Vision Taking Shape: Luckerts Reimagine Historic Downtown Colby Building

There’s a growing sense of anticipation in downtown Colby, and much of it is centered around a single building that is steadily being transformed from the inside out.

Aaron and Kaley Luckert aren’t just renovating a structure—they’re crafting a vision.

After purchasing the historic building on the Northeast corner of Franklin and 4th street, the couple immediately set out with a clear goal: create a space that blends the character of old Colby with a fresh, modern experience that people will want to live in, visit, and be a part of at the Luckert Lofts.

While the ground-level commercial spaces are nearly full and already contributing to downtown activity, the true personality of the project is being built upstairs.

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And that personality is intentional.

Rather than designing cookie-cutter apartments, the Luckerts are approaching each unit as its own concept. Their plan is to make every space feel different—giving each apartment or Airbnb a unique style, layout, and atmosphere.

Some units are being designed as larger, high-end living spaces with open kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and updated finishes. Others will serve as short-term rentals, offering visitors a distinctive place to stay right in the heart of Colby. The goal is to create a mix of functionality and experience—spaces that are not only practical, but memorable.

Design-wise, the couple is leaning into a clean, modern aesthetic while still honoring the building’s past. Neutral tones, black-and-white contrasts, and carefully chosen color accents—like green kitchen spaces—will help define each unit’s personality.

At the same time, they are committed to preserving the building’s historic character wherever possible.

Original hardwood floors, vintage doors, and architectural details are being restored instead of replaced. Even imperfections—like textured walls shaped by decades of wear—are being worked into the design rather than erased.

“It has layers of history,” was a recurring theme during the walkthrough, and that philosophy is guiding many of the decisions being made.

Beyond individual units, the Luckerts are thinking about the overall experience of the building.

Plans include shared laundry spaces for some units, while others will have private amenities. Layout adjustments—like removing walls, opening up kitchens, and creating better flow—are being made to modernize how the space functions without stripping away its original framework.

There is also a clear focus on creating a destination.

The couple has discussed adding features like a rooftop or terrace-style area, giving residents and guests a place to gather and enjoy a unique downtown perspective. Hallways and common areas are being designed with intention as well, including plans for distinctive lighting and visual elements that add to the building’s overall feel.

Even the exterior is part of the vision.

With more than 60 new windows recently installed, the building’s appearance has change dramatically. The Luckerts are aiming for a cohesive, polished look—clean lines, consistent design, and signage that reflects the identity of the space while still allowing individual businesses to express themselves.

Their long-term goal is simple, but ambitious: create a space that people are proud of.

They want this building to feel alive again—to be something the community notices, talks about, and uses. A place where history isn’t forgotten, but instead becomes part of a new chapter for downtown Colby.

And while there is still a significant amount of work ahead, one thing is already clear:

This isn’t just a renovation.

It’s a reimagining of what downtown living in Colby can look like.

by Derek White