# Contrasting Architectural Facades The North Fourth Lofts Juxtapose the Past and Present By Christopher DeLuca | Published 2011-05-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/north-fourth-lofts References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/132872/225-north-fourth-lofts-jonathan-barnes-architecture-and-design/) & [jbadusa](http://www.jbadusa.com/) [North Fourth Lofts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/north-drive-house) is a brilliant contrast between [renovating an existing structure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-iron-house) and creating a new one with specific space limitations. The renovated portion of the project consists of a 19th-century commercial building that was transformed to have office space at street level and condos on the floors above. The new portion, built in the space where a previous building was torn down, is comprised of condos. Both structures have been tied together through their shared use of a staircase and elevator. The [contrast between the facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/one-river-north) of both structures feels fresh and exciting. North Fourth Lofts is unique in its ability to share a central elevator and staircase. I think in that way, it challenges traditional conceptions of what a building is. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Renovating Existing Structures:** Exploring innovative ways to transform old buildings into new spaces that meet modern needs and expectations. - **Contrasting Architectural Facades:** Purposefully juxtaposing different architectural styles or materials to create visually striking and unique structures. - **Shared Services in Multiple Structures:** Finding opportunities to connect and integrate different buildings through shared amenities like elevators and staircases. ### Where This Applies - **Real Estate Development:** Capitalizing on the potential in renovating existing structures and creating unique architectural designs to attract buyers and tenants. - **Construction:** Providing expertise in transforming old buildings and constructing new buildings with contrasting facades to meet the demands of modern architecture. - **Urban Planning:** Developing strategies to connect multiple structures through shared services, optimizing space efficiency and enhancing urban landscapes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [NYC Apartment Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooklyn-loft.md) - [Atlanta Heritage Contemporary Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forth-hotel.md) - [Contemporary Atlanta Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morris-adjmi.md) - [Preserved Townhome Concrete Facades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rieder.md) - [Warehouse-Transformed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-of-many-faces.md) - [Restored Urban Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/west-84th-street-brownstone.md) - [Vertically Ruptured Juxtaposing Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tear-away-house.md) - [Converted Industrial Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1960s-warehouse.md) - [Manhattan-Honoring New York Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcgovern-project.md)