For Immediate Release
Monday, April 18, 2011
Edmonton’s first artists’ housing co-op joins Alberta Ave arts revitalization
EDMONTON – Arts Habitat Association is pleased to announce their latest project: ArtsHab Alberta Ave, Edmonton’s first affordable housing co-op for artists. Located above the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, this 16-suite project is a new cornerstone in the arts-led revitalization of 118 Ave.
The new co-op will allow artists to live and work in a dynamic community that is highly motivated to support the arts. The completion of this development is a source of pride for Arts Habitat Association of Edmonton, whose goal is to provide safe, affordable and appropriate living and working space for artists and arts organizations.
Nina Haggerty Centre Director, Wendy Hollo, is delighted with the development. “The Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts was thrilled to welcome Arts Habitat as its condo partner in the new ArtsHab Alberta Avenue facility. Their presence on the Ave helps to grow the artistic community that is palpably transforming this once beleaguered neighbourhood into Edmonton’s newest arts district,” she says.
Arts Habitat Association General Manager, Linda Huffman adds, “Arts and culture led regeneration has been proven to create diverse, inclusive and healthy communities. New investments such as affordable housing and facilities for the arts have long-term positive effects for the community, and are key components in the City’s strategy to revitalize 118 Ave. Literally next door to the co-op is the Alberta Cycle Building which Arts Habitat is developing into a multi-discipline arts facility with partner, Arts on the Ave.”
“We welcome ArtsHab Alberta Ave as a huge addition to the Alberta Avenue neighbourhood. It brings life, creativity and friendships to the Ave.” says Christy Morin of Arts on the Ave.
Actor Garett Spelliscy is one of the co-op’s first members. He has discovered the benefits that living in a co-op offers, “We’ve gotten to know all our neighbours. We’re all like-minded and we all have a sense of shared responsibility to the building and each other.”
Arts Habitat Association acknowledges the generous support of the City of Edmonton through the Cornerstones Program for Affordable Housing. Many thanks to our partners, Edmonton Inner City Housing Society for their vision in presenting us with this outstanding opportunity, and Artists Urban Village – a chapter of PAL Canada for their insight and commitment to affordable housing for artists. We also thank our development consultant Lynn Hannley of The Communitas Group.
Media contact:
Linda Huffman
General Manager
Arts Habitat Association
T: 780 932-3676
E: lhuffman@artshab.com
W: www.artshab.com
