Latest Artspace Rendering Offers Refined Look, Nighttime View

A new conceptual image of the future Artspace artist lofts is giving us a look at what the building may look like at night. The image was recently posted by architect William Helm on Facebook.

Latest Artspace Concept Image

The new rendering also shows some slight differences from concept images that debuted in late 2012. Different sections of the facade are now distinguished by depth and color, with some sections in gray and others in subdued yellow. Concrete blocks that previously made up the southern staircase tower have been replaced by what looks like smooth concrete, and the Artspace sign is no longer seen. Awnings along the ground floor have been broken up into different sections and heights. And the arrangement of windows has also slightly changed.

Previous Rendering.

When completed, the building will feature up to 70 live/work units for artists, as well as ground level gallery space and will be located along Oregon Street between Missouri and Wyoming Avenues, adjacent to the Doubletree Hotel. According to the In*Situ website, the architect of record is ASA Architects in collaboration with William Helm. The project is headed by the El Paso Community Foundation.

Previously:
Artspace Concept Pics Show Modern Design
Council Approves Artspace Project at Old Saddleblanket
City Eyeing Old Saddleblanket For Artspace Project

In*Situ Architecture website: http://insituarc.com/
In*Situ Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/InSituArchitecture
Artspace El Paso website: http://www.artspaceelpaso.org/

Artspace Concept Pics Show Modern Design

The future Artspace building planned for Downtown El Paso could have modern look and use yellow as the main accent color. That's according to several concept pictures posted to the In*Situ Architecture Facebook page, the architecture firm chosen to help design the five-story structure.

The images show the proposed building from several angles. It will take up a half-block of downtown space at 601 North Oregon Street, the former location of the El Paso Saddleblanket retail outlet. The old store had long stood abandoned alongside the new Doubletree Hotel and was demolished earlier this year.

In March 2012, the City approved a contract to develop the Artspace project, with the help of the El Paso Community Foundation who will oversee the project. According to the Artspace El Paso website, the building will "be ringed by 15+ roll-up, kiosk-style micro-galleries for artists and creative businesses, forming an outdoor 'art walk.' The interior will blend 50 - 70 live/work units for artists and their families with 7,500 square feet of multi-purpose non-profit space."

No concrete timeline has been given for the project.

Related:
Council Approves Artspace Project at Old Saddleblanket
City Eyeing Old Saddleblanket For Artspace Project

In*Situ Architecture website: http://insituarc.com/
In*Situ Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/InSituArchitecture
Artspace El Paso website: http://www.artspaceelpaso.org/

Council Approves Artspace Project at Old Saddleblanket

City Council voted on Tuesday to approve the sale of the old Saddleblanket building at 601 N. Oregon to Keystone Properties who will then donate it to the El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF) in order to create the Artspace project the City has been seeking for years. 

According to a story in the El Paso Times, Eric Pearson, president of the EPCF, hopes a five-story 50 to 70 unit building will be constructed on the property by Artspace, an organization dedicated to developing low-rent housing with studio and gallery space for artists.

Artspace has already updated its website to include the new El Paso project, and includes the following in its description: "Artspace will create an entrepreneurial arts center in downtown El Paso that builds upon the community�s Hispanic heritage and seeds a distinctly local arts scene."

"Artspace El Paso will be ringed by 15+ roll-up, kiosk-style micro-galleries for artists and creative businesses, forming an outdoor �art walk.� The interior will blend 50 - 70 live/work units for artists and their families with 7,500 square feet of multi-purpose non-profit space."

Eric Pearson said will meet with residents to discuss the project at 6 p.m. March 20 at the El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N. Oregon.

Artspace El Paso web page: http://www.artspace.org/properties/elpaso/
Original El Paso Times article*: http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_20117423/council-backs-development-plan

*Please note: El Paso Times articles are available online for a limited time before they are archived.

City Eyeing Old Saddleblanket For Artspace Project

City Council will introduce an ordinance on February 28, 2012, to transfer the old El Paso Saddleblanket property at 601 N. Oregon to the El Paso Community Foundation in an effort to locate the planned Artspace project at that location. It is located adjacent to the new Doubletree Hotel. The Council will vote on the item on March 6.

The goal is to create a "high density mixed-use, arts-oriented affordable rental housing development on the Property containing studio/work and gallery spaces," according to the ordinance. The City entered into an agreement with the EPCF and Artspace in 2010 to produce a project of this type. It is seen as a project that will improve cultural heritage and that can be a catalyst for nearby revitalization. A preliminary study has shown a market demand for up to 127 units in downtown El Paso. 

601 N. Oregon - Old Saddleblanket Building

Artspace Projects Inc. is an organization which creates these types of developments throughout the United States. From the Artspace website: "Artspace owns and operates 27 projects in 19 cities and 13 states. Twenty-one of the 27 are live/work projects with a total of 922 residential units. The others are non-residential projects that provide space for artists and cultural organizations. Many of the live/work projects also include non-residential space such as studios, offices for arts organizations, rehearsal and performance venues, and space for arts-friendly businesses."

Artspace Project in Seattle

City Council item: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/muni_clerk/agenda/02-28-12/02281210O.pdf

City Council/Artspace Agreement: http://www.elpasotexas.gov/muni_clerk/agenda/12-07-10/12071012.pdf

Artspace Website: http://www.artspace.org/about/faq.html