Have you ever wondered what happens when a historic building, filled with stories and memories, finds a whole new purpose? It's a rather fascinating journey, you know. In the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota, there's a place that truly embodies this idea: the Schmidt Artist Lofts. This isn't just any apartment building; it's a living, breathing testament to imagination and community spirit, offering a special kind of home for creative people.
This incredible space was once the famous Schmidt Brewery, a place that, in a way, brewed up much more than just beer for generations. For years, the building stood empty, a bit quiet, almost waiting for its next chapter. But then, a truly inspiring vision came to life, transforming those old brick walls into something wonderfully fresh and vibrant for today's artists and creative folks.
Today, the Schmidt Artist Lofts is a thriving residential spot, a true gem in the city's West Seventh neighborhood. It's a place where history meets modern living, where the past echoes in the high ceilings and original character, while the present hums with artistic energy. It's really a unique kind of setup, providing not just homes, but inspiring live/work spaces for those who make art and bring ideas to life.
Table of Contents
- The Story of a Landmark: From Brewery to Artist Haven
- Life at Schmidt Artist Lofts: What to Expect
- Exploring Your Future Home
- Frequently Asked Questions About Schmidt Artist Lofts
- Why Schmidt Artist Lofts is a Special Place
The Story of a Landmark: From Brewery to Artist Haven
The journey of the Schmidt Artist Lofts is, in a way, a truly remarkable one, showing how a building can get a fresh start. We can learn a good deal about the history and the big change that happened to the old Schmidt Brewery in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This building, which was once a busy place for making beer, is now a creative community filled with rental homes for artists that don't cost too much.
A Look Back at the Brewery's Past
The Schmidt Artist Lofts building, you see, has quite a past. It was originally the historic home of the Schmidt Brewery, a place that was a big part of the West Seventh neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for many years. For a good while, actually for 11 years, the building just sat empty. It was a vacant structure, waiting for someone to bring it back to life, and it really needed a purpose again.
The original brewery, that, is still known for its beer. Schmidt beer is, in fact, still made today by the Pabst Brewing Company. There was even a recent new version of its crisp lager in 2020, aiming for both people who remember it fondly and new drinkers. So, the name itself has a bit of a legacy, which just adds to the character of the artist lofts, you know.
The Transformation Begins
The big idea to turn this old brewery into artist homes was quite a project. TGR Development was the group that acted as the architect and marketer for the Schmidt Artist Lofts. This was a major project to bring a historic building back to its former glory, and then some, in Saint Paul. The goal was to give artists and creative people a place to live and work that was both inspiring and also affordable.
This historic building, which was formerly the Schmidt Brewery, has, in fact, been completely changed. It's now artist lofts that offer truly unique places to live, with modern comforts. The transformation was carefully thought out, so the lofts could really take advantage of the building's natural light, its very high ceilings, and all that existing character. It was about keeping the soul of the place while making it work for today's creative needs.
Life at Schmidt Artist Lofts: What to Expect
Living at Schmidt Artist Lofts is, in a way, about more than just having a roof over your head. It's about being part of a community that truly understands the needs of creative individuals. The entire setup is designed to support artists in their daily lives and their work.
Inspiring Live/Work Spaces
The lofts themselves are really something special. Schmidt Artist Lofts were designed with the art community in mind, giving artists places that are truly inspiring to live in and also spaces where they can do their creative work. The design team, you see, wanted to make sure these homes felt right for people who make art.
These rental homes are made to use the building's great natural light, its very tall ceilings, and all the original features that give it character. This means the spaces are open and bright, perfect for painting, sculpting, writing, or whatever your creative pursuit might be. The lofts feature open floor plans, which just adds to that feeling of spaciousness and freedom to arrange things how you like, with modern amenities too.
The building opened its doors in 2013, and it was completely full right away. It quickly became a place that people in the city of Saint Paul wanted to visit, a sort of destination spot. This really shows how much demand there was, and still is, for this kind of living situation, you know.
Affordable Housing for Creatives
A very important part of the Schmidt Artist Lofts is that they offer affordable housing. If you are looking for a place to live that won't break the bank, these rental homes are supported by specific programs to keep costs down. This makes it possible for artists and creative people to live in a historic building without the usual high costs.
Schmidt Artist Lofts is, in fact, an affordable housing development in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This focus on affordability is key, as it helps artists focus more on their craft and less on financial worries. It's a way to support the local arts scene directly, which is pretty neat.
Community and Amenities
Schmidt offers 247 rental homes, and each one is completely unique. They are all affordable, and there's a really great mix of amenities that are designed specifically for artists. The lofts are home to many different kinds of artists, like dancers, painters, musicians, and more. It's a truly diverse group of people living and working together.
The community features are a big draw. You can view floor plans, see photos, and learn about the community amenities that come with the lofts. These spaces might include shared studios, gallery areas, or common rooms where residents can connect and collaborate. It's about fostering a supportive environment, which is very helpful for creative types.
Pet-Friendly Living
For those with furry companions, the Schmidt Artist Lofts also has a policy regarding pets. It's good to know that there are costs associated with having pets here. For instance, it's $300 for one pet or $400 for two pets, and this amount is due when you move in. This policy helps make sure that the community can accommodate pets while also keeping things running smoothly for everyone.
Exploring Your Future Home
If you're thinking about making Schmidt Artist Lofts your next home, there are good ways to get a real feel for the place. It's a big decision, after all, and seeing the actual spaces can make a huge difference.
Floor Plans and Visuals
You can explore the Schmidt Artist Lofts, which are an affordable housing option in Saint Paul, MN, by checking out their various layouts. You can view floor plans for homes with one, two, or even three bedrooms. This helps you get a sense of the space and how it might fit your needs.
To help you picture yourself living there, you can also view high-resolution photos and video tours of the Schmidt Artist Lofts. You can check out pictures of model units and see what the community features look like. This gives you a really good idea of the unique living spaces and the modern amenities that are available.
How to Connect with Schmidt Artist Lofts
The Schmidt Artist Lofts are located at 900 West 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102. This specific address helps you find them easily in the West Seventh neighborhood. You can learn more about artist housing options on our site, which can give you a broader look at similar opportunities.
If you have questions, you can get answers to some common, frequently asked questions about Schmidt Artist Lofts in Saint Paul. Then, if you're ready, you can submit your lease application today. You can also learn more about Schmidt Artist Lofts in Saint Paul, MN, and schedule a visit to see the place in person. For more details, visit our community resources page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schmidt Artist Lofts
What kind of housing do Schmidt Artist Lofts offer?
Schmidt Artist Lofts provides affordable live/work rental homes designed for artists and creative professionals. These spaces take advantage of the building's natural light, high ceilings, and original character, offering inspiring environments for both living and creating art. They come in 1, 2, or 3 bedroom layouts.
Where are the Schmidt Artist Lofts located?
The Schmidt Artist Lofts are located at 900 West 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102. They are situated in the historic West Seventh neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, in the former Schmidt Brewery building.
What makes Schmidt Artist Lofts unique for artists?
What makes these lofts stand out for artists is their specific design and purpose. They were created with the art community in mind, offering spaces that truly inspire both living and creating art. This includes features like open floor plans, abundant natural light, and a community of fellow artists, such as dancers, all within an affordable housing framework in a historic setting.
Why Schmidt Artist Lofts is a Special Place
The Schmidt Artist Lofts, you know, are more than just homes; they are a vibrant residential community. They are truly nestled in the heart of Saint Paul, offering a special kind of charm. This place is recognized as one of the nation's leading examples of how old buildings can be given new life, especially for the arts.
The project was a big historic restoration, and it has been very successful. Their doors opened in 2013, and they had 100% occupancy right away. This kind of success shows how much these kinds of spaces are needed and wanted. It's a place where artists can find a home that supports their passion, which is a wonderful thing for any city.
It's a testament to vision and community, a place where the echoes of brewing history now mix with the vibrant sounds of creativity. This transformation really highlights the value of preserving historical structures while also meeting the contemporary needs of a city's artistic community. You can learn more about historic preservation efforts in general by visiting sites like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which is a pretty good resource.
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