New Pullman development offers a place for artists to work and live

The Pullman Artspace Lofts is a live and work space designed for artists. It includes 38 rental apartments and a 2,000 sq. ft. community and gallery space. Photo courtesy of James Harvey/Artspace
The Pullman Artspace Lofts is a live and work space designed for artists. It includes 38 rental apartments and a 2,000 sq. ft. community and gallery space. Photo courtesy of James Harvey/Artspace

New Pullman development offers a place for artists to work and live

BY TIA CAROL JONES

Alexis Willis is a multidisciplinary artist who growing up was a visual artist, then as she got older, became more of a performing artist. These weren’t just hobbies for her, it was something she wanted to make a career out of.

“I wanted to look for ways these gifts could benefit my neighborhood, it’s a part of my career to steward these gifts,” she said.

Willis also wanted to collaborate with other artists and have opportunities for more social interaction within the community she lived in.

Now, Willis is a resident in the Pullman Artspace Lofts, a live and work development for artists in the Pullman neighborhood.

The development, located near 111th and Langley Ave., is the first new residential space in Pullman in almost 50 years. It boasts 38 rental apartments, as well as a 2,000 sq. ft. community and gallery space that can be used for art exhibits and cultural programs. It was developed by Artspace Projects, Inc., a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization, in partnership with Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives and PullmanArts.

According to Artspace, six of the work and live spaces will be occupied by Chicago Housing Authority residents. Artspace also is encouraging artists and creatives to apply for the property. There are studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments available.

Willis, who lived in Pullman for nine months prior to moving into the lofts, said she was told about it by someone close to her. She said while she was looking to move more toward Hyde Park, the Loop, North side or South Loop area, the affordable housing component appealed to her.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said.

Willis also liked the outreach opportunities for residents. There are other developments in the works in the area, as well as a wellness center in the neighborhood.

“A lot of things are happening here,” she said.

Willis said neighbors have been friendly and supportive. She said she was asked to be a block captain to represent Artspace for the Pullman Civic Organization. She also liked the idea that there were already architects and other artists who lived in the community.

“It made me say, ‘Oh, they’re definitely going to be the people to support the artists in the lofts,’” she said. Willis said she really likes that the building is new and has white walls, with a more industrial feel. “I like the idea of moving into a new space. It doesn’t have the influence of the people who previously lived there,” she said.

Willis said when she moved in at the end of November 2019, she was determined to make it a personalized space. She said her transition was made easier because of the generosity of friends and family who provided her with what she needed for her apartment. “The space will continually evolve. I’m happy with it for now,” she said.

Willis said she is excited about the prospect to become an active member of the Pullman community. “It is really important as artists we do show our face and put ourselves out there,” she said.

Ninth Ward Alderman Anthony Beale said, in a release, that development of the loft space was part of the Renaissance of Pullman.

“More than $350 million of public and private investment has attracted new businesses and created 1,500 jobs, as well as new affordable housing, educational and recreational amenities – all of which are making Pullman a community of choice,” he said.

For more information about the Pullman Artspace Lofts, visit www.artspace.org/pullman.

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