Mulberry Lofts Opens in Historic Garment District Building

By Kevin Collison

Mulberry Lofts, the latest downtown historic renovation project at 905 Broadway, has come to fruition with half of its 25 apartments already leased two weeks after the first residents began moving in.

Developer Andrew Bolton, a New Yorker who relocated to Kansas City while pursuing the $8 million project, has blended the historic interior of the building with modern amenities.

It’s located in the former Liebstadter Millinery Co. building, which opened in 1902 and is part of the historic Garment District.

Mulberry Lofts is located in the 116 year-old Liebstadter Millinery Co. building at 905 Broadway

The old wooden staircase, original stamped-tin high ceilings and rich wood floors of Douglas Fir reveal the building’s character, while the apartments have been fitted out with granite countertops, washers and driers and ample storage space.

“This is a good example of what I do,” Bolton said, “restoring historic elements with modern finishes.”

He also has an arrangement with the nearby Roaster’s Block apartment development for residents of Mulberry to use its amenities.

“There are not many 25-unit buildings that have a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, yoga classes, cooking classes and exercise classes,” Bolton said.

The original Douglas Fir flooring and tin-press roof remains in many of the apartments.

Mulberry residents also can enjoy a rooftop patio, a lobby coffee bar and a fitness center inside the building. There are 10 indoor parking spaces in its basement, and another 20 spaces have been leased at the Poindexter garage across Ninth Street.

Mulberry Lofts features 13 one-bedroom, eight studio and four, two-bedroom apartments.

The building’s name comes from two of Bolton’s favorites: Mulberry Street, located near the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan, and the Dr. Seuss book “And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street.”

Now that he’s put his roots down in Kansas City, Bolton hopes continue developing housing.

“I like living here, this is my home now,” he said. “I’m looking forward to doing more projects in Kansas City.”

The Mulberry Lofts lobby features the original staircase, a coffee bar and wi-fi access.

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