The Exchange Lofts building at 17th & Poplar is one of our favorites around town. The property was designed by architect John Torrey Windrim as a Bell Telephone Company exchange (see what they did there?) but sat vacant and deteriorating for several years. Thankfully, developers purchased the handsome structure in 2007 and set to the task of bringing it back to life in the form of eight condos across four floors.
A couple years back, we told you of plans for The Exchange, Phase II, a new seven-story building next to the Exchange Lofts that would mean sixteeen additional units for this corner. At the time, we praised the architecture of this project for taking a very contemporary approach, making no effort to match the existing property. The project took a little while to get off the ground but at this point you get a really good idea of what it will look like when it's finished.
Pretty cool, eh?
Next door meanwhile, we're still waiting for the groundbreaking on a new five-story building that will replace a long-vacant lot. Remember, when we told you about this one last fall, the community had just overwhelming offered their support for this project, which will include 46 apartments and 38 parking spots. Soon enough, we imagine things will get underway.
With so many people moving to this block in the coming years, we wonder how many people will know about the history of the awesome building on the southeast corner of 17th & Poplar.
It's been around for over 150 years!