townsite lofts
Location: Moorhead, MN
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Once Moorhead High School, a beloved community landmark built in 1919, this historic structure has been reimagined as Townsite Lofts—a unique residential destination that blends the character of the past with the lifestyle of today. Through a thoughtful adaptive reuse strategy, Foss Architecture worked with a local developer to transform the classrooms and gymnasium into 48 loft-style apartments, creating a vibrant living environment that celebrates history while embracing modern comfort.
Each apartment tells a story of transformation. Former classrooms are now airy, two-story lofts, with mezzanines cleverly carved into previously underutilized ceiling spaces. The former gymnasium has been reinvented as dramatic multi-level units with soaring 17-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, timber beams, and refinished hardwood floors.
Townsite Lofts was designed to bring the energy and convenience of downtown living into the heart of Moorhead. Its location, steps from Concordia College and Minnesota State University Moorhead, makes it ideal for students, young professionals, and anyone seeking a vibrant, walkable community. The design balances the warmth and authenticity of historic materials with contemporary finishes and amenities.
More than a renovation, this project is a celebration of adaptive reuse. By honoring the school’s original character while giving it new purpose, Townsite Lofts offers residents the rare opportunity to live in a piece of Moorhead’s history. Here, historic charm meets urban lifestyle, creating a living experience that is as inspiring as it is comfortable—a home where every detail, from masonry walls to oversized windows, reminds residents of the building’s storied past.
