This Week’s Find: Loft Living in a Former Auto Body Shop

• April 24, 2014
• 1 Comment

by Lark Turner

The block of Church Street between 14th and 15th Street is lined with former auto body shops and warehouses that have been converted into high-end residences. But the former Rainbow Auto Body Shop turned Rainbow Lofts at 1445 Church Street NW (map) is probably most representative of its past.

This Week’s Find is a two-bedroom unit in the former auto body shop, a building that still has the lettering and windows from when it serviced cars. The second floor loft space is surrounded by exposed brick and the living room is divided into two distinct spaces separated by a dramatic fireplace.

We particularly like the separated study or TV area on the opposite side of the living room’s fireplace. Often loft spaces don’t provide a private or secluded area, but this one does so quite well.

The galley-style kitchen, which is open to the rest of the living space, has updated appliances, but its style seems incongruous with the rest of interior. We think it could use a facelift.

The Rainbow Auto Body Shop was originally built in 1929 and was converted into the lofts in 2004. More details below.

• Full Listing: 1445 Church Street NW #23 (map)
• Price: $849,900
• HOA Fees: $595/month
• Bedrooms: Two
• Bathrooms: Two
• Square Footage: 1,155
• Year Built: 1929
• Listing Agents: Kelly Williams and Loic Pritchett, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/this_weeks_find_a_renovated_loft_with_a_dramatic_fireplace/8403

1 Comment

1. jj said at 5:01 pm on Sunday April 27, 2014:
   I wish you would do you readers a service and not just quote the realtor descriptions. This unit is not a 2 bedroom. It is a one bedroom. The agent is attempting to call the section behind the fireplace a second bedroom, saying it used to be closed in--which is utter nonsense. Anyone can look at the floors and ceiling and see it wasn't ever closed in. Even if it were--it isn't now and isn't a 2 bedroom.