Artist documents life inside NYCHA's Elliott-Chelsea Houses before billion-dollar rebuild

CHELSEA (WABC) -- An artist in Chelsea is showing a side of public housing life we don't often get to see.

In the heart of Chelsea, Manhattan, tourists from around the world visit.

In the shadow of the sparkling towers of Hudson Yards and a private school where movie stars send their kids, is NYCHA's Elliot-Chelsea houses.

Martinique Torres was born and raised in the Elliot-Chelsea Houses.

Now Torres is living in limbo as NYCHA demolishes and builds brand-new buildings.

The billion-dollar, seven-year project is the largest replacement project in the agency's history.

Torres welcomes all the changes, but she wishes she didn't have to lose the only home she's ever known in the process.

"It's been beautiful to see. Everywhere needs to change one time or another. But let's keep the old school going on. Let's keep the families together," Torres said.

"I just want to show who we are, as a community there. I just wanna show us," Artist Maria Lupanez said.

So to tell that story of who they are, she started a gallery down the street called "I can't let go."

Artist and resident Maria Lupanez is showcasing paintings of her friends and neighbors and capturing moments they've shared together.

"Public housing has this stigma of crime and bad, poverty-stricken people, impoverished people, and it doesn't feel that way. We're rich with love and community. We're always there to help each other out at a moment's notice. I just want people to see we're not strangers on a block," Lupanez said.

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