The $11.8 million project contains 42 live/work units — 11 studios, 25 one-bedroom units, three two-bedroom units, and 3 three-bedroom units — as well as 3000-plus square feet of retail space and 1,800-plus square feet of community space for artists at the historic Hamilton Center Building at 222 High St.
MORE: Artspace tenants upset over parking
In early 2016 most of the 42 units for artists were occupied. Now, approximately half are vacant and some of the artists say issues with the property have been frustrating.
“Management got really bad for a while and we had a crazy turn over of on-site staff. It seemed like every few weeks there were new faces and names along with hearing that others were let go,” Artspace resident Alexis Schultz, who has lived in the lofts since 2015, said. “There was a lot of neglect — bills weren’t getting paid and issues weren’t being addressed.”
City Councilman Tim Naab along with former mayor Don Ryan, businessman Mike Dingeldein, and former Fitton Center executive director Rick Jones were among the key community stakeholders who were responsible for attracting Artspace to the city in 2007.
Naab said concerns have been addressed and things are heading in the right direction with attention being focused on fixing what has gone wrong and focusing on filling the vacancies.
“During the summer a group of residents met with me to share concerns they had at that time surrounding the management company and ArtSpace,” he said. “They expressed some issues in upkeep and maintenance, as well as occupancy.”
He explained that there will be a new property manager, whose name hasn’t been released to the public yet, and issues such as parking spaces, and property upkeep have been addressed.
Sarah White, was in charge of overseeing the Hamilton Lofts property, but she left the company and said it was “wonderful working” with the group during her four-year tenure at the company, “managing many exciting and impactful creative spaces across the country.”
While White didn’t address the issues plaquing the Hamilton Lofts, Naab said that all of those involved with the project feel that a fresh face taking over will get things headed in the right direction.
“We met with the new newly appointed regional property manager, as well as ArtSpace management in order to share residents concerns and ensure all matters were being communicated between all parties, as well as resolution to ensure both residents and day to day management of the property team were on parallel tracks,” Naab said. “At that time everyone was in agreement.”
He added, “parking garage spaces have been identified and allocated for ArtSpace residents eligible for same, as well as clean, daily care of the building open spaces, removal of any trash, vacuuming etc.”
Filling the vacancies has also been a priority, along with getting qualified artists in the lofts.
“In this past week, three apartments have been rented to processed applicants, all with art qualified backgrounds and job related qualifications,” Naab said. “But at this time, all parties are on the same page and quite satisfied with the current status of ArtSpace, Hamilton.”
Artists wanting to live in the Artspace development can expect to pay $271 for a studio apartment and up to $905 for a three-bedroom apartment.
The minimum monthly household income formula equals equal two times the monthly rental rate. Prospective tenants will also meet with a committee to discuss their commitment to art before they are granted a rental agreement. The exact criteria that must be met hasn’t been defined.
Schultz feels the rent guidelines might need to be changed to help the project succeed.
“I do think that in order for the lofts to survive rent has to be raised. Not necessarily the average to higher rent, because they’re already paying a good amount, but I do think that the people occupying the lower rent spots aren’t allowing new people to come in,” she said. “I think there should be a happy medium for the lower rent. It should be affordable, but not close to nothing.”
Erika Dani, asset manager for Artspace, who is in charge of overseeing the loft properties around the country for the company, said that after switching local management operations things are looking up for the property and they are hoping to attract more tenants. She confirmed that a new local property manager is in place, while also reiterating that the manager’s name isn’t being released as-of-yet while they are in training for the position.
“We switched local management companies over a year ago, and then we have a new regional manager for this property in Hamilton and she oversees a number of are other Artspace buildings and she is an artist herself and she just hired a new on-site manager for the building who started this week,” Dani said.
Schultz is hoping that the future is bright for the Artspace Lofts and is hoping to still see artists flock to Hamilton.
“I love that when I mention living here to others, whether they are Hamiltonians themselves or even if they live elsewhere, they’re instantly intrigued,” she said. “Many people still view this as an ideal living place and would love to see what it’s like inside, which is really cool. Our tours are always a big hit.”
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