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Dear Artists and Friends of the Arts,
Artspace and the City of Waukegan are proud to announce the creation of the Karcher Artspace Lofts, a mixed-use arts project in Waukegan, Illinois. This project will transform the historic Karcher Hotel into 36 units of affordable “live/work” space for artists and their families. An additional 2,400 square feet will be available on the ground floor for complementary small businesses and non-profit organizations. As in many other cities around the country, this project will help nurture an emerging arts community while bringing renewed vitality to downtown.
Construction began in November 2011, and is expected to be completed in
November 2012.
The “Karcher Building,” as it is known on the National Register of Historic Places, is a Waukegan landmark. The nine-story building on Washington Street opened in 1928 was a 140-room hotel. It has, however, been vacant since 1984. The 36 units will be both living and studio space designed specifically for the needs of artists – with open floor plans, uninterrupted “gallery walls,” and abundant natural light. The project will feature exposed ductwork and simple finishes will give the units a contemporary loft style look and feel.
How do I qualify for an affordable housing unit?
Artpace follows all federal fair housing guidelines. The following charts provide guidelines:
What is the definition of an artist to qualify for a unit?
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| Download Residential Floor Plans |
| Download Residential Floor Plans with square footage |
| Download Commercial Space Floor Plans |
Artist is defined as:
- A person who works in, or is skilled in any of the fine arts,including but not limited to, painting, drawing, sculpture, book arts, printmaking, and mixed-media.
- A person who creates imaginative works of aesthetic value, including but not limited to literature, poetry, photography, music composition, choreography, architecture, film and video.
- A person who creates functional art, including but not limited to metal, textiles, paper, wood, ceramic, glass or plastic objects.
- A performer or theatrical artist, including but not limited to, singers, dancers, musicians, actors, performance artists, costume, lighting, sound, and set designers.
In all art disciplines, a designer, technician, craftsperson, teacher or administrator who is dedicated to using their expertise within the community to support, promote, present, and/or teach and propagate their art form through events, activities, performances and classes.
Thank you for your continued interest, and your support of this exciting project.
For more information about Artspace Projects please visit our official website.
For more information about the City of Waukegan, please visit www.waukeganweb.net.
Thank you!
- The Artspace Team
| In the News |
"Waukegan looks for 'Not So Big' development plans" :: Lake Country News-Sun :: March 16, 2012
"Big rehab work awaits Waukegan's Karcher Hotel" :: Lake Country News-Sun :: November 2, 2011
"26th annual lunch with the Mayor: Karcher 'a legacy project' " :: Lake Country News-Sun :: May 17, 2011
"ArtSpace, Art Wauk event this weekend" :: Lake Country News-Sun :: May 11, 2011
"Old Waukegan hotel to become artist haven, galleries, apartments" :: Daily Herald :: April 12, 2011
"Door-to-door campaign for Karcher Artspace" :: Lake Country News-Sun :: April 9, 2011
"Artspace $12.5 M Karcher overhaul to start July 1" :: Lake Country News-Sun :: February 24, 2011
"No doubt' for Waukegan Artspace" :: Lake County News-Sun :: January 25, 2011
Top photos left to right: Spinning Plate Artist Lofts, Pittsburgh, PA; Zenon Dance, Minneapolis, MN; Frogtown Family Lofts, St. Paul, MN
Bottom photos left to right: Artspace Everett Station Lofts, Portland, OR, photo: Sarah Cosman; Artspace Sailboat Bend Artist Lofts, Fort Lauderdale, FL, photo: Robin Hill Photography; Washington Studios, Duluth, MN; Tilsner Artists' Cooperative, St. Paul, MN