Luxury Loft Living
Photography by Luke Earls
Within the historic brick walls of a Downtown Daytona Beach building, we find a remarkable showplace of contemporary design. Built in 1924, the historic structure was once home to the local Empire Soda Shop, but is now home to one of the area’s most respected members of the local motorsports industry. Tucked in the shadow of City Hall, at 307 South Palmetto Avenue, local business man Alex Spanos has made a gorgeous home.
True to the contemporary design developed in the latter half of the 20th century, pieces throughout feature softened and rounded lines as opposed to the stark lines seen in modern design. The interior is designed with neutral elements and touches of bold color that warm the space. In their selection of furnishings, they have focused on basic lines, shapes and forms to compliment the industrial palette they began with.
Spanos purchased the home in 2007 and immediately began a four year renovation process. “It was a labor of love. Painful, but love nonetheless,” Spanos comments. At three stories and totaling over 3,300 square feet of spectacular living space, the home feels open and completely transformed from its previous life as a soda shop, into a proper 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence.
The monotone color palette relies heavily on its pure white stained pine floors with accent shades of brown, taupe and cream. Shots of color are found on a single wall, in a striking floor rug, in a special piece of art or sculpted interior plant that pops on the crisp canvas. True to style, furniture selection was well executed, featuring clean lines, comfortable yet complimentary to the desired look and luxuriously livable. Silhouettes are slim without being dainty with natural fabrics such as linen and cotton used for their textural aspect and inherent neutral hues. An exotic reindeer hide throw elegantly adorns a classic chaise that serves as an accent in the living room.
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The lighting design is used artistically throughout. Floor and table lamps have straight lines and sleek metallic finishes while track lighting draws attention to well-placed art and accessories, much of which is tastefully Greek inspired. Adorning the walls is everything from original works by Spanos himself to a gorgeous collection of historic prints that were a gift from the Greek Prime Minister to the King of Malta.
As the ultimate example in urban living, Spanos’ BMW motorcycle gracefully shares the foyer with an organic piece of artwork, once a threshing board used to separate cereal grains from their straw. Through the first floor hall, a guest suite with elegant appointments and luxurious bathroom await.
Up the glass railed staircase, on the third floor of the structure, a spacious master suite encompasses the entire level. Here sits an original Garland wood burning stove from 1889, which has been converted to natural gas, serves as a historical accent in the center of the room. Furnishings continue the theme that is curated consistently and precisely throughout the home. An attached master bathroom is spacious and appointed in contemporary fixtures that make it a truly magnificent oasis.
With the project now complete, Spanos is seeking a new space to breathe his signature contemporary look into. “I love this home, it is me,” he says with a twinkle in his eye, “but I also love the process.” He has recently listed the property and begun the search for his next incredible makeover. We can’t wait to publish it.
