To all the lofts you’ve loved before, the lofts that traveled in and out your door, they were glad you came along, but it’s time to move on to the suburbs, where “loft living” is hotter than ever thanks to a local architect who is living out his own loft fantasies and at the same time laying the groundwork for others.
This hardy way of life, of living in abandoned industrial buildings, began in Paris in the 19th century and later came to New York City when artists and writers congregated in lowly urban areas where the rent was cheap. According to the article, How it All Began, at the-loft-factory.com, “They (lofts) were tough, primitive and unforgiving; qualities that the early dwellers did not have the money (nor, perhaps, the desire) to change,” the author writes.
Indeed, what these bare-bone buildings lacked in sophistication they made up for with their natural light and lots of outrageous space—great tools for any artist.
THAT WAS THEN; THIS IS NOW
Today, residential lofts—with their high ceilings and luxurious interiors of undivided space—are being gobbled up by young professionals, empty nesters, couples and singles alike all over the world in cities both large and small.
Bringing this exciting way of life to downtown Shillington is David M. Kleckner, owner of Kleckner Laucks Architects, P.C., who purchased the former Fairy Silk Mill buildings on Catherine Street about three and a half years ago. He recently moved his company and residence from Muhlenberg Township, where he was born and raised, into the century-old buildings. In addition, he is working with the borough there to make Lancaster Avenue more pedestrian friendly and to bring the urban feel as close as possible to his front door.
SAVING OLD BUILDINGS
These sturdy red brick buildings have what it takes for authentic “loft living,” and they come without the traffic and noise associated with inner-city neighborhoods.
A successful loft must be in the right kind of building in order for it to work, says David, who felt an irresistible charm the first time he walked through the silk mills. It was then that he began to visualize how he would use the space for his future business and residence.
But first he had to share his vision and sell the idea to his wife, Kelly, and their three sons.
URBAN LIVING IN THE SUBURBS
David, who is casually dressed in blue jeans and a button-down short-sleeve shirt, accommodates an interview for this story on a Friday night at his business. His shoulder-length hair and handlebar moustache—a look not easily worn by the faint of heart—suit the man and the vision that has brought lofts to the forefront in Berks County.
His office is a blend of old and new with original sprinkler pipes and other remnants of the past. Polished aluminum diamond plate dividers between work stations add a sleek, “industrial” look.
Next, we tour his personal 3,000-square-foot loft in the building next door.
The entrance to his place had at one time stymied the local pizza delivery guy, David says. Not surprisingly, the façade of the building is all business. But inside, well, that’s a different story. The entranceway is personalized with family photographs on a wall that leads to an open stairway with thin silver cable rails for visual design and safety.
On the top floor, off to the right, vintage pinball machines and a pool table for indoor leisure share undivided space with a modern eat-in kitchen featuring granite countertops and a cooking island. A partial wall with a black sliding door separates the kitchen and recreation area from the master bedroom. Minimally decorated, it has a king-sized platform bed at one end and professional workout equipment at the other end. A spa-like retreat bathroom (there are no doors anywhere!) features a large walk-in closet and his-and-hers white vessel sinks. A large Ariel Steam Shower with two built-in seats, whirlpool tub, radio, body massage jets and more takes center stage.
Exposed brick walls have been sandblasted and clear coated, and hardwood floors have been refinished.
At the other end of the loft, a cozy lounge area with white leather and brown leather sectionals promises luxurious downtime. A two-bedroom and bath area for the boys when they are visiting, or for overnight guests, is in the back behind a partial wall with a black sliding door.
Windows are treated with custom-made black sun shades made of fabric mesh to help cut down on glare. “I love the panoramic view of the windows,” David shares. “It’s the coolest thing when a thunder storm and lightning rolls in.”
“My wife said she wasn’t coming from the suburbs unless I gave her some outdoor space, so I gave it to her on the roof,” says David about the large breezy area perfect for alone time, entertaining or cooking out with friends and family. It’s a great spot,” says David. “My wife and kids love it!”
GET YOUR LOFTS HERE
Over at South Sterley Lofts, just a block and a half away from his residence, David has several unfinished lofts and one finished unit for sale, ranging in size from 1,200 square feet to 3,300 square feet. For a newbie to loft living, David and his design team are the perfect choice for help with finishing the raw space.
The building’s J. G. Speidel freight elevator—still in operation and in perfect condition—can be used for access to each level. “Are you ready?” David asks before he pulls down the elevator’s front metal gate for a fun lift to the top-floor loft. That space is owned by a New Jersey couple.
Each residence comes with a garage and additional off-street parking a half-block away on Catherine Street. Prices start at $139,500 for a blank palette that includes exposed brick walls, refurbished hardwood floors, oversized windows and high ceilings. All units are heated with natural gas and are equipped with air conditioning. Say goodbye to your lawnmowers!
Loft Living Dream Team
KLECKNER LAUCKS ARCHITECTS, P.C.
David M. Kleckner, owner, has more than 20 years of experience in architecture and commercial interior design. Degrees: Pennsylvania State University Fayette Campus, associates in engineering; and Drexel University, N.J., bachelors in architecture. Michael P. Kutz, senior project manager, has more than 20 years of experience in architectural and interior design. Degree: Rhode Island School of Design, bachelors in architecture. Charles Diefenderfer IV, senior CAD technician, has an associate’s degree in architectural engineering from Lincoln Technical Institute, Allentown Campus. Brent Zerr, CAD technician, graduated from Alvernia University with an associate’s degree in business administration and from Berks Technical Institute with an associates in architectural technology.
Kleckner Laucks Architects | 18 Catherine St., Shillington | 610.939.9660 | dmkarchitects.com
BY MARCIA WEIDNER-SUTPHEN | PHOTOS BY DAVID M. KLECKNER
