Lee’s Art Shop in midtown will close in summer

Lee’s Art Shop, on West 57th Street in midtown, will close in the summer, according to reports. Photo Credit: SHoP Architects

Famed midtown art store Lee’s Art Shop is set to close this summer, according to reports.

It marks the end of more than 60 years in business.

The store, on West 57th Street, first opened in 1951. It moved to its current location in 1975, according to its website.

“I suppose it’s inevitable, but Lee’s was kind of holding down this beautiful building,” said Upper West Side artist Mark Fleckenstein, 60, who was shopping at the store Monday. “I was surprised and saddened. That’s the city, it’s constantly changing.”

Conner Adams, 23, a research analyst who lives in Murray Hill, said Lee’s was well known for its variety.

“They really kind of had it all,” Adams said. “I kind of was surprised. I’m sad to see it go.”

Mark Gonzales, 42, an artist from Bay Ridge, said he sees the store’s closing as endemic of the trend in the neighborhood.

“This whole neighborhood is changing,” he said. “It’s crazy with real estate.”