More space adventures

[jim_p]

So Tam and I have been looking for space. She wants to be in Boston in a stable studio situation, and I've been wanting to move my frame shop and my life closer to civilization too.

A couple of days ago, Tam sent me a posting from Craigslist advertising 1500 square feet in Allston, on the third floor of a former firehouse, usable as live/work space. It's *right on* Harvard Ave, near the Sports Authority. The space is beautiful, it was a former gallery (though the guy mentioned "performance art" there were a number of sculpture stands around as well).

Thing is, the rent is rather a jump from what I'm currently paying for home & shop, and the utilities are NOT included. This could be a big deal this winter (It's heated by gas, and there's talk of possible gas shortages this winter). I'd also have to figure out the parking thing... I'll probably have to rent at least one space and figure out what to do with the truck... So the outlay would be a substantial risk. I *think* I can make it, especially if the shop starts making money.

So it's a risk/reward thing. Do I risk financial tightness (or even insolvency) if I stretch for it? The potential upside rewards are substantial: I'd be located much closer to a potentially large customer base (and closer to more competitors, that's life). Tam and I would be able to see each other much more often (that's been an issue as we've been trying to figure out our relationship), and I'd be closer to the Boston social scene (heck, I could even take to hosting OPN in my gallery eventually :) )

The guy who showed it to us was not the building owner, I guess he's a caretaker or go-between. I asked him to ask the owner what's the best he could do on the rent if we agreed to a three-year lease. I hope to get a call back tomorrow.

After we looked at the place, Tam and I went out to dinner (Island Hopper). Nice food! When the check came, the amount was exactly $42.00. That number has been a Sign in our lives... we're never quite sure of what, though. We had a similar 42 moment when we agonized over the mills in Holyoke and finally passed them up.

I'm still figuring out if I want to go through with this...

Comments

[koshmom.livejournal.com]

Can't you get an estimate of what last year's utilities cost, as part of your lease arrangement? DOn't they have to give that to you?

It would be great to have you around and about, but are you sure you're not getting too far over your head financially (you mentioned the word 'insolvency')? Yes, it's cool to be in Allston (um, where is Allston in all this?) but the hassle of where to put the truck, and other issues such as can you have critters and the amount for utilities might be cause for concern, as you noted.

[myclosetdrama.livejournal.com]

I don't know what to tell you except good luck.

[whitebird.livejournal.com]

I doubt you'd have a true problem, if many houses of cards fall, don't you have the country house to fall back on?

But, regardless, good luck!

[bronxelf-ag001.livejournal.com]

I used to live within blocks of that location. (one block off the intersection of Harvard and Comm.)

It's a good spot, unless that neighborhood has changed *drastically*.

[bronxelf-ag001.livejournal.com]

Oh- also. There used to be a parking lot on Royce Road, which is one block over from Harvard Ave.

They had monthly rates. I don't know if it's still there-- it's been a while.

[dianec42.livejournal.com]

Good luck, whatever you choose! (Perhaps that "42" is the universe trying to tell you, "This time for sure!")

[miss-chance.livejournal.com]

Hey, another thought would be that there's spac available in my studio building that would make a great work-space, and you would be free to look for more affordable living space. You might very well end up with a captive audience of customers in the buliding, as well as all of the friends and f-o-f of the artists there. If you're interested, drop me a line, and I'll arrange to show you the space, and/or set up a meeting with the owner. It would be a great space for a frame-shop, and even has free parking and easy highway access. (Who takes the T with their artwork, when they can avoid it?) Good luck with whatever you decide!

[jim-p.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately, one of Tam's non-negotiables is that she either has to be in a live-work space, or it has to be close to the T (and she does *not* consider buses to be "The T"). Your studio is a great place, and if it were a lot closer to Davis she'd probably jump at it.

Of course, if I'm closer to Boston I might find myself hanging out there anyway regardless of where I end up living/working :)