THE ACADEMY LOFTS adair park

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1 THE ACADEMY LOFTS adair park 1

2 DEVELOPMENT TEAM JOHN CRANE Building Insights, INC STAN SUGARMAN Stryant Construction, INC ATTICUS LEBLANC Stryant Construction, INC PROGRAMS NEDA ABGHARI The Creatives Project, INC VISION: The first concept of its kind in the city of Atlanta, The Academy Lofts Adair Park, has the opportunity to become a symbol of inclusionary neighborhood revitalization and community engagement through the establishment of a live/work atmosphere for artists and creative enthusiasts from throughout the region. Our vision for the site is a historic redevelopment focused on arts and community engagement where creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs will live, work, and interact both internally among each other, and externally within the Adair Park neighborhood, and the City of Atlanta at large. Our plan includes 35 affordable micro-units for live/work space targeting creatives and artists, 2500 sf of loft office tailored to non-profits and small businesses, a revamped 3800 sf auditorium repurposed for an art gallery, community event space, a 1300 sf coffee shop and 2500 sf of small classrooms for studio work space. Most importantly, it is at the center of the neighborhood, and a neighborhood center. Providing a place for residents or neighbors to relax and chat over a great cup of coffee, learn ceramics or sculpture from a local artist, start a new business venture, or attend a play, all without ever leaving the community or stepping into a car. Additionally, with a following of talented artists, supportive business patrons, an esteemed reputation as an arts leader in the area, our non-profit partner The Creatives Project, is poised to establish our concept as an award winning affordable housing program for the creative sector. The residency program will provide artists with affordable rental units that include creative amenities such as studio access, classrooms, and gallery space to foster creative growth and innovation. We will create new opportunities for Atlanta s burgeoning arts community and enable the city to retain its creative talents. It will also have profound impact on the areas economy by building community life, attracting visitors, and increasing economic activity.

3 GUIDING PRINCIPLES historic preservation & sustainable design permanent affordability community engagement through the arts creating a new center for adair park HISTORIC PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: This project will rehabilitate the George W. Adair School built in 1912 which has been left abandoned since the 1970s. The building has been without a functioning roof for approximately 10 years, and is in complete disrepair. Our hope is to preserve and revive this once proud landmark, and to do so in a way that models sustainable building practices while maintaining the historic character of existing architectural elements. Moreover, with easy access to Atlanta Beltline s west side trail, the Adair school redevelopment will provide a gathering point for pedestrian and bicycle traffic for neighborhoods throughout Atlanta. The design of the school redevelopment will focus on providing access for pedestrians, bicycle traffic, & car-sharing, while limiting traditional auto dependence and parking.

4 PERMANENT AFFORDABILITY: The impact of the Atlanta Beltline in catalyzing growth in the city of Atlanta cannot be understated. The planned 22-mile loop of trails and transit has been called by national experts, 'the country s most ambitious smart growth project. The Beltline, even in its infancy on the Westside, has spurred economic growth in the area. Known for attracting new business, investors, and housing developments in once neglected neighborhoods along it completed sections, statistics show and critics complain the trail depletes affordable housing and workspace options leaving many displaced citizens in its wake. From the growth of high income households close the completed section of the Beltline, was approximately double the rate of growth of higher income households in the city overall. With the increase of home prices throughout the city of Atlanta, the need for affordable housing is greater now than ever. The redevelopment of the Academy Lofts will include the conversion of existing classrooms on all tree floors into microapartments for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs that are designed to provide inherent long-term affordability to households earning less than 60% of the area median income. The design and redevelopment of the Adair School ensures that these units will prevent the displacement of future residents in need of quality affordable housing.

5 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH THE ARTS: In addition to providing publicly accessible retail, studios, and community space, the Academy Lofts will feature arts programming managed by our non-profit partner, The Creatives Project, to foster arts-based community engagement. Artists living and working on site will offer workshops and seminars, and engage in collaborative and community-based projects that give back and connect with the local community and the surrounding neighborhoods. The Academy Lofts will serve as a backdrop for deep conversations about place and community enrichment via arts and culture initiatives while allowing residents time and space to develop new bodies of works. Whether arts education for at-risk youth, art-based therapy for seniors or disabled neighbors, theatrical performances, or simply a monthly artist market, the inclusion of arts-based programming will create deeper connections among residents and surrounding neighbors while strengthening the sense of place within the entire Adair Park community.

6 CREATING A NEW CENTER FOR ADAIR PARK: Located directly at the physical center of the Adair Park neighborhood, the abandoned school has for many years been a source of blight for the surrounding area that has been able to thrive in spite of the school s central and direct relationship to the surrounding homes. Now more than ever, as the Adair Park neighborhood has seen an influx of new residents who are intent on restoring their homes and community, we hope that The Academy Lofts will once again become a center for existing neighbors and future residents to commune and interact. The redevelopment of The Academy Lofts will provide a much needed gathering and event space with over 10,000 sf accessible to the public, including a coffee shop, art gallery and community event space, classroom and studio space available to the public, as well as traditional and shared office space. THE ACADEMY LOFTS adair park CONTACT INFORMATION: DEVELOPMENT Name: Atticus LeBlanc - Stryant Partner Address: 1939 Hosea L Williams Dr Phone: (cell) atticus@stryantconstruction.com Web: PROGRAMS Name: Neda Abghari - TCP Director Address: 479 Mellview Ave Phone: (cell) neda@thecreativesproject.org Web: