Colorful G.W. Lofts on Washington Completed

The historic renovation of G.W. Lofts at 2615 Washington Avenue in St. Louis is brightening up the western reaches of the Washington  loft district. With 60 rental units, G.W. Lofts' surprising colored facades liven up the community and provide residents a unique urban living opportunity.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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."
 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.
 

Complicating the historic renovation were remodels that occurred on all six buildings had occurred in the last 50 years.
 
"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."
 
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,  with 28 two-bedrooms and 32 one-bedrooms. Two units on the second floor meet ADA compliancy.
 

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