Rehabilitating old storefronts, houses or even warehouses, no problem. Finding a new purpose for an old prison, now that's a harder nut to crack.
But it's one Jackson has successfully split wide open with its Armory Arts Village, where one of the state's oldest prisons has been recreated into a living and working space for local artists and creatives. It's one of Michigan's most innovative redevelopments and will have its grand opening gala Friday night, starting at 7 p.m.
The event will showcase the newly completed construction, which includes art galleries, work spaces and the Armory Artswalk Apartments. The idea is to create a unique home for artists and other creative people in Jackson.
That's a far cry from the building's original function; first built as a prison in 1880s then a National Guard Armory in the 1930s.
But to coin a phrase, "Things change." The renovated building includes a two-story industrial art production space, a ceramics/sculpture studio and three generic classroom/work rooms. Some of the space will be available for rent for performances and special events.
There will also be 62 affordable apartments. They are set aside for artists, musicians, designers, craftsmen and other creative people.
Tickets for the grand opening gala are $75 and are available at the Enterprise Group of Jackson, Suite 1100, One Jackson Square or the Armory Arts Village. For information contact Jane Robinson at jrobinson@enterprisegroup.org or at (517) 788-4455 ext: 105.
Source: Jane Robinson, spokeswoman for Armory Arts Village
Writer: Jon Zemke
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