411 Session: Mesa ArtSpace Lofts

Is this in-fill project the remedy to heal a scar of vacant real estate here in The New Urban Downtown Mesa?
Due to strong local momentum for the arts as a strategy for downtown development, Artspace has been working with the Mesa community since 2012 to explore the feasibility of an Artspace live/work project . . . good things take time

This property is in pre-development and not yet available for leasing. However a session is now planned hoping to attract some of the 660 who participated in a survey.
Project Timing
The project is currently in predevelopment.
In 2013 a full market survey and site analysis was completed. The space needs of individual artists, families and creative businesses were assessed.
In 2015 other areas of real estate planning will include project design work, ongoing site analysis, assembling of finance sources, and fundraising.
Mesa Artspace is expected to start construction early 2017, with an anticipated completion in early 2018.
Contact

For more information about Mesa Artspace Lofts, please contact:

Naomi Chu // Director, Properties  //  naomi.chu@artspace.org  

The Mesa Artspace Lofts initiative is a true community collaboration involving Artspace, NEDCO, Mesa’s Mayor, City Council and City staff, community leaders, neighbors and local artist residents. Five community meetings and a six-month long market survey of arts-space needs within the greater metro area were included in the process.

The arts market study surveyed more than 660 artists in Mesa and the Valley metro area, with strong resulting figures showing interest and support for affordable rental housing for artists in downtown Mesa. Based upon the strength of the market survey results, Artspace, in collaboration with local
partners, has moved forward with plans to develop a new, affordable live/work facility for artists and arts oriented businesses.
The Mesa Artspace Lofts, located at 155 South Hibbert in downtown Mesa, will include up to 50 units of live/work space for artists and their families. Residential units will vary in type including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms. Unit rents will serve households below 60% of area median income levels. The project will include 1,450 square feet of ground floor commercial space for nonprofit arts organizations and creative businesses as well as 2,900 square feet of community space for events, exhibitions, and educational programs. The project is a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) site located one block from the new light rail corridor, major arts and culture assets and other downtown amenities.
Estimated Project Cost: $15.8 M
Development Partner: Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation NEDCO

Source: http://www.artspace.org/our-places/mesa-artspace-lofts