Preparing for the Site Search

• INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
• GET TO WORK
• FORMING A TEAM
• ON LOCATION
• • Preparing for the Site Search
  • Renovation vs. New Construction
  • Where to Look for Leads on Spaces
  • Before You Sign on the Dotted Line
  • Designing the Space You Need
• FINANCE

Printer Friendly | Further Reading | Sources

Photo courtesy of Open Book.

Even if you have laid the groundwork to understand the kind of project team that you will need to assemble as well as the checklist of major tasks involved in Artist Space Development, there are a few more considerations before searching for a site. In this section, we have highlighted major areas of concern and additional resources to help you sort through key questions. Our grantee, Chicago Artists Resource (CAR) have developed concrete tools, such as their guide Square Feet Chicago, along with additional information to help you prepare for site selection. See Further Reading for key areas of their online toolkit related to site selection. See below for a topline summary of things to consider before searching for space:

Understand the Project’s Space Needs

Think about the scale of the project; the kind of art forms the facility would need to support; potential events other than artists’ live-work activities in the project (such as community meetings); any amenities needed, especially those that are specific to supporting artist work (e.g. natural lighting, HVAC considerations, special flooring for dance, issues of storage, etc.); as well the ideal locations within a neighborhood to host artist live/workspace. The specific use of the space determines the eligibility of the property and its compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.

Decide Between Lease and Purchase

Square Feet Chicago details the pros and cons of purchasing property. A chart is also provided comparing the major difference between lease and purchase. 

Research Professional Service Providers

Lawyers, architects, building inspectors, financial specialists, and other professionals with specialized expertise are key resources in ASD who will be needed immediately after you find a property. Search for the people you want to work with in advance to avoid missing any purchase opportunities. 

Review and Improve Your Credit Score

A good credit score means a better interest rate and more choices when seeking financing for space. If you are purchasing property collectively, each partner’s credit score will be considered. Just as individuals with high credit scores benefit the whole group, low scores also impact the group as a whole. Each partner should review his/her credit score as soon as possible; improving credit scores takes time.

Further Reading

Kartes, Cheryl.  Creating Space: A Guide to Real Estate Development for Artists: Chapters 1 and 4.  New York: American Council for the Arts, 1993. 

“Square Feet Chicago-The Costs of Space.” Chicago Artists Resource.  Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Date of Access:  Dec 14, 2009.  http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/8662

“Square Feet Chicago-Pros and Cons.” Chicago Artists Resource. Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Date of Access:  Dec 14, 2009.  http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/8706

 “Square Feet Chicago-Assessing Your Needs." Chicago Artists Resource. Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  Dec 14, 2009.  http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/8710

“Square Feet Chicago-Understanding Credit.” Chicago Artists Resource. Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  Dec 14, 2009.  http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/8663

Sources

ArtistLink. Date of Access: Oct 30, 2009. http://www.artistlink.org

Kartes, Cheryl.  Creating Space: A Guide to Real Estate Development for Artists.  New York: American Council for the Arts, 1993.

Jackson, Maria Rosario, and Florence Kabwasa-Green.  Artist Space Development: Making the Case.  Washington D.C.: Urban Institute, 2007.

Walker, Chris.  Artist Space Development: Financing.  Washington D.C.: Urban Institute, 2007.