78 affordable live-work studios for artists, two floors of market space for artists and local businesses, a community arts coffee shop, event space for up to 200 people, urban roof-top farming, music school, 2,000 square foot industrial kitchen, office space, and a futuristic net zero design. These proposed components fit into two buildings called ArtsCommon 118 Project, picking up momentum with the attraction of new partners after close to a decade. The project will be executed on 118 Avenue of Edmonton. The ArtsCommon 118 Project had its community engagement consultation and party on August 29, 2018, at the buildings location on 118 Avenue and 92 Street.

The ArtsCommon 118 Project is a partnership between the Edmonton Community Development Company (ECDC) and Arts on the Ave (AOTA). Six lots of land has been provided by the City of Edmonton, ECDC has purchased five additional lots, the City also provided funding of $4 million. Other partners include Northlands, Sarah McLachlan School of Music and interested partners are welcome.

Two rounds of consultations took place on August 29 at the big white tent, calling for feedback and comments from those present, followed by performances, spiced with free food. Alberta Avenue is among the poorest neighbourhoods with some of the highest crime rates in Edmonton, a project such as ArtsCommon 118 is certainly a welcome to bring much needed economic development and opportunities to residents and businesses.

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