Lot 23

In keeping with the vision for Blum Park, adopted in the Pleasant City Citizens’ Master Plan, the CRA purchased two (2) public housing buildings located adjacent to the Anchor site on 23rd Street, just south of Northwood Village. The strategy was to relocate the public housing units that were adjacent to Blum Park and to “flip” the Park to be adjacent to the Pleasant City Community Center. The construction of new townhomes was planned to face the newly located park. The decline in the market and the lack of financing put the project on hold. CRA staff met with neighborhood leaders and Lot 23 was formed.

Lot 23 is an art-centric, neighborhood-scale artist colony located west of Blum Park on 23rd Street, just south of Northwood Village. At build-out, the project will be comprised of two four-unit apartment buildings, which currently exist, and are under renovations and a studio space not to exceed 20,000 square foot which will be new construction.

The CRA envisions that a diverse mix of artists will use the studio space, including artists whom have their living quarters off-site. Types of artist will include visual (paint/drawing, ceramics, sculpture, carving, and carpentry), literary (writing/poetry), performing (dance/theatre/vocal), photography, music, and textiles. The studio space will also provide space for smaller performances and events as well as a retail component.

A large part of the mission of this project is for the artists to provide educational and outreach opportunities to the surrounding communities. It is anticipated that classes for both children and adults would be held in the studio space and possibly outdoors on the site. Events at Lot 23 will be integrated with the monthly Art and Wine Promenade.

One of Pleasant City’s largest assets is the Pleasant City Elementary School. The school’s new principal is interested in making stronger connections to the neighborhood. She noted that the school would benefit from a community service program that incorporated music and dance as these are art forms that the school is currently lacking.

The goal of the Program is to use the Arts as a revitalization tool. Mentoring the youth of the community through the arts by providing in school and after school activities will build up the community and reinforce civic minded behavior. The positive interaction with the youth will establish a connection with their community; help create a personal vision, and foster career aspiration for the youth in the community