Originally constructed in 1902 as a foundry for the Otis Elevator Company, the Pilsen Foundry Lofts at 1600 S Laflin Street in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood is a transformative adaptive reuse project. The 64,000-square-foot industrial building is being converted into a residential complex featuring 84 rental units, 21 of which are designated as affordable housing.
The design preserves the building's historic brick façade while introducing modern elements. Key features include the restoration of arched windows on the north face, the removal of large overhead doors, and the addition of windows to the central pop-up structure. A significant design element is the creation of a central open-air atrium by removing a portion of the roof, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces and providing internal balconies for many units.
The development offers a variety of unit layouts, including multi-story duplexes and apartments with private garages. Amenities planned for residents encompass a large entry lobby, bicycle parking, a common lobby, and 42 parking spaces, split between interior and exterior options. The project's location provides convenient access to public transportation, including CTA bus routes 9 and 18 and the Pink Line's 18th Street station, all within a seven-minute walk.
The project is currently under construction.