GENERAL
Can I have a copy of the PowerPoint presentation that was shown during the Information Sessions?
A PDF copy of the presentation is available for download HERE. updated: March 5, 2010
LOCATION
Where will the new Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre be located?
Located in the centre Phase Two of the Regent Park revitalization process, the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre will be situated on Dundas Street East between Sumach Street and Sackville Street opposite a newly created park. Due to the process of revitalization, a specific numbered address has yet to be determined.
updated: February 17,2010
RENT
What is the rent for an Anchor Tenant or Studio Operator?
Base rest is estimated at $9.00 - $11.00 / rentable sq. ft (per annum). Additional rent is estimated at $7.00 - $9.00 / rentable sq. ft (per annum). Additional rent may include shared amenities such as hallways, dressing and green rooms, washrooms and showers. As the building design is currently in development, rents listed above are subject to change.
updated: March 1,2010
Are there any realty tax exemptions?
We are seeking realty tax exemption status for the performance spaces.
updated: March 1, 2010
LEASES
Will tenants receive a sub-lease or license?
Tenants will be offered a sub-lease from Artscape.
updated: February 26, 2010
What will be the length of the lease?
Artscape is looking for long term partners on this project who are interested in making RPACC their home. The length of the lease could be from 2 years to 10 years. However, the Creativity Lab exists to support small organizations going through growth/contraction and will offer short term rentals. There is no financial advantage to signing a short or long term lease agreement.
updated: February 26, 2010
TIMELINE
When will tenants move-in to the RPACC?
The building is expected to be substantially built by March 2011 and then we expect a period of time dedicated to tenant fixturing.
updated: March 1, 2010
When will respondents be notified of next steps relating to their submissions to the Call for Proposals and Request for Expressions of Interest?
All respondents will be notified of next steps on or before April 15, 2010.
updated: March 1, 2010
ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply to the Call for Proposals or the REOI?
Artscape is inviting submissions from not-for-profit arts and cultural organizations requesting to lease space at below-market rates within the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre. The Call for Proposals is designed for arts and cultural organizations that have not for profit or charitable status. The Call for Proposals is a tenancy opportunity.
The Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) is Requesting Expressions of Interest (REOI) for the Creativity Lab workspace hub within the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre. The REOI is designed for individuals and organizations looking for space that do not fit the criteria in the Call for Proposals. The REOI is not a tenancy opportunity. The tenancy opportunity for the Creativity Lab will open in the Fall of 2010.
Individual artists can apply for space in other Artscape projects. Please visit http://www.torontoartscape.on.ca/community/apply-online to learn about our current and future opportunities and to apply online for space.
updated: March 1, 2010
If we are a new not-for-profit organization, are we at a disadvantage in submitting to the Creativity Lab if we have no history and no immediate financial stability?
The rental process for the Creativity Lab will begin in Fall 2010. The REOI process is meant to stimulate and asses interest in the Creativity Lab; please list all of your needs and concerns in your REOI response. The current approach of the Centre for Social Innovation is a mix of 2/3 sustaining and 1/3 emerging organizations. The Creativity Lab is meant to support a balance of both organizations and individuals.
updated: March 1, 2010
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
My organization submitted to the REOI in 2008. Do I have to resubmit to the Call for Proposals?
Yes. The 2008 REOI was released by Toronto Community Housing and the Daniels Corporation to determine interest and hone the vision of the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre and specifically the Anchor Tenant and Studio Operator spaces. The Call for Proposals is a new and completely separate opportunity to determine tenants. Also the Call for Proposals was released by Artscape. Organizations must submit to the Call for Proposals for consideration as an Anchor Tenant or Studio Operator.
updated: February 17,2010
REVIEW PROCESS
In order to be considered for anchor tenancy or studio operation, organizations must submit to the Call for Proposals by March 11, 2010. Proposals received will be reviewed on their merit according to the following guidelines:
1. Vision – is the submission rooted in a strong organizational vision/ is the vision appropriate to the site/ would the submission make a substantial contribution to RPACC and the Regent Park community/ is the submission rooted in inclusivity and accessibility of service for diverse populations?
2. Capacity – does the respondent demonstrate the capacity and experience to deliver on what is proposed in the submission/ does the respondent demonstrate the necessary level of leadership to deliver the vision/ does the respondent demonstrate the necessary level of management experience to deliver the vision?
3. Sustainability – does the respondent demonstrate the necessary financial, and operational capacity/ is the respondent able to demonstrate its financial stability and sustainability
updated: March 1,2010
Will there be representatives from the Regent Park arts community on the Tenant Selection Committee?
Yes, the Community Steering Committee will recommend members of the local Regent Park arts community to serve as the designated community representative on the Selection Committee. There will be two types of community representation: organizational staff and program participant. To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, Artscape will not publish the members of this committee until after the selection process has concluded.
updated: February 26, 2010
Have any organizations already been guaranteed occupancy in RPACC?
No decisions regarding tenancy have been made at this time. There is often confusion on these two-step processes that Artscape uses – Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOI) and Call for Proposals. The Call for Proposals is an open call and every interested party will have an equal shot at securing tenancy at RPACC. The only formal partnership that resulted after that REOI process was with The Centre for Social Innovation regarding the Creativity Lab.
updated: March 1, 2010
SPACE
What is an Anchor Tenant?
An Anchor Tenant is a not-for-profit arts or cultural organization interested in leasing and operating a significant amount of space (generally 4,000 square feet or more) for programming and administrative purposes. Successful proponents will participate in the design process to ensure that their needs are incorporated into architectural plans and the features and fit out of these spaces will be negotiated with the selected tenants.
updated: February 17,2010
What is a Studio Operator?
A Studio Operator is a not-for-profit arts or cultural organization interested in leasing and operating up to 2,500 square feet for rehearsal, small scale performance (100 – 150 seats) or exhibition uses. The studio spaces will be clear span with a minimum of 18 feet floor to ceiling height and include an A/V booth, storage spaces and a small office. In addition to the studio space, Studio Operators will lease shared amenities including: dressing and green rooms, washrooms and showers. Studio Operators may rent the studio space to other organizations, groups, and individuals.
updated: February 17,2010
What is the Creativity Lab?
The Creativity Lab will be approximately 10,000 square feet divided into private office space (25%), private desk area (25%), shared desks spaces (15%), and the remainder will be common spaces (meeting rooms, kitchen, lounge, reception, etc.). The Creativity Lab is best suited for individuals or small organizations for office, administrative, writing and digital work. It is not very well suited for direct service delivery or for artistic creation (e.g., pottery, painting, jewellery making, etc.). Private offices will likely be less than 150 square feet each.
updated: March 1,2010
If I am applying as a Studio Operator or Anchor Tenant is it possible to have additional space in other areas of the building?
Yes, the space(s) you require might be located on multiple floors. Please indicate all of your space and amenity needs in your submission.
updated: March 1, 2010
Are Studio Operators or Anchor Tenants expected to program their spaces year round or can they allow others to program in their space?
While it is expected that Studio Operators and Anchor Tenants will use their space for their own programming, we anticipate they will rent the space out to smaller groups as well.
updated: March 8, 2010
Will the preliminary floor plan designs shown at the Information Sessions change in orientation or size?
The designs presented at the Information Sessions are in their preliminary stages of development and will change depending on the needs and interests of the tenants.
updated: March 1, 2010
Will Artscape be managing the large performance/event space on the ground floor? If yes, will this space be strictly for rent or will Artscape produce their own programming for this space?
Yes, Artscape will be managing the large performance/event space on the ground floor and it will be offered to tenants and the community for rent. Artscape is not a programming organization and will simply facilitate access to this community space. It will be offered for rent to a mix of events from non-profit to corporate events, charged on a sliding scale.
updated: March 1, 2010
What is the seating capacity of the large performance/event space?
As the building is still in design process, the exact number of people the large performance/event space can accommodate has not been determined. We believe it will hold approximately 150-200 people, depending on the configuration. It is approximately 5,000 square feet. Also, technical specifications have not yet been identified.
updated: March 8,2010
Does the large performance/event space have fixed or flexible seating?
The seating in the large performance/event space will be flexible, not fixed.
updated: March 1, 2010
Will there be any sound issues that will impact spaces in the rest of the building?
To ensure proper sound abatement we have engaged sound experts in the design process.
updated: March 1, 2010
Can Creativity Lab or Anchor Tenants access programming space on the ground floor?
Tenants can either rent the large performance/event space from Artscape’s Event Services team or rent one of the Studio Operator spaces directly from the tenant.
updated: February 26, 2010
My organization has special technical needs (i.e. sound abatement, freight elevator, ceiling heights). Will the Anchor Tenant and Studio Operator spaces be customized to my organization’s needs?
Successful proponents of the Call for Proposals will participate in the design process to ensure that their needs are incorporated into architectural plans. Applicants are encouraged to tell Artscape what space needs your organization requires and this information will help inform the design process. Tenants may be responsible for the cost of any leasehold improvements.
updated: March 1, 2010
What is the maximum seating capacity in the Studio Operator spaces?
A Studio Operator space might hold up to 150 seats.
updated: March 1, 2010
What is the ceiling height of the Anchor Tenant spaces?
The current design for Anchor Tenants spaces indicates Currently, the ceiling height for double height ceilings at 5 metres high.
updated: March 8, 2010
If I become a tenant of the Creativity Lab, but am not renting a private office, how large is my usable space footprint and where do I keep my belongings?
Permanent desks will likely measure around 7’ x 5’, and will include some form of lockable space, such as a filing cabinet. Hot desks (part-time spaces) will not have any permanent lockable space, although we may be able to install a separate locker system for these members.
updated: March 8, 2010
Will the Creativity Lab have the same design as the 215 Spadina location with offices located behind a secured fob entry door?
The design has not yet been finalized. The REOI process will help to hone the vision of the Creativity Lab. Respondents are encouraged to specify their needs in their submissions.
updated: March 8, 2010
Can tenants access the kitchen for food preparation?
The Creativity Lab will have a community kitchen that can be used for meal preparation, if the infrastructure exists to support heavy use. A kitchen is also planned on the main floor to support the programming in the large performance/event space operated by Artscape. Applicants are encouraged to tell Artscape what space needs your organization requires and this information will help inform the design process.
updated: February 26, 2010
If there is a café, are there any rules about bringing in different catering for opening nights etc?
While we have envisioned a café to be located on the premises, we are not at the stage of planning to determine exclusive uses for catering in the building.
updated: March 8, 2010
Can tenants share or sublet their spaces with another organization?
Yes, tenants can sublet or share their spaces with another non-profit organization. However, there will be restrictions on subletting your space and Artscape will need to approve any secondary tenant.
updated: February 26, 2010
Is there live/work space available at RPACC?
RPACC will include non-profit arts and community organizational space only. Although Artscape manages artist live/work units in other locations, there will be no housing onsite at the Arts and Cultural Centre. Across other parts of Regent Park, live/work units are permitted in ground level units that have entrances to the street. Some of these units will be Toronto Community Housing rental units, and some will be condominium units. For more information, on the Regent Park Revitalization and rental housing please call the Regent Park Hotline: 416-981-4311. For more information on condominium sales, please call the Daniels Condominium Sales Centre: 416-955-0559. If you are interested in Artscape live/work space, please visit http://www.torontoartscape.on.ca/community/apply-online to learn about live/work opportunities and to apply online for space.
updated: February 17,2010
Is there individual artist work space available at RPACC?
The Request for Expressions of Interest process indicated that individual artist studio space was not a priority at RPACC. Toronto Community Housing does have opportunities for live/work rentals planned in other buildings within Regent Park.
updated: February 26, 2010
Will the building have wireless access?
Yes, the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre will have wireless access for tenants.
updated: February 26, 2010
Is there parking available at RPACC?
There will be two levels of underground parking in the adjacent condominium which will consist of residential and commercial parking spaces.
updated: March 1, 2010
Will there be loading facilities at RPACC?
There will be a loading dock on the south-west side of the building accessible from the street level.
updated: March 1, 2010
Is there bicycle parking at RPACC?
There will be indoor bicycle parking on street level as well as outdoor bicycle rings.
updated: March 1, 2010
Is there storage space for rent?
The initial REOI process determined that storage space was not a priority at RPACC. The Creativity Lab will have very limited storage space available.
updated: February 26, 2010
Will the tenants have mailboxes?
Yes, each tenant will be assigned a mailbox and address at RPACC. The Creativity Lab will also be set-up to accept packages and deliveries for their renters.
updated: February 26, 2010
How can non-tenants access space in RPACC?
Non-tenants will be able to rent the large performance/event space on the ground floor of RPACC from Artscape, or rent space from any of the Studio Operator tenants who provide that service. Meeting rooms in the Creativity Lab will also be available to rent on a short term basis.
updated: February 26, 2010
Will Street P have outdoor spaces available for events?
This is possible, however the approved uses for Street P have not yet been determined. There will be an outdoor performance/event space on the south side of the building that extends off of the large performance/event space that will be available for events.
updated: March 1, 2010
Is the green roof on the third floor an accessible area?
The green roof component is planned as an extensive green roof and is not currently designed to hold people.
updated: March 8, 2010
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Information sessions were held on February 23, 25, and March 2. Organizations and individuals submitting to both the Call for Proposals for Anchor Tenants and Studio Operators as well as the Request for Expressions of Interest for the Creativity Lab were strongly encouraged to attend. Each information session delivered the same content.
updated: March 8,2010
