Where to Look for Leads on Spaces

• 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 City of Asylum/Pittsburgh.

City or County Agencies

The planning department can serve as a good source of information. They usually have an inventory of abandoned, vacant or city owned properties which may be used for artists’ space.  They can also provide valuable information on local development trends, financing opportunities, etc.¹

Community-Based Organizations

When local neighborhoods are interested in integrating artist space into their overall community development plan, local leadership (formal and informal) can tap into their networks to help find properties for conversion or sites for new development.

Local Newspapers and Real Estate Websites

Most local newspapers have sections for real estate. You can also use online versions of newspapers and real estate websites (see Online Resources at right for useful links). Consider looking for commercial properties, residential properties, but also government sites (like those related to government auctions) and advertisements of historical properties for sale.

Real Estate Broker

Brokers may provide or connect you to additional services such as legal advice, building inspection, etc. Before choosing a broker, determine whether they are a seller's agent (working in the interest of the seller); a buyer's agent (working in the interest of the buyer); or a dual agent (working for both). For more details, reference "Square Feet Chicago- Working with an Agent" in Further Reading below

Community Land Trusts (CLTs)

Community Land Trusts provide permanent affordable housing opportunities by holding the ownership of land under the CLT. Purchasers only own the property on the land, removing the cost of land purchase. See Online Resources under "Find A Property" to identify a Community Land Trust in  your area.

Auction / Foreclosure / Government Sales / Tax Sales

Acquiring a property through an auction or foreclosure can be tricky for a host of reasons. Like any other scenario there are costs and benefits to be considered. Legal counsel may be useful well in advance of the purchase to help navigate all of the considerations. Again, Square Feet Chicago is an important resources and can provide detailed orientation information about these purchase alternatives.   

Further Reading

Hamer, Eileen and Jane Wenger. “Square Feet Chicago-Finding Space.” Chicago Artists Resource Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Date of Access:  Dec 14, 2009.  http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/8665

“Square Feet Chicago-Purchasing Alternatives.” Chicago Artists Resource. Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  Date of Access:  Dec 14, 2009.  http://www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/8688

Sources

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

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

“Square Feet Chicago.” Chicago Artists Resource. Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Date of Access: Oct 30, 2009.  www.chicagoartistsresource.org/node/8689