MINNEAPOLIS — Construction has officially started on what will be "affordable artist lofts" in the Northeast Minneapolis Art District.
The Artspace NKB Lofts will be located on the Northrup King Campus. From ceramics to music, there already are 350 artists, creative small businesses and nonprofits based in studios within the campus' Northrup King Building, which is considered the largest art complex statewide.
The campus started as a seed factory and includes at least 10 buildings today. It's where Pete Vanni creates steampunk-style art.
"I feel supported here," Vanni said. "If I need a hand, I can always find somebody. I mean, I do sculptures so I need muscles."
Artspace Projects acquired the buildings five years ago. Providing a place for artists to work was the first phase of a larger vision for the 13-acre property. Now it's time for the second phase: providing income-qualifying artists a place to live.
Those involved held a groundbreaking Thursday afternoon to celebrate what will be 84 units for those earning 30 to 80% of Area Median Income. They say rent will be affordable.
"This project provides a variety of housing options for artists, including one-, two- and three-bedroom units with rents available to all income levels," said Zack Avery, principal planning analyst for Hennepin County Economic Development.
"It has historically been a very exclusive space and it's through projects like this and investments like this that are making this a more accessible future for so many more people," said council president Elliott Payne, who also represents Ward 1.
"This type of redevelopment is no small feat but its impact can be significant especially when demand for affordable housing is at an all-time high," said Dan Miller, director of community finance for Capitol One National Association.
Part of the construction involves an innovative stormwater system to protect the environment and enhance green spaces.
"Insidious chemicals like phosphorus will be eliminated in that process," said Kevin Reich, executive director of Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. "It's a big win."
They're also adding a new bike path and bike racks, as well as a fix-it station. It's a $62 million project Vanni says will be worth it.
"It will be more of a community I think than it is now because people will be living here," the sculptor said. "It'll just increase the possibility of connection and all that, and support the arts, which is good. So I'm all for that."