Washington Heights Kiln Yard Upgrade
- Completion DateDecember 31, 2026
The team from Washington Heights Arts Center is embarking on a journey to improve the safety and utilization of the Kiln Yard, a treasured amenity for the local arts community. The need for improvements created an opportunity to evaluate the current use plan for the yard and has led to a project funded by the City. This project will address the needs for water and electricity, locations of kilns, and the aesthetics of the barrier fence.
Current status: Drawings have been completed. Construction has begun as of June 2025.
The goal is to host outdoor pottery firings in early 2026.
Overarching Project Purpose:
To be good stewards of a valuable and unique community resource for ceramics by updating safety, storage and general operational organization of the kiln area and equipment. These improvements will usher new and continued student/public best usage of the ceramics firing space.
WHAC Mission Connection:
Washington Heights Arts Center (WHAC) is guided by the belief that engagement in art enriches people’s lives and strengthens communities. Serving more than 10,000 creative individuals a year, WHAC’s mission is to inspire all people to engage in the arts through innovative and unique programs, across a wide array of mediums and expertise levels, all of which celebrate creativity and build a closely woven artistic community for all abilities, ages and backgrounds. This mission is evident in the accessible and innovative kiln yard amenity that serves as a hallmark of our ceramics program.
The WHAC ceramics/pottery programs, including the kiln yard firing offerings, are a regional draw for artists of all abilities seeking an exceptional variety of firing process options, glazes, and instructional expertise. The kiln yard, supporting five unique firing techniques in one area, is a valuable artist resource that helps to fulfill our mission. The improvements needed to be made to the safety and operational organization of the kiln yard will lay the foundation for sustainable utilization of this community resource for many years to come.
Objectives:
The scope of the improvements needed to the 45’x 90’ kiln yard is organized around the following objectives:
- General safety and security- creating a continued safe and secure space for our students and staff.
- Functional organization- improving storage, traffic flow and space utilization.
- Mitigation of fire potential - implementing best practices for water placement, kiln safety, and wind mitigation.
- Expanded programmatic excellence- improving functionality of kilns and programmable space within the kiln yard.
- Sustainability- reducing waste and ensuring the safety of gas lines.
- Neighborhood relationships- improving the exterior aesthetics of the kiln yard and working to maintain positive neighborhood relationships.
Location
6375 W 1st Ave., 80226 View Map
39.7187627,-105.0670967
6375 W 1st Ave. ,
80226
Washington Heights Kiln Yard Upgrade