CHICAGO-Pre-construction sales have started for the Lofts at Bridgeport Place, 1024 W. 35th St. The project, developed by Dubin Residential, is the conversion of the former Spiegel office and warehouse property to loft residences located in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago

The Lofts at Bridgeport Place will offer 158 lofts measuring 1,005 sf to 1,995 sf, and will include one- to two-bedroom units. Base-prices range from the mid $200,000s to the high $400,000s. Amenities will include an on-site fitness center, business center, storage lockers and rooftop deck.

The Spiegel building was built in 1936 and was used as office and catalog warehouse space. "This project fell in our lap," David Dubin, president of Dubin Residential, tells GlobeSt.com. "Zoning for the project had already been worked out by the time we got involved." Dubin Residential will be the general contractor for the project. "We do all our own work; construction will start as soon as the building permits are final." Dubin explains that many old warehouse structures are out-of-date for current business needs. "This building is ideal for loft conversion."

The exterior of the structure will be refurbished, and many of the original features of the property will be integrated into the loft residences. For example, the units will have exposed interior brick, 11-foot-high concrete ceilings and oversized windows. The lofts will feature open layouts with combination kitchen and great room areas, and most of the lofts will include a balcony or terrace. The conversion of the building also will include a complete rehab of plumbing, electrical wiring and HVAC systems, as well as cable and Internet wiring.

In terms of future loft conversion projects in Bridgeport, Dubin explains that it will be all up to 11th Ward Alderman Jim Balcer. "The Alderman has been sensitive to the needs of business in his community," he says. "However, he knows that he has to strike the right balance, and when a property has been vacant for a long time he's got to find other uses for it."