EDMONTON — It’s space that’s been sitting empty for more than 30 years and now, one Edmonton man has an idea to spruce up old retail space at the Bay/Enterprise LRT station.
Bradley Biamonte started an online petition in hopes of gaining support to turn three vacant spaces into artist studio space.
“Right now there’s nothing there at all,” Biamonte said. “It feels a little eerie, it’s not a comfortable space.”
When the station was built in 1983, the 1,500-square foot units were fitted for retail space, but there hasn’t been an appetite. Right now, they’re used for custodial and maintenance storage.
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Biamonte’s vision involves turning the units into glass studios so people walking by can stop and enjoy the artists’ processes.
“Artists are willing to occupy marginal spaces and because their needs are minimal—they just need the space and some security—they’ll be glad to be centrally located,” Biamonte said.
“Once the people come then we’re hoping that cafes will be interested and we’ll have this dynamic undergrounds arts scene.”
Biamonte has already met with Edmonton Transit and a few other stakeholders and has formed a committee to move forward on the project. Edmonton Transit likes the idea and thinks Biamonte’s vision has merit.
“It’s a long corridor; there’s not a lot of foot traffic between them because people come and go at either end of the station. It’ll enhance the customer’s experience for all of the transit customers,” said Dave McReynolds with Edmonton Transit. “It’ll bring liveability to the station.”
Biamonte knows money is tight so doesn’t expect funding from the City of Edmonton. He hopes to apply for community grants to make his idea a reality.
“I think it’s a neat idea, somewhat creative idea,” Ward 6 City Councillor Scott McKeen said. “This might make complete sense but it’s one person’s idea right now. I’m hoping the Edmonton Arts Council can vet the idea for us and give us their advice.”
While there is no timeline for the project, Biamonte hopes to meet with the city in the new year.
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