Schools on the Block - Post Article

From the 12/23 edition of the Washington Post -

The administration of D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty said yesterday that it is seeking to redevelop 11 now-shuttered public schools, inviting developers to submit proposals that can include retail space, offices and high-priced and affordable housing.

Read the rest of the article HERE.

Shared Space - The Soundry in Vienna, VA

There is a new shared artist space in Vienna, VA called The Soundry. Located in a former auto body shop that is being converted into a shared space for artists and musicians, The Soundry is all about sharing and cultivating creativity across their membership. Its an interesting concept, with a monthly membership fee ($99) and access to the entire building. There is no dedicated studio space but secure storage is available. They envision a broad range of users, from visual artists to musicians to actors, etc.

For more info, check out their web site - The Soundry.

Grimke School - A new RFEI coming soon?

Rumor has it that the DC Office of Property Management is going to release another round of "Requests for Expressions of Interest" for a few schools, including the Grimke School on Vermont Ave. NW, just off U St.

Back in the summer, OP put out an RFEI for about 8 schools (including Grimke) but then narrowed the process to exclude all proposals except charter schools.

Artist Studios - 52 O

OCCUPYING 28,000 SQUARE FEET, over four floors, 52 O Street Studios is one of the largest and oldest buildings dedicated to the practice of Fine Arts in DC. Located just off North Capitol Street, the building is occupied by painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, woodworkers, and video artists who seek to continue and advance the guiding principle behind its opening in 1979, "to create an affordable working space for artists in Washington DC." More information, including contact information for the owner Marty Youmans, can be found at 52ostreetstudios.org. The website lists these resident artists:

Stevens Jay Carter
Betsy Damos
Matthew Scott Davis
Adam Eig
Cianne Fragione
Andrea Haffner
Peter E. Harper
Matt Hollis
Micheline Klagsbrun
Raye Leith
Kendall Nordin
Holly & Ashlee Temple
Lisa Marie Thalhammer
Gabriel Thy
Ben Tolman

Church for Sale - 13th St. NW

The church at the corner of 13th and Irving NW is for sale - $2.5M. The sales price includes the 3 story annex on Irving.
The Sanctuary seats 175. Zoning is R-4, so most commercial uses would probably require a special exception.

Shared Office Space - H Street NE

The H Street Greenhouse Incubator is a 1,500 sq. ft. facility that houses 12-16 business suites / desk spaces. Suites range in size from 70 – 170 sq ft., and are individual private offices with doors, or are single desks in an open flexible floor plan. The small business tenants share a wide range of office facilities and services as part of their lease, including landlines, voicemail, fax, high-speed Internet access, conference room, kitchen space, cleaning services, on-site recycling and storage space. Furnished or unfurnished spaces are available, as well as paid use of copiers, scanners, printers and the like.

Rates are reasonably priced at approximately $500 / month for a flexible open floor plan work space (100 sf), to $1200 / month for an Executive Office Suite of approximately 170 sf. With 24-hour 7 day a week access, this could be the hottest new “green” spot in town.

For more information on the H Street Greenhouse, or to arrange a tour, visit www.hstreetgreenhouse.com

Restaurant for Rent - Cool space near U St.

The old Flamingo Ethiopian Restaurant - 1119 V St. NW - is for rent. $2500/month for the first floor (incl.patio) and an additional $1500/month for the second. And they have (or had) a liquor license. Small space - would make a great neighborhood restaurant and bar.

More Creative Economy - Links

Click HERE to get to the New England Foundation for the Arts and a list of Creative Economy web sites in New England and all over the world.

Click HERE to find out about Creative Clusters, an annual conference going on right now in Glasgow.

Click Here to get to the Creative Economy Resource Center.

Click HERE to get the recently established Center for the Creative Economy at the University of the Arts in Philly.

Click HERE to get to Innovation Philadelphia, the economic development organization that serves 11 counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware and is working to establish the Greater Philadelphia Region as a national leader and world-class destination for Creative Economy industries, businesses and talent.

Mass. Establishes Creative Economy Council

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick recently signed the bill establishing the first Massachusetts Creative Economy Council (MCEC).

The MCEC’s function is to “develop a statewide strategy for the enhancement, encouragement, and growth of the creative economy in the commonwealth and to promote through public and private means responsive public policies and innovative private sector practices.”

More info here and here.

Arts District - Hyattsville

DCMud has a nice post about the "Arts District" in Hyattsville, just across the DC line. EYA is developing several parcels on both sides of Route 1. According to the blog post, the economy has slowed progress, but people are gradualy moving into the live/work spaces. Read more here HERE.

Ultimately Rhode Island Ave could be an extensive art corridor, running through NE DC all the way out to the University of Maryland.

Ontario Theater - for lease - Adams Morgan

The lobby and adjoining space of the old Ontario Theater on Columbia Road is for lease. A CVS occupies the audience chamber of this great old movie theater and a discount store was the most recent occupant of this L-shaped space, but they are looking for a new tenant. Its a pretty big space, about 9,000 SF in total. Needs a lot of work, but will be a cool space when built out. I got a look at it last week and it sprawls from the basement to the 2nd floor, with lots of nooks and crannies.

Artist Inaugural Ball

Rumor has it that some folks are working on a big party on January 20th for artists. Stay tuned....

Yesterday's Artspace Visit - H Street

Yesterday I was part of a discussion about artist live/work housing in DC, led by ARTSPACE, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating affordable space for the arts.

The H STREET PLAYHOUSE invited ARTSPACE to help investigate the potential to create an affordable, self-sustaining artist live/work project and to talk about the key elements that determine feasibility, including project concept, site selection, market need, funding and sustainability, and local leadership.

While the conversation was specific to the PLAYHOUSE, it touched on broader themes in affordable housing for artists. Artspace will produce a report from the visit and I will try to excerpt portions here - probably in mid-December.

About the H Street Playhouse
The home of resident companies Theater Alliance and Forum Theatre, the H Street Playhouse houses a 100-seat black box theater, rehearsal studio and Gallery H. Along with city officials, small business owners, and a few other theaters, the H Street Playhouse has been at the forefront of a movement that is now gathering steam to revitalize the historic H Street commercial corridor. More info - www.hstreetplayhouse.com

The Artspace Mission
Artspace’s mission is to create, foster, and preserve affordable space for artists and arts organizations. Artspace pursues this mission through development projects, asset management activities, consulting services, and community-building activities that serve artists and arts organizations of all disciplines, cultures, and economic circumstances. By creating this space, Artspace supports the continued professional growth of artists and enhances the cultural and economic vitality of the surrounding community. Find out more at www.artspace.org

Auction - Kokopooli's is for sale

Commercial condos in the heart of Adams Morgan that are currently operating as the Kokopoolis Nightclub. Units 1 and 2 have been combined totaling 2,931 square feet. The auction includes the business and all the contents: 10 televisions, 1 projector, 3 commercial refrigerators, commercial deep fryer, 8 regulation sized pool tables, furniture, 2 refrigerators with 8 keg capacity, surround sound stereo, full inventory of liquor plus many other items in the nightclub. The ABC license is a “Retailer CR 01” and is within the Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone. The unit has exposed brick, open floor plan, 2 entrance doors, 2 bathrooms, office, commercial kitchen, popcorn machine and full complement of glasses and plates. All liquor and food licenses are active and also convey with the sale.

New Vision for Baltimore Arts District

Tip of the hat to Neal Takemoto for his coverage of new plans for the Charles North Arts District in Baltimore

And a link to the Baltimore Sun

Rhode Island Avenue Great Streets Initiative

What is the Rhode Island Avenue NE/ Great Streets Initiative?

Rhode Island Avenue NE is a District of Columbia Government designated “Great Streets” corridor. The Great Streets Initiative is a multiple agency effort to transform under-invested corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers using public actions and tools, as needed, to leverage new private investment.

This is an important and long-overlooked corridor that is well-positioned to gain in its importance and prominence to the District. Along with community leadership, property and business owners, residents, and other stakeholders, we invite you to take a significant step with us to develop a plan for the commercial districts along the corridor.

Can Rhode Island Avenue become the next Arts District, connecting downtown DC to the initiatives in Mt. Rainier and beyond?

PROJECT CONTACT: Derrick Lanardo Woody, Coordinator-Great Streets Initiative, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development - derrick.woody@dc.gov

More Info Here

Creative Economy - studies continue

From the DC Office of Planning -

The District’s economy is changing in new and promising ways, and one of the most vibrant economic assets of the city is its Creative Economy — the enterprises, organizations, activities, and people who are involved in the work and business of art and culture. The Creative Economy generates significant income in wages and revenues, yet this economic contribution goes unrecognized and opportunities for leveraging these assets are often lost.

The Washington DC Office of Planning and the Washington DC Economic Partnership are working to raise the profile of the District’s Creative Economy and to document its value to the local economy. They have retained Mt. Auburn Associates, an economic development consulting firm, to help create a strategic plan for our Creative Economy.

As one of the initial steps in this process, the Mt. Auburn team is holding Focus Groups in each of the key industry segments of the District’s Creative Economy – Theater, Music, Film and Media, Culture Heritage, Fashion, Design and Architecture, Visual Art, and Technology.

The goal is to help us better understand the competitive strengths, challenges, and opportunities of each of these segments.

More details to follow.

SPACE AND THE GREAT BEYOND

Visual Arts Facilities that Offer More than Just Places to Create
WED., NOV. 12, 1 – 3:00 PM

HAMILTONIAN GALLERY
1353 U STREET, NW WASHINGTON DC 20009

Join Cultural Development Corporation (CuDC), Paul So, Founder, Hamiltonian Gallery; Claire Huschle, Executive Director, Arlington Arts Center; and Debra Moser, Executive Director, Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts for a roundtable discussion on the programs and facilities supporting independent visual artists. After a tour of newly opened Hamiltonian Gallery we’ll discuss such facilities and the ways these spaces work to cultivate the visual arts in the DC area.

Bring your legends, lessons and questions to share with fellow artists. Lunch will be provided.

o Where should visual artists begin the quest for studio space?

o How do you determine what facility is right for you?

o How much should you expect to pay? How much should you expect in return?

o How might being part of a studio program affect an artist’s work? What kind of an impact does working among peers have on an artist’s work?

RSVP to redcircle@flashpointdc.org or 202.315.1321 by Monday, November 10, 2008.

Red Circle Members FREE
Non-Members $20.00

Rhode Island Ave. NE - Arts District????

Preliminary meeting held last night by Derrick Woody of the Office of Economic Development to discuss general improvements to the Rhode Island Ave. NE corridor, including the possible establishment of an Arts District. This process will last many months, culminating in a Corridor plan that will be submitted to the City Council for approval sometime next summer.

I will post further updates as I get them.

Good Neighborhoods for Artists in DC - Bloomingdale & Ledroit Park

A lot of artists have moved into Bloomingdale and Ledroit Park over the last decade. And with house prices beginning to moderate from the highs of 2005, now might be a time for others to take a look. This weekend area brokers are holding a Multiple Open House Walking Tour. Its a convenient way to see what is available in the neighborhood in one short period of time.

Neighborhood Open House Event! Take Shaw Metro and walk, or start at any of the addresses listed.

Not familiar with the historic neighborhoods of Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park? Join us on Sunday from 1-4pm for Open Houses throughout the neighborhood!

Better yet, plan to come early and stop by the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market at 1st & R St NW (10am-2pm), or have a cup of coffee at Big Bear Cafe (also at 1st & R St NW), or Windows Cafe (1st & Rhode Island NW). Pick up some local dairy products (mmmmm, real cream in glass bottles) at Timor Bodega at 2nd & Rhode Island Ave NW).

Start at any of these properties. Lists will be available at each participating Open House:

$289,900 1BR 1BA 70 Rhode Island Ave NW
$316,900 3BR 2BA 1823 4th St NW
$399,000 2BR 2BA 1824 North Capitol St NW #1
$399,900 2BR 2BA 2109 2nd St NW
$429,000 1BR 1BA 531 T St NW #101
$459,000 2BR 2BA 125 T NW #3
$519,900 3BR 2BA 2030 1st St NW #2
$545,000 4BR 2BA 5 U St NW
$599,900 5BR 2.5BA 12 Randolph Pl NW
$599,999 5BR 3BA 2207 1st St NW
$615,000 4BR 3.5BA 67 U St NW

For more info, call 202- 641- 5373.

Multiple Broker Event!

New Grant - DC Arts Commission

Just got word from our pals over at the DC Arts Commission that they are introducing a new grant program - DCARTS International. The grant funds travel abroad for DC artists and arts organizations. More info -

DCARTS International is an inaugural grant program offering support for District of Columbia arts organizations to travel abroad to participate in cultural festivals, exhibitions, touring programs and other opportunities to share their talents. The DC Arts Commission recognizes the important role cultural communication plays in increasing international understanding. This program aims to cultivate the globalization of Washington's rich tradition of diverse cultural expression and support for highly accomplished artistic talent.

They offer up to $20K and the deadline is November 12. So give them a call! 202 724-5613

DC Arts Commission - Small Project Grants

The deadline for the Small Projects Program (SPP) is fast approaching - October 15.
The SPP offers quick response grants of up to $2,000 to individual artists and arts organizations. The program seeks to make grant funds more accessible for small-scale arts projects with total budget that do not exceed $4,000.
For more info, check out the DC Arts and Humanities Commission's website - DCARTS.DC.GOV

New Artist Studios - Brentwood, MD

The Brentwood Arts Center annex at ez Storage in the Gateway Arts District has storefront studios for rent. Located at 4103-4105 Rhode Island Ave. (Just a quarter mile from the DC line on Rhode Island Ave.) This is a rare opportunity for artists to have store front studio space where you can make art and exhibit your work all at once. This space is also available to arts related organizations.
They have a total of 1835 square feet of store front space on Rhode Island Ave. that rents for $1835 a month plus utilities. The storefront space can be kept intact or subdivided into 4 individual storefront studios.
For more info call John Paradiso, Arts and Community Development Officer, Gateway CDC at 301-864-3860 Ext.3.

Jazz Club coming to 5th and Eye - plus Zenith Gallery

Just announced - the 475,000-square-foot project, called Arts at 5th and Eye, will be anchored by a ME by Melia hotel from Barcelona. It will also include a music venue call the Boisdale Jazz Club from London, a bike shop, a bookstore, café, and the Zenith Art Gallery – a fixture of the 7th Street Gallery scene.
The development will also feature 166 apartments, where 50 units will be reserved for affordable renters earning less than 60 percent of the area median income. The developer has also proposed a 238-space parking garage underground.

Artomatic - 2009

Word on the street has Artomatic getting ready to return in 2009. Negotiations over the building are underway.