The Oriental Warehouse was originally built by The Pacific Mail Steamship Company in 1867 to act as a distribution point for imported coffee, tea, rice, and silk. 129 years later, a completely new structure architected by Fisher Friedman was constructed within the original brick envelope to transform the derelict warehouse into 66 residential lofts. (A bit of trivia: the new building is inset from the brick exterior walls by 15 feet with interior walkways running between the two.)
The 66 lofts range in size from 1,350 to 1,800 square feet and feature “open floor plans, 18-foot ceilings, exposed brick and wooden beams.” Needless to say, we’re fans. And we’re happy to report that one of the lofts (#424) recently hit the market.
∙ Listing: 650 Delancey Street #424 (1/2) – $995,000 [Urban Bay] [MLS]
You like this place? I looked at one unit on the top floor corner, and it was still dark and gloomy. The light barely gets in around the old brick walls and a couple of pathetic skylights are not enough to make up the difference. If you enjoy living in basements, the Oriental is perfect for you.
Just an FYI the price of unit# 424 at the Oriental Warehouse is $959,000. You can find similar lofts at http://www.thesfconnection.net
Agree w/ JWB. Rented a unit in the Oriental Warehouse for a year and felt like a hamster living in a shoebox — the lofts there are really dark and claustrophobic with barely any natural light making its way in.