Former Oxxford Clothes Factory Transformed into Loft Apartments

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The long-vacant Oxxford Clothes building at 1220 West Van Buren in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood is being converted into a 112-unit rental apartment complex called Oxxford Lofts. New renderings showcase the building's preserved industrial character with exposed brick, timber beams, and large warehouse-style windows, complemented by contemporary finishes and upscale amenities like a speakeasy-style lounge, gym, yoga studio, and rooftop deck.

Why it matters

The Oxxford Lofts project represents a preservation-focused adaptive reuse of a historic industrial building, maintaining the area's architectural character while introducing new residential and amenity spaces. As the West Loop continues to evolve, this development helps strike a balance between honoring the neighborhood's industrial past and meeting the demand for modern urban living.

The details

The $15.5 million renovation is being led by Base 3 Development, with The Missner Group serving as the general contractor. The 115,000-square-foot building will be converted into 112 multifamily units with high-end finishes and shared amenities like a gym, sauna, yoga room, golf simulator, and co-working spaces. The design aims to preserve the building's original industrial DNA, retaining exposed beams and brickwork while restoring the exterior masonry. Roughly 20% of the units will be designated as affordable housing to meet the city's Affordable Requirements Ordinance.

• A renovation permit was issued in April 2026 with an approval value of $15.5 million.
• Developers expect renovations to begin in May 2026, with initial unit deliveries anticipated in summer 2027.
• An earlier renovation permit was approved in 2019, underscoring the long-standing plans for reusing the site.

What’s next

Developers expect to begin interior demolition and structural work in the coming months, followed by the build-out of the 112 apartment units and shared amenity spaces. The first units are anticipated to be delivered in summer 2027.