LAWRENCE, MA-A six-story building whose architecture won it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places will be turned into loft-style condominiums. The development plan will bring the one of the first residential condos to this former industrial city's downtown.

Matthew Abrams, a principal with the Abrams Group which is planning the conversion, tells GlobeSt.com that the Gleason building will be restored and renovated to create 16 two-bedroom units that average 850 sf and sell for between $150,000 and $175,000. "We think it's a great historic Downtown with a ton of potential," says Abrams, whose local development firm recently won approval from the city to begin the conversion process later this summer. The project should be completed in eight months.

Located at 349 Essex St., the new condos will feature wood floors, nine-foot ceilings and exposed brick detail along with two garage parking spaces. Plans also call for a complete restoration of the historic structure including the addition of a new elevator, windows, roof and safety systems. It is near commuter rail and two miles from Interstates 93 and 495. Abrams says the building will "retain all of its historic character."

Built in the late 1800s and designed by architect Arthur F. Gray, the six-story building was recognized for its architectural significance by the National Register of Historic Places, which designated it a historic building in 1982. It has been used for business throughout much of its history.