In the coming months, the landscape and skyline of Old Georgetown Street will begin to transform into the next generation of urban innovation in Lexington. An idea whose genesis was a group of neighborhood visionaries, contacted AU Associates President Holly Wiedemann to translate their nascent ideas into reality. The extraordinary result is ARTEK, developed by AU Associates and brought to life under the capable design expertise of K. Norman Berry Architects.

ARTEK IS BASED UPON A SOLID PRINCIPLE OF CONCEPT AND DESIGN.
As Holly Wiedemann explains, "There are some wonderful projects underway in Lexington. We wanted to do something a little different. Urban infill does not necessarily have to mean four corners and multiple floors. ARTEK's sucess will be a result of providing the contemporary vocabulary the market longs to have in a language they fully understand." ARTEK will dazzle visitors with all of the lines and materials you would expect to find nestled in a metropolitan area, joined seamlessly with an artistically enriching common green space Plans for a sculpture garden will take shape immediately upon the completion of the ARTEK Gallery. "The ARTEK Gallery is one of my favorite aspects of the project," said Architect Norman Berry. "Salvaging the remains of the existing historic facade on the property and juxtaposing a gallery within the ruins will become one of the defining features of ARTEK."

Upon investigation, it becomes clear that urban revitalization in any form is a very good thing. Every project is needed for the rejuvenation of the downtown community and thus the art community. After seeing ARTEK one thing becomes certain, you can't say a loft is just a loft anymore. ARTEK's commitment to artistic and creative enrichment for the greater community will prove to be the cornerstone in the renaissance of urban renewal in Lexington.


A GENUINE EXPRESSION OF URBAN LIVING

• 38 unique homes in 6 distinct floor plans starting in the low $170s
• Innovative and contemporary architecture utilizing a unique blend of steel, concrete, wood and brick
• Special financing provided by National City's NCHAMP Mortgage
• Located in the heart of a thriving and revitalized downtown neighborhood

ALL THE COMFORTS OF A TRULY UNIQUE HOME

• Wide Open 1 bedroom Flats, lofts and 2 bedroom 2 bath lofts with master suites
• 3 choices of contemporary cabinetry
• Custom built-in kitchen islands
• Polished concrete floors
• Select units include retractable exterior walls
• Open common green space and sculpture garden
• ARTEK Gallery located on the property
• Every unit wired for broadband communications
• Superior sound insulation
• Covered parking

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
The Artek Lofts Project is a mixed use development located on Old Georgetown Street within the Western Suburb Historic District. This renovation will transform the Historic American Legion Nathan Caulder Post Headquarters into commercial/office space, develop 38 new construction artists' lofts condominiums and art gallery, and create a beautiful interior courtyard and green space.

This artist's lofts development is located in an area that is undergoing significant positive change, predominately as a result of its determined and involved residents. The site encompasses three parcels, the former American Legion Post as well as the former Cunningham Funeral Home that burned several years ago. The property is currently zoned R-4 and no zone change is necessary for this development. Board of Adjustment approval was secured to allow for the non-conforming office and gallery uses. It is located in a qualified census tract. The property is less than a 10 minute walk to the Lexington Civic Center, the Opera House and Victorian Square, as well as a full complement of restaurants and artistic venues.

Activity to the north of the site includes the conversion of an historic feed and grain mill into an artist's foundry and studio. The southern side of the site is anchored by an art gallery. The area has been envisioned by the residents as a perfect location for inviting and unique residential units, with an innovative and contemporary design that carefully interprets architectural details from the surrounding properties in fresh and contemporary ways. The vacant lot abutting the site is the location of a new single family home designed and implemented under the auspices and with the support of the School of Architecture/College of Design at the University of Kentucky.

AU Associates, Inc. is developing the site in a manner consistent with its track record of excellence and attention to detail. Residences are targeted towards the urban lifestyle, conducive to a creative edge. The central courtyard serves as not only exhibit space for the residents, but also as an urban oasis for the community. The units utilize industrial type materials in an innovative manner, including concrete, wood and masonry.


Project Details

• Total Property size: approximately 55,000 sq ft
• Residential: approximately 34,000 sq ft
• 38 Artist Lofts: Range 750 square feet to 1200 square feet
• Commercial/Office: approximately 3,212 sq ft
• Gallery: approximately 1200 sq ft
• 63 Parking Spaces

Residential
Artek will include 38 artist loft residential units. There will be 27 one-bedroom flats, 3 one-bedroom lofts, and 8 two-bedroom lofts. The two-bedroom units will also include two full bathrooms. All units will feature 10 foot ceilings, fully equipped kitchens, and stained concrete floors. All units will also feature built-in kitchen islands with granite countertops while some units will offer large garage door-type windows that will open to the courtyard.

Commercial
The historic two-story American Legion Nathan Caulder Post #142 will undergo a complete renovation that will include removing the non-historic concrete block addition. A new construction smaller addition will be added to the building to house the new headquarters of AU Associates, Inc.

Gallery
The Gallery at Artek will be juxtaposed inside the burned-out ruins of the old Cunningham Funeral Home. The original façade of the old Cunningham Funeral Home will be maintained and a historic marker will be added to the site that will note the African American Heritage for both properties. The Gallery will be owned by the condominium association for the display of the artist in residence work. It will also serve as a clubhouse or gathering space for the neighborhood. The Gallery is envisioned to become part of the Downtown Lexington Gallery Hop and host special gallery shows for the community.

Green Space
The evolution of the Artek design has focused on the abundant green space that is the project's center. The massing has been sympathetic to pedestrian traffic by allowing view sheds from the street to the courtyard area. This dramatic landscape feature will be a welcomed gathering space for the community's residents and neighbors and a perfect place for sculpture art and garden.

Parking
The total site is approximately 55,000 square feet. Local zoning requirements will be met with the allotment of 63 parking spaces to serve the residential and office uses. The project will utilize a 5% deduction in parking with the addition of bicycle racks. There will also be ample street parking in front of the development that will allow for additional visitor or resident parking.

Marketing Plan
Work is already underway with implementing the proposed marketing plan for Artek. Elevation Creative Studios will coordinate and create, but are not limited to, the following:

• Name and Logo/Brand Development
• Dynamic Flash Website
• Press Releases with Marketing Kit
• Art Style Poster
• Project Signage
• Ground-breaking
• Arts Community Sponsorships
• Television Advertising Campaign
• Set up of Sales Office

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