On Thursday, April 28, the tenants of 266 South Champlain Street, otherwise known as Brickwork Art Studios, received letters in the mail stating that they have 60 days to vacate the premises. The current owner of the building is Overlake Park LLC, a company co-owned by Jesse Jacobs of Montpelier Property Management. The letter was signed by attorney David Bookchin, and Jacobs was copied on it.
Jacobs is the son of longtime Montpelier landlord Jeff Jacobs, and is responsible for securing tenants in long-vacant Montpelier properties. He bought the Burlington building as a part of a larger portfolio of neighboring properties in December 2016. Those include 257-277 Pine Street and 266 South Champlain Street.
The Brickwork Art Studios have been operational for about six years, estimated tenant and painter Johanne Durocher Yordan, who collects rent from fellow artists on the owner’s behalf . She said current monthly rates range from $235 to $685.
More than 14 artists maintain studios at Brickwork, among them painter Katharine Montstream, photographer Jude Domski, painter Holly Hauxjeffers, printmaker Casey Blanchard and Sam Dupont of Project Object Vintage.
Yordan has rented a studio at Brickwork for five years. “We’re all a little bit stunned right now,” she said on the phone Friday. “Here I was showing two empty spaces [to new artists], ready to sign leases, and bam!” Yordan said she found out about the eviction after some of the other tenants did.
She expressed concern for what would happen to the artists. “There’s no way 14 artists are going to find a new space,” she lamented. “This is such a crucial time for artists.”
While she acknowledged that “property owners are going to do what they want,” Yordan expressed regret at the loss of the studio spaces, and what it will mean for the area’s creative hub. “The South End Arts District just became less artsy,” she said.
At the time this post was published, Jacobs had not responded for comment on what lies ahead for the building. Stay tuned.
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I understand the concept of a free market, and I also understand the artists’ perspective. Since money is the landlord’s concern, couldn’t he have raised their rents? Perhaps rent is regulated in Burlington. I am not a resident and speak from an outside perspective. But it is a commercial lease, so I would think he’d be able to raise the rent at lease renewal time. That would give him an increase in income and give the artists an option to stay or go. Just an idea, though it’s probably not feasible, since he probably wants to rehab the place.
Any town would be blessed by the presence of these artists. I would love to see a renaissance in St. J., Barre, Rutland, etc. However, there is something lively about Burlington – the people, the lake… That wonderful flow of activity both inspires an artist and draws people who appreciate their art. So it would be difficult for an artist with a following to just uproot themselves and their families to start over in these places that, sadly, may lack an appreciation for what they have to offer. Not to mention, it would not be lucrative for them personally, since such a move would likely reduce their income even if it saved on rent.
Hoping the landlord manages it well, and praying the artists find a new home.
After letting the dust settle I felt the need to write a comment. As one of the longest standing tenants/artist at Brickwork Art Studios and one of the 14 artists in the building I felt it was important to let our voice be heard. Most of the artists in the building have been there anywhere from 2-5+ years. Every artist in our building is truly successful and has great pride. Some of the artists work full-time on top of working in their studios. Many contribute to the area by having classes, donating art work to many organizations and causes etc. Many of us own homes, yes homes. Mr. DeFrancis we are successful in our lives, you should be ashamed of yourself for making the comments you made. I have lived in the South End since the mid 60’s and my father had a succesful business on Pine Street for 25 years. I grew up loving how diverse and “Artsy” this area was and is. After Overlake Park purchased the building it was very soon after that changes were taking place. The way that we were told we had to leave was not the best way to communicate with us to say the least, hiding behind his attorney rather than having a conversation with all of us spoke volumes about the owners character. I and all the Brickwork Art Studios Artists want to thank the Art community for reaching out to us, this is what makes the South End Arts and Businesses truly special. Paco DeFancis, your comments to the “artists” to move to Barre and St. Johnsbury is not an option and how utterly ridiculous you are. Perhaps those locations need someone like you to make them more ” hip” just as the South End is.