<p>The historic renovation of G.W. Lofts at 2615 Washington Avenue in St. Louis is brightening up the western reaches of the Washington&nbsp; loft district. With 60 rental units, G.W. Lofts' surprising colored facades liven up the community and provide residents a unique urban living opportunity.<br />&nbsp;<br /><img alt="G.W. Lofts" class="image-left" height="320" src="/images/uploads/GW-Lofts-3-2.jpg" style="float: left;" width="240" />Architects on the project were Roseman and Associates. The colorful design arose after a golden glazed terra cotta brick was exposed during preliminary planning. According to Project Architect Gary Rogowski, AIA, this inspired a Miami art deco color scheme breathing new life into the property. The transformation, he says, encourages development and advancement to the west along Washington Avenue of Downtown.<br />&nbsp;<br />Originally home to the Edwin F. Guth Lighting Company, the century old complex consists of 6 buildings. "Each building had a separate, historic identity," explains Rogowski. "The varying colors help the individual buildings remain unique, just as the floor plan does for the interiors," says Rogowski.<br />&nbsp;</p>
<p>Rosemann's floor plan design situates public spaces and residential units around especially large windows allowing natural light to span entire units. "The windows reveal a captivating view of the Downtown skyline," says Rogowski. "It was important for us to keep the view while maintaining a certain degree of privacy for residents."<br />&nbsp;Project team members include developer George E. Walsh Building, LLC, HBD Construction, Inc., KPFF Consulting Engineers, C.E. Jarrell Mechanical Engineers, Dickherber Electric Inc. and Bi-State Fire Protection. Rental units range from 1241 SF to 877 SF with 28 two-bedrooms and 32 one-bedrooms. Two units on the second floor meet ADA compliancy.<br />&nbsp;</p>
<p>Complicating the historic renovation were remodels that occurred on all six buildings had occurred in the last 50 years.<br />&nbsp;<br />"It's always difficult when modernizing a building's use," explains Rogowski. "But with bright exterior colors, a modern floor plan and a dedicated project team, this once monotonous structure has been transformed into a fun, aesthetic gem."<br />&nbsp;<br />Project team members include developer George E. Walsh Building, LLC, HBD Construction, Inc., KPFF Consulting Engineers, C.E. Jarrell Mechanical Engineers, Dickherber Electric Inc. and Bi-State Fire Protection. Rental units range from 1241 square feet to 877 square feet,&nbsp; with 28 two-bedrooms and 32 one-bedrooms. Two units on the second floor meet ADA compliancy.<br />&nbsp;</p>