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Hamilton Center among possible Artspace sites

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By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer 8:52 PM Monday, October 12, 2009

HAMILTON — Artspace USA has accelerated the process to choose a downtown location.

That’s because one of the top three sites being considered — the Hamilton Center building in the 200 block of High Street — could be demolished without a buyer soon.

Greg Handberg, vice president of properties with Artspace, will make a presentation at City Council’s work session, set for 5:30 Wednesday, Oct. 14. Council members are expected to go into an executive session for part of the work session.

Handberg said he’ll present comparisons of the top three sites, which include the Ringel’s furniture building on South Third Street and the empty lot at the corner of Second and High streets.

The selection process has been expedited, therefore cost comparisons will be based only on renovating similar buildings in other cities, Handberg said.

“I’m not going to be able to say, ‘we’ve had a contractor walk through the building and he has given a cost estimate,’” he said.

Artspace has 24 housing projects for artists operating in cities across the country, but Hamilton would be the first in Ohio, Handberg said.

The goal is to start applying for funding in the spring 2010, with construction possibly starting in early 2011, he said.

The Hamilton Center building can accommodate 40 apartment units, the target number which emerged from market studies conducted by Artspace two years ago, said Teri Whitmore, Hamilton planning director.

It is still too early to tell if renovating that building for the Artspace project is feasible or not, Whitmore said, adding that community feedback will be factored into the final decision.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.

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