Artspace Project Moves Forward With Search for Architects

Representatives from the national Artspace initiative were in Michigan last week as the arts-based real estate developer and local partners begin the search for an architectural firm that will begin the design phase of the Dearborn project.

The project, set to be located in what is now , could provide live-work space for more than 30 local artists, based on a survey by Artspace. The city in April approved a letter of intent to negotiate the sale of the building to Artspace.

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According to Senior Vice President of Consulting and Strategic Partnerships Wendy Holmes, the building could also include a performance space in what is now the City Council Chambers, and gallery area in the hallways.

Holmes and Vice President of Properties Heidi Kurtze met with officials, as well as local artists and community members, last Wednesday.

Holmes explained that Artspace is looking to apply for funding assistance from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority by February of 2013 as one of several funders of Dearborn's project.

Assembling financing for the multi-million dollar project, she added, is "the lion's share" of the project at this time.

The architectural work will be funded partially by from the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as a matching amount from the EDDDA's own coffers.

City authorization of the DDA's piece of the funding is on the Dearborn City Council agenda for this Tuesday.