Affordable Artists' Space project on Soft Water property..

 [As received from WADA's Mark Aeling.]


The Warehouse Arts District Association Signs Contract on 50,000 Sq. Ft.
Compound to Create Affordable Artists Space & Enclave
St. Petersburg, FL. – Warehouse Arts District – A contract for the purchase of the Ace Recycling
Compound was signed today by Warehouse Arts District Association president, Mark Aeling. The
compound contains over 50,000 square feet of space and is located on the corner of 22nd Street South
and 5th Avenue South. Plans to renovate the 6 warehouses and office buildings on the property (which
will be called the Warehouse Arts Enclave) are based on raising $350,000 by November 1, 2014. The
vision of the Warehouse Arts District is to develop and create a cooperative, vibrant and interactive
community for artists that integrates the art community with the public. Initially, approximately 20,000
square feet is planned to be built out into air conditioned, affordable studio space for district artists such
as photographers, painters, graphic artists, etc. plus other larger spaces will be created for metal
workers, sculptors and other mixed media artists. Offices, class rooms, a large gallery space, a foundry,
a recording studio and rehearsal space and a possible micro-brew pub are also in the tentative plans.
The Pinellas Trail runs alongside the compound as well and ideas are swirling around about creating an
“Arts Gateway to St. Pete” with colorful murals and artwork and opening up trail access from the
compound to neighbor, Duncan McClellan Glass’ location, and to the Morean Center for Clay.
Mark Aeling states, “The development of the ‘Warehouse Arts Enclave’ will ensure that there is
affordable studio space for artists in St. Petersburg as the city continues to develop.”
The City of St. Petersburg is highly enthusiastic about this endeavor so talks will continue about working
together and gathering funds. For supporters of the arts to learn more about donating to the “Enclave”
to help further enhance the City’s mission to become an Arts Destination, email
info@whereartismade.com.