From The Olympian:

Work-living space project would provide affordable units

By Matt Batcheldor | The Olympian • Published October 28, 2008

OLYMPIA – City officials are considering trying to attract an affordable-housing project for artists to downtown.

Officials have spoken with Artspace, a nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis, that develops buildings with artists' workspaces and living quarters in the same complex.

The Olympia City Council will consider tonight whether to invite Artspace to tour the city. Council Member Jeff Kingsbury said he supports the idea.

A city delegation including Kingsbury and Councilwoman Rhenda Strub visited two housing developments the organization has built in Seattle. The organization also has projects in Everett and Portland.

The idea behind such a development is that rising rents can otherwise price out artists, particularly in places such as Seattle, which saw its downtown gentrify in the 1990s.