Project Description
Motor Row Lofts offers its future residents the opportunity to live in a dramatic, restored loft building with a rich history.  Motor Row Lofts is located in Chicago’s popular South Loop in the Motor Row Historic District.  This historic district centers on South Michigan Avenue between 14^th and 24^th streets and is considered to be the largest intact early “motor colony” in the United States.  When the area was built in the early 1900’s, some of the country’s most famous architects created architectural palaces to showcase America’s new upstart industry--the automobile.

Between 1911 and 1915 Alfred Cowles developed the Cadillac Building and two adjacent dealership buildings at 2301, 2311 and 2313 South Michigan Avenue.  Cowles hired the well-known firm of Holabird & Roche to design all three buildings.  The Cadillac building on the corner at 23^rd Street and Michigan Avenue was one of the first large scale automobile dealership buildings in the country.  Its taller stature and white glazed terra cotta help define the character and significance of the historic district.  The lively use of multicolored terra cotta and artistic brickwork make the adjacent 2311 and 2313 South Michigan Avenue buildings richly ornamental works of art more elaborate and colorful than other buildings in the district.  The buildings’ nine to twelve foot tall windows were practical not only for display purposes, but for the abundant amount of natural light they provided. All three exemplify in fine fashion buildings that gave the so-called Chicago School an international reputation for architectural innovation. 

Today this rich history is being revived in the creation of Motor Row Lofts.  The elegant architectural exteriors—the large window openings and artistic, detailed vibrant terra cotta--will be brought back to life with a full restoration.  But this beauty goes beyond the fine historic exterior.  Inside these loft homes will flood with the natural light that Holabird & Roche valued.  Ceiling heights will soar from thirteen to twenty-one feet.  The original patina of beautiful heavy wood timbers will enhance creative and thoughtfully designed spaces.  Amenities will be abundant and feature granite, stainless steel and other fine finishes.  And if these features are not enough, buyers may potentially benefit from substantial property or income tax savings as a result of this historic renovation—a feature hard to find. 

These stylish, sophisticated lofts will combine the best of the past and the present.  They will be both rich in history and modern luxury.  These rare and valued treasures will be Motor Row Lofts--a place you will want to call home.