Fun and flexible lofts in the heart of Old Town

Cobbler Square, 1350 N Wells St, is one of the signature adaptive reuse projects in Chicago — or anywhere in the US. In the mid-80s architect Ken Schroeder transformed 30 ramshackle buildings used as a Dr Scholl’s factory into 295 loft apartments in a colorful, visually arresting set of seven structures enclosing landscaped courtyards.

In 2009 Village Green oversaw a complete renovation of the complex. Common areas were upgraded and expanded. The apartments received new kitchens and baths while retaining the timber, exposed brick and ductwork, large windows and flexible, open spaces that define the loft aesthetic.

Cobbler Square spurred the transformation of Old Town‘s Wells Street into one of Chicago’s most attractive pedestrian venues. The street has a lively mix of shops, restaurants, theater and nightlife — and a few remnants of the funky 60s, when the street was a tourist mecca.

Village Green’s on-site manager, Mia, is our tour guide in the video.

Related posts:

1. Contemporary Evanston apartments in the heart of downtown
2. Are there timber lofts on Lake Shore Drive?
3. JDL adds more apartments to Old Town development surge
4. Old Town’s Cobbler Square joins the Craigslist Apartment Cleanup

Tagged as: Apartments, Cobbler Square, Downtown Loop, Lofts, Old Town, Rentals, Video, Village Green