by Donna A. Parker, New Homes & Lifestyles Magazine
Artist’s lofts were once found only in rundown warehouses. Seeking cheap rent and large spaces for their art, artists pioneered the use of lofts in New York City and Sand Francisco. Over time, these inexpensive spaces transformed into trendy homes for the downtown crowd. Prices rose, amenities turned luxurious, but the hallmark of lofts — a wide-open space with industrial finishes and high ceilings have remained constant.
Lofts offer a chic, contemporary lifestyle in an urban setting for young professionals and for “empty nesters” wanting to leave the suburbs for downtown living that offers convenience and access to cultural activities. Our desert cities have few warehouses to convert into lofts but this has not stopped developers. They are creating an exciting urban environment in downtown areas of Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix.
Orpheum Lofts at 114 W. Adams Street in downtown Phoenix has transformed a landmark building, the Phoenix Title and Trust Building built in 1931, into loft living for urban residents. This 11 story concrete and brick structure has been restored with design elements that showcase the timeless elegance and architecture of the era. The lobby, with its original marble, includes decorative metal detailing, etched glass windows, an opulent staircase of marble and terrazzo, and an ornate lobby directory reminiscent of the Art Deco era. Upscale stores will front the street on the first level. Additional features include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a heated swimming pool and spa, a conference and event room with a full-service business center and landscaped courtyard. Valet parking and a 24-hour doorman provide security for the building’s residents.
Keith Mishkin, broker of Cambridge Properties, says, “The tremendous craftsmanship in this historic renovation can not be duplicated. These luxury lofts have everything everyone would expect in a first-class environment.” The floor plans at Orpheum Lofts range from 712 to 1,800 square feet. It is possible to combine adjacent loft units for a larget loft and the penthouse suite with 2,600 square feet recently sold for $1.5 million. Over 60 percent of the lofts have sold with prices ranging from $239,000 to $539,000. Each loft sports concrete ribbed ceilings, brick walls and open space and the bedrooms feature ceiling-high walls for privacy. The numerous windows overlooking downtown incorporated the original window frames and brass handles from 1931.
“Luxury lofts have everything everyone would expect in a first-class environment.”
Tapestry on Central offered by Starpointe Communities is a new development that mixes condominiums with loft-style units on the top floors. Rob Lyles, a partner with Starpointe Communities says, “Tapestry on Central has created a lot of excitement in downtown Phoenix, and the construction and sales side of the project are going tremendously well.”
At final build-out there will be three, seven-story buildings with a total of 280 units on four acres. With over 20 floor plans, there will be three different mix of housing including two-story condos, single-level residences and two-story
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