For years, Perry and Lora Sigesmund eyed the vacant and historic building next to Perlora, their contemporary furniture store on E. Carson St. When the building went up for sale, after sitting idle at the foot of the Birmingham Bridge for 20 years, the Sigesmunds snapped it up.
Today it’s the home of PerLora Loft, featuring contemporary furniture in a 4,000-square-foot apartment and loft setting, offering a lower price point for younger consumers. While the new store is housed in a separate building, it is conveniently connected to Perlora inside.
PerLora opened the new showroom so customers get a chance to try out the furniture in a relaxed residential—and decidedly cool—setting.
Perry and Lora Sigesmund have operated PerLora on the South Side since 1994 and opened PerLora Leather in the Strip District in 1998.
“As in many cases of renovations, it became a one-year project to bring the building back to life,” says Perry. He notes that expanding into a preexisting building worked well with their concept since the building’s second floor was already residential apartments. The Sigesmunds worked with KSBA Architects to keep the existing layouts.
“It was important to respect the integrity of this 1880s building,” says Sigesmund.
He also points out there were new systems added yet the staircase, facade, and the apartment showrooms were preserved. So the furniture is displayed beautifully amidst the loft-style amenities of exposed brick walls and rich wood floors and beams.
The first floor showcases a Canadian-based brand called EQ3 while the second floor features Stressless You and Innovation Living, a Danish company. The front apartments are staged room settings with numerous contemporary brands such as Brady Collection and BDI.
Prices can range from $999 to $2,399 for a sofa to dining room tables from $349 to $1,599 and chairs from $129 to $299.
PerLora and PerLora Loft are located at 2220 East Carson Street and are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
