Historic timber lofts in the heart of River North
Fifty-seven residences inside the 1905 S. Birkenstein & Sons Building — original brick and heavy timber, a block from the Brown Line, steps from the river.
Floor plans
Studios to two-bedrooms, no two exactly alike. Original posts and beams in every plan.
The House of Birkenstein
Built for a family scrap-trade firm at the height of Smokey Hollow’s industrial boom, 401 W. Ontario spent a century as warehouse and workshop before becoming the lofts you see today. The posts, beams and brick are all original.
Read the building’s story →
Amenities
River North
Galleries, the Riverwalk, the Merchandise Mart and half the city’s best restaurants — all within a ten-minute walk. The Brown Line at Chicago Ave. puts the Loop six minutes away.
Construction schedule
The building’s conversion to residences is underway. Here’s where things stand.
Design & Planning
Architectural plans developed in careful keeping with the building's 1905 heritage.
Permits & Approvals
Historic preservation review passed and building permits secured.
Construction Begins
Adaptive-reuse construction commences on the historic building.
First Deliveries
Residents move into their new loft homes in the heart of River North.
Contact us
Interested in Birken Lofts? Tell us a bit about what you’re looking for and we’ll be in touch within a business day.
401 W. Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60654