Living the Craft: MHN Online

March 2, 2012 - The development and management of artist lofts has proven itself to not just be a trend, but have merit in restoring historic buildings as well as reinvigorating the communities in which they are being created. Dominium can attest to this with its two artist lofts, Carleton Artist Lofts in St. Paul, Minn. and Leather Trades Artist Lofts in St. Louis, Mo. Both buildings were considered historic icons and were rehabilitated by Dominium.

Currently, Dominium is working on two artist loft projects; the Schmidt Brewery in St. Paul, Minn. and the Pillsbury A Mill (still under negotiation) in Minneapolis. Dominium Co-Managing Partner, Armand Brachman explained, “In every case, Dominium’s artist loft developments have been completed with the adaptive reuse of historic buildings. Using a historic building makes artist lofts feasible for a number of reasons. In addition to Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the project will be able to qualify for Federal Historic Tax Credits and, in the case of Missouri and Minnesota, a State Historic Tax Credit as well.”

According to Brachman, offering artist loft communities in rehabilitated, historic buildings is an effective use of space not only because it has the potential of bringing the arts community to light, but it gives historic buildings a new life.

“Historic buildings are often strongly appreciated by the artist community. Creating artist lofts in an historic structure adds to the story and character of a living space, thereby making it a more desirable place to live,” Brachman said.

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