(Image: Arté Noir)
Black cultural and arts center Arté Noir is planning an expansion in the Central District.
After debuting four years ago as the heart of the Midtown Center mixed-use development at 23rd and Union, the gallery and shop is making plans for a new event space and cafe across the walkway at the building’s northern courtyard entrance.
The new project will add further dimension to Arté Noir’s presence at the corner.
CHS reported here in 2022 as the center debuted as a surprising anchor to the Midtown Center development after plans for a big chain pharmacy fell through. The shift has been a major blessing for this core of the Central District.
Arté Noir’s Vivian Phillips launched Arté Noir as an online magazine as a way to bring attention to the city’s creators. “Being from the Central District and having watched the numerous changes, I want the message to be that Black culture remains a significant part of the foundation and fabric of this community,” Phillips said as the plans for the center took shape.
Now, as the center approaches its fourth anniversary, it is ready to become an even more significant part of the 23rd and Union core.
According to plans filed with the city, the project has a base construction budget of $400,000.
With permitting underway, there’s no announced opening date for the expansion.
Arté Noir is located at 2301 E Union. Find updates and more at artenoir.org.
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