River North Lofts – 300 W Grand
River North Lofts have the distinct privilege of being in Chicago’s very first macaroni factory. The site was responsible for supplying the city with macaroni and vermicelli starting in 1860. The six-story redbrick building was a special facility designed to properly dry pasta, a key factor in producing great macaroni. Since its pasta days, the factory has been completely renovated and is now a prime loft residence in the hip River North neighborhood on Chicago’s Near North Side.
The John B. Canepa Macaroni and Vermicelli Factory was transformed into timber lofts in 1999. The ceilings are lined with beautiful wood planks and thick tree-size beams. Metal ducts cling to the timber rafters, running from one room to the next over the short interior divider walls. Natural oak floors are a functional and attractive design element that mirrors the solid oak joists high above. Since its restoration, many owners have continued to improve the River North Lofts with individual remodeling projects, kitchen upgrades, and refinishing the exposed brick walls.
Some units have extras like organized closets, marble baths, revamped master suites, and high-end light fixtures. There are gas fireplaces in the living rooms, which are open to the dining areas and kitchens. Most floor plans range between 900 – 2400 square feet and have wonderful floor-to-ceiling windows with walk-out balconies. With ceiling heights of up to 13 feet, the lofts feel extremely big, bright and airy.
While a strong urban quality is carried throughout the residences of River North Lofts, the two-story entrance lobby upholds a sleek modernity that is unlike the rest of the building. It has a classy seating area and polished character that sets it apart from the industrial chic architecture of the private lofts. Also located on the first floor, the fitness center is well-equipped with various exercise machines and free weights. The rooftop deck is open to all and there’s also individual storage space available. River North Lofts offers heated garage parking and the Merchandise Mart CTA train stop is four short blocks away.
