Vicki Pickle Jon Slavkin

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When homeowner Rick Fessler wanted to create a fabulous gathering spot for friends and business associates, he consulted with his sister-in-law, Chandra, to help design a space that would maintain the character of his new loft in the historic Knickerbocker building and would work well with his busy lifestyle.

Using a minimalist design scheme, Chandra and Rick worked together to take a relatively small living space and create a warm, inviting and spacious feel. The brick walls and ceiling were sandblasted to bring them back to their original state, keeping with the building’s history and showcasing the timbered ceiling and red brick interior walls. “The character of the loft was maintained throughout the remodeling and design phases of the project, bringing back to life original materials and historical elements that added a layer of interest to create a modern living space,” according to Chandra. Exposed pipes and duct work are evidence of the commitment to authenticity.

By centering the focal point of the loft on the custom-designed fireplace, built on a platform for easy viewing while sitting or standing, the living room took shape. The placement of the sofa and loveseat keep the traffic flow open, and define the living room, bedroom and kitchen areas. Carpet tiles were selectively laid over sealed concrete floors to help define the space. The surrounding view of Washington Avenue brings the city into the space, through fabulous ceiling-to-floor windows that encompass the loft space. The charcoal, black and red color scheme flows throughout the spaces, along with leather and suede furnishings mixed with brushed chrome accents. All contribute to the contemporary feel of the rooms, including the master bedroom and bathroom space.

The open flow between the rooms contributes to Rick’s vision to use the loft for entertaining and holding informal business meetings. The custom mirrored bar, reflecting the colors in the loft space, becomes the perfect custom feature for an existing, unused nook. A built-in wine refrigerator and mini-fridge provide extra convenience, and shelving allows for both practical storage and decorative display. The adjacent area, with granite counters and splashes of color, is an open, functional space. A restaurateur himself, Rick works here with his executive chef to create recipes for colleagues. Rick’s fish tank, complete with African Chilids, is quite the conversation-starter and can be seen from Washington Avenue through the walls of windows in the loft.

While Rick enjoys his open space for cooking and entertaining colleagues, he loves being a part of city life and watching its revitalization right from his own window. Being close to sporting events and taking in all that the city has to offer are elements of urban life that appeal to Rick. On weekends, his daughter spends time with him – and with her own upstairs loft bedroom, she enjoys a fun, private space when spending time with dad.
After moving downtown from the county, Rick has not only thoroughly enjoyed his own loft space, he has invested in the revitalization of the city. In one of his latest business ventures, he is a partner in a new downtown development company, with upcoming commercial and residential spaces designed for downtown working and living. “I believe in the future of the city and where it’s going 100% – it’s so refreshing to hear the positive comments on the street, and everywhere you go, about the ‘new downtown’. It’s so impressive to hear about what the city has accomplished in such a short time.”