Since 2002 my morning commute has involved passing the Bemis on the way into downtown. So I suppose it’s been about eight years now that I’ve had a crush on building to the east of the viaduct. You can’t not notice it, and when you do, you can’t not feel the history — even if you don’t have any idea what the history entails. Or who’s inside, and what they’re doing there.

I was psyched then, when the super-talented local photographers collectively known as Studio Lucile announced that they had set up shop there. Perfect: I was in. And once I was in, I knew I wanted to shoot a fashion spread there. On the roof. So we did it.

But what’s not captured in our fall fashion editorial is the sense of art and community at the Bemis, which comes directly from its inhabitants. To rent one of the spaces in the building, you have to be endeavoring to create art or craft in some manner or another. Put that together with the structure’s past, and you have a pretty singular place. To stay up to date on the lives of Bemisites and their seasonal open-house art walks and individual shows, you can read the Bemis Art Community blog

Most but not all of the artisans both live and work in their loft. One set of occupants with zero commute is Amanda and Brian of Modern Conscience. The pair of architects started as Eames fiberglass specialists, and now build, restore, and replicate vintage modern chair designs from Arne Jacobsen to Robin Day. They also craft truly handsome kayaks that hang from their studio like art. Their work is gorgeous, their space is too. And they were kind enough to let us in.