Demystifying the Arts |
Affordable Housing for Artists: A New Opportunity for Artists in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District
Affordable housing is a growing concern for artists in Pittsburgh. The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s Artist Community Survey Report reveals that many artists are struggling with rising living costs, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their creative careers in the region.
Casey Droege, Executive Director of Casey Droege Cultural Productions and Owner of the Art Supply Company, warns of the potential consequences for Pittsburgh’s cultural sector if these issues remain unresolved.
“Many artists and arts workers patch together fluctuating income streams, which can make it extremely difficult to access housing or other support systems,” she says. “Spinning Plate and Brew House, the only artist-centered housing options I know of, have had waitlists for years. Combine this with the rapidly rising cost of living, and we’ll be looking at an exodus of artists and arts workers.”
In addition to Spinning Plate and Brew House, other housing options for artists in the region include The Ohringer in Braddock (which is now accepting applications for new leases) and the New Granada Square Apartments in the Hill District. All were featured in the WESA article Affordable Housing Options for Pittsburgh Artists Have Grown, published in October 2024, highlighting efforts to expand housing opportunities for the city’s creative community.
The Pittsburgh neighborhood of Lawrenceville exemplifies this challenge. Historically, its affordability attracted artists and creatives, fostering a thriving artistic community and hyper-local identity. However, over the past two decades, property values have surged, leading to the displacement of long-standing residents, including artists and small businesses. From 2000-2020, the median sale price for homes in Lawrenceville increased tenfold, according to Lawrenceville Corporation. As of February 2025, the median sale price for homes in Central Lawrenceville is $336,000—reflecting a significant increase over the past 20 years.
This rapid appreciation of housing in Pittsburgh has made it increasingly difficult for artists to afford living and working spaces, raising concerns about the erosion of the city’s creative fabric. However, an opportunity has emerged to help artists secure stable, affordable housing in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Hullett Properties has identified a building in the Cultural District on Penn Avenue that could be converted into artist-preferred housing. Located very near to the future Arts Landing, an outdoor civic space being redeveloped by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, this offers artists an opportunity to live in the heart of a vibrant cultural corridor. Just steps from their front door, residents will have access to recreational green space, public performances, art installations, and community gatherings.
Hullett Properties is exploring ways to transition this Cultural District property into long-term, income-restricted housing through the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh’s (HACP) Project-Based Voucher program, delivering roughly 40 one-bedroom units.
Under HACP’s Project-Based Voucher program, eligible tenants earning no more than 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) would pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent, with HACP covering the remainder. For a single individual, that income threshold for 2025 is $35,450 per year, meaning the maximum out-of-pocket rent would be approximately $886 per month. Importantly, tenants who experience income growth over time would not be required to leave, ensuring long-term stability.
To move forward, Hullett Properties needs to determine whether enough Pittsburgh-based artists meet the income eligibility requirements and whether they are interested in living in a dedicated artist community in the Cultural District.
“We would love to contribute to the artistic richness of Pittsburgh with an affordable housing residence for artists located amongst the historic performance art venues of the Cultural District, says Brett Walsh, Principal at Hullett Properties, “but we need to understand there is sufficient demand by those earning no more than 50% AMI.”
Affordable Housing for Artists: A National Perspective
Pittsburgh is not alone in facing this challenge. Cities across the U.S. have implemented artist-focused housing initiatives with great success. Examples include:
Artspace (Nationwide)
Artspace is the leading nonprofit real estate developer dedicated to creating, owning, and operating affordable spaces for artists and creative businesses. With over 50 projects across the United States, Artspace has transformed underutilized buildings into vibrant, sustainable artist housing and workspaces. These developments provide long-term affordability, ensuring that artists can remain in their communities as neighborhoods evolve.
Impact:
- Artspace properties have provided stable, affordable housing to more than 2,000 artists and their families nationwide.
- A 2020 study found that 75% of Artspace residents reported increased productivity in their creative work due to the affordability and security of their living situation.
- Artspace developments revitalize historic buildings, return underused properties to tax rolls, increase property values, and enhance neighborhood safety and livability—without causing displacement. These projects often serve as anchors for arts districts, attracting artists, arts businesses, and complementary non-arts businesses. In turn, they expand public access to the arts and drive local economic growth.
Arbor Artist Lofts (Lancaster, CA)
Supported by the City of Lancaster as part of its Downtown Specific Plan, this project provides dedicated, affordable living spaces for artists while fostering community engagement and neighborhood revitalization.
Impact:
- Since opening, over 40 artists have gained stable housing at Arbor Artist Lofts, allowing them to continue their creative work without displacement.
- The presence of Arbor Artist Lofts has been associated with increased foot traffic and business activity in the surrounding area. The development has attracted artists and visitors, contributing to the economic revitalization of Downtown Lancaster.
Manhattan Plaza Apartments (New York City, NY)
A pioneering model of subsidized artist housing, Manhattan Plaza offers affordable residences in the heart of New York City, ensuring that artists and performers can continue to live and work in one of the most culturally rich urban centers in the world.
Impact:
- Over 70% of Manhattan Plaza was reserved for artists or arts professionals, helping preserve New York City’s creative workforce.
- The complex has played a crucial role in launching or sustaining the careers of hundreds of actors, musicians, and performers, including Academy Award winners.
- Located in Hell's Kitchen, an area once marked by high crime and urban decay, Manhattan Plaza has played a key role in the neighborhood's revitalization. The arrival of artists has sparked economic growth, raising property values and lowering vacancy rates.
These programs demonstrate that investing in artist housing benefits entire communities—revitalizing neighborhoods, attracting new businesses, and enhancing cultural vibrancy. Pittsburgh has an opportunity to do the same.
Next Steps: Your Voice Matters
The potential for artist-preferred housing on Penn Avenue in the Cultural District is real, but we need to hear from you. If you are an artist earning under the income limits and are interested in affordable housing in the Cultural District, we encourage you to submit your information.
Any information you provide will be shared with Hullett Properties to help determine demand and shape the project’s next steps. This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of artist housing in Pittsburgh—don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation.
Submit your information here to share your interest. Together, we can help strengthen Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts community and create more opportunities for artists to thrive.