The former Doling Elementary School, 1423 W. Atlantic, will have new life breathed into it when it reopens as a space for artists to create called New Moon Studio Space. Doling opened in 1916 and closed in 2002.
At press time, husband and wife Kate Baird, an artist, and Mike Stevens, executive director of Moxie Cinema, were working on purchasing the building from Springfield Public Schools. Their vision is to offer secure, functional workspaces for artists and creative workers in a supportive community setting.
“Private and shared studio spaces in a range of sizes will be available,” says Baird. “Many of the studio spaces are former classrooms with large windows and abundant natural light. Rents will likely range from $100 per month to $600 per month. There are also a variety of other spaces on offer, including offices and an all-purpose room.”
Baird added that New Moon aims to meet the needs of a range of creative practices and attract mix of emerging, mid-career and established artists.
Amenities will include:
- 24-hour keypad access
- Wireless internet
- climate-controlled spaces
- off-street parking
- classroom and storage facilities.
The couple is soliciting feedback for the facility via a studio/workplace needs survey available at newmoonstudiospace.com.