Westfalen Lofts

Westfalen Lofts is a renovation of three abandoned buildings by John Hueber Homes and Northpointe Group Developers located near the newly renovated Washington Park in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Years before the development of Westfalen Lofts, Jeff Raser helped the development agency and lender, Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), obtain State of Ohio Historic Tax Credits for the project.

The rehabilitation contains a total of nine residential units including flats, 2-story units and a 4-story townhouse. All three buildings are LEED for Homes certified.

Working closely with the homebuilder, Raser’s design team created unique interior layouts for each building which take advantage of the buildings’ assets and mitigate the challenges. The structures are long and narrow, originally having only a few windows on each floor. In the flat units, a sweeping, curved wall organizes and connects the interior spaces. This curve is also reflected in the soffit, counters and cabinetry. The curve enhances the perceived spaciousness and helps bring natural light deep into the flats. Usable space is increased by balconies fronting a landscaped courtyard.

The upper and lower floors of the 2-story units separate public and private spaces. High ceilings and an open plan allowing borrowed natural light heighten the sense of spaciousness. The kitchen efficiently tucks into space below an open stair. All kitchens are open to living rooms inviting an entertainment lifestyle. In some units the living space extends onto balconies overlooking an inner-block park.