Our Lofts Are Better Than Your Lofts: Chicago v. San Francisco
We’ve already looked at how New York lofts stack up against Chicago lofts (in a price per square footage basis.) I thought, given the cold wintery feel in the air, I’d look at a comparison between Chicago and sunny, warm(er) Northern California- specifically the San Francisco loft.
Yes, amongst all of those Painted Ladies, a few old industrial loft buildings managed to survive.
One of my favorites is the Oriental Warehouse building at 650 Delancey Street in the South of Market neighborhood.
Because of, um, earthquakes, there are few brick buildings in San Francisco. From the Lofts Unlimited website:
The Oriental Warehouse is one of the premier loft conversion buildings in San Francisco’s prime South Beach location. Designated as an historic landmark, this unique property, originally built in 1867 was converted to 66 live/work lofts in 1996, boasts exposed brick and timber with stunning architectural details.
Unit #409: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1372 square feet
- Currently listed for $1,099,000
- Assessments of $478
- Parking included
- Washer/Dryer in the unit
- Lofts Unlimited has the listing
In Chicago, there are too many brick loft buildings to know where to even begin. But Chicago’s equivalent to the South of Market neighborhood could be River North which is also close to downtown, shopping and restaurants. There are numerous brick and timber loft buildings in River North.
420 W. Grand #3H: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet
- Currently listed for $539,900
- Parking included in the price
- One of the oldest loft conversions in River North
- Washer/Dryer in the unit
- Re/Max Exclusive Properties has the listing
You get more space for about half the cost in Chicago (although, don’t get me wrong, there are lofts more expensive than 420 W. Grand also in River North.)
Or perhaps the West Loop, with its soon to get Sundance Theater, is more to your liking.
14 N Peoria, Unit #6E: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet
- Currently listed at $440,000
- Parking is $20,000 extra
- Washer/Dryer in the unit
- Near Harpo Studios and Randolph Street restaurants
- Koenig & Strey has the listing
Chicago is a much better deal on loft living. There is, obviously, just more to choose from due to the industrial nature of Chicago (versus San Francisco). And they are at many different price points and sizes. But you won’t find the cable cars in Chicago.