HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - After over 30 years of leasing space there, the Hartford-based contemporary arts organization Real Art Ways has announced plans to purchase and renovate a historic Arbor Street building, making the site its permanent home.
Real Art Ways is set to close on the $4 million purchase of 56 Arbor Street in Hartford's Parkville neighborhood later this year with a $1 million grant from the State Bond Commission.
After the organization purchases the former Underwood Typewriter Company site, work will get underway to finalize details about the renovation.
Currently, the expansion plans include spaces for educational workshops, theatrical performances and gatherings; renovations for exhibition and outdoor spaces; and the addition of four cinemas, a café and a gathering space.
With the expansion of the space, Real Art Ways Executive Director Will Wilkins said the organization will be able to expand its efforts in supporting the creativity and growth of young artists during the early stages of their careers.
"As Jane Jacobs once said, 'For a city to support new ideas, that city needs to have old buildings. That's where new ideas can find a home.' And Real Art Ways is all about new ideas. We're thrilled that we'll be fostering new ideas in this vital neighborhood: Parkville," Wilkins said.
The project is estimated to cost about $14.7 million and is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2022, once plans are finalized.
The building is also currently home to numerous artists, entrepreneurs and creative businesses. According to Wilkins, Real Art Ways will continue to support those who have studios and offices at 56 Arbor Street while also having more rental space to support even more artists and creators.
Another one of the goals of the renovation project, Wilkins said, is to make it a green, net-zero energy building.
"This expansion will establish Real Art Ways as a major center of contemporary art, arts education, music, film, and creative enterprise - not just for Connecticut, but for New England," Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said.