The evolution of the loft as an architectural style property has influenced the whole concept of the New York apartment, specifically due to the nature of its space. A loft implies a large, open space that usually results from a commercial building having been converted into multiple dwelling residential units. Some remain open areas with few internal walls; while others have been constructed into one, two, or more bedrooms.
Lofts can be very varied in style, with some leaning toward a minimalist discipline, while others are far more opulent and sophisticated. Famous architects and designers have relished in the opportunity to transform these spaces into chic, innovative homes, setting the standard for the highly stylized architectural Manhattan loft.
The central discipline of the Manhattan loft lies in the handling of space and material elements, with the common theme being based on openness and flexible spatial content - which is not about fashion, but is instead concerned with a sense of rooted settlement and the restorative values of ordered space and light within the basic structure of a personal retreat.
It began when striving painters, sculptors, photographers, clothing designers and others of artistic vision found huge empty spaces in old commercial buildings that were inexpensive. They were willing to live in non-residential neighborhoods in exchange for the low rents of these previously undesirable buildings that provided the room for them to develop their crafts into successes.
SOHO , south of Houston Street and north of Canal Street was one of the first neighborhoods where this took place in the late sixties and early seventies. It was not the most comforting place to walk alone at night or during the day. There were few people on the streets and most of the buildings were large, dark and unoccupied. As people began to occupy the buildings, a sense of neighborhood began to emerge. Small corner pubs and eateries opened and by the late seventies, SOHO had been transformed into a thriving community with art galleries and avant-garde restaurants and shops and tourists from all over the world. It has continued to grow and is now one of the most desirable areas of Manhattan to find an apartment of any size.
As SOHO developed and property values rose, two important things took place.
Firstly, striving artists had to find other previously commercial
areas where rents were affordable. They moved to Hell’s Kitchen,
the Lower East Side , Washington Heights and various neighborhoods in
Brooklyn . Wherever they went, the neighborhoods transformed in their
wake.
Secondly, many building owners and landlords recognized how appealing
loft apartments had become to the general public. They began to renovate
their properties into loft-style apartments throughout the entire city.
While some retain the elements of the old commercial buildings, featuring
14 to 20 foot pressed tin ceilings, huge industrial windows, exposed pipes
and service elevators, new construction developments offer opulent luxury
buildings complete with every state-of-the-art amenity from concierge
services and building intranet to health clubs and swimming pools.