| Once the mainstay of the arts communities, lofts | | | | construction is prominently featured along with |
| have come of age and are now one of the most | | | | exposed ductwork and plumbing. Concrete floors and |
| popular home types anywhere. The term | | | | ceilings also figure largely into the ambiance of lofts |
| "loft" in general refers to an area that is | | | | along with other industrial features. |
| usually a large open space that is adaptable for many | | | | The popularity of lofts has lead to the loft condo |
| different uses. Artists used them as live/work spaces | | | | construction boom that has been evident around the |
| for many years and they gained particular notoriety | | | | country. In fact, lofts have become so sought-after |
| for this in the 1960's. Then, for a number of years | | | | that there are simply not enough old industrial sites |
| lofts disappeared from the public eye only to | | | | available to cope with the demand and so new loft |
| resurface with a vengeance in the latter 1990's. The | | | | buildings are being built using the same design |
| exact reason for this popularity is unknown but lofts | | | | principles as the older buildings. Many have said that |
| are back for good and buyers and developers alike | | | | these "new lofts" do not have the same |
| are getting a piece of the action. | | | | feeling and atmosphere of the old buildings, but that |
| One of the big factors in the resurgence of lofts | | | | is very much a decision that is personal. |
| would have to be the availability of old abandoned | | | | The simple truth is that lofts are here to stay. With |
| warehouse space in many American cities. True lofts | | | | cities growing both upward and outwards the need |
| are always converted from this kind of building. | | | | for apartment-style housing is on the rise and lofts |
| There are new loft projects that expertly mimic the | | | | are a great way to enjoy an open floor plan home |
| grandiose style of turn of the century buildings but | | | | that does not feel crowded while remaining within the |
| the same effect is hard to achieve. Lofts generally | | | | city core. |
| have a few things in common; concrete or brick | | | | |