Our Featured Home of the Week

Unit 508 is offered at $204,976, plus a monthly condominium fee, by Bartley Lofts Condominiums.

For those who love the idea of downtown living, it doesn t get much better than this. Expansive views, the vibrant urban lifestyle, and beautifully designed condominiums are all a part of the Bartley Lofts. We feature just one of the 26 units available in this impressive building.

Lofty Condominium Living in Downtown Toledo

If your idea of a loft apartment is the place where that girl lived in the movie Flashdance, you need to get out more. Specifically, you need to get over to the Bartley Lofts at the corner of Washington and Ontario Streets in downtown Toledo.

The building was constructed in 1912 for R.A. Bartley, a grocery wholesaler who used it for storing his produce. It was later used as Lamson s department store, and as a Willis Day Company warehouse. In 2004, it was purchased and is being remodeled as condominiums. The first residents moved in on October of 2005.

A few things to know about loft living: there is a lot of open space. In order to retain some of the original character of the building, some items, such as columns and fire doors, have been left untouched. Heating ducts, pipes and brick are left exposed. And the views from the expansive windows -- well, the views are wonderful.

While there are currently 26 units available, for purposes of this story, we are focusing on just one, number 508.

This unit has just over 1,300 square feet of living space, with a 93 square foot balcony overlooking Ontario Street and views of Historic St. Patrick s Church and buildings downtown.

Enter and immediately notice the buttery colored walls, offset by the cement floor. Yes, the floor is original, with a dramatic difference. It has been treated with an acid wash and stain, and then coated for a glossy shine. The acid wash reacts with minerals in the cement to bring out different colors.

To the left, off the foyer, are a full bath and a closet containing hookups for the washer and dryer. To the right is the guest bedroom with a walk-in closet. Ahead and to the left is the master bedroom with a spacious walk-in closet and its own full bath. The foyer bathroom has a tub and shower; the master bath has a spacious walk-in corner shower that is beautifully tiled, and a vanity with a granite countertop. Both bedrooms, though they are interior rooms, have windows placed high on the walls to allow natural light.

Directly across from the master bath is the kitchen. The cabinets, by Homecrest, are in a rich maple with a crystal finish. The countertop is laminate, with a brush stroke pattern that affords it the look of granite.

Stainless appliances by Whirlpool, including the refrigerator, dishwasher and built-in microwave, are included. Brushed nickel hardware is echoed in the very modern kitchen faucet. The countertop is extended to create a snack bar.

The rest of the condominium is the living/dining combination. Access to the balcony is here as well. One can just imagine enjoying a party here, with plenty of space for all and cocktails on the balcony.

Come this summer, you can take the party upstairs, where a pool and community room will be located. Secure, reserved parking is located in an attached parking garage.

Living in the Bartley Lofts can represent a lifestyle choice for many: a choice for downtown living with fantastic views, an active social life including Mud Hens games and gallery openings, and a commitment to Toledo s core.

Unit 508 is offered at $204,976, plus a monthly condominium fee, by Bartley Lofts Condominiums. The development team members are: Park West Development, L.L.C., Timberstone Group, Inc., The Lathrop Company, and Thibert-Fields Interiors. A ten-year tax abatement is available as well. For a personalized tour, contact Megan Fulkerson at 419-343-2770, or email megan@bartleylofts.com.