New Uses for Closed Big-Box Stores
19 November 2008
5 Comments
I am definitely putting Julia Christensen’s new book Big Box Reuse on my Christmas list this year. The idea is so very satisfying. Slate.com just posted a great article by the MIss Christensen as well as a spiffy slideshow on the topic.
“Hundreds of new big-box buildings are built each year—and hundreds are vacated. In a healthy economy, retailers often leave behind one store to build an even bigger one nearby. In tough times, weaker chains are forced to close stores. Circuit City recently announced it will close 155 stores before the holiday season. What happens to big-box buildings when a retailer abandons them?”
Perhaps this is a way we could start an art revolution: buy a closed down big box store and turn it into an art center. Studios to rent, exhibition space, workshops, etc, could be housed there. The library in my hometown of Cedar Rapids IA was devestated by a flood, now it resides in an old Home Depot. The same flood knocked out a lot of the Art Department at The University of Iowa. Now they are housed in an old Menard’s. The folks I know who now work in these facilities report that it’s great. Lots of room, and plenty of parking and loads of potential.
for some reason it seems the city officials would rather see a building fall down here in Jax than let artists take it over until it gets retrofitted for it’s next life.
I drool when I see old roadside hotels, several in Jax, and what we could do with one of them. There is one off Philips highway that we could do wonders with. Each room an installation or themed room.
Can’t imagine having a whole Super Wal-Mart that would be just too much space. We’d all have to turn into video artists to fill the dang thing up with artwork. That would be fun for sure.
As a re-purposer, sir, I certainly approve of this activity. I am imagining these spaces becoming multi-purpose community centers, clinics, and shelters as well as art venues. I have been reading Lewis Hyde’s “The Gift” which has been a great reminder of art’s true value beyond the commercial. It is easy to lose sight of that. This book is also pinpointing for me the frustration of living in a community that sees very little value to art, useful or marketable.
Sure a Wal-Mart is a lot of space, but think about the possibilities. We could build walled rooms with false ceilings for the gallery, offices, classrooms, etc and air-condition that part, then have a huge area of open studios where people could spread out do insanely huge projects. No air con out there. They can bring fans. And yeah, we could do those big installation performances. There could also be a stage area for open mic night or for bands, a bar area for events… I’m seriously thinking of doing this if I win the lottery. I picture a competition to design the best refurbed coin-op kiddie ride out front. I can see it now.
Once bought, the upkeep of the building would be paid for by: rent from studio users, fees from classes offered in the classrooms, rental fees from bands or people who want to do events there, corporate team building activities, drinks, and entry fees for shows. Get 501C3 status, start a membership, apply for grants. Charge members a nominal annual fee. Publish a newsletter, get visiting artists to give talks. Endless ideas. I’m for it. Mark, let’s put our pennies together and buy some lotto tickets.
ART MART!
Oh and Hyde’s The Gift is probably another book to put on your Christmas list, Byron. I think that even more than Trickster, The Gift speaks more directly to the need for art, profits or no. Hey won;t you all come out to the panel discussion at MOCA tonight. I’ll bring this up!
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