Karcher Artspace

Live/Work Space

Karcher Artspace Lofts is a nine-story, mixed use arts facility with 36 affordable live/work units for artists and their families. Efficiencies, one-, two- and three-bedroom units range in size from 665 to 1,441 square feet.

The “Karcher Building,” as it is known on the National Register of Historic Places, is a Waukegan landmark. The nine-story building on Washington Street opened in 1928 was a 140-room hotel. It has, however, been vacant since 1984. The 36 units will be both living and studio space designed specifically for the needs of artists – with open floor plans, uninterrupted “gallery walls,” and abundant natural light. The project will feature exposed ductwork and simple finishes will give the units a contemporary loft style look and feel.

Artspace is America’s leader in arts-driven community transformation. With headquarters in Minneapolis and offices in Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Seattle and Washington DC, Artspace runs a network of 33 affordable arts facilities in 13 states. Representing a $500 million investment in America’s arts infrastructure, our facilities provide more than 1,100 affordable live/work units for artists and their families as well as a million square feet of non-residential space for artists, arts organizations and creative enterprises.