Ryman Lofts Artist Housing to Begin Accepting
Applications Web Site to Open October 8, 2012 for Applicants to Submit
Preliminary Information
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Metropolitan Development and
Housing Agency (MDHA) announced today it will begin taking online information
from artists interested in applying for apartments at the agency's new Ryman
Lofts building on Rolling Mill Hill starting October 8, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.
Central time. The building is Nashville's first affordable housing development
with a preference for residents working in the creative arts.
"The arts greatly contribute to the economy and the
culture of Nashville," said Mayor Karl Dean. "We want Ryman Lofts to become a creative
community for emerging artists in a variety of disciplines, and we hope it will
become a launching pad for new careers."
"Even though Ryman Lofts is still under construction,
we've been getting lots of inquiries from artists about the process for
applying," said Phil Ryan, executive director, MDHA. "We'll begin the
application process this fall, but we anticipate the first tenants will move in
during the first quarter of 2013."
Because the building is being financed in part under the
federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, applications will be processed
on a first-come, first-served basis and each applicant's eligibility will be
determined by both an Artist Committee and by the building's property manager,
Freeman Webb, Inc. The Artist Committee will determine if the applicant
qualifies as a practitioner of "..the unique creation and public display or
performance of visual arts, craft, sound and performance art, film and
television (including production), theater, dance, music or literary arts and
do so on a regular and progressive basis.." in order to qualify for the artist
preference. Freeman Webb, Inc will conduct rental, credit and criminal
background checks on each applicant and determine whether the applicant falls
within the guidelines for affordable housing as determined by the applicable
federal program.
A panel of experts with experience in the visual,
literary and performing arts and crafts will review material submitted by
applicants and make a determination of eligibility under the artist preference
guidelines. The committee is being led by Randy Goodman, who serves with Mayor
Dean as co-chair of the Music City Music Council.
"This is one of the most exciting initiatives to come
from the Music Council since its creation," said Goodman. "The vision of
Council members like former co-chair Mary Ann McCready and music executives Tim
DuBois and Jody Williams speaks to the shared understanding that Nashville and
its future will always share roots with the next great writer, performer,
painter or musician."
Similar affordable housing projects for artists have been
launched in cities like Boston and New Orleans. Ryman Lofts will consist of 60
1-bedroom and 3-bedroom units. The building's construction is scheduled for
completion at the end of 2012.
Parties interested in applying for a unit at Ryman Lofts
are urged to take the following steps:
1. Download and read the Ryman Lofts Housing
Application Guidelines posted at www.nashville-mdha.org<http://www.nashville-mdha.org>
1. Starting at 9:00 a.m. Central time on October
8, 2012, go to www.rymanlofts.com<http://www.rymanlofts.com>
and complete the online information form on the web site. By filling out the
form, you agree to allow the property manager, Freeman Webb, Inc to begin a
background check using the information you provide.
1. Provide digital samples of still images,
audio files, video files, manuscripts and supplemental materials as defined by
the Ryman Lofts Housing Application Guidelines. You will be provided
instructions on uploading your digital samples.
1. If you satisfy the eligibility requirements
when an apartment unit is available, you will be contacted by representatives
of Freeman Webb, Inc to notify you of availability.
Non-artists may also apply for housing at Ryman Lofts,
but the applications of non-artists will not be examined unless an available
apartment cannot be filled by an eligible artist. Once all 60 units at Ryman
Lofts have been filled and a waiting list compiled, the application period for
Ryman Lofts will be closed. If you have questions about or need help with the
application process for Ryman Lofts, please contact Freeman Webb, Inc at rymanlofts@freemanwebb.com<mailto:rymanlofts@freemanwebb.com>
