LoadOfFun

8 people visited: Adam, Sylvia, Kelly, Patrick, Mark, Matt, Jon, Steve. Adam took notes.

Maps, Pictures, and Links

• Map of 120 W North Ave.
• Google street view
• Renderings of the space for a sense of scale
• Pictures from our first visit
• Building diagram
• Load of Fun website

Notes

Physical space and Customizations

• Located at Map of 120 W North Ave.
• Area measures: 18.5 by 36.75 feet. ~700 square feet. Ceiling for about 1/3 is 7 ft, the rest is about 12 feet (appx.)
• We could install direct water and heavy power lines, but that would be our responsibility.
• Approval required before fixed construction.
• We have roof access and it's "definitely no problem" to put stuff up there.

Lease Terms and Costs

• Rent is $600 / month. Initial cost would be 1200. (first month's rent + $600 security deposit).
• 1 monthly bill for utilities depending on usage, which is calculated by the landlord based on members, activities, equipment, etc. Approximation. Could range from $100 - $200 a month.
• Need liability and theft insurance, could get hookup through LoF's own insurance company. Sherwin suggested it could end up around 100 a year.
• Lease would start August 1st and last for one year. After the year, it will not automatically renew and instead becomes a month to month agreement.
• We can break the lease if we give 60 days notice. After we move out, we are liable for up to two months rent (1200) if the space remains empty after we leave. So if a tenant is found between when we give our 60 days notice and when we move out, there would be no cost for breaking the lease. If the space remains empty for 30 days after we leave, we will be liable for $600.

Access and Events

• No limits on hours.
• Keys to the space's street front door can be made (with permission) to just about any extent.
• Generally, noise is fully tolerated. Some limits on loud noise (e.g. power saws) when performances are taking place next door. Performances are scheduled on the public calendar and are relatively infrequent.
• Anything over 25 people is a "public event" and needs to be scheduled/coordinated with the management.
• Alcohol may be served, but cannot be sold. Additionally, great care must be taken to card all guests. So, you can charge for tickets, but alcohol is free.
• The Loft is available on a daily basis, cost is percentage of door and percentage of drinks(?), usually $150 - $200.

Other notes

• The spaces move fast. No vacancies in four years.
• The landlord / mgr. (Sherwin) likes what we're about, willing to put us ahead of the waiting list in the interest of supporting what we're about.
• Building right now has 19 studios, 34 people, all kinds of artists. We saw the studios of a digital printmaker, sculptor, custom furniture maker, costumer, and painter.
• An estimated 10,000 cars pass by every day
• 1 block from I-83 exit, 2 blocks from light rail, Bikeable from Hampden, Charles Village, and Mt. Vernon
• Joe^2 is across the street for pizza and beer.

Pros

• Cannot be beat for visibility and community (already exists as an event space and gathering place for artists and creatives).
• Very tolerant landlord.
• Active arts community inside the building and in the neighborhood.
• Available.
• Able to expand beyond the space to other areas of the building when necessary for large events.
• Easily accessible with high visibility to potential members (very near University of Baltimore and MICA).
• Within reach, price wise. (would require ~10 members @ $75 monthly to fully support rent and utils).

Cons

• No central AC or central heat.
• With large streetfront windows on North Ave and no rolling garage-style security door, security may be an issue.
• We will need to run additional power lines, and possibly a new circuit box we can access. This may be as much as few hundred dollars, but won't be necessary right away.
• The door is relatively small
• Smaller than warehouse scale spaces