After May, later in July, we were informed that the Lincoln project was "dead in the water," and after over four months of negotiations we were left barren. As fall and Open Studios arrived in October, we had this to say in the Fort Point Open Studios brochure:

What happened to Studio Soto, the independent, artist-run, alternative space on the corner of Melcher and A Street,? Its name remains on the picture window glass of a building now empty of tenants. Last November, along with 50 artists and 20 creative businesses, it was forced to leave its home on Melcher St. The building’s owners, Archon/Goldman Properties, declined to offer lease extensions and evacuated those buildings, and they remain empty still today. In the meantime, developers like Archon/Goldman play ring-around-the-rosy  with those buildings once occupied, their unfulfilled plans, the City government, and displaced artists.

As part of a larger and longer trend, the population of artists has declined over the past ten years in Fort Point, and the last leased floors of artists rental studios in two more Archon/Goldman buildings will be gone after this November. The numbers cited total over 300 artists that have been displaced during that time. For several years Studio Soto had appeared to buck that with its presence and programming on Melcher Street. Our desire to remain in Fort Point now has been challenged by diminishing options and higher rents.

Since its departure, Studio Soto has been actively seeking a new home in Fort Point, and it has not been easy. Working with the City, local developers, and new owners on building or finding an affordable, long-term space is not a straightforward process. Over the past several months we have had a number of scenarios in play that have not come to fruition.

As we approach a new year, we are seeing the potential for programming in different sites in the neighborhood. We are also nurturing lasting partnerships in the community that could lead to bigger undertakings. Becoming a non-profit, 501 ( c ) 3 soon will help us develop new projects and extend our funding base of support. You can stay abreast of Studio Soto’s developments by visiting our website, www.studiosoto.com . There you can also join our mailing list for notices on all of our updates and activities. We look forward to being a part of the community again here with all of you and our audiences.