MSU to lease space in downtown’s Brick City development

The school is entering into a 10-year lease with Brick City LP for 20,101 square feet on two floors at 305 West Mill Street. Parts of MSU’s art and design department – which currently is housed in six different facilities – will move there in time for the fall 2008 semester.

MSU will pay $11.25 per square foot, according to a school news release, and the price will increase in step with the Kansas City Consumer Price Index. MSU also has committed to spending up to $100,000 for initial renovations to meet specific program requirements.

The first floor of MSU’s leased space will house the department’s sculpture lab and classroom; the Art and Design Gallery, which will be relocated from Walnut Street and Jefferson Avenue; and gallery preparatory space, according to the release. The second floor will have three painting labs and classrooms, three drawing labs and classrooms, and faculty offices.

Wade Thompson, acting head of the MSU art and design department, called the building “highly conducive to creative arts activity,” according to the release.

“High ceilings and open spaces will allow the department the level of flexibility needed to manage current studio and academic programs, and to develop interdisciplinary connections across various studio arts disciplines,” he said in the release.

The $12 million Brick City development, led by developer Matt Miller, is a renovation of the adjoining properties at 305 West Mill St. and 212 West Phelps St., according to previous SBJ coverage. The project will cover a full city block and have 100 lofts.