Artspace

Washington Studios

315 Lake Avenue N.
Duluth, Minnesota 55806

Opened 1996

A lesson in renovation

Built in 1911, Washington Junior High School served Duluth students until 1992, when Artspace acquired it and transformed it into an affordable live/work artists' cooperative, our first development outside the Twin Cities. In an unusual arrangement, the cooperative shares the six-story red brick building with a city-run community center that includes the school's gymnasium, pool, and offices.

Many of Washington Studios' 39 live/work units retain the chalkboards and cloakrooms of the former classrooms; the original gymnasium running track was preserved, too, as a balcony in each of two split-level units. Shared amenities include a gallery, two dance studios, three music rehearsal rooms, meeting rooms, laundry rooms, a project room, a children's playground, and a large parking lot.

Washington Studios occupies a prominent site in Duluth's economically challenged Central Hillside Neighborhood. Many of its units offer spectacular views of downtown Duluth, its busy harbor, and Lake Superior. The entire downtown shopping district is within easy walking distance.