Who hasn’t passed an old building and wondered what it was like in its heyday, when shop owners lived above their stores? To highlight contemporary loft living on Jackson Avenue, Downtown Harlingen Manager Cheryl LaBerge partnered with the Harlingen Board of Realtors for a Living It Up Downtown tour. Harlingen is the only Valley city developing and promoting loft living, which is popular in big city downtowns.
Downtown Harlingen is a destination with family-owned restaurants, unique boutiques, art galleries, antiques stores and businesses, with six property owners living the loft life. LaBerge would like to see more century-old classics adapted to upper story loft living. “We have about a half dozen prospects that have potential,” LaBerge said. “Realtors are key folks in showing prospective investors what is available. They come in contact with newcomers, so we want downtown to be on their radar.”
The tour, which attracted 60 local realtors and affiliates, showcased three luxury lofts, including one under construction, and art galleries. Downtown Harlingen has specific advantages as well as special rules because of the historic preservation designation. At a luncheon following the walking tour, LaBerge informed realtors of the incentives. Free design assistance and matching grants for signage, storefront adaptation, fire safety and security are available.
“Our Downtown program is essentially economic development through historic preservation,” said LaBerge, a former Harlingen Convention and Visitors Bureau director. “Knowing the history of a building and the area helps establish an emotional connection.”
Among those living it up in downtown lofts is Steve Aune, owner of Nip ‘n Tuck Draperies and a 16-year downtown resident. He renovated the 3,500-square-foot loft of the building which houses his business. Aune described downtown as eclectic and a great place to live and do business. The loft gives him a bird’s eye view of Jackson Street festivities, such as the Christmas parade. “Most of the time, after the workday, living downtown is quiet and peaceful.”
Harlingen businessman David Schoch moved into a 6,800-square-foot luxury loft at 101 E. Jackson. The ground floor accommodates his passion for trains: the Railroad Crossing Model Railroad Club and Event Center. Formerly a warren of abandoned offices, the loft now sports a spacious great room, four bedrooms with full baths, and a large walk-in pantry along with a theatre room with full kitchen where Schoch’s teen-aged daughters entertain school friends. “I like downtown living,” he said. “I feel safe, real safe.” And he has no lawn to mow.
His neighbor Bob Little recently renovated and leased out ground floor retail space at 110 E. Jackson, before starting on the loft. Gutting a building exposes some of the building’s past, according to Little. Where a beautician and seamstress once had upstairs shops, Little is constructing a great room, multiple bedrooms and two baths. “I’m lucky,” he said, “because Downtown Harlingen will help with the frontage windows.” Little plans to rent out the loft.
To read more of this story by Anita Westervelt, visit the “Current & Past Issues” tab on this website or pick up a copy of the June 2014 print edition of Valley Business Report.