Dissenting Opinion

    There is always that potential because of the newly generated economic activity generated by Tashiro Kaplan community.  However, HUD and Artspace are hoping that other buildings will be renovated and offered as mixed-use/ affordable housing units.  Tashiro itself is not an example of gentrification because it is providing access to a previously marginalized group in the housing market.  Tashiro Kaplan is also ensuring the affordability of housing for artists, who are often forced out by market changes and gentrification.  Rather than driving out any one group of people, the reinvigoration of the Pioneer Square area is meant to draw people into previously vacant buildings.  

    Art, as a profession, provides an ideal focus for mixed-use spaces, such as the Tashiro Kaplan building.  By integrating living, work and exhibition spaces in the same building, Tashiro exemplifies efficient use of limited urban space.  Additionally, artist have special requirements for work space, which are not designed within traditional housing frameworks.

    It is difficult to attach a judgment of value on the worthiness of either type of housing.  By enabling one population, such as artists, economic activity for local businesses is fixed.  The Tashiro Kaplan building is providing artists with housing and access to the job market (i.e. 31 galleries in 20 blocks).  Artists are an extremely vulnerable population because of the highly volatile market of luxury item sales.  If the Tashiro Kaplan renovation were to be for housing the homeless, the problem of employment would still persist.  Also, the neighborhood would not receive the same net benefits as with an artist community.  

Home Page    Introduction    Artspace Projects Inc    Pioneer Square

Artist Housing Needs    First Thursday Artwalk    

Application Process    Pro Forma    

Social Impacts    Conclusion    Additional Resources