Storage Space/Studio

Has anyone tried renting a storage unit and using it as a studio? It was suggested as an option by someone who used a unit when his band practiced. Some allow after hours access and the main downside is plumbing and restroom facilities. Perhaps a camping portapotty would suffice.

In my area I have not located an establishment with the freedom of access I desire. I work all hours of the day and night. But this friend has located facilities in other areas that would better accomodate these limitations.

It is worth considering. There is a great shortage of studio space and an abundance of storage units.

[Tom Martinez]

I don't know. I'm sure that if you can think of it, someone has done it. I would not advise using a storage unit. Being a retired city engineer, I do know that these storage areas are not located in the most desireable sites in the city. They are open to harsh environs, such as flooding, high noise, etc. that are not agreeable to human habitat.

I know how you feel. I've felt the same when I was studio hunting. Let me tell you what I found out. If you keep on seriously hunting for a site, you will find it. Me, I found a home with a second story level and a master bedroom on the lower level. We live on the first floor and my studio is on the second floor. Now, the mess is not visable to the Master of The House and the odors do not migrate to her level. She in turn keeps interuptions to a minimum and I follow my dream. Good luck!

[Michael Georges]

1. Electricity
2. Lighting
3. Sink and water
4. Climate control - it can get darn hot and cold in those boxes. You would need a climate controlled facility.
5. Is it allowed? Most storage space owners don't have insurance or zoning to allow you to spend vast amounts of time on-site.

Surely there are better places to paint. That said, if you have no choice, it could me made to work if you can resolve the above factors.

All of these considerations have been my concern. In the SF Bay Area there are so many storage facilities and they are located everywhere including between home and the grocery store. Locating a manager who allows after hours and extended access time is difficult but they are out there. If you find one here you will not be alone. You will likely have a band or two blasting away somewhere on the grounds a few nights a week. Electricity is limited to the light bulb socket and these are often on timers. The heat and cold are major factors. The units without climate control have zero insulation and temperatures can be extreme.

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Michael,

What an ineresting idea, I never thought of using a storage unit as a studio. I actually have a temperature controlled storage unit, my husband gave it to me for my birthday. (I LOVE to visit estate sales and have been bringing home lots of junk - or junque - but that's another story.)

I live in Houston and the facility is located in a good part of town, though next to train tracks. It has 24 hour access with a key and a code, restroom facilities on the first floor, even a coke and candy machine on the first floor. All this for $75 a month.

I'll bet in your area you could find something similar.

Another option here in Houston that you might find in your area are small studios. Downtown there is an old building with an art store conveniently located on half the first floor. The rest of the first floor and second floor have been converted into artists studios for rent. It's a bit like an office environment with hallways and offices/studios. It's entirely inhabited by artists, I think the rooms run about $300 a month. They also have an 'open house' once a year where the public can come and visit the studios and buy paintings, pottery . . .

Another idea, I noticed an 8,500 square foot retail/office space near my home for rent. Perhaps you could split an office space among a couple of other artists. Most office spaces have some kind of partitions or walls for privacy.

Good luck with your search!

Joan

[Sandy Barnes]

In Tampa there is an artists co-op. I haven't seen it, just heard about it. I was told the rent is about $100 per mo. The studios are big and shared by several artist. There is also a gallery where you can display your finished work and sell it. I would think the SF bay are (being so diverse) may already have something like this, but if not, what a great idea!

Something like the Houston unit sounds good.

I need privacy and freedom to work comfortably all hours of the day and night. Co-ops are typically shared spaces -there are many in the SF Bay Area.

Property is very expensive here so putting together an office unit for artist's studio space is a major undertaking.

There is probably an old warehouse somewhere with rats and spiders and a rusty sink and commode.

I'll keep looking for it.