thePULSEThe Hot New Trend in Urban Living
By Kevin Hyzak
“If I were single, I’d ditch my two-story colonial for a loft apartment in a heartbeat.”
My uncle said it first. Then cousin. Professor. Boss. Doctor. Realtor. Whenever I mentioned that I was looking at lofts around Worcester, I heard this same sentiment echoed – almost exactly. It surprised me. I had always found the idea of a loft apartment interesting and cool – a modern apartment tucked into the historic context of an older building. But the emotional response I received from all these people seemed odd. What was it about such a simple apartment design that elicited such strong reactions from people?
So, what exactly is a loft?
In case you’re not familiar with the concept, loft apartments are – most frequently – one room apartments. Yes, there are variations on the theme, but quite often, that’s it. Just one simple, basic room with a bathroom. It’s perfect. Usually these single room setups spring from attempts to renovate ailing factory buildings and larger residences. The concept began in New York and Boston when developers and city officials decided that outdated and abandoned factories were a waste of prime real estate. Since cities always seem to have a lack of quality, affordable downtown housing they chopped the factories into one-room apartments and sold them – quickly. Almost immediately everyone wanted one.
Lofts offered one large common room – usually around 1,000 sq ft of space – instead of a separate kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedroom. Working within the confines of an existing structural skeleton made it difficult to mass- produce one single style, so as a result each loft had its own unique feel. And rather than trying to alter their surroundings, lofts embraced the history behind them by leaving the exposed wooden beams and bare brick walls unaltered. Huge windows were added to allow light to fill the room. All this glass, along with the tall 12-foot ceilings, gave an overwhelming sense of openness. The high ceilings, empty space, and oversized windows made for a bright and airy appearance. Hardwood floors completed the look. It was elegant. Classy. Simple. The popularity of lofts became endemic.
Who’s snatching up all these lofts?
People found the layout convenient for different reasons. The simple, open layout offered artists creative space to set up workshops. Collectors and art aficionados found their larger paintings and displays fit well on the high walls. Green thumbs once deprived of backyard puttering and forced to enjoy gardening vicariously through others now – with an abundance of natural light from the windows – could grow their own plants indoors. Musicians discovered the “hard” features of the room – the wood floors and brick walls – and the high ceilings provided great acoustics. Jet-setters took to the single room because of the inherent social arrangement – with the kitchen, dining room, and living room combined hosts could prepare food while mingling with guests in the large open space. The large, single room was just one big playground to be molded as the owner saw fit.
Today lofts are a great fit for the young professional who wants to experience the city before setting down somewhere in suburbia. The convenient downtown location connects him or her to the activities, amenities, and social life found in the heart of the city. Also, the typical loft owner would rather be out on the town than having to deal with the problems of homeownership – fixing leaks, mowing lawns, painting fences. The loft requires minimal upkeep so owners can continue their own lifestyle without having to worry about repaving the driveway next spring. It’s a very attractive benefit for those seeking this freedom while still wanting to enjoy the perks of ownership. The fact that little effort is needed to maintain a loft is also true with regards to decorating the apartment; lofts require minimal decoration, but can accommodate almost any design ideas. It’s just another example of the flexibility that this housing option provides.
Lofts also offer the latest in terms of appliances and amenities. Modern stainless steel appliances (usually provided with the apartment) not only make a sharp statement contrasted against the historic surroundings but also offer state-of-the-art convenience. Since owners tend to be technically savvy and want to have the best services available to them apartments are usually equipped with broadband or wireless internet access. Phone jacks and cable hook-ups are standard as well.
Another appeal of loft living is the community created by these apartment complexes. Trendy one room apartments do not really appeal to families – so owners tend to be younger and single. Neighbors often have much in common. Meeting people with similar interests is another perk of opting for a loft.
It’s not just an apartment; it’s a lifestyle.
Today loft apartments are the housing option of choice for city-dwelling rock stars, actors, young executives, and connected socialites. It’s not just the layout that attracted this crowd…or the hardwood floors. There’s another, intangible appeal that makes lofts such a sexy and trendy choice:
Lofts capture the essence of city living. This is the real attraction, I found. The glossy wood floors, gritty brick walls, tall windows, and free layout are all great features – but they’re just a bonus. It’s the location, access, and attitude of lofts that really elicit the “I-wish-I-had-a-loft” reaction. Lofts represent – and embody – an opportunity to fully enjoy the surroundings of a city. Being downtown, in the thick of it all, is the real draw. Young professionals, entertainers, and artists in New York and Boston realized this – that the best way to enjoy the city is to be there. And not when they retire. Now.
And now lofts have come to Worcester.
The desire for this lifestyle has fueled an incredible boom for lofts in cities across the United States ~ Boston, New York, LA, Seattle. Dallas reportedly cannot construct lofts fast enough to satisfy the demand. And now lofts are finally coming to Worcester.
It’s about time! “I had people asking for lofts years before Worcester ever had any. Now that they’re here I’m not surprised that they are selling like they are,” Jean Rinker, a realtor for Coldwell Banker, explained. “Apartments are even being resold for a sizable profit after just a few years – that’s just how the market is for these lofts.” More and more developers are recognizing and addressing the demand. Currently there are several opportunities for interested buyers and investors and more are on the way.
The timing could not be better. Worcester already offers a lot to the local resident: Public golf, parks, lakeside beaches, acclaimed museums, and renowned restaurants. But Worcester is on the verge of something special, a massive revitalization effort set to bring a buzz and vibrancy back to the downtown area. For those curious about what the future holds, just look to Shrewsbury Street, where a similar effort has already helped transform the area into a European Boulevard with wide sidewalks, a tree-lined center median, stylized street lamps and outdoor dining. Part of the proposed plan for downtown includes restoring the Worcester-Providence canal, adding bike paths, and making the surrounding area a park. It’s a great idea that will reshape Worcester as a beautiful, pedestrian friendly city. In part, it’s this anticipation of a new, more accessible and more attractive downtown that is helping drive the sale of apartments in the city. This is the perfect time to take advantage of these planned improvements. Once completed, they will make downtown a more popular destination and lofts will be among the most coveted pieces of real estate. Here are some current options offered in Worcester.
The first loft-style apartments marketed in Worcester were converted from a biscuit factory. The “Biscuit Lofts,” just off of Shrewsbury Street at One Envelope Terrace, offer potential owners a fantastic location and gorgeous, individualized units. Lisa, a Biscuit resident, reports that “I was hoping to find a nice place near Shrewsbury Street. Not only is this place twenty feet from Funky Murphy’s, it’s gorgeous! Bringing people back to my apartment [to watch them gawk] is definitely a guilty pleasure.” Each apartment in the complex is completely unique. Some have just one room – true lofts. Others have multiple floors, separate bedrooms, and carpets. But all rooms have sleek stainless steel appliances, kitchens with granite countertops, modern ceiling fans, forced hot air, and central air. Within weeks after the complex’s opening last year every apartment was sold. Those able to get an apartment the first time around are now able to sell at a noticeable profit. Says Tim, who also lives in the Biscuit loft complex, “This was probably the best move I ever made. I love the place, it’s got real character, and it’s already worth a lot more than what I paid for it. I just bought it last year!”
The Fremont Lofts – near Worcester’s college district and just stone’s throw from downtown – figure to experience a similar success. When the model apartment for this project was unveiled in September it was met with applause and praise. Though this re-imagined silk factory is still under construction, the units are already being sold quickly. Jeff, who now owns one of those units, says that “I chose an apartment on the top floor. There’s a skylight, and the sun just floods the room. I can’t wait for the place to be finished. It’s going to look great!” The developers have managed to keep the historic charm of the original building while transforming the rooms into completely modern one and two bedroom apartments with 12ft – 18ft exposed ceilings and enormous double hung windows that coat the rooms with natural light and highlight the character of the walls and floors. Alleviating a common concern, each owner will also have access to a separate storage area within the building to store seasonal bulk – ski equipment, bikes, etc. Fitness facilities will also be included on the premises.
If you are looking for a real downtown experience, check out the new Lofts at Winter Place, right around the corner from Union Station. When Worcester finishes its beautification project – part of which could include the complete restoration of the area around the old Worcester-Providence canal – these lofts will have some of the best views in the city. 88 Winter Street offers eight separate 1,000 square foot apartments furnished with stainless steel appliances, marble bathrooms, and granite countertops. In what is becoming one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, with excellent bars and new restaurants, 88 Winter Street provides beautiful apartments in a fun, growing location at the heart of the Canal District. Says Paul Giorgio, partner in the Lofts at Winter Place, “These high-end apartments are ideal for people commuting into Boston. In fact, with our proximity to Union Station, one of our marketing slogans is ‘We’re a two-minute walk to Boston.’” With these places going on the market soon, now is the best time to check them out before they are gone.
More opportunities are on their way, too. The Dowell Development Group is renovating a Romanesque Brownstone in the heart of downtown Worcester into sixteen luxury lofts – complete with fireplaces. In all 16 of these Whittier Place lofts, each room will be equipped with broadband, phone jacks, and cable. Security measures
will include electronic entry systems and the ability to view visitors on your television. Garages and gated parking will be offered to owners.
All of these options are great ways to make people jealous. Lofts are beautiful, elegant, trendy, and sexy apartments. Plus, the opportunity they provide to experience a growing city and an exciting lifestyle can’t be replaced.
So do yourself a favor and look into these options ~ whether you have a two-story Colonial to ditch or not.
Personalizing your New Loft Space
All Your Decorating Needs are Right Here in Worcester County
By Lauren K. Hoyt
So you just rented your very own loft, and you’re feeling pretty good about it. You’re a young urban professional, you tell yourself. You’re on the cutting edge, living in hottest new digs in Worcester, you tell yourself. Your loft décor will reflect your personality, and you know exactly where to start, you tell yourself…with a little less confidence than you’d intended.
Don’t fret. Take a deep breath. You can do this ~ even if you’re not somehow chosen to be on a home makeover show within minutes of moving into your loft. And you’re in luck, The Pulse has done the research for you, putting together a list of creative decorating tips and local shops that can help you out. No need to thank us now, but you can invite us over for a cosmopolitan when the decorating is complete and you’ve turned your new space into your new home!
The Big Pieces
Since this is the biggest investment you’ll be making for your new space, it’s the best place to start ~ just don’t be overwhelmed by all of the options out there. Take a tip from Nate Berkus, Oprah’s designer: Start with one item for each area and then build the rest of the area around that piece. For example, if you see a rug that strikes you as perfect for your sitting area, BUY IT, and then you’ll have established a color scheme for a chair, ottoman, lampshade…and maybe even an end table and lamp (when you’re ready!).
A futon is a funky and affordable way to go in the bedroom area. The Futon Company (129 Highland St in Worcester, (508) 831-7170 and www.futonco.net/home.nxg) offers a variety of futons ranging from conventional wood frames to the more sophisticated new Manhattan Collection in Black. The chic and flexible design works well in a new loft space and allows you to accommodate overnight guests even without a separate guest room. The store also stocks lots of different futon covers in an array of colors and textures, so you can match the design to the rest of your bedroom and switch. To compliment your futon, The Futon Company offers an extensive collection of accessories, unique gifts, global and local art and crafts. Our favorite choice is the paper lanterns, which provide a soft lighting to showcase the bedroom décor.
Lighting
Of course, you’ll also want to show off the new furniture in your living room area with some creative lighting. The lighting can completely make or break a room, so you want to do it right. For help, contact Joey Martucci and the professionals at Light Lab (209 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester,.(508)752-1414). They have beautiful options for all of your lighting needs, but one thing they do especially well is the chandelier. One of their wrought iron pieces will showcase the dinner table in your loft space ~ and be the topic of conversation the next time friends come over.
Accessories
To leverage the open space accentuated by the high ceilings in your loft, avoid over decorating and just keep it simple. Window treatments are a must for keeping sound down to a minimum and for lending a softer feel (not to mention privacy) to your surroundings. Check out the options at Creative Windows (759 Grafton St Suite 2 in Worcester, (508) 754-1010) or Drapery Doctor (15 Loxwood St. in Worcester, (508) 756-0959). And don’t be afraid to try some unconventional tie-backs like silk scarves, too.
All your wonderful new wall space creates a great opportunity to showcase your taste in art. Art can be expensive, but you can find reasonable prints at The Prints and the Potter Gallery (142 Highland Street in Worcester, (508) 752-2170 and www.printsandpotter.com). They’ll also custom frame a photo or your own print to bring a personal touch to your loft. While you’re there, check out the hand blown glass art and other unique options at this gallery.
Head over to Upscale ConsignMint (560 Lincoln Street in Worcester, (508) 852-2606) or The Town Shop (9 South Street in Westborough, (508) 366-4674) for some more accessorizing ideas. The Town Shop carries unusual art and decorative pieces that you won’t find anywhere else in the Worcester area. And at Upscale ConsignMint, you’ll find pre-owned furniture, art, and accessories that will bring sophistication and individuality to your new place. There’s nothing better than stumbling across a hidden treasure that adds just the right touch to your new home.
We hope these ideas have inspired you to create an elegant loft space that showcases your own unique style and sense of space. Decorating should be a fun and creative outlet, not an arduous project, so enjoy the process and don’t worry about getting everything done all at once. Now, about those cosmos…
