Ashland, Oregon
The Mid-Town Lofts introduces a forward-thinking model for small-scale living in the heart of Ashland, Oregon. Located on a site formerly occupied by a deteriorating church and expansive parking lot, the project transforms underutilized urban land into 72 studio apartments designed to meet the evolving needs of this semi-rural community. With a population that increasingly lives alone or in pairs, yet primarily occupies traditional 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family homes, Mid-Town Lofts offers an efficient and economical housing alternative that supports a more sustainable way of living.
The site design centers around a communal courtyard, fostering neighborhood interaction and outdoor living. Amenities such as an outdoor fireplace, BBQ, and recreational spaces provide shared moments of connection, while every unit features a private deck—expanding the perceived living space and drawing the beauty of the surrounding Siskiyou-Cascade mountain range into daily life. The preservation of existing mature street trees played a critical role in softening the transition between the new construction and the established residential neighborhood, helping the project blend into its context both spatially and ecologically.
One of the core challenges of the project was to balance the goal of maximizing allowable housing density with the need to respect the scale and rhythm of the adjacent single-family homes. The buildings were carefully massed and detailed to maintain this harmony. Each unit shares only one demising wall, allowing for greater privacy and natural light, while the light-wood frame construction is clad in a combination of durable metal siding and warm cedar—reflecting both the modernity of the project and the character of Ashland’s architecture.
Mid-Town Lofts supports a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and proximity. Located within walking distance of schools, grocery stores, and downtown amenities, the project makes a car-free or car-light lifestyle realistic—an ideal match for Ashland’s active community of trail runners, cyclists, and skiers. By aligning smart design with local values, Mid-Town Lofts stands as a model for infill development that is both community-minded and future-focused.
Owner: Spartan Properties LLC
General Contractor: S&B James Construction
Photography: Chris Murray Productions