Steven Garrity on real estate
From SPARK THE ARTS Podcast: Inaugural Episode with Jennifer Evins and Steve Garrity! · · Global Peace 360°
“Highwoods Properties has made this space available at no cost to the artists or United Arts. If the space is leased, artists have to be out in 60 days, but artists are flexible. We're looking for non-traditional spaces for performances and studios because many arts organizations and artists need facilities and working spaces. This is the beginning of something really great.”
On , Steven Garrity, Senior Vice President & Orlando Market Leader at HIGHWOODS PROPERTIES INC, spoke about real estate during SPARK THE ARTS Podcast: Inaugural Episode with Jennifer Evins and Steve Garrity! on Global Peace 360°.
About Steven Garrity
In October 2024, Garrity appeared on the inaugural episode of the SPARK THE ARTS Podcast, where he discussed Highwoods Properties' role in supporting the arts in downtown Orlando. He stated that the company, which owns office buildings in the area, has made available a ground-floor space at no cost to artists and United Arts of Central Florida through a program called Spark the Arts Studios. Garrity described the space as previously "dark" and unleased, and said the company's goal was to "activate" it and "add value to our customers' life experience through art." He noted that if the space is leased, artists would have 60 days to vacate, but added that the company is a "long-term holder of real estate" and is "delighted" to host the program. Garrity also addressed broader downtown revitalization efforts following the pandemic, saying that the city of Orlando had begun conversations with United Arts about improving downtown vibrancy. He said Highwoods is "working with the city to place musicians in the city every day" and to have "storefront visual artists" visible to the public, framing the initiative as a matter of "economic development along with quality of life." He added that artists in the residency program are responsible for teaching "lunch and learns" to building tenants, which he said helps artists build a following and inspires office workers who may have a "creative fire inside."