Boston Lofts for rent in the South End

In the South End, one of Boston’s most historic and sought-after neighborhoods, this loft space was once the second largest building in the U.S. Edwin Payson designed it as a large city factory in 1854 (history buffs, take note: during the Civil War, Spencer repeating rifles were manufactured here).

In 1972, the old mill-style factory was reborn as 174 residential loft-style apartments, the first development of its kind in Boston. Artists have come and gone since then, leaving their mark: check out some of the handpainted doors. The first-floor gallery traditionally showcases art created within these walls.