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Loft Living in the River Bend
Home Style Magazine
Winter 2008
By Vicki Bennington
Excerpts:
“You don’t have to be in New York, Chicago or even St Louis to enjoy the accommodating digs popping up in the upper spaces of historical structures. Luxury lofts in smaller cities like Alton are being quickly snapped up as residents discover – or rediscover – the beauty of downtown districts.
“Duane and Nancy Randall, Dan Warren and Penelope Schmidt are partners in Moon Beam Initiatives, LL, currently developing the Mississippi Landing Lofts in the former Mississippi Lime Co building, which was also the old Illinois Terminal Railroad building in a former life. So its history goes way back. And of course, that’s part of its charm.
“Judy Hoffman chose to switch from a large, single-family home to a Mississippi Landing loft, which is nearly the same size, but provides ‘easier’ living on one level instead of two, Hoffman said. …
“Hoffman’s 2,356-square-foot loft’s spaciousness is emphasized with honey-stained plank wood flooring laid at an angle through out. Antique white furnishings, Iranian area rugs and various accessories from her house serve as focal points for the new loft.
“The expansive master bath with its Travertine tiles and Tuscany look provides a place for relaxing in comfort and soaking in the large Jacuzzi bathtub. A gas fireplace with electric starter and added perks like surrounding units also using heat should help with utility costs, too. So far, Hoffman said she has received two utility bills since she moved in and was pleasantly surprised.
“As further testament to the attraction of lots, Dr Chad Keller a new assistant professor of psychology at Lewis and Clark Community College, also now living at Mississippi Landing, moved to the area, at least in part, because loft living was available.
“I was very excited about Lewis and Clark and then when I found out there was loft availability, that was a big attraction,’ Keller said. ‘I lived in the city for years and this is the kind of lifestyle I prefer. I don’t want to worry about a roof and a yard and things like that when I don’t really have the skills.’
“And he loves the look of the exposed brick and beams, high ceilings and open spaces, and finds the historical aspect intriguing. …”
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The magazine containing the entire article
homestylewin2008.pdf
See also:
An Artistic Touch: Loft Blends Function with Design
Home Style Magazine, Spring 2011
Rollers on the River: Fringe Salon Opens on Front Street
The Telegraph, 2/25/2009
Downtown Alton's Outlook Bright Amid Economic Gloom
St. Louis Post Dispatch, 1/16/2009
Loft Living in the River Bend
Home Style Magazine, Winter 2008
New Loft Living Spaces Available Downtown
The Telegraph, 7/22/2007
Residential Conversions Revitalize River Town
The New York Times, 2/21/2007
Condo Project Picking Up Steam
The Telegraph, 9/8/2006
Lofts Outside the Big City: 'The Best of Both Worlds'
St. Louis Post Dispatch, 11/30/2006
Rooms With a View: Mississippi Lime Building to House Lofts
The Telegraph, 4/23/2006