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Loft Living
Once strictly industrial spaces that have been converted to housing new construction, featuring the elements that define loft spaces, such in major urban areas, lofts are changing. They’re showing up in smaller as high ceilings, exposed pipes, and ductwork, and wood or concrete floors. They also may be what is known as “soft lofts,” which have walls cities, in new construction—and some of them even come with walls. to define separate rooms in the unit. One big reason for the popularity Who wants to live in one, big room? You might be surprised. The mar- of this growing trend is that there’s a whole lot of activity in lofts and ket for loft apartments remains steady and strong, even during real young people like them. There is also the draw of being close to local estate downturns. And while they’ve traditionally been located in major activities and entertainment. Many lofts are located in the heart of revicities such as New York, Chicago; Washington DC, and Atlanta, they’re talized downtowns or emerging art districts. quickly showing up in markets outside the nation’s urban core Pros of Loft Living • Wide open spaces You have infinite choices in how to arrange Loft apartments made their debut in the 1800s in Paris, where they the space—and you can rearrange to your heart’s content. were occupied by artists who saw the potential of old warehouses and • Unique look Lofts tend to be very unique, based on the buildother commercial buildings as places where they could live and work ing’s former use. You’ll have a look that no one else has. cheaply. The large, open spaces and high ceilings made it easy to set • Great light Large windows are a hallmark of loft spaces. up a studio; the large windows let in an abundance of light, and there • Room to be bold Large pieces of furniture and art that would were no neighbors to bother as the artists worked through the night. overwhelm most rooms look great in a loft. The U.S. “loft movement” identified as such by its proponents, grew • Convenience Lofts typically are in downtown areas, close to jobs, services, and entertainment venues out of SoHo in New York. Today, they’re an integral part of a renewed interest in urban living that’s been underway for several years. It’s an Downtown Enid has both residential and rental lofts. Each one is innovative way to reuse old buildings. unique, restored, and a vibrant part of the downtown community. More While a true loft is a warehouse or other commercial building that information is available on these online or by contacting Nicholas has been converted to residential space, today’s loft options include Residential Real Estate at (580) 234-7000. 32 | DECEMBER 2021 | ENID MONTHLY
