Skip to main content
Start of main content

Pullman Artspace Lofts

Renovation of 1880 Historic Landmark Workers Housing and new construction of affordable live-work homes for artists.

  • 52K

    Square Feet

  • 38

    Units

  • 3

    Stories

  • Chicago, Illinois

    Chicago, Illinois

Community motivated historic renovation of two 1880 buildings with new construction of 38 affordable live-work homes for artists

Following the decline of the American railroad industry, the Pullman neighborhood faded. This resulted in the 1930 demolition of a mid-block apartment on Langley Boulevard and a decades long construction hiatus. Designated as a National Monument in 2015, new industry and revitalization has followed.

Pullman Artspace Lofts is the neighborhood’s first new housing in more than 60 years. We were engaged to provide planning, architecture, and interior design along with National Landmark coordination. The project site contained two historically protected but physically endangered apartment buildings requiring extensive structural intervention. Restoring these and adding a third building would allow for affordable live-work homes for artists. The new building references traditional Pullman door, window, and masonry details and mansard roofs, while the dwellings feature open plans with moveable storage units and partitions. Set back from the street and positioned close to adjacent vintage buildings, the lofts respect the urban fabric of Pullman while providing privacy and a sense of community.

While there were complications in the funding process, the completed project is a celebration of local community initiative and engagement. Restoring the Langley Boulevard street façade, the ground floor of the new building features a public art gallery and studios for residents.

At a Glance

Offices
Awards
Chicago Building Congress Merit Award, Renovation and Adaptive Reuse Under $15 Million, 2021
Commission on Chicago Landmarks Preservation Excellence Award, 2020
Article
7 approaches to creating affordable housing for artists

Home is Where the Art is

Three Chicago artists share how our equitable housing design of the Pullman Artspace Lofts created an affordable place where they can live and work.

Meet Our Team

William Ketcham, Principal

I approach the opportunity to craft beautiful design concepts by integrating modern building technologies with end-user comfort.

Marie Kruse, Associate, Architect

As architects, we welcome the challenge of creating the best design solutions to benefit our clients, the community, and the environment.

William Ketcham

Principal

Marie Kruse

Associate, Architect

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

End of main content
To top