First tenants turn on the lights in industrial-style residential lofts in Rotterdam’s Manhattan-like Little Coolhaven

The very first residential tower to be completed in the New York-style Little C district in Rotterdam opened its doors to 73 residents in mid-January, marking a milestone in the development of this new neighbourhood in the Coolhaven harbour area where a mix of living, working and leisure are combined to create a dynamic ‘social buzz.’ The new tenants switched on the lights just two and a half years after the start of construction of the striking Burton Tower, which was designed by CULD architects in an industrial loft style. The tower is one of 15 residential buildings that will arise in the new-build Little C project which is being developed by J.P. van Eesteren, a subsidiary of Rotterdam-based construction company TBI, and Zoetermeer-headquartered ERA Contour.

From online viewing to multi-sensual experience
Until the moment they walked through the door in January, tenants’ impressions of their new homes had been based exclusively on photos and videos they had seen online. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdown measures had prevented any physical tours at the location last year, which made the actual delivery of the apartments even more exciting. Finally, the new occupiers were able to walk through their new homes, see the floor design and feel the materials used in the construction and the reactions were overwhelmingly positive. The team at Bouwinvest responsible for the acquisition of the 209 industrial-style lofts in Burton Tower is also very enthusiastic. Leasing of the building is being managed by two Rotterdam-based real estate agents: van 't Hof Rijnland Vastgoedmanagement and Ooms Makelaardij.

Little C is a stunner in a cool new part of Coolhaven
The look and feel of the Little C neighbourhood arising in Coolhaven in Rotterdam's harbour area is reminiscent of the style of architecture that is so typical of New York. That is down to the use of rough brick façades, large black window frames, sturdy steel railings and footbridges connecting the buildings. The 15 residential buildings being developed in Little C will provide a total of 320 lofts and apartments, including 209 rental units and 111 owner-occupied homes. The area will also soon offer 10,000 m2 of office space and small-scale restaurants and cafes and the Daniel den Hoed Family House, a clinic caring for cancer patients, has already moved into a new space in Little C. In addition to the stunning craftsmanship visible in the unusual brickwork, steel staircases and fencing, there will be ample green spaces realised in tree-lined squares, plant-covered facades, roof terraces and the adjoining Coolhaven Park.

All 15 buildings to be completed by end of spring 2021
The construction teams will be putting the finishing touches to this new development project in coming months and, in March, The Clark and The Hammond residential towers will be delivered to their new tenants. All 15 residential buildings and external areas are scheduled for completion by the end of spring.