The Inspiration Behind the Lofts
Ken Ankli is a fifth generation resident of Southwest Michigan whose family roots run deep. His connection to the neighborhood dates to 1972 while working after school for his father at Brammall Supply. After assuming ownership of the firm in 1992, Ken watched from the sidelines as the neighborhood slowly embraced its new identity as an emerging Arts District. Inspired by a comprehensive streetscape and infrastructure makeover, Ken sensed an opportunity to further the development of the District by repurposing a portion of his warehouse into high end loft apartments. More than a decade of renovations, new construction, and repurposing authentic artifacts resulted in what people now know as the Quarternote Lofts and Sheffield Lofts. Ken is proud to have played a role in the growth of the neighborhood and eager to share what makes the Arts District a special place to live.
“The location, creative vibe, and historic urban context. You can feel the vitality of the neighborhood coming to life. Repurposing old buildings, wherever they are, is romantic and mysterious. Exciting and inspiring. The Benton Harbor Arts District is all of those!”
About
The Quarternote Lofts represent over a decade of incremental re-development, crafted and re-imagined from functionally obsolete industrial space located in the historic Brammall Supply warehouse complex on Water Street. Beginning with four lofts in 2009, subsequent warehouse loft conversions now total nine in number. Each loft is unique and features authentic elements of the building’s original identity.
In 2017 the nearby Sheffield building was acquired. The extensive renovation of this historic building resulted in four new lofts exhibiting similar features and design elements as the original Quarternote Lofts. Located on the perimeter of City Center Park, the Sheffield is also home to the Houndstooth Restaurant, a New American bistro.
Together, these renovated buildings speak to the re-birth of a neighborhood known as the Benton Harbor Arts District. A walkable neighborhood, the Arts District attracts young professionals, creative artists, designers, investors and entrepreneurs from surrounding areas. The urban neighborhood includes studios, galleries, restaurants and bars as well as attractive parks and green spaces – all within a short walk or bike ride to Lake Michigan beaches and world class recreation opportunities. The Arts District is among the most popular areas of Southwestern Michigan, evidenced by its growing residential population.
The Quarternote Lofts and The Sheffield Lofts at City Center provide tenants with the urban loft experience found nowhere else in Southwestern Michigan.