Real Estate

Loft Living

a peek inside a Chippewa Falls loft-dweller’s digs

Lauren Fisher, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

Living in downtown Chippewa Falls has its perks, says Kyle Knutson, who works at Bridge Street Brew and Nurturing Nature Massage. He’s enjoyed his loft apartment nearby the coffee shop and Bird’s Nest for nearly two years. It’s small, just enough room for him and his cat, Stormageddon, but the convenience is unbeatable.

“I really like the convenience of it, but then also just the general vibe of the downtown city is really nice. You get little mom-and-pop type stores that you can go shop in and enjoy yourself, it’s not too far to walk where you get a little bit of nature. You really get the best of both worlds.” – Kyle Knutson, on living in downtown Chippewa Falls

“It is nice being close to all the little shops in downtown Chippewa,” Knutson said. He’s got access to the riverfront, and an easy drive to U.S. Highway 53, so he can cruise into Eau Claire without too much trouble. 

“I really like the convenience of it, but then also just the general vibe of the downtown city is really nice,” Knutson said.  “You get little mom-and-pop type stores that you can go shop in and enjoy yourself, it’s not too far to walk where you get a little bit of nature. You really get the best of both worlds.”

Loft living can also offer some unexpected benefits, Knutson said. Even during a cold winter, heat rises from the businesses underneath his unit, resulting in a low monthly heating bill. When Knutson isn’t working, he enjoys walking along the riverbank, especially during the fall when the colors change. However, he does consider himself somewhat of a homebody, often enjoying a few cozy hours of video gaming, knowing that his next adventure is just outside his front door.