Another Push to Make Bronx a Place for the Arts
With a public-private partnership, an arts incubator Bronx Kreate Space acquired 15 Canal Place in Mott Haven.
NEW YORK CITY—The Bronx hasn’t always been known as an arts community. But that’s changing. The borough received a recent vote of confidence for it arts and culture potential. The workplace and community incubator Bronx Kreate Space is moving into 15 Canal Place in the Mott Haven neighborhood.
15 Canal Place, LLC purchased the four-floor, 19,550 square-foot warehouse that was originally built in 1931 from B&G Mechanical Corporation for $4.2 million, according to Property Shark. The website also lists Abraham Maslavi and Saul Maslavi as owners. New York State provided a $595,000 Downtown Revitalization Award and The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation and its president Marlene Cintron also provided a $350,000 loan.
The enterprise will provide local artists with affordable creative space that fosters artistic collaborations, builds community and helps the local economy.
Bronx Kreate Space, led by CEO Dan Herdoon, will lease affordable studios to more than 100 artists and makers, along with offering $20 monthly community memberships for local residents. The membership without permanent space will allow access to classes, lectures, gallery space and maker markets. Although priority will be given to Bronx residents, others will be welcome on a first come first served basis.
Studio space rents will range from $175 to $1,000 monthly. The lowest price points will provide open-concept areas. These options will provide tenants access to dedicated desks with outlets and wireless internet access. The spaces will be suited for the needs of portable trades such as with tech entrepreneurs, graphic and web designers, web content providers, bloggers, photojournalists, architects, interior designers and writers. Private studio leases start at $350 per month then go higher.
In partnerships with local museums, non-profit organizations, schools and government agencies, Bronx Kreate Space has its eyes on becoming a cultural destination. It plans to set up mentorships with affiliated artists and local school students.
“The Bronx has always been an innovator in the arts and music, but now we have a home where artists can work in a communal setting,” says Cintron. “The economic development impact of supporting our local artists in the Bronx under one roof will be unprecedented. I look forward to financing more of them as the need for even more space becomes apparent.”
The artist-maker hub will hire management, maintenance and hospitality employees. In addition, it will partner with a local coffee shop to set up a cafe to increase traffic to the first floor gallery. The space will also host events.
“Bronx Kreate Space will be instrumental in sending the message that art is for everyone and we need to keep it alive in the Bronx,” says Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz, Jr. “My office supports projects like this to help break down barriers of entry for local artists and the community and I am excited to see this project come to fruition.”
Kathy Zamechansky, president of KZA Realty, found and secured the space for Bronx Kreate Space. Paul Enea of RM Friedland represented the seller, B&G Mechanical Corporation.