The Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA), known for providing affordable studio space and arts programs to artists, may soon branch into affordable housing. Last week, the Tampa Bay Times announced that WADA is considering a project at 2275 Sixth Ave. S., which would include 40-60 units on property owned by the organization. While still in the preliminary planning stages, the project aligns with WADA’s mission to protect the arts amid looming concerns.

Development is expected in the Warehouse Arts District, and WADA leadership worries that the popularity of living in an arts district could diminish the very thing that makes it appealing: the arts. Balancing this growth poses a challenge, as retail, housing projects, and restaurants contribute economically but can threaten cultural integrity when unchecked.

“Many artists can’t afford to own property,” says Mark Aeling, WADA’s Board Chair, “When development comes, [developers] will try to fetch top dollar. The key part is trying to make sure the neighborhood doesn’t become exorbitantly priced.” In this way, the affordable housing project is part of WADA’s advocacy to preserve a community of artists for artists.

Affordable housing development is contingent on rezoning

WADA has been working closely with Joe Furst of Place Projects. Since 2019, Furst has led efforts to rezone land in the Warehouse Arts District for mixed-use purposes, allowing residential, retail, and office spaces. The area is currently zoned only for industrial use.

The collaboration between WADA and Furst focuses on retaining the industrial use that supports the arts community while introducing a percentage of mixed-use zones. Furst owns 7 acres of land in the district, spanning from 1st Ave S. to 6th Ave S. “When Furst approached us,” says Aeling, “He wasn’t all talk. He actually cared.”

The re-zoning proposal reaches its final stage of approval this September, with a decision expected soon. The viability of WADA’s prospective affordable housing project depends on the city’s approval for mixed-use purposes. If the city approves the rezoning, WADA could move forward with its approximately $15 million affordable housing project, potentially making it one of the first structures built in the re-zoned area, along with other residential, office, and retail developments along the 22nd St. corridor.

Read more about Place Project’s concept to develop that area here.