A former police station has been repurposed to be the centerpiece of a unique mixed-used development for artists in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The new Artspace Silver Spring Arts Campus is anchored by 7,500 square feet of communal space in the police station that was built in 1962 and in operation until 2013. It’s the latest project by Artspace, a nonprofit that specializes in creating affordable spaces for artists and creative businesses.
Project architect BKV Group incorporated the structure’s original white brick facade into the new design of the development, which ranges from one to four stories in height, with a two-story lobby that features floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides. The lobby will function as a public gallery showcasing original works and murals created by resident artists.
The balance of the communal space houses a private meeting room for resident functions and community programming, as well as private artist studios and shared maker spaces that are available for rent. A selection of the artist workspaces enjoy immediate access to an adjacent courtyard.
In addition, BKV Group designed 68 affordable rental units—available in one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans—that are housed across a four-story structure spanning the western end of the site and an attached three-story structure along the northern end. The F-shaped design created by the residential and communal components creates an inviting plaza near the lobby entrance as well as the private courtyard at the center of the campus, which is wrapped by residences and a portion of the artist studios.
Also designed by BKV Group are 11 mixed-income rental townhomes on the eastern end of the site, each with a back deck overlooking the courtyard and private garage accessible via the campus’ interior driveway and parking lot.
The developed is designed with artists in mind and incorporates wide doors and 9-foot-plus ceilings into each of the 68 residences to accommodate large instruments or canvases. Apartments also feature hardwood-style flooring, stainless steel appliances, and in-unit washers and dryers, with a full-size or Juliet balcony available in select plans. Covered parking is located on the ground level of the three- and four-story multifamily buildings.
The courtyard, which was designed by VIKA Civil Engineering & Site Design, will feature open green space and an ADA-compliant ramp that can double as a platform for outdoor performances and gatherings.
The 68 low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) units are fully occupied. The arts center is still undergoing tenant improvement to delineate the arts center space into working studies and other arts-related enterprises, according to Artspace.
Financing for the approximately $32 million project includes 4% LIHTCs and tax-exempt bonds from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which also provide soft debt loans. Bank of America is the investor and construction lender.
Artspace Silver Spring Arts Campus is also supported by Montgomery County Housing Initiative Fund and HOME soft debt loans as well as a Freddie Mac TEL (tax-exempt loan).
