I’ve lived in a traditional home, a dorm, and several apartments. Condos, duplexes – you name it, I’ve lived there. I have, however, never lived in a loft. When I think of loft living, I think of a huge, open concrete space for people in their 20s who live in the downtown area of some cool city like New York or San Fran. In reality, most 20 (or 30) something’s wouldn’t be able to afford that kind of Downtown space in even a relatively cool city. Most of us are still paying student loans and are lucky if we’re not living in our parent’s basement. While we may never be able to afford a loft in DC, we can have one in small town Ohio or in insert the name of your small town here.
In searching for our new home, Brian and I met a brilliant business woman, Lois Fisher, who is renovating empty buildings in her small town and turning them into HGTV-worthy lofts. In my opinion, it’s a pretty stellar idea. As commerce has shifted to the burbs, most small (and not so small) towns all across America are littered with empty buildings that were once the hubs of the community. I’m all for big box retail; after all, I spent over six years in corporate retail. However, there’s something personal about a downtown. A Wal-Mart or a mall are generic and can be found all over the US. A downtown is personal to it’s community. You have shops, buildings, and restaurants that can only be found in your community and are often owned and operated by people you know. That’s pretty special, and it’s really a travesty that most downtown spaces are being left by the wayside for office parks and suburban malls.
I’ve seen many different attempts in “saving” downtown: art galleries, office spaces, boutique shops and spas, high-end restaurants and wine rooms, etc. None of them seem to last or really drive the urban renewal process. However, Lois’ idea is one of the best (and most realistic) ideas that I’ve seen. She bought what once was a department store and turned the first floor into her office space and the second floor into her living space. Did I mention it’s 9,000 sq. ft. and amazing?! Unlike most lofts, her loft has rooms, so while the majority of the communal space is open, the beds and baths are walled off. The best part about gutting an empty building is that you can pretty much make the layout whatever you want it to be. Since it was a commercial building, you’re starting with thick, sturdy walls, so basically, you’re just cleaning it up, making sure everything’s up to code, and then putting your own spin on the space. Also, most empty buildings in small towns are relatively inexpensive. It’s the renovations that can be costly.
You may be thinking, “why would I want to live in a loft in a dead downtown“? There are several reasons. First of all, loft living is unique. You can always live in a traditional apartment or house, or you can live in a super cool loft for probably close to the same price as what you would pay for your four bedroom house. Secondly, if you work downtown, it’s convenient. Also, it’s one of those things where if you build it, they will come. Trust me, her loft is so nice, you’d live there even if it was sandwiched between two parking lots. Once again, it’s 9,000 sq. ft., so you’re getting a lot for your money when you think about the price per square foot. She has a hot tub room – need I say more? Lastly, it’s a conversation piece. If you had that much open space, you would always be entertaining. Lastly, you’re reinvesting in your own community, which, to me, is reason enough.
Please enjoy the pictures, but they really don’t do it justice. She has such an amazing layout and is an incredible decorator. For more information, check out her website at http://loisfisher.com/lofts.htm.
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