A developer plans to begin work early next year to put 15 loft-style apartments in a former credit union building in St. Louis’ Southampton neighborhood.

Salviccio Properties bought the two-story building at 4650 Hampton Avenue this month for $620,000. American Eagle Credit Union occupied the building until it moved about two years ago, said the development firm’s owner, Matt Salviccio.

He said the $1.5 million redevelopment would produce one-bedroom lofts of 650 to 800 square feet with high-efficiency appliances and windows. An outdoor kitchen and fire pits are planned for a rooftop deck.

Projected monthly rents at SOHA Lofts are $750 to $950. Parking is included. Construction is expected to take about 15 months.

Salviccio said Wednesday that he believes the lofts will appeal to people who prefer “walk first and drive second” living. The building is blocks from Francis Park, Hampton Village shopping center and restaurants on Macklind Avenue.

Hilliker Corp. represented Salviccio’s SOHA Lofts LLC in buying the building from Anheuser-Busch Employee Credit Union, represented by NAI Desco.