At its core, the LuigART Makers Spaces creates live/work spaces by rehabilitating and recreating historic workforce housing in the North Limestone neighborhood, through innovative construction techniques and zoning. In addition to creating new spaces, the program connects these residents with partner non-profit organizations to help with downpayment assistance, financial literacy training and low-risk mortgage financing. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) created for LuigART Makers Spaces makes it possible for people to create and sell their goods out of their homes, and even allow residents to hire employees to work out of their house. In addition, the PUD defines 9 terms not found elsewhere in the Zoning Ordinance.

Most of the structures in the LuigART Makers Spaces were formerly vacant, condemned, or distressed properties that showed signs of a long history of disinvestment. From these properties, we have produced energy-efficient, contextually innovative, affordable housing that remains true to the architectural history and character of the neighborhood. All houses were sold, to bolster the neighborhood’s owner-occupancy rate.