© 2024 Aspen Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Carbondale receives recommendations on artist affordable housing

Claire Woodcock

Artspace is a nonprofit that looks at the feasibility of building affordable spaces for a community’s arts and culture sector. Last week, it gave the town of Carbondale its recommendations on creating more housing for artists.  

In December, Artspace consultants met with leaders from Carbondale's arts community and government. During those meetings, many community members asked for affordable studios and event spaces, in addition to housing. 
 
Last week, Artspace released their findings from that visit. The organization recommends that Carbondale build a mixed-use, affordable housing development for artists. Ideally, the development would have live/work housing on its upper floors, and classrooms, collaborative space and commercial space on the ground floor.
 
Artspace identified three potential locations for this development: The vacant lot next to SAW studios near the Rio Grande Trail, a lot near the new City Market site, or a parcel in the Carbondale Industrial Park.
 
In order to build the project, Artspace recommends that Carbondale reach out to community partners and private donors, and look at federal and state funding programs.  
 
As a next step, Artspace proposes Carbondale conduct an arts market study. That would look at details like rent costs and would zero in on a development location.
 

Contributor Christin Kay is passionate about the rich variety of arts, cultural experiences and stories in the Roaring Fork Valley. She has been a devotee of public radio her whole life. Christin is a veteran of Aspen Public Radio, serving as producer, reporter and interim news director.
Related Content