title. Grand Ave. Art Center

date. Fall 2016

city. Phoenix, AZ

​

The Grand Ave Art Center is designed around the importance of the arts in the community. This proposed center provides a creative outlet and a community space for local residents to gather. In an effort to preserve the authenticity of the local neighborhood, this adaptive reuse project preserves the O.S. Stapley Building's historic facade and neighborhood identity. 

​

Art has been linked to gentrification, as artists often live in affordable rentals in less than desirable areas. Over time, established art communities revitalize these neighborhoods to the point that they attract newer, wealthier people to the area who displace the artists themselves and longterm residents as costs rise.

​

There is a lack of transparency in corporate rezoning projects that seek to institutionalize low-income areas with high-rises, chain stores and businesses, and fancy galleries.  In line with the work of local artist and resident Beatrice Moore, the Grand Ave Art Center strives to create an inviting community center that embraces the neighborhood's personality without changing its existing character. 

By hosting visiting artists to live in the center and in exchange share their work and knowledge through workshops, a studio, and gallery space, this center will establish a collaborative playground. The proposed design consist of a series of transparent "fish bowls" along the Grand Ave street front where pedestrians can see in, be intrigued and feel invited to engage in the art center. Transitioning into the back of the building, the space becomes more private, where the artist living quarters are located and where residents can comfortably stay while they work with the community to enrich the Grand Ave neighborhood.

​