Bartlett Lofts | Houston, Texas

An outstanding example of mid-century modern architecture converted to a mixed-use loft

In September 2006, the building located at 2422 Bartlett Avenue was designated a City of Houston Landmark as an outstanding example of mid-century modern architecture and warehouse construction. Ray+Hollington Architects with Nonya Grenador were retained to convert the facility to a mixed-use loft occupancy to include retail/commercial space on the ground floor and residential space on the second floor.

The original exterior building shell was maintained in compliance with the Historical Designation. The operable steel windows on the second floor were repaired and reglazed as required. The openings facing Bartlett Avenue, which had provided truck service points, and two new matching openings were glazed to provide ingress/egress and to introduce natural light into the tenant spaces. Power washing and cleaning exposed the original brick and structural clay tile of the building facades.

The second floor residential work/live spaces are reached via a landscaped courtyard at the northeast corner and a common corridor along the north wall. This corridor is highlighted by a custom fabricated steel stair reflecting the industrial character of the space and by large expanses of glazing that flood the space with natural light. A steel and glass partitioning system, combined with the exposed structure and exterior walls, further reinforce the "hard loft" feeling.