Renovation of an arts center warehouse in Salina will be designed by a Lawrence-based architecture firm.

Sabatini Architects, 805 N.H., won a contract to handle renovation of the Salina Art Center’s Warehouse, which is being converted to accommodate the center’s Artist Initiative, a new artist residency program for local, regional, national and international artists.

The project is set to include living and work space for such artists, plus an open space for the center’s expanding educational programs and classes, and a place for events and storage.

Sabatini Architects, led by principal architect Dan Sabatini, was among three finalists chosen from among nine firms who submitted proposals to the center’s Warehouse Renovation Committee.

The warehouse, donated by Brad Stuewe, originally was built in 1928 and comprises two structures that provide a total of 6,000 square feet.