Downtown Mesa may get 50-unit artist colony

courtesy of Parker Leavitt, The Republic | azcentral.com9:42 a.m. MST October 22, 2014 Non-profit developer Artspace wants to build an affordable-housing project for working artists in Mesa. (Photo: Artspace) STORY HIGHLIGHTS Non-profit developer Artspace wants to build a 50-unit artist colony in downtown Mesa Nearby light rail was a major factor in choosing the Mesa site The colony could be open by fall 2016  44CONNECT 23TWEET 1LINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORE Downtown Mesa’s light-rail extension, set to open next fall, is driving new development in the area as plans have come forward for a 50-unit artist colony within walking distance of a future station at Mesa Drive. Non-profit developer Artspace, which has opened 35 artist housing projects in 13 states, plans to open its first Arizona colony near 2nd Avenue and Hibbert within two years. Artspace communities provide affordable housing for working artists who pass income and background checks. The apartments typically feature high ceilings, large windows, wide doorways and about 100 to 150 square feet of studio space, while the complex includes places for small businesses and community gatherings. Proximity to the light rail was a major factor in selecting the vacant lot at 155 S. Hibbert, said Heidi Kurtze, vice president of property development for Artspace. Also just two blocks away is the Mesa Arts Center, which the group hopes will provide opportunities for collaboration, she said. 5 artist colonies around the U.S. Here’s a look at several other artist colonies non-profit developer Artspace has opened in the U.S. Brookland Artspace Lofts | City: Washington, D.C. | Opened: 2011. | Cost: $13.2 million. | Size: 39 units. (Photo: Photo by: Artspace) Fullscreen Next Slide While...

Just Out! October Edition of the LightRailConnect Magazine

  Phoenix-Tempe-Mesa, AZ  |  October 17, 2014  |  Bryan Watkins The new edition of the LightRailConnect Magazine just hit the streets. You will find Current Arts & Entertainment, Dining, Sports, Real Estate & Rentals and sections Travel in this publication. The cover features ‘The District‘, a beautiful and exciting apartment community across the street from Arizona State University. Discover more about Things To Do along light rail. We were designed with your convenience in...

Light Rail: City-rehabbed apartments almost ready for move-in

by Sadie Jo Smokey – Apr. 17, 2011 The Arizona Republic City bought apartments in 2009; buildings renovated Residents may begin moving into five blocks of affordable housing in north-central Phoenix by the end of May. The two-story brick buildings at Park Lee Apartments have fresh paint and new carpeting and appliances. The community clubhouse and three pools look new and sparkling. In December 2009, Phoenix used federal funds to buy the apartments, 1600 W. Highland Ave., to provide stability and affordable-housing options near the light-rail line. Park Lee is closest to the stop at Camelback Road and 19th Avenue. Tom Elgin, who lives in the Grandview Neighborhood east of the 523-unit community, said he’s extremely happy with the city’s effort to clean up the blighted area. “The police used to be there a lot,” Elgin said. “Drugs, graffiti . . . was a real problem. I’d paint over graffiti every weekend. All of that has basically gone away.” Kim Dorney, Phoenix Housing Department director, said the city paid about $5.2 million to buy the community, built in 1955. It consists of 34 buildings and sits on nearly 32 acres. Councilman Tom Simplot, who represents the area, told residents at a neighborhood meeting that city staff uncovered extensive water damage and vandalism in the multifamily community. Some units required extensive electrical repairs and upgrades. Angela Duncan, deputy housing director, said the city budgeted $5.36 million to rehabilitate the community in phases. Approximately 160 apartments will be available to rent by the end of May. Chain-link fencing surrounds the community to deter criminal activity. In July 2010, juvenile-arson-caused fires destroyed 12...

Apache American Sign Language Center

Apache American Sign Language Center by Lynne Smith, ASU Student Soon to be re-opening along the light rail is the American Sign Language Center. This establishment has been closed and under construction since May 2010 and is due to open again this summer 2011. This facility has been designed for def seniors who wish to leave their lives of lonely living and isolation for a habitat amongst other users of American Sign Language. For people whose first language is American Sign Language there is now no longer a reason to be left out of a conversation or to be living in a world where people find it difficult to understand you. The center offers the comforts of safety and security for the elderly. Living in a home like this is ideal for people with this difficulty as it caters specifically to their needs and offers comfort and security. This complex holds 75 apartment units designed for the deaf and the deaf and blind. The amenities include flashing light signalers for the phone and doorbells; videophone equipped lobby as well as videophones in each apartment. The ASL center looks out for the thorough care of their clients with light fixtures and windows designed to minimize glare, high contrast interior finishes and amplification systems for hearing aids. All management staff members use American Sign Language to communicate to their clients and American Sign Language is incorporated into the centers culture amongst client activities and social events. This helps break down any barriers clients may have when communicating with others and ensures a relaxed, safe and happy environment. Development of this apartment...