Real Estate Solutions
Our suite of services focus on securing property for long-term community control, through acquisition or long-term lease.
To come to the table ready to engage with CAST, we recommend working closely with partners like Community Vision who offer financial management and real estate guidance to nonprofits and social enterprises to determine those essential needs, especially if you’re a newer organization that’s still figuring out its capacity.
Discover what it takes to be “real estate ready”
SET UP A COMPLIMENTARY APPOINTMENT WITH COMMUNITY VISION>>
When you’ve laid that groundwork, see if CAST can help on your pathway to stability.
FILL OUT OUR CAST INTAKE FORM>>
Pathway to Stability
CAST
Partner
Real Estate Readiness
STEP 1
What do I need to have in place to be ready to look for space?
Before we can get started, you need to have a solid grasp on your:
- Organizational Mission/Vision & Business Plan
- Staff & Board Capacity
- Financial Readiness
- Amount of square feet you need
- Ideal location
>>Learn more with Community Vision
Facility planning & feasibility
STEP 2
How do I know if this space makes sense for my needs and my budget?
We can help you with a preliminary exploration to determine if your project is possible, like supporting you with:
- Assembling a team
- Developing a budget and schedule
- Securing financing/funding
Acquisition / Site Control
STEP 3
I’ve found a space that works, how do I lock it down?
We advise you through seller negotiations and the due diligence process to manage risk and get the most affordable deal.
Design & Permitting
STEP 4
The space might be perfect as is, but probably not. How do I customize the space for my intended use and do so legally?
We connect you to our network of design and construction professionals and internal resources to design a space that will meet your needs and priorities for programming and comply with all applicable building and zoning codes.
Build Out
STEP 5
How do I bring my design to life?
We manage the construction team, facilitate effective communication and decision-making, and stay closely engaged throughout the build out to keep the project on schedule and on budget.
How We Work
We primarily work with small to mid-sized nonprofits and individual artists or creative entrepreneurs
with a particular focus on organizations led by and/or serving communities of color who have endured systemic oppression and historical underinvestment, that have demonstrated positive impact in their communities.
We bring our experience, capacity, and relationships
to support our partners at the most opportune times for cost-effectiveness and project success.
We work to understand the priorities and needs of the artists or organizations
who request our support, assess what is needed financially and programmatically, and then develop a solution that fits where they’re at, organizationally.
CounterPulse Groundbreaking, 2016.
Photo by Kegan Marling
We design and structure projects to provide our partners with flexibility and options for the future, including the potential for ownership.
If we aren’t the best solution, we’ll connect you with our network of consultants & resources to support your next steps.
Performing Arts Workshop Co-Executive Directors Van Nguyen-Stone and Lorena Landeros tour the CAST team around the new Geneva Powerhouse.
Once a project has achieved stability and your programs are up and running, the work shifts to stewarding space. Our developing services focus on operating and positioning the real estate asset for long-term sustainability.
Modeling New Ways
A Secure Future
By purchasing a property, generally done jointly by CAST and an arts partner, and taking it off the market, your facility costs are more predictable and stable. This gives you time to plan and raise funds for your future acquisition.
Money from the partner’s purchase then gets recycled into a brand new CAST project that keeps or adds another cultural asset in the community.
We’re building a new paradigm in real estate
One where arts and culture has a permanent seat at the table with government, urban planners, and real estate developers.
This is a time for reimagination—to transform the real estate landscape in a way that centers the people who have been historically excluded from it.