One of the largest adaptive reuse projects currently underway in the city is Barcalo Buffalo Living & Commerce located at 225 Louisiana Street. The Frizlen Group and BRD Construction are transforming the former Barcalo Manufacturing Company complex where the famous ‘Barcalounger’ recliners. The project includes 116 apartments and 30,000 square feet of commercial space.
Between 1896 and 1917, eight buildings were constructed as part of the Barcalo Manufacturing Company complex. Barcalo featured diverse product lines, including metal furniture, mattresses, box springs, hand tools, automobile parts, airplane plates and its now famous “Barcalounger” recliners. Barcalo ceased operations at that location in 1963. The complex has been owned for the last few decades by the Sansone family, which has maintained the sprawling facility while managing a mix of light commercial and artist tenants.
The complex will include indoor residential parking and amenity spaces. The apartments will consist of an equal mix between one and two-bedroom lofts, as well as a number of three-bedroom apartments. The project’s amenities will reflect that urban-outdoor blend, such as a rooftop patio with a view of grain elevators, indoor parking, bike and kayak storage and a dog-washing station. There are also plans for a fitness and work-out area, cafeteria, laundry facility, as well as leisure seating in common areas to allow for congregation and relaxation.
30,000 square feet of light commercial space is also planned, geared towards light manufacturers, office tenants and commercial tenants including restaurants, artists and other businesses.