3224 Lofts is the cutting edge of design and technology melded into one sleek, sophisticated apartment community, located in the former Cadillac Automobile Building. Built in 1919, when St. Louis was becoming an important center in the manufacturing and distribution of autos, this handsome, ornate four-story building, designed both as a warehouse and showroom, features sculpted terra cotta columns and detailed brickwork. As a rare example of Second Egyptian Revival architecture, which has earned it a place on the National Register, the stunning building connotes durability and permanence. Today it has been reborn as a center for some of the most striking modern loft apartments in St. Louis.

Upon entrance to the intimate lobby, flanked by two light, open commercial spaces of 2,100 square feet and 5,100 square feet, the visitor becomes aware of the uniqueness of this building. Rounded walls, highlighted by blue neon, encompass a small grouping of comfortable contemporary sofas and tables. This same blue lighting is carried throughout the building, especially arresting in the roomy hallways which also offer surprising architectural features.

The loft units themselves highlight the original fabric of the building, offering large, open floor plans with 11.5' ceiling heights, many large windows, intrusion elements such as concrete beams and columns, exposed brick, concrete and ductwork, sanded, sealed and polished original concrete floors, contemporary interior finishes, and slanted walls with bull-nose corners. Kitchens are state-of-the-art, with smooth concrete and granite countertops, cabinetry with pull-out shelving, and sleek stainless top-of-the-line GE appliances and Kohler fixtures, offering instant hot water and filtered water. Each two-bedroom, two-or two-and-one-half bath unit offers ultra-modern master baths with Jacuzzi tubs, separate showers and ceramic tiling. Individual laundry rooms feature full-sized washers and dryers, and 80-gallon hot water tanks insure plenty of hot water. Unexpected shelving, sculpted walls and occasional frosted glass wall panels create additional interest in the floor plans. Two of the units also offer outdoor patios.

The interior design of these loft units reflects the out-of-the-box creativity of architect Carlos Mindreau and owner and developer Erich F. Kollinger. "I wanted to do something different, not focusing on the cost so much as on the design aesthetic," says Kollinger, who is targeting his units to an educated, sophisticated and somewhat pioneering luxury rental market, whose tastes embrace the best and boldest of contemporary loft design. Kollinger, who is planning to take up residence himself in the spectacular, highly-designed 10,000-square-foot top floor unit of the 3224 Lofts, is offering 8 private units on the lower floors, which average from 1,875 to 2,260 square feet, starting at $2,060 a month. Within 5 years these units may be converted to condominiums.

Overall building amenities include roof deck access, all new mechanical systems, heated underground parking, passenger elevator, spacious freight elevator, and a keyless electronically controlled building, including a Euro-style keyless electronic pod at the entrance to control access. Within walking distance of Powell Hall, The Fox Theatre, The Sheldon, the Contemporary Art Museum, the Pulitzer Art Institute, Saint Louis University, and several nearby restaurants, the location of 3224 Lofts also affords easy access to Hwy 40/I-64 and I-44, and is only a 5-minute drive to the heart of downtown.