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Oakland’s American Steel arts hub may be razed for offices
http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-s-American-Steel-arts-hub-may-be-razed-6805130.phpThe once-blighted American Steel factory has become one of the most influential components of West Oakland’s industrial arts scene — home today to some 200 artists who toil away at cast iron sculptures, mutant vehicle cars and other provocative works.
But for the last 18 months, the inhabitants of American Steel Studios have had a cloud hanging over their heads. Their lease expired in July 2014, leaving master tenant Karen Cusolito on a month-to-month contract with the landlord, Maurice Kanbar, and his holding company, KS Properties One LLC.
In the intervening months, Kanbar put the factory building, its adjoining warehouse and several adjacent parcels on the market. He advertised the entire 12.6-acre swath of land for $30 million to several prominent Oakland developers, suggesting they raze American Steel and quilt the area with new offices or retail.
Though Kanbar hasn’t found any takers, some artists worry that he’ll eventually clinch a deal — and give them the boot. The building is zoned for industrial or commercial use, so it could ultimately be transformed into a tech campus, a big-box store or an office park.
But for the last 18 months, the inhabitants of American Steel Studios have had a cloud hanging over their heads. Their lease expired in July 2014, leaving master tenant Karen Cusolito on a month-to-month contract with the landlord, Maurice Kanbar, and his holding company, KS Properties One LLC.
In the intervening months, Kanbar put the factory building, its adjoining warehouse and several adjacent parcels on the market. He advertised the entire 12.6-acre swath of land for $30 million to several prominent Oakland developers, suggesting they raze American Steel and quilt the area with new offices or retail.
Though Kanbar hasn’t found any takers, some artists worry that he’ll eventually clinch a deal — and give them the boot. The building is zoned for industrial or commercial use, so it could ultimately be transformed into a tech campus, a big-box store or an office park.
