Artspace - Building Better Communities Through The Arts 

When it opened in 1925, Read's was hailed as the largest and most modern department store in New England. Five stories tall, with large green awnings that gave it an instantly identifiable look, Read's was a luxurious symbol of Bridgeport's sophistication and prosperity. But times change: by the 1970s, downtown Bridgeport had fallen on hard times, and Read's, which closed its doors in 1981, became emblematic of urban decay.

Fortunately, Read's was not torn down. In the late 1990s, Bridgeport engaged Artspace to transform this urban landmark into Read's Artspace (also known as Sterling Market Lofts), a live/work development. Working with Mission First, a consulting firm from Washington, D.C., Artspace created 61 spacious live/work units on the upper floors and arts-friendly commercial space on the ground floor.

Read's Artspace's $14.1 million conversion restored the 150,000-square-foot building to its original appearance. Broad interior spaces serve as informal galleries on each of the upper five floors; a 4,000-square-foot public gallery on the ground floor houses more formal exhibitions.