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