The owner of an art studio at 21st and O streets — at the entrance to the Telegraph District — wants to use tax-increment financing for a project that will double the size of the studio.
Karen Kunc said she has run her studio, 2055 O St., for about 10 years.
Her vision, she said, is to create an enhanced working art studio center that will include retail space, classroom space for event rental, teaching and summer art camps for children, four private studios and an outdoor courtyard.
Her goal, she said, is not to become a millionaire.
“It is viewed as an incubator to benefit artists in Lincoln through education, affordable studio space and to attract and host artists in residence from around the world,†she said.
The $1.5 million project would use about $230,000 in tax-increment financing, which allows developers to use future property taxes the redevelopment generates to pay for certain upfront costs.
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The project will include some parking, energy efficient improvements and streetscape improvements, her attorney Andrew Willis said.
The studio — which has a colorful mural along the east side of the building — is located at the entrance to the downtown corridor along O Street and at an entrance to the quickly expanding Telegraph District, city planning documents say.Â
The project will help strengthen downtown Lincoln’s position as the center for art and cultural expression in the region as well as support small business, according to planning documents.
"It will really be an integral part of the development of downtown,†Willis said.
On Monday, the City Council found the project conforms with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan, a first step necessary to move forward.
The project will be back before the council, possibly next week, seeking approval of the redevelopment agreement with the city, a requirement for projects that use TIF.
“I believe I’ve developed something very special here that’s attracting attention,†Kunc said. “I seek longevity at a pace a small business owner can manage. I intend to foster the next generation through my constellation of networks and intend to make a difference in the community."