Ed Weinstein was the architect and he took my rough ideas and concepts and gave me my first presentation of the Banner Building that connected all of my wishes and more. The building was built almost exactly as we had first discussed from the first set of design concepts, except we went higher and settled on a ‘high-rise’ permit. Ed understood what I wanted and made a building that was iconic and changed a neighborhood for ever. It is still an amazing project and design – which is admired all over the US and Internationally – I would not have done this with out his visual and architectural language. k.

I conceptualized the project as a work/live multi-use building, I drew up the original concept design of the top, middle and lower floors as different visual icons. I bought the land in 1991/92, found the construction financing, sold the first 10 units for seed money, developed the project through final master use permit up to shoring. Partnered with a developer for final construction, sale and build-out of separate units. I also hired the architect and most of the main subcontractors and the original contractor.

I have lived there since 1995.

Thank you.

PS. The building was never conceptualized or designed as Artist Housing, it was to be Work, LIve & Prosper housing which included future equity for taking the risk in a potential revitalized neighborhood. The concept was to purchase large enough space that they can build out to their own specifications, so that individuals could work, live and contribute to a neighborhood community as stake holders.

k.