Letting in enough light is a challenge when converting bulky structures designed for commercial use. Loft units often wind up long and skinny, with windows at one end and partial-height walls that allow light and ventilation into back rooms.
An exception is Foxford Development’s 154 Lofts on West Hubbard, a boxy six-story building constructed in 1916 as a printing plant. The floor plans, configured by Studio Dwell Architects, maximize the number of windows in bedrooms and living areas.
And the six largest lofts, located on the top two floors, have separate nooks suitable for offices or TV lounging – a Studio Dwell staple, according to Mike Battista, of Jameson Realty Group, one of the agents marketing the project.
Other features include Copat cabinetry in varying styles, 12- to 14-foot ceiling heights and wrought iron balconies. Sprawling rooftop decks come with the three top-floor units. Hafele, a German hardware company, occupies a commercial space on the ground floor.
In January, seven units were available, according to Battista. Prices include one space in a heated garage. Deliveries are immediate.
– Story by Kate Hawley, photography by Michael Kardas
This looks like a very very nice place to live…I would love to make a purchase….However, I first need to find the money in my budget to make a $4,000 per month PITI mortgage payment….suggestions anyone?
You could hurry into the Countrywide offices before they go bankrupt and get an I/O no-doc loan that allows you to only pay $2,000 a month (until the reset in a couple of years which will spike the payment to $6,000).
I went to look at these units today which were very nice, BUT, I still cannot figure out the pricing on them. Two blocks away are resale timber lofts for about the same size and sellars are asking about 200,000 less. My other concern is the building is rather small so the one retail space on the bottom could change tenants to who knows what and that could really change resale values. I would offer about 100,000 less than what one of these units are listed for but was told that it would be insulting to the developer.
Why does anyone ever care about “insulting” a seller? If that’s all you’re willing to pay, then your only concern should be whether they’d take it or not. And frankly, getting $100K more in this market than comparables down the street is pretty good. If they’re insulted, maybe they shouldn’t be in this business. (And if you’re truly unwilling to make offers because of fears of insulting sellers, that might be one of the few instances it is worth hiring a buyer’s agent.)