Boarding House Arts

Historically, boarding houses were places where residents lived in private rooms but ate together and shared in communal tasks such as washing and cleaning. In the 21st Century, Boarding House Arts will provide its "residents” with both private and/or shared workspaces and opportunities for communal activities that foster a creative culture, financial viability and a "go to” place for the arts.

Housed within the historic former Guelph Civic Museum building at Six Dublin Street South, this re-imagined boarding house invites applications for:

  • Front in progressPrivate and shared studios
  • Office spaces
  • Programming spaces (event, workshop, classroom, performance, rehearsal, meeting)
  • Gallery (ongoing retail, short and long term rental)
  • Café operation and on-site event catering
Studio and space features
  • All space is served by an elevator and is accessible
  • Air conditioning
  • Windows and natural light
  • Track lighting
  • Concrete and hardwood floors
  • High ceilings
  • Shared access to slop sinks and washrooms
  • Outlets every 6 feet in most areas
  • Common kitchen and lounge space
  • Wireless Internet
  • Access to common workshop and storage (additional fees may apply)
Value added features for "Residents”

Residents may opt-in to the following shared programs:

  • Gallery and event space
  • Teaching and workshop space
  • Co-marketing
  • Event "happenings”
  • Website
Approximate space and studio size

 A private studio on the third floor approximately 280 square feet in size.

Shared studio spaces on the second floor ranging from 150 to 600 square feet.

Approximate rates

Rental rates range from $200 to $450 per month plus HST

Availability and how to apply

Space is available immediately. Please email info@tyrcathlen.ca for more information and a copy of our application package.

Who is Mrs. Black?

Mrs. Black’s Boarding House is a project of Tyrcathlen Partners Ltd., a privately owned Guelph- based company specializing in the adaptive re-use of heritage properties. The two principals of Tyrcathlen Partners have extensive (over twenty years between them) full-time work experience in the not-for-profit sector. Their combined background also includes extensive experience in the commercial sectors and in developing creative new business operating models. This project is a result of their passion for both heritage buildings and the tremendous depth and strength of artists and the arts community in Guelph.

In the late 19th and early 20th century the real Mrs. Black operated a boarding house in this building, which latterly served as home for many students of the Ontario Agricultural College.