Elgin arts courtship continues

Elgin leaders have taken the next step in figuring out whether the city is ripe for an artist co-op.

City council members Wednesday night approved in principle a $25,000 comprehensive survey for the Minneapolis-based Artspace Projects, Inc. to gauge interest in a potential project.

"I enthusiastically move for approval," Councilman Mike Powers said.

Three weeks ago, Artspace representatives came to Elgin to visit with city officials, business leaders and artists. More than 130 artists attended a forum, the group's largest turnout ever.

The 29-year-old not-for-profit group has 23 projects in 14 states. Artspace uses federal and state grants to convert neglected warehouses and old buildings into apartments, studio space, galleries and other commercial-use spaces.

Only people who make less than 60 percent of an area's median income may live there, but the new population can increase visitors for art shows and spur new restaurants and coffee shops.

But even if Artspace partnered with the city now, a project would be at least three years from occupancy because the group will not begin a project without full financing.

Teri Deaver, Artspace director of consulting and new projects, said the survey takes about four to six months.

Ideally, Artspace looks for a ratio of three artists or families interested for every one unit developed. Information from artists will help the group decide on what amenities need to be included in a project as well as its size and scope, Deaver said.

"In the instance of Elgin there was a great turn out of artists at our meetings," she said. "Based on this we would expect there to be a positive response to the survey as well."

Artists would be contacted by mail and online when a survey was refined and ready, which takes about two months. A public meeting to explain the survey also would be scheduled.