Just when we think that the arts boom in St. Pete couldn't get any better, The Warehouse Arts District drops some very exciting news on us. The non-profit organization, headed by Mark Aeling, singed a contract on a 50,000-square-foot compound that will be turned into affordable artists space, classrooms and practice rooms.
The lot is located on the corner of 22nd Street South and 5th Avenue South, and its future renovation will serve as a continuation of the already existing 30-plus art establishments in that area.
The potential for this undertaking is tremendous. It could diversify the monthly arts walks and present the city of St. Pete and as one of the top art spots in the state of Florida.
The six warehouses and several office buildings are to be rebuilt in order to develop The Warehouse Art Enclave, "a cooperative, vibrant and interactive community for artists that integrates the art community with the public."
A total of 20,000 square feet will be used for an air-conditioned, affordable studio space for district artists such as photographers, painters, graphic artists,metal workers, sculptors and other mixed media artists.
The office buildings will turn into classrooms, a large gallery space, a foundry, a recording studio, rehearsal space and possibly, a micro-brew pub.
To do that, however, the organization will need support.
The non-profit at WAD hope to raise $350,000 by Nov. 1 in order to start renovations. To learn more about becoming a donor, please email info@whereartismade.com.
For more information about the project, please visit the Warehouse Arts District website.