Ben Carter Enterprises has started renovations on 20 residential lofts over the retail shops along Broughton Street.

The renovations are part of The Broughton Street Collection, Ben Carter Enterprises’ $75 million historic restoration project that has garnered national attention. The project has been heralded as an indication the once neglected Broughton Street has returned to its former prominence. 

Slated for completion in early September 2015, the lofts — 18 one-bedroom lofts and a pair of two-bedroom lofts — will offer professionals and students a walkable, urban living experience. Design features in the lofts, located near the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) campus, include exposed masonry, high ceilings and restored original hardwood flooring. 

“Downtown Savannah, with its restaurants, arts, music and cultural experiences, is quite appealing to urban dwellers and millennials,” said Quito Anderson, chief executive officer of Ben Carter Enterprises. “We believe that SCAD students and young professionals are seeking this type of residential living space in the historic district.” 

“Our lofts are contemporary interiors set within the historic framework of the buildings,” said chairman Ben Carter. “They feature a number of in-demand amenities, including heart pine floors, 12-foot ceilings and exposed brick walls. Sized between 650 and 1,500 square feet, the lofts provide efficient and attractive living and working options for the market and the street.”

The new lofts also feature secure access for residents and will include a preferred partnership with the Broughton Street Collection, giving residents access to exclusive merchant at Broughton Street. 

“The response so far has been tremendous, and we are seeing a lot of pre-leasing activity from both students and professionals,” said Jonathan Haley, director of operations for Cora Bett Thomas Property Management. “If you compare these new lofts to other offerings in the area, the other lofts just don’t offer the same level of detail and amenities as these Broughton Street Collection Residential lofts.”

Earlier this month, Ben Carter Enterprises announced H&M and the Savannah Tap Room are planning to open locations on Broughton Street. The retailers will join L’Occitane, J. Crew, lululemon, Palm Avenue, The Ancient Olive, Dancing Dogs Yoga Studio and Goorin Brothers as part of The Broughton Street Collection. 

The new retailers and lofts are the latest indicators of Broughton Street’s resurgence as one of Savannah’s “Main Street” corridors.

For more information about The Broughton Street Collection, including a map of the 37 properties, visit broughtonstreetcollection.com.