The 12-story masonry apartment building at 1325 W. Wilson Ave. in Uptown has a storied past. It was built in 1928, and according to legend is where the notorious gangster Al Capone housed one of his girlfriends. Over the decades, the vintage building fell into disrepair. It found new ownership in 2011, and after a three-year gut renovation, reopened in late 2014 as No. 1325 Flats.
Many of the original architectural details, including the four street-level storefronts, were retained. Existing concrete floors and ceilings, terrazzo and brick were repaired but left exposed. At the same time, the building was modernized. Floor plans, some of which shared bathrooms, were reconfigured and enlarged. Each of the 121 apartments was given new kitchens, baths and finishes. A Heritage Outpost coffee shop and cafe moved into the first floor. A bicycle repair shop and a bakery also opened in the storefronts, and the fourth is yet to be developed.
No. 1325 is the latest in the rental portfolio of Chicago-based Cedar Street Co., which is transforming worn buildings in underappreciated neighborhoods into lively living spaces under the Flats brand name.
“On the outside, it looks like an old building,” said Cedar Street managing partner Jay Michael. “It’s really a brand-new building within the bones of an old building.”
Most of the residents are young professionals or students who embrace an urban lifestyle. For many, the preferred modes of transportation are public transit or bicycle.
The building faces a primarily residential strip of Wilson Avenue, across the street from a CTA bus stop and three blocks west of the Red Line station at North Broadway. Big-box stores and small shops dot the area, and Montrose Beach is a half mile to the east.
The apartments at No. 1325 Flats include studio, one- and two-bedroom units. They are on the compact side, starting at 229 square feet, but each one sports a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with glass-enclosed rain shower and in-unit washer and dryer. Studios have a sleeping loft.
“The small sizes allow us to offer better spaces within a certain price point,” Michael says. “People can enjoy the amenities they would find in a new building, but they can afford to live on their own without roommates.”
Many of the floor plans differ slightly, depending on the building’s configuration. A one-bedroom corner unit on the eighth floor overlooks Wilson Avenue. Vinyl planking covers the floors, and mini-blinds hang above the windows. The kitchen area is defined by an appliance wall with refrigerator, stove, microwave, cabinets and shelves. It also has granite counters and a white subway backsplash. The washer and dryer are discreetly tucked behind a door. In the bathroom is an oversized, glass-enclosed rain shower.
The building’s entrance on Wilson Avenue is also the entrance to the Heritage Outpost, which is open to the public. Visitors and residents pass glass showcases filled with fresh pastries and flow into the lobby, which doubles as a community room. Modern tables and chairs contrast with a crystal chandelier and antique grandfather clock. The mail center and bicycle storage room are also on this level; bicycles are available for the borrowing.
Atop the building is a rooftop deck with three grilling stations, seating for small and large groups and unobstructed views of the city and Lake Michigan. On the lower level is a 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment and a yoga area. Wi-Fi is free throughout the building. Pets are allowed with certain restrictions and fees; smoking is not allowed at all. There’s no garage, but on-street parking is plentiful.
For security, all areas beyond the lobby, including the elevators, are accessed via key fob. An overnight doorman is on duty when the coffee shop is closed.
“To me, the lobby and coffee house are a great way to enter one’s home,” Michael said. “You’re walking into people reading and relaxing and sharing stories over a cup of coffee. It’s a really good community-builder.”
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No. 1325 Flats
1325 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago
855-443-5287
Apartments: Prices based on availability and subject to change. Studio, 229 to 305 square feet, from $900; one-bedroom, 340 to 460 square feet, from $1,300; two-bedroom, 475 square feet, from $1,400.
Lease terms: 12-month minimum. No security deposit. Application fee, $50; nonrefundable move-in fee, $500.
Renter’s insurance: Required.
Utilities: Refuse, water and Wi-Fi are included. Renter pays gas, electricity and cable.
Parking: Free on-street parking, no permit required.
Pets: $20 a month per cat. Dog fees are based on weight, starting at $25 a month for under 25 pounds. Breed restrictions apply.
Smoking policy: Smoke-free.
Amenities: Ceiling heights 8 1/2 to 11 feet per plan; granite kitchen countertops; black kitchen appliances; subway tile backsplash; in-unit washer and dryer; mini-blinds; glass-enclosed rain shower; vinyl plank flooring. Wi-Fi, coffee and sandwich shop, keyless entry, fitness center, rooftop deck, 24-hour security, bicycle storage.