Affordable Artist Studios Retained in Magnuson Park
Today in good news for artists, the City of Seattle has come to an agreement with Seattle Parks & Recreation and private development firm Build 11 LLC to retain affordable studio space for artists in Magnuson Park's Building 11.
Magnuson Park is a former Navy airfield located in the Sand Point neighborhood. It is home to many old administration buildings and hangars, in various states of disrepair. The City retained Building 11 LLC in 2006 to redevelop and renovate the building. Artists had been leasing studio space in the building since 2004 but the takeover increased rents and many were unable to afford continuing their leases.
The new 10-year agreement stipulates that Parks will lease 5,000 feet of space from Building 11 LLC and will sublease the space out to artists at affordable rates. They will offer long-term and short-term leases at a rate of $1.08 per square foot per month. For comparison, Pioneer Square's 619 Building leases at anywhere from $.90 to $1.25 per square foot per month.
Their agreement also provides for the City to pursue renovating Building 30, which previously hosted dozens of arts and cultural events each year. The $10 million dollar project is expected to be completed in 5 years and is intended for use by the community and artists.
The importance of the agreement is best summed up by Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs director Vincent Kitch, “This collaboration marks an important step towards the long term health of our creative community. Artists, musicians, performers and arts, culture and heritage organizations of all sizes make a tremendous contribution to Seattle in terms of creativity, tourism, quality of life, education and the economy. The development of space for artists and cultural organizations will be key to Seattle’s future as one of the leading creative cities in the U.S.”
