The lot at 324 E 5th St was originally owned by the City of New York and was used as a public school site when two schools were constructed in 1876, in Flemish revival style.

The Manhattan School for Career Development provides equitable education, promoting intellectual and social growth, empowering students for success in a global, digital society. District 75 offers rigorous, individualized programs for diverse learners.

In 2004, the DOE entered into a temporary agreement with the NYPD to use 324 as parking lot. According to a report by the Comptroller's office, the DOE has received criticism, while the community has called for it to be used as a public space, citing their loss of 310 as public.

New York currently ranks last for amount of green space per resident among major US cities (F)

Since 2020, rising airspace developments continue to clamor for frontage as buildings get bigger.

5SPC seeks to establish a plan for the renovation of the school's empty lot, the preservation of trees and the provision of public greenspace for the street.