New luxury lofts completed

The spacious, modern loft apartments in the 130-year-old Patriot building at Park Central East and the square are finally complete.

Richard Branham, a sales engineer for the Springfield office of Trane and one of four principals in Design Build LLC, said two of the four apartments are still available for rent.

Both units are two-story and open-plan, with the second story overlooking the living area. Both feature fireplaces, two bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, dining room, laundry room, living area, and sleeping loft. Design includes exposed brick, ceiling joists and ductwork, with ceiling heights ranging to about 30 feet. They rent for $1,200 per month, Branham said.

The building was named The Patriot by its owners for the newspaper housed there at the turn of the century. Branham said construction is continuing for the James River Grill on the building's first floor, with completion set for July 1. Branham said the 1,000-square-foot adjoining commercial space is also available for rent.

The four partners in Design Build LLC are Branham, Steve Warlick, an intern architect at Warren Bates & Associates, attorney John Steward and contractor Derrick Hux, both of St. Louis.