Living Well | When History Becomes Home
a curated collection of notable homes and opportunities
March 21
Some structures stay true to their provenance. Others evolve into new expressions of living well, imbued with history and meaning. Across Chicago, a former butcher shop, a landmark newsroom, an industrial warehouse and a horse stable have each taken on new life as residential retreats. What remains is not just the architecture, but the imprint of what they once were, carried forward through volume, material and detail. This week, we explore a collection of homes where past and present exist in quiet dialogue, shaped by their original purpose and thoughtfully adapted for how we live today.
We close with one of our own listings, a former stable, exquisitely reimagined, tucked along a quiet Old Town street.
1364 N Wolcott
Originally built in 1888 as a neighborhood butcher shop in Wicker Park, now a luxury single-family residence.
6 bed 5.1 bath
Offered at $2,750,000
Listed by Vincent Anzalone with Baird & Warner
A fully reimagined single-family home offering 6 beds and 5.1 baths on an oversized 37.5’ x 132’ lot, where original character is thoughtfully carried through a modern transformation. The main level unfolds with 12-foot ceilings, radiant heated floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, anchored by a chef’s kitchen with double islands, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and custom cabinetry. A steel staircase leads to six well-proportioned bedrooms, including three en-suite, while considered updates like Sonos wiring, triple-paned windows and all-new mechanicals bring a refined, contemporary finish. Complete with a 3-car garage and expansive outdoor space, this home reflects a seamless evolution into a design-forward residence.
435 N Michigan, #1112
Built in 1925 as the Chicago Tribune headquarters and transformed in 2021 into luxury residences.
3 bed 3.1 bath
Offered at $4,300,000
Listed by Mia Wilkinson with Berkshire Hathaway
Set high above the Magnificent Mile, this residence reflects a thoughtful reimagining of one of Chicago’s most iconic buildings. South-facing views capture the Chicago River, Michigan Avenue Bridge and surrounding skyline, while a gracious entry opens to expansive living and dining spaces with 10-foot ceilings, tailored millwork and a marble fireplace. The kitchen is designed with intention, featuring Sub-Zero, Wolf and Miele appliances, quartzite surfaces and custom cabinetry that integrate seamlessly into the space. Three bedrooms, three full baths and a powder room are finished in marble and refined materials, complemented by custom storage and a well-appointed laundry room. Paired with access to over 55,000 square feet of amenity space and full-service staff, the experience extends beyond the residence, shaped by the building’s architectural legacy and its position along Michigan Avenue.
401 N Aberdeen, #4S
Built in the early 1900s as an industrial warehouse, now reimagined as light-filled loft residences.
3 bed 3 bath
Offered at $2,300,000
Listed by Jeff Lowe with Compass
A boutique loft conversion in the heart of Fulton Market, The Aberdeen Vault brings together historic character and modern design across just six exclusive residences. This 3 bed, 3 bath penthouse offers nearly 3,000 square feet defined by soaring ceilings, exposed brick and original timber beams. The kitchen is thoughtfully appointed with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry and quartz surfaces, flowing into expansive living and dining spaces with a modern fireplace and wet bar. A private rooftop terrace with skyline views extends the living experience, while generous storage, two garage parking spaces and refined finishes complete the residence. Set within one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods, this is a rare opportunity to own a loft shaped by its industrial past and designed for modern living.
1721 N Fern
Originally built as a horse stable in the early 1900s, later transformed into a single-family home in 1987 and thoughtfully updated in the early 2000s.
3 bed 2.2 bath
Offered at $2,780,000
Listed by Cadey O’Leary with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate
Tucked along a quiet Old Town street, where the bells of nearby St. Michael's mark the rhythm of the day, the story of 1721 Fern Court unfolds. Sitting on a rare fifty-foot-wide lot with an expansive private garden, the home's history is felt from the moment you pass through the wrought iron gates and brick courtyard into 3,100 square feet of refinement. Soaring 17-foot vaulted ceilings rise above wooden beams and rich exposed brick, with sunlight pouring in from skylights and windows, casting soft shadows throughout the day. With characteristic elegance, the De Giulio kitchen anchors the main living space with custom SieMatic cabinetry, substantial Calacatta Gold marble and a striking La Cornue range, while a custom, built-in banquette invites slow mornings over coffee and long dinners with friends. Just beyond, a wood-burning fireplace glows quietly in the living room, the view stretching out to the private garden where the city suddenly falls away. A setting reminiscent of a quaint European village. Occupying its own wing, the gracious primary suite offers serenity and privacy with vaulted ceilings, generous closets, a wood-burning fireplace with gas starter and French doors overlooking the garden and a glimpse of St. Michael's steeple. Within the home's private grounds, a garden designed by Hoerr Schaudt is layered in stone and greenery, with a firepit and built-in grill nestled within the landscape. Expansive in scale, yet intimate in the moments it creates.
An exceptional home within the historical fabric of Old Town.
If you’re looking to make a move in Chicago or another market, let’s talk. Our network of agents and developers extends across the country.
