Factory Buildings Converted Into Residential Lofts

It's not uncommon to repurpose old factory buildings. In 2010, developer Kevin Lykens purchased the Wonder Bread Factory in Italian Village with the intention of converting the building into an arts center. When that did not materialize, Lykens decided to instead transcend the space into modern residential lofts. The building now contains 48 different layouts, thanks to the fact that the factory was constructed at different times (part in 1916 and part in 1952). To maintain the building’s historic charm, some of the elements were repurposed. For example, dough troughs are used for planters in the courtyard. Other elements were left in place, including brick floors and ceiling pulleys. Some features are new, including the security system and the restaurant Cray, which opened on site this year.  Residents enjoy spacious apartments—some of which are two stories.

The Columbus Buggy Co. has also been renovated into residential apartments. The company was the largest manufacturer of buggies in the word when the factory was constructed in 1902. Kyle Katz, the developer, worked to keep much of the building’s original features, such as large, industrial windows, exposed wood and support beams, and open floor plans. Now called The Buggy Works, these Nationwide Boulevard lofts blend old and new to provide residents with a truly unique home.


In San Francisco, Ghirardelli's chocolate factory has been transformed into Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square-a luxury hotel with ownership options. Domingo Ghirardelli's sons bought the property in 1893 and used it to produce chocolate until the factory was relocated in the 1960s. Now, guests and residents alike can take in the city's history from the building's rooftop terraces or the comfort of their spacious rooms.