Urb appeal

Looking at the details of the new Sutter Brownstones, you could see yourself in Brooklyn.

But, step back, and your sights are set on midtown Sacramento.

It's where suburbanites become urbanites.

Trading cars for bikes, walking for a jug of milk.

And midtown is where Sacramento's Loftworks design group's newest urban-living experience has taken shape.

But, as partner Glenn Sorensen says, "You could pick up these brownstones and put them down in any urban city."

Home is N Street (between 26th and 27th streets), tucked into 30,000 square feet of space – four rows with 28 homes and two shared courtyards, plus parking.

Indeed, the Sutter Brownstones demonstrate how smart, aesthetic housing can work in a clearly defined historical section of Sacramento.

Serving also as tour guide, developer Mark Friedman says the design is a different approach to the traditional brownstone you might see in New York.

"Even though I'm a committed modernist, we knew we were building in a historic neighborhood filled with Victorians and people who have lived here a long time," Friedman says.

"We wanted living spaces that would be true to the design intent, but fit in with what's already here."

From the street, the Sutter Brownstones look like they could have been part of the landscape for longer than the three years it took to complete the project. (Brick has that special way of connecting with generations of design.)

Of the 28 homes, which range in price from $370,000 to $625,000, four have "granny flats," or accessory dwelling units, which are on the lower level facing N Street.

"Because they have complete kitchens and bathrooms (and separate entrances), you could use them as rental units or for relatives," he says.

(Friedman and Sorensen are joined by Mike Heller in this project, along with the principals of Walsh Construction in Portland. Their company, Loftworks, was formed in 2001. Their urban core developments include the Elliott Building and 01 Lofts.)

The Sutter Brownstones range in size from 1,200 square feet (two floor plans), 1,700 square feet up to 2,000 square feet (with the granny flat).

Sorensen adds, "We built the brownstones at a 'human scale.' They're no more than five stories high, like the historic homes along the canals in Amsterdam."

One of the Sutter Brownstones' new residents is Bruce Starkweather, chairman of Lionakis Beaumont Design Group in Sacramento.

Coming from an architectural background, Starkweather says he and his wife are typical empty-nesters, who are selling their "beautiful 1927 money pit in east Sac."

"It's a phase everybody talks about," he says. "Your kids are grown, you're ready to downsize and move into a philosophy of mobility."

The Starkweathers looked at several options in the midtown area.

"They (Loftworks) just hit on the mark for us with the style, value and location," Starkweather says. "It's that modernist, edgy look we wanted."

Like the self-proclaimed "urban pioneers" they've become, the Starkweathers once lived in Loomis before moving to east Sacramento. Starkweather will continue to bike to work over on 19th Street and take advantage of his new neighborhood's amenities, including a variety of restaurants, shopping destinations and entertainment options.

Of course, they'll be bringing personal possessions, including an eclectic mix of contemporary looks along with family heirlooms.

"We'll be outfitting our brownstone with our most precious things," he says.

"It will be sweet if the kids want some things. Otherwise, we'll have one hell of a garage sale."

Step inside the Sutter Brownstones, and it's easy to see that Loftworks' design will attract empty-nesters, young professionals and even families.

The use of space is creative and, if you're a home cook or into entertaining, the kitchen/ dining areas are fully appointed. Some with islands, all with high-end appliances.

And there's room for a home office and entertainment center.

Are you a StairMaster fan? Then get those endorphins going because everywhere you look – inside and out – there are stairs.

About the writer:

• Call The Bee's Leigh Grogan, (916) 321-1129.