We’re inviting you to take part in a radical, collective project to help transform The El Rey into a permanent home for artists, cultural workers, and community in Seattle. With your support, you’re helping advance the next phase of this project by stabilizing the building and opening it to artists and the public.
Common Area Maintenance has saved the historic El Rey building in Belltown and is transforming it into permanently affordable housing for artists and cultural workers. Alongside housing, the building will include shared space for community programming, residencies, and creative work. This project is about protecting cultural space while building something lasting for the people who make this city what it is. It creates a foundation for artists, organizations, and the public to stay, gather, and grow together in Seattle. Learn more and get involved.
With the support of our incredible community partners we stopped The El Rey from being demolished and purchased the building for $20!
We’re going to transform this historic building into affordable housing for Seattle’s cultural workers, residency space for visiting artists, classrooms, and retail space for mission-driven organizations.
We envision a Seattle where housing is affordable for the artists who live and create here.
1 and 2 Bedroom Homes for Creative Workers
Artists and cultural workers are being priced out of cities across the country. By creating long-term below-market homes in the heart of Belltown, we support a creative neighborhood that grows with the people who shape it.
Neighborhood Stability and Vibrancy
Long term affordable housing strengthens community connection, creates safety and supports a revived and active Belltown.
Everyone is welcome here! We’re dreaming up a ground floor that centers community connection and cultural life.
Performance Venue and Gallery
Open-format performance space for readings, performances, presentations, art gallery shows and more! Creates opportunities for artists and performers to showcase their work. Invites audience members and participants into the neighborhood for rich cultural experiences.
2 Retail Storefronts for Mission-Driven Businesses
Affordable retail space for small Seattle businesses or nonprofits whose work supports and uplifts the community. Increases foot traffic and brings more economic activity to other local businesses in the neighborhood. Keeps the neighborhood active.
Classroom and Gathering Space
Space for workshops, classes and meetings. Invites collaboration with local arts organizations and partners. Welcomes community members into the space for educational opportunities and connection.
We’re building a warm welcome for visiting artists and performers in the heart of Belltown.
Affordable lodging for visiting artists
Sixteen to eighteen low cost units for artists, writers and cultural workers who come to teach, collaborate and create.
Expanded cultural opportunities
A sliding scale model gives organizations the ability to invite guest artists, build residency programs and grow workshops, classes, readings and performances.
Stronger arts networks
A steady flow of visiting artists from around the country and around the globe creates lasting relationships and new collaborations across creative communities.
Donate
Please consider making a monthly gift to support the El Rey project. Your sustained support will help us weather the process of renovating and stabilizing El Rey as a new community resource, ensuring the project can continue to develop with care and consistency. Recurring contributions also make it possible to plan ahead, supporting the ongoing evolution of El Rey and its long-term sustainability.
Elbow grease
Join us! We could use a hand in putting this new space together. That means helping with events to helping build new furnishings. Lots to do and friends to make it happen.
Share with your friends
Know people who’d want to support something bold and meaningful? Send this their way and help grow the community around this project.