flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Textile factory turned multifamily has train tracks running through it

Multifamily Housing

Textile factory turned multifamily has train tracks running through it

The Counting House Lofts is a 200-year-old building that still has its train tracks, exterior train bay doors, and a watch house tower.


By Mike Chamernik, Associate Editor | October 16, 2015
The Architectural Team redesigned old textile factory for multifamily use

Counting House Lofts still has its history on display. Images courtesy The Architectural Team.

The Counting House Lofts in Lowell, Mass., opened in May. Not only does it have 52 residential units, all of which are occupied, but it also has a set of train tracks running through it.

The tracks aren’t for an active train, of course. The 200-year-old building used to be a factory storehouse, and the tracks were used to load and ship textile goods. The National Park Service demanded that the tracks be preserved, so The Architectural Team worked them into the layout scheme.

The firm adapted the old warehouse into a multifamily building. It retrofit the place for energy efficiency, making sure it complied with the Energy Star Multifamily High Rise program. Along with the tracks, the exterior train bay doors, an exposed column and beam grid, and a watch house tower were also left in tact.

One bedroom units start at 758 sf while two bedroom apartments begin at 897 sf.

 

'

Related Stories

Fire and Life Safety | Jun 22, 2017

After testing, seven tower blocks found to have similar cladding as Grenfell Tower

These blocks will undergo further testing to determine if they are safe.

Multifamily Housing | Jun 20, 2017

Coliving apartments look to fill affordability and availability gaps for urban workers

One provider, Common, emphasizes community in its buildings. 

Market Data | Jun 16, 2017

Residential construction was strong, but not enough, in 2016

The Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest report expects minorities and millennials to account for the lion’s share of household formations through 2035.

Multifamily Housing | Jun 7, 2017

Jersey Strong: Local suppliers step in to help renovate a homeless shelter in the Garden State

American Standard and Philips Lighting donate products and manpower.

Resiliency | Jun 7, 2017

New disaster-resilient infrastructure building and upgrades hope to keep Haven Plaza up and running

The affordable housing complex was hit hard during Hurricane Sandy, leaving residents without electricity or water.

Multifamily Housing | Jun 7, 2017

Multifamily visionary: The life and work of architect David Baker

For 35 years, architect David Baker has been a spirited voice for affordable housing, in San Francisco and beyond.

Wood | Jun 6, 2017

Shigeru Ban-designed residential structure poised to become world’s tallest hybrid timber building

The wood, concrete, and glass building will rise approximately 233 feet when finished.

Multifamily Housing | May 25, 2017

Luxury residential tower is newest planned addition to The Star in Frisco

The building will be within walking distance to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.

Multifamily Housing | May 22, 2017

Zaha Hadid Architects residential development takes a page from a classic Bradbury tale

The buildings are on an elevated platform and the surrounding walkways are suspended so as not to disturb the surrounding ecosystems.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021