YOHO ARTIST STUDIOS ADDS 25 NEW LOFTS Yoho Studios See Great Success in Revitalizing Community’s Interest in Arts. Additional Lofts Needed To Accommodate Artist High Demands For Space

With already more than $300,000 invested in building improvements, and another $400,000 to come, the former Alexander Smith Carpet Factory buildings at 540/578 Nepperhan Avenue, Yonkers, NY will soon be adding “YOHO 5;” an expansion which will add 25 new affordable artist lofts to accommodate the high demand for space, as well as extensive renovations to the façade and 20 existing bathrooms.

This five-story historic landmark was purchased nearly three years ago by The Heights Real Estate Company, with high hopes to expand the existing art community in Yonkers. Since, it has seen great success as the building quickly filled with emerging and well established artists eager to expand their creativity in their own private studios.

Within the first two years, many new leases were signed as the building became an instant magnet pulling in artists from the entire southern Westchester region and most of the Bronx. Currently, 90 percent of the units are occupied, and with new tenants already in line to jump on the new additions, Property Manager Zuki Pjetrovic plans to fill the 25 new lofts quickly.

“We have space to fit every artistic need,” said Pjetrovic. “These lofts offer amazing light, incredible ceiling heights and tons of workspace. We are only minutes from the Yonkers waterfront and MetroNorth, so the new lofts are sure to go fast.”

Recently, due to lack of affordable studio space in New York City, artists have been seeking refuge elsewhere. Because Yonkers is only 25 minutes outside of Manhattan, they have been settling at the YOHO Artist Studios, a sensible solution for any working artist.

The units available starting at $400 a month with all utilities included have proved to be so popular they rarely become available and are snatched up quickly. George Huang, the buildings primary investor says the new “YOHO 5” will address the shortage of available space. Huang hopes to have the new additions completed by the end of June, and is offering 25 percent off the first three months rent for anyone who signs a one-year lease between now and its expected completion date.

Since the closure of the Alexander Carpet Factory in the 1950’s, the building remained mostly invisible to the public, despite its incredible historic infrastructure. It will soon receive a facelift in order to bring it into the modern era.

With a new visual identity that will reflect its role in the artistic community, the building will ultimately become more inviting to the public. All main doors and loading docks will serve not only as an entranceway, but as an architectural enhancement.

“Excitement has been building up over the years and the modern box and lattice themed components perfectly integrated into the structure will capture it,” said Huang. “The design scheme will continue into the main staircase which will be repositioned as a primary gateway to the 3 upper YOHO floors from the Nepperhan Avenue side.