Neighborhood that has the most lofts? (Chicago, Bridgeport: real estate, to rent, condominiums)

[Chicagoist123]

What neighborhood would you say has the most lofts? To rent or buy. And I don't mean soft lofts, I mean real ones. The west Loop? Wicker Park?

[ChiNaan]

I guess it depends on what you mean by "real ones" or "soft lofts."

When I think of real lofts, I think of open warehouse-type space on upper floors of buildings, often used by artists or musicians as both living space and studio space, or sometimes just used by anyone as open living space. There are lots of these in Logan Square and Pilsen.

Much of what often gets referred to as "lofts" in recent years are new construction (or newly remodeled) luxury condos that are made to look vaguely "industrial" by having things like exposed concrete, brick, and ductwork. There are lots of these in South Loop and West Loop. Are these what you mean by "soft lofts," or are they also real?

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by ChiNaan

I guess it depends on what you mean by "real ones" or "soft lofts."

When I think of real lofts, I think of open warehouse-type space on upper floors of buildings, often used by artists or musicians as both living space and studio space, or sometimes just used by anyone as open living space. There are lots of these in Logan Square and Pilsen.

Much of what often gets referred to as "lofts" in recent years are new construction (or newly remodeled) luxury condos that are made to look vaguely "industrial" by having things like exposed concrete, brick, and ductwork. There are lots of these in South Loop and West Loop. Are these what you mean by "soft lofts," or are they also real?

Right new construction to replicate a "loft" are considered soft lofts, I don't like those.

I am talking about the real ones that used to be an industrial building or warehouse converted to a residence. I want to purchase one in the near future but they are so hard to come by and not the cheapest for what you get!

[ChiNaan]

Originally Posted by Chicagoist123

Right new construction to replicate a "loft" are considered soft lofts, I don't like those.

I am talking about the real ones that used to be an industrial building or warehouse converted to a residence. I want to purchase one in the near future but they are so hard to come by and not the cheapest for what you get!

Ah, I see. I'm putting the converted ones in the same category as the new construction ones, since the only real difference is whether the outer walls are original or not. I honestly can't always even tell the difference if the building doesn't look obviously new on the outside. The ones I think of as "real lofts" haven't had much conversion other than maybe a bare-bones kitchen installed in a corner. They're just a big open space, where sometimes even the whole floor of a building is one room.

Anyway, I would say West Loop and South Loop have quite a lot of the type you're looking for. Pretty much any area close-ish to downtown that had a lot of new development leading up to the 2008 crash has these. I'm not sure which actually has the most.

[marothisu]

River North, West Loop, South Loop, Pilsen, West Town, Logan Square, Avondale..IMO at least. Maybe parts of Bridgeport..

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by marothisu

River North, West Loop, South Loop, Pilsen, West Town, Logan Square, Avondale..IMO at least.

Where are most to be found in Avondale. On Milwaukee?

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by ChiNaan

Ah, I see. I'm putting the converted ones in the same category as the new construction ones, since the only real difference is whether the outer walls are original or not. I honestly can't always even tell the difference if the building doesn't look obviously new on the outside. The ones I think of as "real lofts" haven't had much conversion other than maybe a bare-bones kitchen installed in a corner. They're just a big open space, where sometimes even the whole floor of a building is one room.

Anyway, I would say West Loop and South Loop have quite a lot of the type you're looking for, though I'm not sure which actually has the most.

I should have clarified a soft loft is one that is built from scratch and completely new building.

[ChiNaan]

Originally Posted by Chicagoist123

I should have clarified a soft loft is one that is built from scratch and completely new building.

Based on a quick google search it appears to be a commonly used term in real estate circles in Chicago. I just wasn't familiar with it and wasn't sure if it had an exact definition. Thanks for clarifying.

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by Chicagoist123

Where are most to be found in Avondale. On Milwaukee?

There are some near the river and some elsewhere like around Milwaukee Ave.


Oakley Lofts, Chicago IL > Chicago Lofts - Real Estate Specialists
Dairy Commons, loft t, Chicago IL > Chicago Lofts - Real Estate Specialists
The Shoemaker Lofts Condominiums, Avondale, Chicago- part of the new Chicago Lofts in Avondale neigborhood of Chicago. It is also structured under the Condominiums Act and one of the best Chicago condos.


Now that I think of it, there are actually a number of lofts in Lakeview as well.

[Chicagoist123]

Originally Posted by marothisu

There are some near the river and some elsewhere like around Milwaukee Ave.


Oakley Lofts, Chicago IL > Chicago Lofts - Real Estate Specialists
Dairy Commons, loft t, Chicago IL > Chicago Lofts - Real Estate Specialists
The Shoemaker Lofts Condominiums, Avondale, Chicago- part of the new Chicago Lofts in Avondale neigborhood of Chicago. It is also structured under the Condominiums Act and one of the best Chicago condos.


Now that I think of it, there are actually a number of lofts in Lakeview as well.

Thanks for this!