EDMONTON – Edmonton could soon have its own Quartet in the Quarters, under plans for a new downtown building expected to attract numerous senior artists as residents.
Unlike the recent Maggie Smith movie about a home for retired British musicians, the 64-unit Artists Quarters is intended to provide housing where young and old can work in their fields.
But Shirley Serviss, head of one of the non-profit groups behind the development, said Tuesday she has heard the comparison.
“I had someone mention it to me last night. She thought of our project all the way through (the film). I must confess I did too,” Serviss, president of Artists Urban Village, said with a laugh.
“Other people have asked me what happens when you put a lot of artists in a building. I don’t know. We will find out.”
The 17-storey tower at 96th Street and 102A Avenue will incorporate the demolished Mount Royal Hotel site, an adjoining building and a lane and parking lot to the west.
The bottom four floors will have space for arts groups, shops and studios, while the rest will be a mix of affordable and market-priced homes where families, singles and senior artists can work as well as live.
Serviss thinks the $30-million facility will appeal to older performers, painters, singers and others who’ve earned a living in the arts, giving them a place to remain active in their professions and interact with colleagues.
“What my experience has been with friends who went into nursing homes for various reasons is they felt isolated,” said Serviss, a writer.
“I remember one elderly poet friend saying, ‘Nobody here reads’ … She continued to publish into her 80s.”
The building will have soundproofing, ventilation and other features so residents can practice the violin or paint without bothering their neighbours, she said.
Artists Urban Village is working on the proposal with Arts Habitat Edmonton.
The two groups established an artists’ co-op that opened on 118th Avenue in 2011, and so far have received interest in about 10 units in their newest project.
“It’s so close to the downtown arts district,” Arts Habitat executive director Linda Huffman said, adding the future Chinatown LRT stop and Quarters activity are added lures.
“I think we could be one of the (area’s) pioneer developments, so it’s exciting.”
The city, which has committed about $8 million in land and funding, hopes construction can start this year, but Huffman said they first have to firm up support from other levels of government and private fundraising.
They’re holding meetings in March to outline the plan for prospective residents and organizations.
While there are homes for retired artists, often performers, in Toronto, Vancouver and other centres around the world, this facility will offer an unusual blend of ages, incomes and work space, Huffman said.
“To actually create what we’re calling an artists’ village has that type of dynamic that we’re confident will really flourish.”
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