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An Evolving Neighborhood

Triptych: left shows a brick building with spiral fire escape; center has a door labeled "RECEIVING"; right features a person in a doorway with a painted patterned door.
1980s Warehouse District

 

In the 80s and early 90s, the Warehouse District (known as North Loop today) was known for its underground scene and 19th and early 20th century brick warehouses. Besides artists, who were looking for cheap rent in repurposed warehouses (zoning violations? 😉), not many people lived in the neighborhood. But artists brought galleries, which attracted patrons followed by bars and restaurants.

 

In the 90s, I worked at Industrial Equities (1st Avenue and 3rd Street) with John Allen. The area was hopping and known for its nightlife, restaurants, and some early loft conversions. Overtime, the neighborhood evolved from industrial warehouses to art studios, then high-end commercial spaces, and now an eclectic mix including more residential developments.


Urban 1st Avenue scene with historic brick buildings under a clear blue sky. A child stands on the sidewalk, near a sign that reads, "Industrial Equities L.L.P."
Levi in front of Industrial Equities (2020) and 1st Avenue N (2021)

 

Because of its massive collection of historic commercial architecture, the area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Even as an evolving neighborhood, it hasn’t lost its historic charm. Properties have been repurposed into unique residential, residential-office, and retail spaces making the area a live-work-play community. With a mix of James Beard-level restaurants, unique boutiques, high-quality office spaces, and a growing population of young professionals, the North Loop neighborhood is fast growing, vibrant, and resilient.


Row of urban buildings in daylight; red brick, tan brick, and a garage with "Midwest Motorcycle." Clear blue sky. Street view setting.
Repurposed buildings along Washington Avenue N, next to Midwest Motorcycle (available for lease)

 

We have six properties that are waiting for a tenants with visions. Places like the former New French Bakery, The Imperial Room, and my favorite, Midwest Motorcycle are ready for a new life and available for lease. They need work, but the possibilities are there! As one of the brokers involved in "The Washington" (formerly Sex World on the corner of Washington and 2nd) deal, I know the potential. Reach out if you’re interested, go to our website for more information, or simply spread the word. The evolution continues.

 

 


Smiling man in a blue plaid blazer and white shirt, sits in a modern office with large windows. Bright and professional atmosphere.

Jeff Salzbrun is the owner/broker of Commercial Equities Group (CEG). As a veteran-owned real estate brokerage, CEG has been involved in thousands of sale and lease transactions, ranging from single offices to 250,000+ square foot buildings. At CEG, we get your deal done. We know space, and we know the CRE business.

 

 

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