(Visited 4,365 times, 1 visits today)
Library Lofts is a 106-unit, 7-story apartment building in the South Loop.
The building was originally built in 1909 and was designed by Chicago-based architecture firm, Holabird and Roche. The building house Brock and Rankin, a book binder and printer, and was used by the company until the 1950s. The building was later converted into office space.
Library Lofts was converted from office space to rental in 2015. Marc Realty Residential LLC was the developer and Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture was the architect.
First occupancies for Library Lofts began in summer 2015.
The apartments
Library Lofts offers studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Some of the two-bedroom floor plans have two bathrooms.
Floor plans and near real-time availability can be accessed online.
The apartments have elements of the classic loft aesthetic: large windows, high ceilings, wood floors and exposed ductwork. An unusual feature of the building is the 12-foot tile arch vaulted ceilings, which are not seen in many loft buildings anymore.
Units include central air and in-unit stacked washer/dryers.
Kitchens have ample counter and storage space with granite countertops, farm sinks, stainless appliances and built-in microwaves.
Bathrooms include wide vanities, large walk-in showers with glass enclosures and ceramic tile.
Bedrooms have large closets, sliding doors and a transom wall letting in natural light.
Amenities, services, policies
Library Lofts has a better amenities package than many older loft buildings.
There is a rooftop deck with seating areas and gas grills.
Adjacent to the rooftop deck is a resident lounge with two separate entertaining spaces: a catering kitchen with seating and a media area with a pool table, seating and a TV. The resident lounge is decorated to reflect the building’s book binding history.
Library Lofts has a bike storage room and fitness center. The building is pet-friendly, subject to limits, and includes on-site maintenance and management staff.
The location
Library Lofts is one of the closer-to-the-Loop buildings in the South Loop.
It’s part of the historic South Loop Printer House District and within walking distance of a number of local colleges and universities.
Shopping. Library Lofts has one of the least convenient locations in the South Loop for grocery shopping.
Urban Pantry, a convenience store, is a block east of the building on Clark.
The nearest major grocery is Target, a half-mile south east of Library Lofts along a highly-trafficked stretch of Clark St.
Trader Joe’s and Jewel-Osco are nearly ¾ of a mile from Library Lofts and Whole Foods is nearly a mile south and west. There are full-service pharmacies in the Jewel and Target, and a Walgreens is 5 blocks north.
The most convenient retail cluster for Library Lofts residents is the State Street shops, anchored by Macy’s.
Dining, nightlife.
There are a number of friendly, neighborhood-oriented spots near Library Lofts.
Blackie’s, a local favorite for burgers and a pleasant sidewalk hangout in good weather, is a block south east of the building.
Other Printers Row venues that merit a visit include Flaco’s Tacos, Hackney’s, Kasey’s Tavern and Bar Louie.
There’s a fast food strip just east of the building in Columbia College’s Dwight Lofts building, with Dunkin Donuts, Subway and Pat’s Pizza.
Three blocks east of Library Lofts on Dearborn are Standing Room Only and Porkchop.
Lou Malnati’s and Pauly’s Pizzeria are five short blocks east.
Jazz Showcase serves up live music seven nights a week and at a Sunday matinee at Dearborn Station, a short stroll east of Library Lofts.
Each June, the Printer’s Row Lit Fest takes place a few blocks east of the building.
Parks, recreation. Library Lofts has poor access to public parks and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Transportation. Public transportation from the location is decent.
The nearest CTA train stops are at LaSalle and Van Buren, a 5-minute walk north and west, and State and Harrison, a 5-minute walk east.
The nearest CTA bus route is the Clark St bus, a block east.
Taxi service is available around the corner from the location. Enterprise CarShare and Zipcar car sharing locations are nearby.
I-90/94 and I-290 can be reached quickly via Congress Pkwy.
The competition
Rentals are typically available in a number of nearby condo buildings, sometimes at lower rents than in the managed apartment buildings.
You’ll find additional options at YoChicago’s comprehensive South Loop apartment guide.
Share your take on Library Lofts
If you’ve lived at or visited Library Lofts, and are not a real estate agent, add your thoughts in a comment. Comments are moderated, and commercial messages are not allowed.
Note: Library Lofts is a YoChicago advertiser.