This article was written by Megan Stacy, and first appeared in the San Antonio Express-News on July 11, 2010.
SPACES: From candy factory to living space (1st of 3 posts)
The bottom floor of an old building at Judson Candy Factory Lofts is the home of Ann and Philip Allega. The building was an Italian grocery owned by the Granieri family.
“Take a tour of Ann and Philip Allega’s downtown loft and it won’t take long to figure out what this couple is all about. There’s the row of cowboy hats on the headboard in the master bedroom — a decidedly Texan touch for a bed neatly made up with throw pillows upholstered in the Union Jack flag. The Allegas are travelers, food lovers and cultural explorers who most recently called London home.
“Last year they moved to San Antonio — Ann Allega’s hometown — wanting an urban lifestyle in a part of the city they had learned to love on previous visits.
for more information on decorating a loft, contact Julie Risman.
“The home they bought is part of the Judson Candy Factory Lofts redevelopment project on South Flores Street. Their home is not in the old factory but in a property next door, which dates to the 1890s and housed an Italian grocery store owned by the Granieri family.
The living room is anchored by a contemporary burnt orange leather couch, which reminds the couple of their connection to UT-Austin, where they met.
“The 2,000-square-foot loft nods to the building’s history. One long wall was left untouched, exposing original 18-inch-thick red brick masonry. Caliche walls in the loft’s basement also were undisturbed.
“But the rest is thoroughly modern, with sleek finishes of glass, wood and cement. ‘Even though the building is 100-some years old, the place is new,’ Ann Allega says.”
…to be continued…
