10/18/06 - If you’re familiar with Phil Woodard’s developments, you know to expect nothing short of the unconventional. 2 West, one of South End’s latest warehouse loft conversions, continues Woodard’s tradition of contemporary, distinctively cool residential development. The vision began five years ago with a call from Hank Cowles to partner in the purchase of the 1915 building located on GE Patterson near Front St. Barbara Cowles, broker with Hobson Co. Realtors, and life-member of the MAAR Multi-Million Dollar Club, handles sales and marketing for 2 West. Coleman Coker with Building Studio Architects was chosen to lead the building’s design.

“We chose Building Studio because their work is so edgy, cool and green-oriented.” “It was Building Studio who led the two-level town home concept within the building, which offers inherent advantages,” Woodard adds. With two-level lofts, you can expose more of the building’s interior character, including the brick and heavy timbers. And, the design is actually more cost effective.

Although Woodard, Cowles and Coker had a clear vision for 2 West, the project certainly had its share of challenges, as is common with historic renovations. Since the building was once used as a cotton or paper warehouse, floors were designed with a grade and required significant leveling to accommodate residential use. Also, several sections of heavy timber had to be replaced.

Once major structural improvements were done, the conversion into unique residences could begin. Woodard has a long track record of developing high-quality, distinctive urban residences and wanted 2 West to be no different. “This is why we enlisted Archer Custom Builders for the build-out of the units. “With Archer, I know its going to be a quality product, something I’d want if I were living there, something different.” says Woodard.

2 West offers three distinctive features that elevate it from the downtown loft norm. Every unit features smooth, stained, sealed & scored 3 inch concrete floors which not only add to the ultra-modern feel of the project but also provide excellent sound-control and energy efficiency. Clean, exposed brick walls and magnificent heavy timber beams complete the ultra-modern meets historic-charm character.

“2 West is one of the last warehouse conversions downtown and we wanted this one to be special,” says Barbara Cowles, who is handling sales and marketing for the project. “Everything is new on the inside for the upscale, contemporary look and feel, yet, we retained much of the original character from the exposed brick and heavy timbers to the soaring 13 to 15 foot vertical spaces to the exterior facades.” “And, the 20 unit mix offers a small number of comfortably sized units, ranging from 1,332 to 2,727 sq.ft. with prices starting in the low $250’s.”

Woodard’s and Cowles’ choices for finish-out match the building’s uniqueness. Four of the first level units have lower floor levels and individual entry from the west side of the building, through an exterior courtyard that is shared with the adjacent City House project. There are warm contemporary two-story lofts on the second level with balconies on the west side overlooking the courtyard. All units have large double-glazed windows, aluminum and/or solid wood doors, and heavy steel-and-wood open stair wells to the bedroom loft with bath above. Stainless appliances, natural maple cabinetry, brushed chrome hardware and man-made, scratch resistant Technistone counters are also standard. “I always try to use recycled and green-friendly materials” Woodard adds, which is why bamboo floors are an option. Other distinctive options include a 5,000 BTU in-wall mount electric fireplace heater and Miro central control lighting systems. Also included in each unit’s price is a $1,500 to $2,500 allowance so buyers can choose other interior options that match their individuality.

Creative distinction continues throughout the building common areas. A light well extends the entire height of the building to allow additional light into the centrally located bedrooms. An original sculpture commissioned by local artist Terrance Brown will greet residents and visitors on the GE Patterson side of the building. Blue lights will create a cool after-dark glow upon the covered entry on this side as well.

“I’m only as good as my last project,” adds Woodard, which is why he strives to deliver projects that are unique in their design and functionality. The market’s a lot different than it was when I did the St. Martin and GE 5,” two of his other previous loft and town home projects nearby. There’s a lot more product out there on the market now, but not enough of the high-end contemporary, and we felt there was still demand for something different. When I built GE 5 on GE Patterson, people told me that nobody is interested in the ultra-modern look.” The fact that the five distinctive town homes sold in less than two months and that his recently completed contemporary showcase home at 449 Tennessee St. drew over 800 visitors at a recent Sunday home tour seems to confirm his beliefs.

2 West features 20 two-level lofts with underground parking, common storage, workout room and a rooftop deck. Sizes range from 1,332 to 2,727 sq.ft. Prices start at $252,000. Completion is set for January 2007. For more information on 2 West, see the property detail in our directory. For details on Phil Woodard’s other projects, visit www.philwoodard.com . For sales, contact Barbara Cowles at 901.312.2979.