UPDATE
The past month has been dedicated to design planning for the construction phase of the Water Tower Depot. The core of this project is converting an active 1945 warehouse loading dock into a dual purpose space – industrial warehouse loading dock by day and performing space on nights and weekends.
On July 15 and 16, it began. We held a two day design charrette to refine the proposed concept and prioritize elements of the build based on current funding available. We are working with architects and engineers from Tavella Design Group, Fuss & O’Neill, and Ritchie Smith Design. They have been associated with other projects related to this area.
More than 50 people attended the various sessions (stakeholder groups – community/residents, business owners, performing and visual artists) that we held during these two days. We also conducted two general public feedback sessions following the charrette.
Stakeholders toured the property during the two day Design Charrette held in July. The need for connectivity with the businesses at street level is seen clearly from the stage.[/caption]
The elements that our build will include are:
Connectivity from the street to the lower level of the loading dock. The dock lies 15 feet below street level and must remain functional for 18 wheelers to come in and out of the area.
Shade
Professional dance floor and community dance floor
Sound, lighting and electrical to support community-based performances.
We are now focused on refining cost estimates and determining how to prioritize these elements.
A working plan emerged from the two day session. Refining cost estimates for the build is underway.[/caption]
RECENT WINS
New businesses continue to seek out Broad Avenue. The momentum continues.
Four retail businesses are set to open on Broad Avenue this fall. Capacity and activity on the street has increased significantly since the ArtPlace grant was announced. This includes the building directly across from the Depot space which has been empty for more than twenty years. Several restaurant owners are studying the space for potential utilization.
The first “Broad Avenue After 5: Sunset Quest” was held on July 22 – and then rescheduled to August 1 when a flash flood hit Memphis at 5pm. The Buzz generated for this event was tremendous. Even with the unfortunate rain delay, attendance was great with new visitors to the street. The purpose of the Sunset Quest was similar to a scavenger hunt. Participants had to complete the list of quests prior to sunset. Each business along Broad Avenue created a quest, such as perform a ballet position at Collage Dance. Those who turned in a completed Quest Map were entered for a drawing. The winner received a Broad Avenue “Swag Bag.”
The Broad Avenue Night Market launches on August 22. The concept for a night market – combining the sale of fresh produce, artisans, dance classes, kids’ activities and a DJ filling the street with music all night long – will be tested for three months.
INSIGHT
en·cum·ber (n-kmbr): To hinder or impede the action or performance of: restrictions that encumber a developer to maintain full-access to his/her property even when graciously allowing an arts organization to utilize the space at no charge.
If your project is utilizing property still owned by someone else, defining what “encumber” means to the property owner is critical. For this project, the issue was getting to specifics with regard to how far we could build tiered seating access into the loading dock courtyard. The concern relates to circulation of the trucks utilizing the loading dock. Previously, the discussion had become almost circular – “the space must not be encumbered, but we aren’t sure how it might be leased in the future. Therefore, we can’t tell you what that means in specific dimensions of build into the courtyard.”
Since we recognized this could be an issue, the architect developed three seating options – build out of 24 feet, 16 feet and 10 feet. Even with these options, a little friction occurred as we discussed the build. Fortunately, we have built a good working relationship over the past few years and we were able to work through the friction with a good sense of humor. Keeping a “win-win” perspective is key.