LOFT RESIDENCE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 2004

Located in the gentrifying West Loop neighborhood of Chicago, this 2,100sf loft was designed for empty-nesters relocating from a vintage Astor Street condominium. Outfitted with an eclectic group of their existing furnishings, the new apartment capitalizes on spectacular exposures of downtown and the warm douglas fir timbers of the turn-of-the-century building shell.

Encircled by a series of private and utilitarian rooms, the single large public space accommodates the couple's extensive art collection, including ceramics displayed on custom fabricated steel shelving.

Photos by Jun Fujinuma, Wheeler Kearns Architects

Entry

Entry Hall looking into the main loft space.

Dining

Ceramics are dislayed on custom fabricated steel shelving.

Shelving Detail

A detail of the perforated steel shelves supporting the ceramics.

Living

Within the main public space, the view to downtown Chicago reveals itself. The fireplace is outfitted with a custom steel surround.

Deck Access

A semi-ustom spiral stair leads to a roof deck above. The solid oak treads match the wood floor throughout.

Kitchen

With an anitque work table as its focus, the kitchen is a blend of off the shelf components and a custom poured concrete countertop. Ancient pottery is displayed on the shelving.

Bath

This storage niche in the bath offers another location to display ceramics.

Bedroom

This simple room defers to the bed, whose frame is crafted from antique gate parts.