MICHIGAN CITY — After standing vacant for more that two decades, the building at 717 Franklin St., Michigan City, finally opened its door to the public on Thursday.
Known for generations as the Warren Building, the seven-story structure, now the Artspace Uptown Artist Lofts, offers 44 live/work units targeted toward artists, as well as commercial space, a gallery and a multi-purpose room.
An open house was held Thursday for the structure.
During a walk-through of the building, Sarah White, director of property development for Artspace, said she was excited for the community to finally see the transformation of this property. The original terrazzo flooring still existed throughout much of the building, and contractors salvaged what they could of a winding staircase that goes from the first floor to the community room on the seventh floor.
But the building has been redesigned with artists in mind. White said the units now feature such coveted details as higher ceilings, natural light, easily-cleaned hard surfaces and wider doorways and elevators to better allow transporting equipment.
Residential applications are now being accepted with the hopes of allowing prospective tenants to move in by next month.
Studio apartments as well as one- and two-bedroom units are available, with the rooms are priced to accommodate low-income artists and their families on a sliding scale ranging from $327 to $843, based on income.
The renovation of the old Warren Building into these artists' residences has been an ongoing project for about eight years, said Rich Murphy, a former city councilman who played a role in bringing Artspace to Michigan City.
He said it all began when Councilman Tim Bietry contacted Artspace to visit Michigan City to see if the Warren Building was sufficient for artist lofts. The hope was to bring more life to the downtown, which was in the early stages of its rebirth at that time.
In the years since, many city officials and community activists have been working to make the Artspace Uptown Artist Lofts a reality, with funding being a major hurdle.
But after millions of dollars in tax credits were awarded to the city – combined with contributions from the city as well as corporate and private donations – Artspace was able to move forward with making the artist lofts a reality.
John Gilmore of Tonn and Blank Construction – contracted to complete the renovation – said he was impressed by the way Kil Architecture was able to take the vision described by Artspace and bring it to fruition, saying all three organizations working together was a great partnership.
“When I first came here, the roof was caving in and the building was full of water,” Gilmore said, pleased with the overall outcome of the project.
Over the decades, the Warren Building has housed City Hall, Montgomery Ward and the offices of several doctors and dentists along with many other businesses.
Having already received some applications for these residences, White said Artspace representatives are planning to approve the first round of applicants in the coming days.