In downtown St. Paul, a Hawaii-based company has begun converting the former Urban Academy Charter School building into the “Lofts at R7” — 48 upscale apartments off Seventh and Robert streets.

Frerichs Construction of St. Paul pulled a $10.4 million construction permit this month for 133 Seventh St. E., a four-story commercial building that dates back to the early 1900s. The building has an estimated market value of $1.1 million, according to the Ramsey County Property Records.

Liberty Square LLC of Hawaii is listed as the longtime property owner.

Brent Wittenberg, a vice president with project manager Marquette Advisors, said the school relocated about two years ago. Construction will add a fifth floor and mezzanine, and install 11 two-story apartments that begin at ground level, an unusual feature for downtown housing in St. Paul.

The two-story apartments will include oversized windows and 17-foot ceiling heights.

“This is certainly a unique product,” Wittenberg said. “Our floor plans are well positioned compared to market demand.”

Wittenberg said the building will be exclusively residential — there’s no commercial space on the ground level — with a tenant fitness center, lounge area and lobby. Underground parking will be heated, and there will be a sky lounge and roof deck.

Architects from the Collaborative Design Group have released a rendering. Interior demolition began about a week ago. Wittenberg anticipated an opening in the spring of 2019.