Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street, Toronto, Ontario
Type: Renovation
Size: 60,000 sf
Project Cost: $23 million
Development Partners:
- Artscape
- City of Toronto
Status: Opened in 2008
Description
Artscape Wychwood Barns combines non-profit housing with a community cultural hub in a rede- veloped former streetcar repair facility that dates from 1913-1921. The project includes 26 artist live- work spaces, 14 artist studios, a community-run gallery, programming and administrative facilities for ten not-for-profit organizations, a 8,000 square foot “covered street” barn that acts as community space for events, exhibitions and festivals, as well as an indoor and outdoor growing area. The roof of the fifth Barn was demolished and the structure was integrated as a feature in the surrounding park.
Complexity / Collaboration
Community groups were mobilised in the early stage of redevelopment planning, particularly around issues of heritage. A heritage easement agreement was entered into by the City and Artscape led out which features of the buildings were to be protected.
User Interaction/Partnership Framework
Artscape is financially and legally responsible for subleases and license agreements with all tenants. Artscape is also responsible for all property management and base building operations, including maintenance and capital repairs. Upon completion of the project, Artscape transferred the residential component of the project to Artscape Non Profit Homes Inc., which administers the residential component of the studio barn as part of its arrangement with the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing program and the Affordable Housing Office of the City of Toronto. The community continues to play a major role, along with artist and organizational tenants. The Wychwood Barns Community Association was created in 2008 and is responsible for curating the community gallery. The Tenant Liaison Committee consists of eight Artscape tenants as well as the Artscape Tenant Services and Properties department staff. It meets bi-monthly to bridge the communication gap between Artscape and tenants and advise on operational issues. An All Tenant Programming Committee meets bi-monthly to discuss shared programming plans and opportunities at the Barns.
Costs / Funding
The project operates under a 50-year lease at $1 a year on a self-sustaining model. A diverse group of funders provided support, including government and private groups with interests in housing, arts, culture and the environment. An early contribution of $500,000 from the Metcalf Foundation for the Stop’s proposal to create a green barn helped generate momentum and confidence in the project. The City of Toronto contributed $1 million in Section 37 funds and agreed to remediate the contaminated soil. The rent-geared-to-income housing component allowed the project to access funds from the provincial and federal governments. Grants from Cultural Spaces Canada and eration of Canadian Municipalities were also essential.
Questions?
If you’d like more details on our case studies, please contact us at infrastructure@utoronto.ca