Gorgeously sophisticated loft in Soho artists’ building seeks $1.9M

We’re seeing a lot of downtown live/work lofts on the market lately, and we can’t help but wonder whether longtime artist-inhabitants are moving on to better things, but we’re guessing they’re cashing in on the cachet of loft living. And if you’ve ever drooled over these huge and versatile spaces, this 1,200 square-foot co-op at 138 Grand Street will definitely put stars in your eyes.

At 1,200 square feet, this historic loft home is on the smaller side for its kind, but it lacks none of the coveted grand-scale proportions. In this case the space is less raw and industrial and more cool and classic in line with its pre-war pedigree. One of “only a select handful of homes” in the Ironclad Artists’ Co-op, the loft’s versatile layout offers room for artistic creative living with plenty of modern comforts. If you live here, it’s likely your neighbors will be working artists (who may soon sell their homes to celebrities and CTOs).

The listing assures us that the space–currently used as a one-bedroom with several large work/studio and storage spaces–feels far bigger than its 1,250 square feet, and it looks that way, too–12.5-foot-ceilings certainly help. Touches of authenticity include reclaimed Civil War era ship-mast columns, original factory windows and original pine flooring burnished to a warm toffee hue. Just looking at this super-cool black-and-white accented studio makes us feel more creative and productive.

An open kitchen in moody matte black is beautifully appointed with trim white marble countertops. Throughout the home you’ll find custom additions like glass and metal doors, a laundry nook with a built in slop sink, central AC and an entry foyer.

Soundproofing keeps private life private, and multiple studio spaces–including several double-height lofted storage/sleep areas–provide room for guests. The home’s main bedroom is both cozy and dramatic in shades of ebony and grey, and though the vintage goldenrod yellow tiles in the bath may sound strange, somehow it works.

Built in 1869 and located at the crossroads of Soho and Nolita, 136-140 Grand Street has been described by architecture critic Carter Horsley as “one of the most imposing buildings in SoHo.” Behind its iconic cast iron façade and mansard roof, the six-story building, converted to a co-operative in 1977 by a group of artists, consists of 17 dramatic lofts. Two elevators–one of them outsized and recently updated–serve the building. According to the listing, a member of the household should qualify as fitting the guidelines for an artist certificate from the NY Dept. of Cultural Affairs.

[Listing: 138-140 Grand Street #3ER by Joe Monteleone for Halstead Property]

RELATED:

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• Brooke Shields’s former Soho loft with 27 over-sized windows lists for $4.55M
• Tracing the Disappearance of New York City’s Live/Work Artists’ Lofts

Images courtesy of Halstead Property.