Things To Know About Manhattan Lofts

What are some of the things you need to know about Manhattan lofts? Here are what some experts have to say about this subject:

What makes Manhattan lofts different from other types of properties?

Timothy Melzer: Most lofts are in pre-war buildings which have real Old World charm. The building’s façade is thicker–old cast-iron or brick, and the lobby entrances are beautiful. The lofts themselves have high ceilings, open kitchens, large windows, exposed brick and columns. There’s nothing cookie-cutter about a loft.

Jon Phillips: In two words, “interior space.” The traditional definition of a loft versus a residential structured property is the span between the beams and columns. Lofts can be 16 feet apart whereas other apartments are only 12 feet, so lofts are deeper, larger spaces People who want large walls for large art look for lofts.

Over the past number of years, how has the loft market changed?

Leonard Steinberg: Until recently, lofts were the best way to create large apartments Downtown. With new construction, there are more options, especially since they’re creating spaces with high ceilings and large windows. Still, there will always be a demand for older lofts because buyers will always want a pre-war feel, and the size of the spaces is usually more conducive to large, family style homes.



What are some potential issues/problems with lofts?

Timothy Melzer: One common misconception is that with a loft, you’ll have better light. The only time you’ll have amazing light and views are in a high-rise condo. Lofts will have average light and views unless you have prime window space. That’s just the nature of the city’s construction

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Estate Living Made Affordable from Savannah Collections

Luxury furniture has always been the purview of the wealthy.  Brands such as Stickley, Henredon, Century, Marge Carson to name a few has graced the mansions and penthouses of New Yorkers who can afford it.  These brands produce furniture that cost more than your average monthly salary.

For the savvy shopper, owning great furniture does not have to break the bank.  Online retailers have brought such high costs down.  One such example is Savannah Collections, an online-only furniture retailer that sells high-end furniture at reasonable level.

One would be hard pressed to find the quality difference between a $6k Henredon dining table and a $2k table from Savannah Collections.  The online sales model without the high cost of maintaining a storefront and commissioned staffs explain the huge cost saving.

Savannah Collections website here

Living Larger -- Getting More for Your Apartment

What do you do when you need to revamp your house for sale -- quickly and, ideally, with most of your own stuff?  Try speed decorating.

Christopher Micaud, who owns a loft in Lower Manhattan with soaring ceilings and cityscape views, tried to makeover his home for sale. But, he found some of the space's quirks trying.  So he called in Jill Vegas, author of the new book "Speed Decorating" to show him how to make the most of what he has. Plus, add a few flourishes...

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Where Is SoHo, You Ask?

Many out of towners consistently mistake SoHo as a shopping district.  So I found a description here that best explains this part of New York:

Soho apartments and lofts in Manhattan are located in an area that is actually an acronym for SOuth of HOuston. Soho is bordered on the south by Canal Street, the north by Houston Street, the east by Broadway, and the west by 6th Avenue. In addition to being close to popular areas of New York City -- Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Financial District -- Soho is also close to many convenient subway lines, making a Soho apartment or loft close to everything you could want to do in Manhattan.

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