In the Roaring ’20s, some of the hubbub in Chicago was generated on South Michigan Avenue, where a popular automobile row was in high gear.
One of the auto agencies was a Packard dealership at 1601 S. Michigan Ave.
Now the old showroom is being converted into new loft condominiums. Called Skyline Lofts, the project offers one- and two-bedroom units that range in price from $86,800 to $154,800 and in size from 602 to 1,673 square feet.
The name of the project–Skyline Lofts–is reflected in the location of the building, which offers views of the Loop and lakefront.
With a facade of red brick, terra cotta and marble, the six-story structure is planned for 47 lofts, according to developer Robert Frankel, partner in Frankel & Giles Real Estate.
The former showroom space on the first floor has been set aside for nine duplex units with 20-foot ceilings and mezzanine master bedroom suites.
All the residences will have balconies, oak flooring, fireplace with marble surround, oak interior doors and security system. Units on the second through sixth floors will have ceilings ranging from 9 to 13 feet.
A two-bedroom model already has opened, and a one-bedroom model is slated for completion in about three weeks. Buyers can purchase one-car garages for $15,800 and outdoor spaces for $7,800.
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After the Packard dealership moved out, the building had several other occupants, including a firm that supplied the interiors for restaurants.
Frankel noted that the freight elevator, which was big enough for four autos, has been eliminated in the floor plan.