Chicago Lofts
Lofts seem to never go out of style with buyers, and there have been a healthy number of new lofts being built as well as loft conversion projects in Chicago. Traditional loft design plus modern amenities have combined to make some impressive developments in the city.
University Commons on South Racine Avenue and West South Water Market are the design product of architectural firm Pappageorge Haymes. These 824 units were one of the biggest loft renovations to date. With exposed features such as 12 foot tall concrete ceilings, ductwork, hardwood floors and home office space, these loft condos are the total package. For anyone who enjoys the outdoors, University Commons has an outdoor pool, a three acre garden and the individual units come with large balconies, patios and decks.
Chess Lofts on 320 East 21st Street is named for the '50s blues record label, Chess Records. For the most part, the developers kept the original outer building features. Inside, the 188 loft units at Chess will showcase exposed wood beams and ductwork, occasional concrete columns, balconies and 12 foot ceilings. Full kitchens with maple cabinets, soaker tubs in the baths, indoor parking, bicycle storage and building fitness center are included.
The West Loop is the home base for No. Ten Lofts The large building on 1040 West Adams Street used to contain a printing business and has been renovated to make 266 one to two bedroom loft condos. Classic loft features include the timber beams and high ceilings. The building at No. Ten will also provide residents with a fitness center, bike storage, media room, large terrace with BBQ facilities and a movie room.
Printers Square is another loft conversion on 700 South Federal Street in Printers Row. Original construction dates back to 1913, and the 356 loft condos were renovated in 2006 with hardwood flooring, interior wood trim, new drywall on the ceilings and a kitchen appliance package. Units come with one to two bedrooms and baths.
Van Buren Lofts or VB1224, is in the preconstruction and conversion phase on West Van Buren Street. The building originally sat at six stories, but the developer increased the floors by two, making room for 189 lofts with one or two bedrooms and one bath per unit. Traditional design elements of the lofts include interior concrete pillars, exposed ductwork and airy 14 foot high ceilings. Modern touches like oak cabinets, gas fireplace and balconies and terraces make VB1224 complete. The building also has a secure lobby plus bike and storage rooms.
With an estimated completion date of 2009, The Lofts at Lakeview Collection on 3126 North Ashland will combine residential and retail space. With six stories, the lower two will contain 90,000 square feet of shops. The upper four floors will house the 31 loft condos. A unique feature of these units is the frosted glass wall dividing the master bedroom and bath.
Car buffs might want to call Motor Row Lofts home. The building there on 2301 South Michigan Avenue brings a lot of wheeled history with it. Inside, the loft ceilings range in height from 13 to 21 feet. Brick accents and spiral ducts complete the look.
By mid 2008, The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection on 709 South Clark Street will offer 342 combined units between two buildings. At 8 stories each, the buildings that make up The Lofts at Roosevelt will share a mall with retail stores and eateries as well as a fitness center and movie room.
Brixton Lofts is another great loft renovation on 1100 West Washington Street. Modern features like WiFi and a new elevator have been added to the 31 classic timber units.
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