The state's proposing to retrofit 619 Western in order to save it. Artists would have to move out for a year, and Nick Licata's got a list of proposed places they might land during that time, including the old Lusty Lady building. Follow all the action on Licata's 619 site or 619 Western on Facebook.

Even if the artists do have to move out for a year, at least 619 Western would stay alive as an art hub. Once something like 619 Western is destroyed and the neighborhood "updated," that spirit is gone forever.