Spinning Plate Artist Loft (Pittsburgh, Liberty: apartments, rent, lofts)

[Elder18]

Does anyone know if the area around the Spinning Plate Artist Loft in East Liberty is safe or not?

My wife and I are very likely moving to Pgh in the summer, and coming from Small Town America we're a bit concerned about safety.

I know that East Liberty in general is supposed to be pretty sketchy, but I've heard parts of it are pretty decent and I was wondering if this is one of them.

Any info about Spinning Plate in general would be welcome as well.

Thanks!

[Hopes]

I've been to the spinning plate artists loft! My son used to take violin lessons at one of the apartments. It's not really in the heart of East Liberty. It's more on the edge of east liberty right next to Friendship which is a very safe neighborhood by city living standards. I used to live in Friendship years ago, and my husband and I would take evening walks in the area of the artists loft. You'll be safe---just make sure to buy one of those anti-theft devices to lock on your car steering wheel.

The spinning plate artists loft is really a cool place with large open spaces. It's a security building---nobody can get into it without being let in by one of the tenants. The location is great because it's between Friendship and Shadyside---with Bloomfield nearby. Shadyside is the hip artist area of Pittsburgh. You'll be within walking distance of lots of great restaurants and shopping in both Shadyside and Bloomfield. You'll even have the advantage of being within walking distance to the county's only Whole Foods grocery store and a Trader Joes too. The artists loft is right on a major bus route too so you'll have an easy time shooting into downtown if one of you plan to work in the city.

[ontheroad]

I was very impressed when I visited the loft. It is brightly lighted, spacious and well maintained.

Seemed like a great place to live! And some good eats nearby!

[Susecita]

What is the app procedure like for Spinning Plate lofts? I requested an application and have yet to get one. Do you have to be a prof. artist to live in these?

[Elder18]

We're going to give them a call and sort out some of the details. My wife is a professional artist, so hopefully they'll let my non-talented ass in there as well.

Do you know anything about it?

[ontheroad]

I did make a vague inquiry several years ago at the Spinning Plate when I thought I would make Pittsburgh my permanent home. I don't remember hearing many restrictions on partners, and nothing about making a clear distinction between professional vs. working artist.

Doesn't the application have some of those details on it?

I'll be in Pittsburgh on Monday or Tuesday and in that neighbourhood. I might drop by and see if I qualify myself.

[Hopes]

There's a phone number on the website you can call to find out. I wouldn't go in person without calling though. The contact person isn't working an office for people to just stop by whenever they feel like it.

I would suspect there would be a huge waiting list.

Buildings with fixed rent don't have openings very often.

I'm interested in seeing what you guys find out.

[Susecita]

Well seeing how I have not gotten a response from the office (I emailed two days ago) maybe someone else can give me more info. I am a positive one and believe that it its meant to be...well the space will be mine. Boooaah :-)

Sus

[ontheroad]

From the little I know, many of the association members are volunteers. You probably have to wait more than 2 days for a response.

If I learned anything, I'll post again.

Originally Posted by Susecita

Well seeing how I have not gotten a response from the office (I emailed two days ago) maybe someone else can give me more info. I am a positive one and believe that it its meant to be...well the space will be mine. Boooaah :-)

Sus