We sat down with the team behind Congress Lofts at St. Elmo to chat all about this extraordinary new community in South Austin.
Architect: Pappageorge Haymes
Interior Design: Urban Foundry Architecture
Interior Design and Marketing & Sales: Brandon Miller Group
Intracorp Director of Real Estate Development: William Sayers
What will Homeowners like most about living at Congress Lofts?
Pappageorge Haymes:
From a design standpoint, the open floor plan concept and integrated adaptability allows for each homeowner to create a unique space catered to their life style and preferences. Additionally, the large window openings, balconies, and interior courtyard space work in tandem to blur the transition between interior and exterior, thereby creating spaces flooded with natural light and direct connection with Congress Lofts’ context. From a contextual perspective, Congress Lofts is situated in a neighborhood that is very cognizant and strategic, in developing with its historic manufacturing and warehouse roots in mind. New residential projects are being integrated within the South Congress fabric of restorations. The result is a diverse weaving of tech companies, breweries, supply warehouses, food markets, distribution centers, retailers, and residences.
Brandon Miller Group:
Homeowners will enjoy the flexibility and convenience of Congress Lofts, both inside the home where owners can make it truly their own, to its location in the heart of the walkable St. Elmo District in South Austin.
What design elements define Congress Lofts?
Pappageorge Haymes:
Given the project’s architectural context, Congress Lofts’ concept is a modern adaptation of the brick masonry warehouse. The exterior facade is largely a clean, uniform, brick plane, only interrupted by large, black framed openings and suspended metal balconies. Paneled bump-outs occur at strategic locations across the facades to create a ‘modern’ interjection, while still maintaining the proportional rhythm of the masonry.
Urban Foundry:
The interiors concept, “Refined Loft”, celebrates the structural concrete and metals juxtaposed against a warm, tonal color palette pulled together with paints, woods, and leathers. Layered lighting in the amenities set the mood for the space with a mixture of sophisticated industrial-styled architectural fixtures, art lighting, neon signage, and accent fixture emitting a warm glow within the space.
What is your favorite exterior feature at this community?
Pappageorge Haymes:
The interior courtyard is going to be a terrific feature of Congress Lofts. It should be an incredibly successful communal space, integrating lounging, pool, yoga/workout, grilling, and a fire pit. The courtyard facade also presents a canvas for work by a local artist, further integrating the project into the community and vice versa.
Urban Foundry:
The anachronistic character of the architecture makes Congress Lofts feel timelessly rooted in the south Austin community. We are also excited about the design features planned for the courtyard that appeal to the inherently creative residents.
What is your favorite interior feature for these homes?
Brandon Miller Group:
We are very excited to present the true loft floor plan to the market. Austin has very few existing true lofts, where residents can approach a large open space in their own, creative way.
William Sayers:
The large balconies and windows allowing ample light and connection to the outside.
What is your favorite restaurant in the area?
William Sayers:
Sagebrush, located ½ mile down South Congress, is one of the newest and liveliest music venues South Austin offers. A true honky-tonk that opened in an old venue built in 1938. A true two-steppin’ dance floor, pool tables, 400 sf stage and a large backyard for outdoor concert series.
Brandon Miller Group:
Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden is a great place to meet friends and enjoy drinks, food trucks, and live music in a casual garden setting.
There are lots of amenities in the areas. What do you enjoy doing in St Elmo?
Pappageorge Haymes:
The Yard, located just 2 blocks away, offers a great assortment of drinking and dining options, regardless of your alcohol-of-choice. And just a half-mile up the road, you can go for a climb at The Crux Climbing Center and then grab a drink at Cosmic Coffee and enjoy some live outdoor music.
Urban Foundry:
The Yard’s community of local businesses is the established the heart of the St Elmo district. You can spend the better part of a day exploring and enveloping yourself here. Living in Stereo is a great place for residents to get their in-home-audio set-up set up! Get your beard trimmed and a dapper cut at South Austin Barbershop. Get your car washed at the Dinosaur Car Wash. A favorite and great source of inspiration for this creative community would be regular visits to the nearby Cathedral of Junk.
What in-building amenity do you think homeowners will enjoy the most, and why?
Pappageorge Haymes:
While the courtyard will serve as a great exterior space, the Library, situated just off the Lobby, will be a tremendous amenity for residents. Whether used as a change-of-scenery while working from home, or reserved for a get-together with friends on a weekend evening, the interior finishes and adaptability of the space will certainly make it a frequented space for residents.
Urban Foundry:
“The Library” off of the Entry Lobby would be my go-to spot. The colored glass exterior storefront in this room anchors the space and sets the mood. A curation of books and art adorn the space, supplied with a collection of vinyls and a community record player giving residents a cozy place to gather together or spend some quality time in solitude.
Visit CongressLofts.com to learn more about this extraordinary community.