meres One and See TF to decorate the corrugated metal walls and gates surrounding the construction site, which stretches under the High Line from West 27th Street to West 28th Street. The commission has now been completed and is on view at the construction site.

“I am honored to be working on this project in the heart of the new West Chelsea district and bring the spirit of 5Pointz creates and aerosol art to one of the most iconic new structures, the High Line Nine,” Jonathan Cohen alias Meres One, said in a statement.

Meres One and See TF’s temporary mural in Chelsea. Photo: Jonathan Sciortino

The duo’s work depicts a graffiti-infused interpretation of what the finished development will look like, portraying life-like windows, doors, and onlookers peering inside.

“West Chelsea has long been known as an important arts district,” Related Companies’ executive vice president Greg Gushee said, “we are pleased to partner with two distinguished artists to create vibrant temporary murals…The energy and vitality of the area make it an ideal location for these pieces and they are sure to be a draw as we develop a new collection of gallery spaces.”

The works will remain on view in situ until the progress of construction requires the removal of the corrugated metal coverings.