Document:Q9870

The project consists of 5 steps.
1. Purchase:
On September 5th, 2002 we purchased 1.1 Acres of land in the desert of Utah on eBay. The seller’s description promoted a very flat and buildable area with mountain views. There were no building or zoning restrictions.
2. Finding:
Using satellite images, topographical maps, strings, and a compass, in November of 2002 we went to Utah and located the property.
3. Temporary Use:
In December 2002 we established an International Studio Program. After we had sent out a call for proposals in January 2003, a Jury of 6 (curators and artists) chose three artist collaborations, who realized their works on the lot between February and July of 2003.
4. Improvements:
Because the Union Pacific Train tracks were located about 2000 feet away from the land, our plan for the lot’s improvement was to create a train stop. This would enhance the areas infrastructure and therefore the value of the lot. To demonstrate the possible reality of this plan a train had to stop at least once in front of the land.
In August, 2003 we opened TRAIN STOP INN, a bar, where we served snacks and ice cold drinks for train operators. Temperatures ranged between 90 and 120F. Freight trains, traveling between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City passed in irregular intervals - between 3-5 per day. After 10 days of waiting, a train stopped right in front of our land.
5. Auction:
After we had improved the lot, we hired a professional auctioneer, organized a public live auction and sold the land for a 10% profit in November of 2003 in New York.