I've been scouring this town for affordable Live/Work! It would be great if it was the real deal, and not some condo-ized symbolic gesture. as in: the pearl is not truly the arts district because artists can't afford to live there. It is more like the expensive restaurant/ high priced antiques/ frivolous luxuries/ dog grooming district. Despite the presence of galleries the artists are missing! I think produce row /warehouse waterfront area is really the arts district, where generations of artists keep studios within blocks of each other.

Make it real live/work! Low rent, large space, and a portfolio review for acceptance! Reserved for the deserved, a special place for those with everything staked on their art, not an affluent vanity rental. Remember how the WPA gave artists monthly paychecks in the depression years? If mr. Adams wants to launch a govt. based cultural initiative let it be a real one, let it be radical. Not just creating appropriate symbols of an art district. Reach out and find artists. Start a caucus of those involved in the arts here and provide great, low rent live/work studios as a gesture of support facilitating people who's lives/work is truly the same thing. it could work just like a grant application. An awesome idea, but it sounds like it could too easily degenerate into buildings full of massage studios. If its art studios GET THE ARTISTS!