Story

A sister project to the Martineau project in the Heartside District, the Avenue for the Arts has given new life to a once dilapidated area. Located on Division Avenue, the Kelsey Apartment project houses 14 arts-related housing spaces in the city's Heartside district.

The three-floor building stands at the southwest corner of Division Avenue and Williams Street, in the 200 block of S. Division Avenue. It features affordable apartments built specifically for artists, who make between 50 and 60 percent of the area's median income.

All 14 units, which range in size from 847 to 1,841 sq ft, were designed with the artist in mind. Natural light pours into large windows, where hardwood floors, primed walls and utility sinks are featured. Apartments include new appliances, central air conditioning, washers and dryers, key card and intercom systems. Selected units feature atrium skylights, balconies and spiral staircases.

Specialized material requirements for historical preservation and LEED Certification presented a challenge. Triangle's development of alternatives with each agency resulted in success in both endeavors.

The project received LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for the renovation.