“We had a house on Monte Sano Avenue,” Karen said.

The couple spent 28 years there and raised a family. Once their children were gone, however, the Brukers decided to downsize. They looked at downtown and eventually decided on the third floor of the building where Dee’s business is located.

The building the Brukers live in is more than a century old and had been home to several businesses over the years.

The third floor was divided into office space, but Karen said it had great potential for a living area.

“It had beautiful bones with the original fireplaces and moldings,” said Karen.

The Brukers are longtime supporters of Historic Augusta, and Karen served as the chairman of the organization’s loft tour a few years ago.

When renovating the space, it was important to them to follow historic preservation guidelines.

The Brukers moved into their renovated loft in April 2011.

“We love it,” said Dee. “It’s everything we hoped for and thought it would be.”

They enjoy living downtown because of the restaurants, shops and entertainment options.Also, they have great access to downtown events such as Arts in the Heart of Augusta, parades and Independence Day fireworks.

Having their home be a part of Historic Augusta’s loft tour this year seemed to be a natural extension of the Brukers’ volunteer efforts, she said.