Where Is the Next Wynwood? Miami Gallerists Predict the Next Gritty Art Scene

By J.J. Colagrande Wed., Jan. 23 2013 at 7:39 AM

B. Caplan

Southernmost Situations at Cannonball's downtown space.

Downtown
Bridges Aderhold operates GAB Studio on NW 23rd Street. Since 2009, his space has been a staple in Wynwood, hosting community outreach events, fundraisers, and live music. Krisp, arguably the hottest pop band in the city, got its start playing free gigs at GAB Studios during Second Saturdays.

Like many in Wynwood, Aderhold's days in the district are numbered. His landlord is selling the property on which GAB stands, including the bus depot next door, for a hefty $2.4 million. The Miami Arts Charter School, currently in the Design District, is buying the property and building a multiple-floor school building from scratch.

"A school is better than a bar, I guess," says Aderhold. "But I'd like to stay here. I don't want to leave the area." Aderhold's been looking around. "I currently pay $10 a square foot. Everything I'm looking at in Wynwood is currently $30 to $40 a square foot."

He has a big decision to make and only a few months to do it. Does he move to a bigger space in a less populated area, perhaps partnering up with other gallerists, and follow De La Torre's model on NW Seventh Avenue? "That actually is an option," he says, "but if I'm going to leave, I'd rather go somewhere with foot traffic, like maybe Downtown."

A lot of people are looking at Downtown. YoungArts and Cannonball (formerly LegalArt) are already set up there, as is CIFO (Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation) and the newly minted Downtown Art House, a conglomerate of local artists and galleries that includes Dimensions Variable, BFI (Bas Fisher Invitational), and the TM Sisters. With the help of the Downtown Development Authority, they took over a warehouse next to Club Space that formerly housed Capt. Harry's Fishing Supply -- rent free.

With the performance art center, American Airlines Arena, and two big museums opening soon, downtown appears the logical place to be. And the recent deconstruction and relocation of the Camillus House makes the area a lot safer for foot traffic.

"Downtown could be great, if you can find the space," concludes Aderhold.

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LittleHavanaLocal

I just wanted to throw in a third option... Little Havana. There is already a steady "artwalk" every last Friday of the month called "Viernes Culturales" as well as some very impressive galleries. Little Havana is a core tourist spot, but we can use some more local energy in the Cultural aspect. The area is certainly coming up and as a loca my favorite addition is the new Goodwill. The owner has turned this store into a work of art. With an original Blek le Rat stencil protected by plexi glass near the entrance as well as the infamous SpaceInvader out in front, the owner has created space on the side of the entire building so that local artists can paint mini murals representing their styles. I imagine his/her goal is to fill the entire building with these, but for now its only on the side (WITH PLENTY OF OPEN SPOTS FOR THOSE INTERESTED). Anyways, just wanted to throw in that third suggestion although it would be absolutely amazing if all three of the spots become main areas for the artists talents of our city and those international souls who choose our city to represent their works!

LittleHavanaLocal

I feel like Miami is stirring up something very good in our Cultural Arts department and in the next 5 years anyone who joins tihs movement will certainly be a part of something historical in our city! So many fresh young faces and artists, all that we have to do is come together as a community and work together :) good luck to the tenants and artists....don't forget! KEEP ON KEEPING ON no matter what!

Donnie Donnie

those landlords are just taking advantage cause the wynwood area is not that great yet, there is still not too much foot traffic, its getting there thou, maybe one day it can be like soho in nyc

Roy Gonzalez

Gentrification at its finest..

Carolina Soto

Overtown or downtown.

k117

The "Next BIG Thing" is in my pants!

jjcolagrande topcommenter

2 Like

@k117 good. b-c it's certainly not near your skull . . .

Carlos Franco

they will move up into little haiti and down to downtown and west of wynwood where rents are still cheap. its funny how the area is considered valuable after its made a name but not the artists who sought studio space or the galleries that took a chance on a warehouse district with no traffic, they are considered disposable once rents go up.

mom25256

@Carlos FrancoIt is quite a shame..The area which at one point was considered a "ok, lock your doors" location has been transformed by the beautiful works of many artists. The all mighty dollar has over shadowed the the reality of "WOW! look at what introducing culture has done to this place"..Why does Miami repeatedly mess with a good thing..? I watched as Miami made it less appealing and difficult for the booming film industry years back..So many decided to look elsewhere..Instead of embracing, appreciating and being grateful for this major transformation to a once far from desirable area..greed takes over..?? They obviously just don't get it..? Then again we are talking about "business" land owners..and artists.. quite far apart on the color spectrum..??

Sean O'Hanlon

Oh Steven...

Glen Nelson

Soul Focus House in BBAD on Thursdays: ART WALK 2013

Jorge Navarro

Hialeah! lol

gpaugam7

A shame when landlords start getting greedy and start raising rents because they start to think their properties are irreplaceable. Good luck to all the tenants.