Building for Musicians

PROPOSAL:

The building could be constructed by renovating an existing abandoned building (e.g. an empty warehouse building or an unused factory building). It could be a “green” building (perhaps sponsorship could be provided by a “green” manufacturing and development company who would envision this project as a way to promote “green” construction).

To meet the needs of musicians: soundproofed live/work units in-house performance space or, preferably, two spaces—one large space for festivals and other large community-oriented performances and one small space, for important music that does not draw large audiences rehearsal spaces.

To meet the needs of the community: A room reserved for the community, to be used for musical instruction, to be provided voluntarily by the resident musicians, so that the instruction would be available at no charge to the participating students Regularly scheduled free concerts Concerts involving community musicians.

Rents for the units would be supported by New York State or New York City, proportionate to the income of the resident musician. Each musician would be required to volunteer a set amount of hours per month for voluntary instruction for the neighborhood residents.

The building could not be sold to a commercial developer. Residents could not profit from their units.