DEARBORN – City Council approved, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, a zoning variance to allow ArtSpace to build lofts for artists in the City Hall’s east and west wings.

The decision boosts ArtSpace’s chances of acquiring the building from the City. ArtSpace is a non-profit organization that helps artists find affordable living and work places. 

Last month, the council authorized Mayor John B. O’Reilly to start negotiating the sale of the building to ArtSpace for $1.65 million. If the sale, which is expected to be completed by July 2014, goes through, the City would move its operations to the former ADP building at 16901 Michigan Ave., which it purchased for $3.2 million in 2012.

ArtSpace has applied for a low-income housing grant with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to help finance the transformation of the City Hall into apartments and studios for artists. The council’s recent decision will help push ArtSpace’s grant application forward.

The council voted, 4-1, to approve a zoning variance. Council President Thomas Tafelski, who outspokenly opposes the sale of the City Hall, voted against it; Councilwoman Nancy Hubbard abstained from voting and said that she had some questions about the resolution, which she needs to discuss with the mayor; and Council President Pro Tempore Suzanne Sareini was absent.