Artspace Hamilton Lofts

Preserving an Historic Downtown

222 High Street Hamilton, OH, 45011

Overview

The City of Hamilton, on the northern edge of the Cincinnati metro area, began using the arts for civic improvement in the 1990s. In partnership with artists, politicians, and neighborhood and philanthropic leaders, Artspace restored a historic building downtown into a mixed-use arts facility. The project rehabilitated two internally connected, historic buildings: a 1900 French Renaissance masterpiece originally known as the Mehrum Building, and the 1913 Lindley Block. In addition to 42 units of affordable live/work space for artists and their families, the project provides ground floor commercial space for creative businesses, gallery space, and an outdoor seating patio.

Architect: SHP Leading Design & Community Design Alliance

Contractor: Messer Construction Co.

Community Partners: The City of Hamilton; Fitton Center for Creative Arts; Hamilton Community Foundation; Vision 2020

Development Partner: Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton, Inc.

Funders: Hamilton Community Foundation; Ralph “Pat” Carruthers; Claire Fitton; Vaden Fitton; Sarah & Joe Marcum; Shirley & Jack Moser; Marilyn & Joel Schmidt; Harry T. Wilks; City of Hamilton; U.S. Bank; Ohio Housing Finance Agency; Ohio Historic Preservation Office; Ohio Development Services Agency

est. 2015

Type of Development:

Mixed-Use Housing/Commercial

Number of Units:

42

Total Square Footage:

4,650

Total Project Cost:

$11.8M

Features:

Downtown living with public transportation nearby; Garage and on-street parking; In-unit washer and dryer; High ceilings; Resident gallery