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Lofty lifestyle

Trini Fragozo, Phoenix

Lofts often are located in city districts that are no longer thriving industrial business areas. Some famous examples are the Meatpacking District in New York City and the Artist District in Los Angeles.

In this case, Roosevelt is seeing a renaissance of renovation among many of its oldest structures, which keeps the character and flavor of neighborhood alive.

Trini Fragozo, who has lived in a loft for two years, enjoys nearby downtown cultural attractions, plus a convenience that would earn the envy of many working professionals.

"I work across the street," Fragozo says, smiling. His business, Mecha Salon, is just east of his loft.

It's that kind of mixed-use neighborhood Latinos prefer, a synthesis that, according to Casa y Communidad, a book that looks at Latino homeownership, creates an environment that is familiar and hospitable.

Fragozo's loft apartment is one of seven that were created when a corner structure built in 1910 on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Roosevelt was refurbished. Fontanelle House sports the concrete floors and exposed red brick of a traditional urban loft, but also shows touches of warmth in its wooden interior stairwells and landings.

Fragozo, who likes to keep things simple, prefers contemporary lines in his furnishings, from the clean design of his kitchen cabinets and casual sofa to a custom-built 40-foot-long wardrobe that serves double-duty as a room divider in his bedroom.

Even his pets are sleek: two miniature dachsunds, Lucas and Sebastian, patiently spend the day in a crate until Fragozo lets them out at the end of his workday.

For the most part, art work is also kept in the contemporary vein. Many pieces are by painter James Sanderson, providing another unifying visual theme throughout the three-story layout. A black-and-white cowhide provides a touch of traditional hominess in the bedroom, as well as a large, dark retro-style chest of drawers. Lighting is both practical and artful: an overhead grid supports strategically placed lights while floor lamps glow in unexpected spots.

A surprise "hidden" movie room lies below a hinged grate in the floor of the kitchen. Steel steps lead down to seating and a screen, making for a cozy movie space.

In all, loft living is tidy and convenient, a philosophy that seems to fit this stylist's life just right.

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