Innovative housing invigorates downtowns
"A local developer hopes to help contain sprawl by converting an old factory into housing and work space for Maine artists and others who want to live and work in the same space. By doing so he hopes to draw people back to an urban center and provide affordable housing."

Artists' housing pitched for Saco
" The creative economy is a lot of things, but having a number of people who can live and work in the arts in their own home is clearly going to be a big asset in any community. These people are going to make a living doing things that involve the art supply store, the frame shop on Main Street and other related businesses. They will be interested in our library and our museum, and they will be interested in a number of activities that we have in Biddeford-Saco. The number of people is small - just 34 - but they're going to be people who are involved in the community,"

Artist housing comes on line
It’s a really positive step for Portland,” says Jessica Tomlinson, who, as a founder of Portland Artist Dwellings and Studios, has been another voice for artists looking for live/work space. “The best thing about Peter is that he’s a pioneer, and what he’s done is make this possible for other people in the city.” By talking with the city council and planning board about the zoning changes and other minutiae involved with these sorts of projects, Bass has made it easier for others with similar goals to get a warm reception from Portland’s elected and appointed leaders.

NO PLACE FOR ARTISTS
It's an old story. It's known as the SoHo syndrome. Artists move into an economically depressed end of town, lawyers and bankers follow, rents go up, artists are forced out. A variation on that theme has begun happening in Portland.