“The Chicago City Council has approved the residential conversion of the industrial building at 1600 S. Laflin Street in Pilsen. Located on the southwest corner with W 16th Street next to rail lines famous for the street art along their base, the project will revitalize the vacant foundry structure that stretches almost the full length of the block. Chicago-based developer RP Fox and Associates is leading the proposal along with Mayer Jeffers Gillespie Architects working on its design.
“Originally built in 1902 for the Otis Elevator Company, the Connecticut-based company has become the world’s largest manufacturer of elevators, escalators, and walkways since being founded in 1853. The structure is one of multiple the company built in Chicago as the market grew, the 64,000-square-foot foundry was part of a larger zone dedicated to metal work but has long sat inactive before being sold in 2021 to the current owners.
“The approved plans will restore the exterior facade and open up the previous arched windows along the north face, it will also add in windows along the central pop-up, remove the large overhead doors, and more. Once completed it will contain 84 residential units spread across the new central atrium lined with internal balconies from the units above. Of these 21 will be considered affordable and a handful will have access to private one-vehicle garages on the ground floor.” (Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 2/14/23)
Preservation Chicago applauds RP Fox and Associates for another outstanding adaptive reuse development. RP Fox and Associates successfully converted a number of terra cotta commercial buildings in the Milwaukee-Diversey-Kimball Chicago Landmark District. We encourage the developer to consider a Chicago Landmark Designation for this building.
Read the full story at Chicago YIMBY
- Permits Issued For Pilsen Foundry Lofts At 1600 S Laflin Street, Ian Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 12/19/24
- City Council Approves Residential Conversion At 1600 S Laflin Street In Pilsen, Ian Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 2/14/23
- 1600 S Laflin St Listing LoopNet