Good Questions: Industrial Converted Apartments?

Dear AT,

I have lived in Chicago for a little over 2 years now and have lived in a few different neighborhoods, but am ready to make a move for the 3rd time. I want to live in an industrial type converted apartment, do you have any suggestions? (looking for old crate elevators, brick, pipe heating, etc.) I am thinking there might be something in River North or West Loop. Any suggestion for tracking down something out of the ordinary would be extremely helpful.

Thanks,
Matthew

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Dear Matthew,

We agree that River North and West Loop would be good places to start your hunt. We'd also suggest South Loop and Pilsen (and we're curious what neighborhoods you've already tried). But really, as with all questions about neighborhoods and apartment hunting, the conversation is much more interesting and fruitful when our city-dwelling, Chicago-loving, neighborhood know-it-alls (in a good way) share their thoughts. Fire away, readers!

(Image via Chicago Uncommon)

Comments (4)

All of the things you desire are considered permiums in the locations listed.

In River North, Welst Loop, Pilsen etc.. exposed brich/pipes, an industrial loko/feel will cost you quite a bit.

Now, if you're looking for a real warehouse space look to the fringe of the city and find a raw live/work space and build it up yourself. That being said I don't think you'll find this situation in an area with an L stop, grocery store, gas station, movie store etc...

I do know that the Podmajerskys have alot of "raw" spaces in pilsen... www.podmajersky.com

If you want it prebuilt with granite and stainless appliances good luck.

posted by Julian (v1.0) on 2007-03-08 13:05:16

I live in Pilsen and my building has exposed ducts and bricks....and it's $750 for my 2 bedroom which is around 900-1000 scquare feet. That's not expensive at all. ;-)

posted by Keisha Kornbread on 2007-03-08 14:56:36

Try going to the Craigslist housing section and doing a search for "timber loft". You will still have to sort through the new, boring, pre-fab stuff some realtors call timber lofts, but more often than not you'll spot something unique!

posted by Kate on 2007-03-08 18:49:20

If you are the least bit noise sensitive, I would advise you to pass on any timber loft that was not recently converted. I previously rented loft at 225 W Huron and once owned a loft at 540 N Lakeshore. Both units were on the small size (under 1200') but they had the cool architectural/industrial details. In both of these places, I could every sound my neighbors made. Everything from phone calls to sneezes to, well, you get the picture. Just my $0.02

posted by Kathryn on 2007-03-08 19:42:56