Lofts offer some of the most unique and stylish living spaces across the country. With their open floor plans, high ceilings, and urban finishes, lofts allow you to experience residential living in a fresh, contemporary way. If you love the exposed brick and ductwork that comes with converted commercial spaces, lofts provide the perfect environment to showcase your modern design style. From upscale studios to multi-level family homes, lofts reimagine urban living in some of America’s greatest city centers.
We’ve rounded up five extraordinary lofts from coast to coast that offer their own take on loft-style living. Ranging from a thoughtfully restored shoe factory to an artful live-work space, these lofts demonstrate the creative potential of these wide-open residences.
The Chocolate Factory Lofts – Brooklyn, NY
This former 1930s chocolate factory provides sweet loft-style living in the vibrant Williamsburg neighborhood. With its rich history and fantastic location, The Chocolate Factory Lofts offer urban life at its best.
History of the Building
The historic building at 275 North 10th Street originally housed the Loose-Wiles Sunshine Biscuit Company starting in 1912. After Sunshine Biscuits left in 1958, the facility was used by the Ebling Brewing Company before the narrow building was purchased by the Schrafft’s Candy Company in 1963. The site underwent multiple expansions and renovations during Schrafft’s ownership until 1984 when the company relocated its Brooklyn operations.
The abandoned building was left relatively untouched over the next few decades. Exterior signage, internal structural elements, and even portions of old equipment remained in place. In 2006, developers began work to convert the factory into loft-style apartments with an emphasis on preserving original details of the space.
The Chocolate Factory Lofts opened in 2008 with 118 apartments ranging from 575 to over 2,000 square feet. Exposed brick, columns, beams, and ductwork retain the industrial aesthetics while modern finishes and amenities provide loft living at its best.
Notable Amenities
Some of the most notable features that make The Chocolate Factory Lofts such an extraordinary residence include:
- Dramatic windows – Soaring windows up to 18 feet tall flood the units with natural light and provide views of the Manhattan skyline.
- Outdoor courtyard – A shared courtyard with landscaping and seating creates an urban oasis for residents.
- Fitness center – An onsite fitness center makes exercise easily accessible.
- Historic details – Original structural columns, support beams, hardwood floors, exposed brick, and piping retain the character of the factory.
- Modern finishes – Stainless steel appliances, stone counters, and walk-in showers blend industrial history with contemporary comforts.
- Green building – The adaptive reuse of the existing structure and sustainable building operations helped the project achieve LEED Silver certification.
Neighborhood Highlights
The location in the vibrant Williamsburg area puts residents close to some of Brooklyn’s best dining, shopping, arts, and nightlife. The neighborhood has gone through waves of change in past decades, transitioning from largely industrial to a hotspot for New York’s creative and artistic scenes. Some highlights include:
- Eclectic dining – A wide range of ethnic cuisines and trendy restaurants provide options for every palate.
- Waterfront parks – East River State Park and McCarren Park offer green spaces with Manhattan views.
- Brooklyn Flea – One of the best flea markets in the city takes place on weekends.
- Street art – Colorful murals and graffiti embody the area’s creative spirit.
- Nightlife – Dance clubs, live music venues, speakeasies and cocktail bars create an electric nighttime culture.
The Chocolate Factory Lofts allow residents to live in one of New York’s most vibrant communities while being surrounded by the history and character of the converted factory. This extraordinary loft renovation provides a compelling blend of past and present in a quintessential Brooklyn neighborhood.
Treehouse Point – Issaquah, WA
Nestled in the lush rainforest outside Seattle, Treehouse Point provides a tranquil treehouse escape that feels worlds away yet is just minutes from the city. This collection of whimsical, handcrafted treehouses provides an extraordinary loft experience among the towering evergreens.
Background on Treehouses
Treehouse Point occupies 33 acres of forest on the Issaquah Creek, which was once an old-growth cedar forest and logging area in the 1920s. The property was purchased in 2006 by owners Pete and Judy Nelson who decided to fulfill their dreams of peaceful forest living by building a collection of sustainable treehouses.
The first treehouse, Temple of the Blue Moon, was completed in 2008 as a simple 8’ x 10’ structure set 18 feet off the ground against a large cedar tree. Positive experiences led the Nelsons to keep building, with each new treehouse exploring innovative and artistic designs to create a unique experience for guests.
Today there are 8 treehouses at Treehouse Point, as well as elevated forest tents and ground cabins. Theexpert craftsmanship and creative details transform these elevated hideaways into magical, peaceful escapes. The secluded location allows guests to completely unwind and be fully present in the forest environment.
Unique Treehouses
Some of the most extraordinary treehouses at Treehouse Point include:
- Temple of the Blue Moon – The original structure made from reclaimed and recycled materials that started it all.
- Trillium – A grand 2-story treehouse with curved cedar details and a swinging daybed.
- Upper Pond – An elegant 2-level treehouse with a deck and fireplace overlooking a serene pond.
- Tiger Mountain – An octagonal Indonesian-inspired treehouse perched 16 feet up on a Western Red Cedar.
- Burl – A cozy round treehouse with an open lower deck and small upper lookout.
- Treeboat – A 2-level treehouse built around the trunk of a twisted Vine Maple tree.
- Two Treehouse – A pair of matching compact treehouses connected by a rope bridge.
Amenities and Activities
In addition to extraordinary lodging, Treehouse Point provides a range of amenities to enhance the relaxing getaway:
- Shared community spaces like the Commons building, Kitchen Shelter, and Firepit Overlook encourage guest interaction.
- Massages and yoga sessions can be booked on-site to add to the relaxing retreat.
- S’mores kits and firewood are provided for cozy evenings around the firepit.
- Breakfasts and small snacks are included to fuel hikes on the miles of private trails through the rainforest.
- Novelty drinks like hazelnut steamers and calming teas are also included.
Treehouse Point offers a truly special opportunity to experience rustic luxury and natural tranquility just outside of Seattle. Guests rave about the thoughtful details and complete relaxation experienced during a stay at these elevated forest sanctuaries.
The Cannery Lofts – San Francisco, CA
Located in San Francisco’s hip North Beach neighborhood, The Cannery Lofts transformed a historic 1907 fruit cannery into extraordinary live-work lofts. Units range from 1,000 to 5,200 square feet with soaring ceilings and flexible layouts ideal for artists and entrepreneurs.
History of the Building
The four-story brick building at 950 Columbus Avenue was originally constructed in 1907 as the F. E. Booth Canning Company, processing and canning fruits and vegetables. Large windows and skylights allowed ample natural light while cables and pulleys transported goods between floors.
The Del Monte Fruit Company took over operations in 1914 and owned the cannery for over 50 years. Production ceased in the late 1960s as manufacturing moved from urban centers. The building was sold to the National Parks Service in 1972. Most equipment was auctioned off, but original architectural elements remained intact.
Developers purchased the vacant building in 1999 to transform it into live-work residences tailored to San Francisco’s creative class. The $52 million project was completed in 2001, resulting in 98 live-work lofts with original brick walls, skylights, and wood detailing blended with modern finishes.
Notable Amenities
Key amenities that make the Cannery Loft residences so unique include:
- High ceilings – Ceilings range from 14 to 24 feet, which along with large windows create bright, airy spaces.
- Flexible layouts – Moveable partition walls let owners modify for living, working, and display space.
- Polished concrete floors – The original maple floors were refinished and coated in glossy concrete.
- Exposed elements – Beams, brick, and ductwork showcase the cannery’s industrial past.
- Outdoor access – Private balconies, patios, and rooftop terraces connect to outdoor space.
- Shared courtyard – An inner courtyard features a lap pool, hot tub, and bocce court for residents.
- Modern updates – Gourmet kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and in-unit laundry add modern convenience.
Neighborhood Charm
Situated at the base of Telegraph Hill, The Cannery’s North Beach location provides extraordinary access to one of San Francisco’s most charming neighborhoods. Nearby attractions include:
- Cafes & shops – The cafes, boutiques, bakeries and Italian delis of Columbus Ave are ideal for strolling.
- Restaurants – Authentic Italian restaurants and pizzerias pack the area.
- Coit Tower – The iconic art deco tower is a 15-minute walk up Telegraph Hill.
- Filbert Street Steps – This picturesque climb through cottage-lined gardens leads to Coit Tower.
- Washington Square Park – A lively community park hosts concerts and events.
- Beat Museum – Celebrates the literary Beat Generation that called North Beach home.
From its rich history to its ideal urban location, The Cannery Lofts offer an extraordinary live-work environment in one of San Francisco’s most vibrant communities.
Icehouse Lofts – Chicago, IL
The former Chicago Historic Ice Exchange Building is now home to the extraordinary Icehouse Lofts in the lively Fulton River District. With an abundance of original details from the icehouse preserved, these spacious urban residences provide a peek into the area’s industrial past.
History as an Icehouse
Constructed in 1906 for the Chicago Historic Ice Exchange Building, this ornate brick structure was used by area ice harvesting companies to store and transfer ice blocks. Located near rail lines, it provided efficient transportation and storage in the years before electric refrigeration.
Gleaming white 300 lb ice blocks were pulled from the Chicago River and area lakes in winter months and transported to the Ice Exchange Building. There the huge 25 ft x 50 ft x 125 ft cold storage rooms on the upper floors provided refrigeration year round. Chutes, rails, and conveyor belts moved ice between floors and loading docks.
The Ice Exchange Building traded hands between different ice companies before cooler technology made natural ice harvesting obsolete in the 1950s. The building was used for cold storage and linen supply services until redevelopment began in 2005.
Conversion to Residences
Developers embarked on an $80 million adaptive reuse project in 2005 to transform the vacant Ice Exchange Building into 189 upscale loft condominiums. Historic preservation was emphasized to retain original architectural details and showcase the structure’s icehouse roots.
Unique features that expose the icehouse history include:
- Massive timber support columns and steel trusses
- Exposed brick walls and concrete ceilings
- Metal hardware, gears, and mechanical equipment from the ice conveyor system
- Railway tracks and bumpers used for ice transport
Gleaming hardwood floors, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances meld industrial ambiance with modern luxury. Expansive windows and vaulted ceilings maximize natural light in the open, airy residences.
Rooftop amenities like an outdoor pool and fire pits take advantage of city views and provide sleek social spaces.
Neighborhood Attractions
Icehouse Lofts sits on the edge of Chicago’s vibrant Fulton River District in the West Loop. Formerly an industrial and warehouse area, the neighborhood has blossomed into one of the trendiest gallery, dining and nightlife destinations in the city. Nearby attractions include:
- Art galleries – Dozens of contemporary art galleries fill the neighborhood.
- Restaurants – Cutting-edge restaurants feature menus from renowned chefs.
- Bars & clubs – From rooftop cocktail lounges to dance clubs, options abound.
- Parks & trails – The 606 Trail and Chicago Riverwalk provide access to urban green space.
From afternoons perusing gallery exhibits to evenings out on the town, the Icehouse Lofts location provides extraordinary access to some of Chicago’s best art and entertainment.
Ponce City Market – Atlanta, GA
Ponce City Market transformed the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building in Atlanta into a vibrant community hub with restaurants, shops and residences. The residences blend industrial loft design with contemporary Southern finishes for an extraordinary urban living experience.
History as a Department Store
Constructed in 1926, the massive 2.1 million square foot Sears, Roebuck & Co. building on Ponce de Leon Ave housed a major regional distribution center and retail store for the giant retailer. The impressive brick complex with imposing square tower was the epitome of Art Deco industrial architecture.
Inadvertently built facing the wrong direction, the main entrance was positioned on a side street rather than the bustling Ponce de Leon Ave. As shopping patterns changed, Sears vacated the building in 1987 leaving it largely abandoned. Preservationists fought for years to protect the historic landmark from demolition.
Adaptive reuse plans were launched in 2002 to transform the vacant Sears building into a vibrant mixed-use community hub. The extraordinary $300 million redevelopment by Jamestown was completed in 2014.
Adaptive Reuse Details
The renovation successfully adapted the aging department store into a dynamic center with over 300,000 square feet for residences and 600,000 for retail, restaurants, and offices.
Original details blended with contemporary features throughout including:
- Polished concrete floors
- Exposed brick walls with historic painted signage
- Repaired steel-frame windows and skylights
- New glass walls and contemporary interiors
The redevelopment also added:
- Rooftop amenities like a pool, gym, and terraces
- Eight food halls with cuisine options from around the world
- Event and gathering spaces
- Grocery store, shops, and specialty retailers
Loft-Style Residences
The residences at Ponce City Market range from efficient studios to expansive three bedroom units. All showcase industrial loft design blended with contemporary Southern finishes.
Unique features include:
- Exposed ductwork, columns, and piping
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with city views
- Luxury kitchens with marble counters & stainless appliances
- Spa-inspired bathrooms with soaking tubs
- Rooftop terrace access
Neighborhood Highlights
Ponce City Market’s location in the historic Old Fourth Ward provides extraordinary access to many of Atlanta’s best attractions. Nearby highlights include:
- BeltLine Trail – Multi-use trails and parks circle the city.
- Piedmont Park – Lush urban green space directly behind Ponce City Market.
- Restaurants – Some of Atlanta’s top dining and nightlife line Ponce de Leon Ave.
- Historic Fourth Ward Park – Modern park with interactive fountains, trails and amphitheater.
- JOhn Lewis Freedom Parkway – Memorial trail honoring civil rights leaders.
With its rich history, unique amenities, and ideal location, Ponce City Market offers extraordinary loft living in one of Atlanta’s most vibrant communities.
Conclusion
These five extraordinary loft spaces demonstrate the creative potential of converted commercial and industrial spaces. From quiet forest treehouses to restored urban factories, lofts reimagine these raw spaces with artistic vision. Vaulted ceilings, abundant natural light, and exposed architectural details retain original character. Yet contemporary furnishings, luxury finishes, and modern amenities tailor these wide-open lofts into inviting living spaces.
Whether seeking a tranquil escape, inspiring live-work environment, or upscale urban residence, these extraordinary lofts provide stunning settings for modern living across the country. Their rich histories linked to past industries become foundations for new futures through thoughtful and sustainable adaptive reuse. When matched with vibrant locations and lavish amenities, lofts truly offer some of the most unique and stylish living options to be found.
