If you were in Chicago in 2000, you would have seen the ads for Loftominium World, a loft conversion by American Invsco, in the real estate section. It had the coolest pictures of brick and timber lofts with spiral staircases. The Loftominium Conversion consisted of seven buildings: Heartbreak Lofts, 17 N. Loomis in the West Loop Hale […]
It’s back! Last September, I chattered about 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, the loft building in Streeterville. Unit #221, a one bedroom, one bath, was on the market for $350,000. It disappeared from the market without selling. But it’s back and it’s now priced higher than last fall. It’s actually been on and off the […]
We are so used to the granite, stainless steel and other “modern” interiors we forget that only ten years ago, those weren’t the norm in conversions and new construction in the city. 300 W. Grand in River North is a loft building that was converted in the 1990s. Some of the units have been upgraded […]
732 S. Financial, Printers Row Lofts, is a 1906 building that was first converted into apartments in 1996 and then converted into loft condominiums in 2003-2004. The units are timber with lots of authentic brick. There actually is parking available with this building (to purchase or to rent.) And washer/dryers are allowed in the units. Some have interesting layouts, like this […]
True loft living means living without walls. In the case of 1000 W. Washington, Unit #141, in the West Loop that is true down to one of the bathrooms, which is “open” to the bedroom. The main living space has 20 foot high ceilings. Here’s the listing: CUSTOM & PUBLISHED EXTRA-WIDE TIMBER LOFT W/ […]
In December 2007 we chattered about a duplex loft at 2000 S. Michigan in Motor Row in the South Loop with 15 foot ceilings and a 1300 square foot private terrace. It’s still for sale and has been reduced $74k. The listing says “Motivated Seller.” Unit #307: 2 bedroom, 3 bath, 2150 square feet, duplex, […]
The Donohue Building, at 711 S. Dearborn, was the first building converted to lofts in Printers Row. To many, it is one of the few buildings that still retains its authentic, gritty, loft feel. The part of the building with the 711 address (there is also 727 S. Dearborn which is the Donohue Annex), is brick […]
2401 W. Ohio, a brick loft building in Ukranian Village/Smith Park, also called West Town, was built in 1909. Unit #34 is a top floor unit with 16 foot timber ceilings and a lofted bedroom. We’re fond of the lofted bedroom, which more loft owners should consider. Unit #34: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1400 square feet Sold in April […]
There are lofts and then there is this loft at 2436 W. Bloomingdale in Humboldt Park. You would never know from the non-descript building what lurks behind these walls. How about a year round pool underneath a sheet of glass in a center courtyard? Here’s the listing: SPECTACULAR ART LOVERS LOFT-STYLE HOME ON A DOUBLE […]
The really authentic loft buildings have some of the largest lofts. This building at 2222 N. Racine in Lincoln Park was converted in 1984. It’s a small building. The listing calls Unit #5 a “loft townhouse”. It has a private attached garage and two patios. The kitchen has Miele and Sub-Zero appliances. Unit #5: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, […]