October 5, 2009
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Artspace and Iowa West Foundation held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 5, 2009 for construction underway on the Harvester Artspace Lofts project. The project, which will transform the historic International Harvester warehouse, is generating increased interest from artists nationwide who are currently submitting their names for the live/work artist housing. Applications will be made available approximately 90 days before the building is ready for occupancy. Nearly 100 people attended the event to see firsthand the progress in developing the 36-unit residential building located at 1000 S. Main Street in Council Bluffs, IA.
“Artists often create a progressive atmosphere that helps make neighborhoods attractive,” says Artspace Project Manager Andrew Michaelson. “Warehouses with large floor plans, high ceilings, old-world architecture and low rents are a good fit for artists.”
According to Michaelson, artists living throughout the United States are inquiring about relocating to the area to take up residence at the building.
The $10.2 million project will create affordable “live/work” space for artists and their families, according to Michaelson. The project will contain 2 efficiency units, 10 one bedrooms, 19 two bedrooms and 5 three bedrooms. The three bedroom units will be on the main floor with direct access to the outdoor playground area and community garden, making them ideal living spaces for families. Additionally, 5,500 square feet of non-residential space is earmarked for artist studios and arts-friendly businesses.
To kick-off the ground breaking ceremony, project leaders and Council Bluffs Mayor Hanafan unveiled works of art on steel canvases created by local artists – Margaret LaBounty, Marcia Bouska and Jeff Powell. The three artists, who are advocates of the new housing community, had been commissioned by Artspace to create original art on 18X18 steel plates which will have a permanent home once the building is finished.
“Over time, this housing community will serve as a catalyst for continued revitalization of historic downtown Council Bluffs,” says Todd Graham, President and CEO, Iowa West Foundation. A mission of the Iowa West Foundation is to strengthen communities for future generations. The development of the Harvester Artspace Lofts is an opportunity to take another step towards accomplishing this vision. “This project will establish a creative environment for people to live and work.”
Local artists and representatives from Artspace, the City of Council Bluffs Community Development, Pottawattamie County Development Corporation, Iowa West Foundation, Iowa Finance Authority, USBancorp Community Development Corporation, U.S. Bank National Association, Lund-Ross Constructors, Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture and neighboring businesses were present to learn more about the project and its impact on the community.
The Harvester project, Artspace’s first project in Iowa, has received significant financial support from the Iowa West Foundation, which contributed $2.4 million to the development. The U.S. Bank N.A. stepped in to provide construction and permanent debt financing for the project, and U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation is buying the housing and historic tax credits. The City of Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County Development Corporation (PCDC) have also provided additional support and cooperation.
According to Michaelson, the community can look forward to a grand opening sometime in the fall of 2010. Visit their website to fiind out more about Artspace.
Artspace
Artspace’s mission is to create, foster and preserve affordable space for artists and arts organizations.
About Iowa West Foundation
The Iowa West Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the Midwest. Its mission is to improve lives and strengthen communities today and for future generations. Since 1996, IWF has made charitable commitments of $270 million. For more information, visit iowawestfoundation.org.
