Artspace celebrated the grand opening Jan. 23 of the Mesa Artspace Lofts (155 S. Hibbert), a $15.8 million arts development in downtown Mesa, AZ. The arts complex includes 50 units of fully leased housing where artists and their families live and work, with nearly 50 children currently residing within; as well as a courtyard, playground, gardens, outdoor stage, pet run, and on-site offices for A New Leaf. Just a few blocks away from the world class Mesa Art Center, and accessible by the new light rail, the Mesa Artspace Lofts contributes to the reinvigoration of downtown Mesa and the East Valley as a destination for the arts and innovation.
"We are thrilled that this beautiful, open, and inviting space is now home to so many artists and their families," said Heidi Zimmer, Artspace Senior Vice President, Property Development.
The Mesa Artspace Lofts--a LEED for Homes development intended for the Mesa arts community--was developed by the Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization, Artspace, in partnership with the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO). Comprised of 4,350 square feet, the new construction by Architectural Resource Team features a variety of housing types including two story lofted spaces with balconies, an expansive courtyard with native plantings, and outdoor workspace and performance space. The all white color palate subtly reveals the southwest environment throughout the day as shadows constantly change the texture of the building. The use of white also acts as a blank canvas for future murals. The project's facades are a reaction to their cardinal orientation. The use of the saw tooth form on the Hibbert Street building helps prevent direct sun exposure on the large windows in the vaulted loft apartments. This sculptural form creates an urban rhythm for the streetscape. Within the courtyard there are a series of outdoor amenities intended to promote collaboration amongst artists. An Artspace entry gate, created by salvaged and repurposed materials, was designed by Jason LeBrash of Grizzly Iron and Stephen Azarik of Architectural Resource Team.
Mesa Artspace Lofts Credits
Artspace gratefully acknowledges the following lead contributors to the Mesa Artspace Lofts:
JP Morgan Chase, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, and an anonymous friend.
About Artspace Projects, Inc.
Founded in 1979, Artspace is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create, foster, and preserve affordable and sustainable space for artists and arts organizations. To fulfill that mission, Artspace uses the tools of real estate development to construct or restore places where artists can affordably live and work. Artspace buildings also support healthy communities, anchored in existing assets. With a commitment to affordability, Artspace ensures that the spaces remain accessible to artists and their families in perpetuity. Artspace's unique portfolio, developed over three decades, includes 50 projects nationwide and represents more than $650 million invested in America's infrastructure. Beyond developing places, Artspace has also served as a consultant to hundreds of arts communities coast-to-coast, helping others advance their visions. While embracing the value the arts bring to individual lives, Artspace champions the once-radical idea that artists and arts organizations can leverage fundamental social change. Artspace's headquarters are located in Minneapolis, with additional offices in Denver, New Orleans, New York, Seattle, and Washington D.C. For more information, please visit www.artspace.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Communications Director Tio Aiken: tio.aiken@artspace.org or (612) 321-1841
Communications Specialist Dana Mattice: Dana.Mattice@artspace.org or (612) 757-7511