Residential Rehab

Traditional residential spaces are ideal for many artists. Not only do they provide an instant live/work set-up, but it is typically easier to lease or secure financing for a purchase. With a bit of ingenuity and resource management, artists can incorporate work activities into these spaces either by building a workspace from scratch, modifying the space, or furnishing it wisely.

This chapter discusses three primary types of residential space:

• Detached single-family homes,
  
• Traditional multi-family units (apartments, condominiums, townhouses, etc.), and
  
• Commercial spaces converted to residential use.

Multi-family units can be as small as a two-flat, or as large as a courtyard building with many apartment units or condos. Converted commercial spaces often have open-space floor plans, which are typically not divided into individual rooms. The classic one-room “loft” is an example of a converted commercial space. In addition, new zoning laws now allow some commercial spaces to be converted into artist live/work spaces. Each type of residential space can be purchased or leased, and each has it own pros and cons.

As discussed in Chapter 13: Zoning, the Chicago’s Zoning Ordinance places restrictions on the type of work-related activities that can occur in residential districts. Single-family and multi-family residential buildings typically have the most restrictions, while converted commercial lofts, located in business and commercial districts, allow for a greater number of art production methods. This is especially true for buildings zoned to allow legally defined artist live/work space.

In addition to the City’s restrictions, multi-unit buildings generally have their own individual restrictions concerning permissible uses of the space. If the unit is a rental, the lease generally outlines any stipulations placed on the space. If the space is purchased as part of a condominium or cooperative, the building will normally have a set of by-laws, rules and regulations, known as the CC & R (conditions, covenants and restrictions), that list any restrictions on activities.

Be aware that by-laws may limit your work-related activities, as well as the type (if any) of signage you can display for your business, if applicable. Review the by-laws and CC&R before purchasing or leasing residential space to ensure your proposed use is permitted. If you are considering a space in a shared live/work or work-only environment, review Chapter 11: Ownership Models for more information on space issues associated with this type of organizational structure.

After you have decided on the type of space you want, the next task is to determine the compatibility of your work activities with your living requirements. Think of your artistic production as a roommate that has its own space needs. Just like a human roommate, this roommate has “stuff,” and will overtake the entire residential space unless given a designated space of its own. Count each artist who lives with you as two people, in order to accommodate their work space needs.

Make a realistic inventory of your workspace needs. Measuring your present or previous workspace will help you come to a reasonable estimate. See Chapter 1: Getting Ready for worksheets to help you figure out your space requirements.

Once you have found an appropriate residential property, groom the space to fit your needs. The remainder of this section discusses ways to adapt residential space for artistic use.