Salida Awarded State Funds for Housing Development
On March 13, 2023, the City of Salida was notified by the Department of Local Affairs that they had been awarded $600,000 through the Innovative Housing Incentive Grant Program (IHOI). These funds, offered through the state, assist local governments that have implemented strategies to promote the development of innovative affordable housing projects. The project, which was reviewed on a variety of factors such as readiness, capacity, impact on local housing needs, sustained and equitable community support, provision of community benefits and the continuation of sustainable development patterns, will prepare the property at 102 D Street and 233 E. 1st Street for future workforce housing. Specifically, the funds will be used to demolish the structures currently on site and will allow the City to partner with Artspace Projects, Inc. in the design of the property.
Artspace’s work in Salida began in 2021 with both a Feasibility and Creative Space Needs Study, through a grant from Colorado Creative Industries and the Boettcher Foundation. The process included tours, focus groups, public meetings, and an online survey where 319 people responded. Of those who responded, 81% indicated an interest in at least one type of creative space in Salida (live/work housing, private studio space, and/or shared creative space). The majority (72%) of respondents were current permanent residents. Artspace worked closely with the Salida Creative District and City of Salida on both studies and is committed to making the project a reality for the thriving creative community who have called Salida home for the past 50+ years.
Artspace, America's leading nonprofit developer for affordable spaces for artists and creative workers, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, approaches development in a unique and collaborative manner. “We look forward to working with the City of Salida and our long-standing community partner Salida Creative District and other arts and community partners to make this project a reality with affordable workforce housing as a key component,” stated Wendy Holmes, Artspace Director.
Salida is the fifth Space to Create community in Colorado. Recently completed Artspace developments through the same program in Colorado include Ridgway and Trinidad.
Salida's Mayor Dan Shore noted that “this is a very exciting opportunity for our community. The chance to bring more workforce housing, in partnership with a nationally recognized leader in this arena, is truly wonderful.”
