A new adaptive-reuse apartment project is set to take shape in Lawrenceville. The Locomotive Lofts project, located at the corner of 49th and Harrison Streets will create 34 market-rate units in this former industrial site.
“It’ll definitely be the most state of the art apartment complex in Lawrenceville,” says project developer Ernie Sota, citing security, energy efficiency, balconies, and off-street parking. The project will be a complete renovation with new construction, designed by architect Paul Rodriguez.
Sota says Locomotive Lofts LP will aim for LEED gold certification. Solar photovoltaics will be used on the roof, along with HVAC heating and cooling systems, and LED lighting.
Sota and partners paid $150,00 for the 20,000 sq. ft. former office building. The project is expected to cost $5 million to develop. The building was once home to H.K. Porter Co., a manufacturer of compressed air locomotives.
Financing for the project is to be finalized soon, with construction on the units beginning in the fall. Sota says his team has worked closely with Lawrenceville United and the Lawrenceville Development Corporation, and that the community has been very supportive.
Last year, Sota developed Pittsburgh’s first net-zero home on the South Side, a home that generates as much energy as it uses annually. Although Locomotive Lofts isn’t expected to achieve net-zero, Sota says this building will use only about 25% of the energy in a typical apartment building.
Sota believes renters understand energy efficiency equals a lower cost of living, but also that there are certain human comforts in green building techniques.
“All these things lead to a more enjoyable, healthier lifestyle,” Sota says.
Writer: Andrew Moore
Source: Ernie Sota
Image Credit: Paul Rodriguez Architect