Colorado Creative Industries and its partners are pioneering a first-in-the nation program that generates mixed-use creative and commercial spaces along with affordable housing.
In Trinidad, a Space to Create project made headlines for introducing over 700 elementary students to the arts through a life-size knitted and crocheted diorama of the children’s book Goodnight Moon—and creating 41 housing units and 20,000 square feet of community space. In Ridgway, a similar project has provided 30 live/work units for individuals making 30-80% of the Area Median Income, or AMI. These projects are part of a first-in-the-nation program that generates mixed-use creative and commercial spaces along with affordable housing. The Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) program, Space to Create Colorado, supported by Artspace, constructs these spaces in rural communities with a population of 50,000 or less, with the goal of promoting individual and economic growth within these communities.
Economic Impacts of Live/Work Housing
Creatives support a larger part of the economy than we may realize. Creating live/work spaces helps Coloradans thrive while supporting an important sector of the State’s economy. The creative industries make up 3.9% of the workforce and contribute $16.8 billion to Colorado’s economy. Arts contribute to our culture and a strong community, and when artists and individuals working in the creative industries have access to affordable live/work spaces they are more likely to thrive. A survey of residents in Artspace buildings across the country showed that 68% produced more work after relocating, 76% felt more secure about their housing, and 42% could save and plan for their future.
In addition to strengthening local economies, affordable live/work spaces provide individual benefits to creatives who live in these spaces. Affordable housing provides the stepping stone for creatives to eventually have property of their own. CCI Deputy Director Christine Costello has been involved with Space to Create since the program's launch, helping to connect communities across the state to the program. Costello says “providing affordable space for creatives to live and work is critical. Ultimately we are assisting people to build enough wealth to own property.” This supports not only individuals, but helps open up these spaces for someone else to use and do the same. Costello points out the “reuse of historical buildings in downtowns and main streets, helps retain the historic value and character.” Cities and towns are able to preserve once unused spaces, and creatives are able to use these spaces for their work.
Successfully completed spaces
The first Space to Create project, in Trinidad, officially opened in September 2022, including 20,000 square feet of community space, referred to as “the Commons at Space to Create.” Marggie Ferrendelli, Board member of Creative Main Street in Trinidad, has seen these economic impacts first hand. She shared that “the Commons has contributed to the city's economic growth. Trinidad is both a Creative District and a Historic Main Street Community, with an average of 12 new businesses opening per quarter in 2023.” Trinidad has since shifted to an art-focused economy, in part from the revitalization due to the live/work spaces, and relocation of creatives to the city. According to Ferrendelli, vacancy in Trinidad has gone down by 20%, due to job retainment and fully leased affordable apartment spaces. When employees have stable housing, their employers experience less turnover and better retention.
Space to Create Ridgway was the second project to complete their build, closely following Trinidad's opening. The Ridgway spaces foster a Live.Work.Play concept for creatives, and main street economic development is supported by 2,000 square feet of community space. Ridgway FUSE Creative Main Street provides resources, information and even job opportunities for creatives.
Grand Lake, Grand Junction, Salida, and Carbondale are the next certified Creative Districts building live/work spaces. Completed projects in Ridgway and Trinidad showcase the type of economic benefits these communities can expect to see as a result of these projects, which truly contribute to a Colorado for all.