Historic loft living in the heart of Roscoe Village
The Pencil Factory Lofts, located at 1800 W Roscoe Street, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern living in Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood. Originally constructed in 1918 as the Eversharp Pencil Factory, this 5-story building has been thoughtfully converted into 247 residential units. The lofts retain many original architectural elements, including exposed brick, concrete construction, and soaring ceilings, while providing contemporary comforts for today's urban dwellers.
Versatile layouts with industrial-chic finishes
The Pencil Factory Lofts offers a diverse range of floor plans to suit various lifestyles. One-bedroom units, spanning 850 to 1,050 square feet, feature one bathroom and are priced around $320,000. These efficient layouts make excellent use of space, often incorporating in-unit laundry and ample storage solutions.
Two-bedroom units, ranging from 900 to 2,200 square feet, offer one to two full bathrooms and up to two half baths. Priced between $425,000 and $495,000, these lofts showcase the building's industrial heritage with 12-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and expansive windows that flood the spaces with natural light. Many units boast open-concept living areas, perfect for entertaining, with updated kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and breakfast bars.
For those seeking more space, three-bedroom units measure 2,250 to 2,300 square feet, with 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms. These larger lofts, priced from $489,900 to $720,000, often include primary suites with walk-in closets and ensuite bathrooms, some featuring spa-like amenities such as soaking tubs or curbless showers.
The building also houses a handful of expansive nine-bedroom units, approximately 5,300 square feet in size, with three bathrooms. These rare offerings provide unparalleled flexibility for large families or those desiring ample space for home offices and guest accommodations.
Throughout the building, residents enjoy thoughtful details such as hardwood or polished concrete floors, exposed ductwork, and large windows that frame city or neighborhood views. Many units have been updated with modern fixtures, custom closet systems, and smart home features like app-controlled blinds.
Monthly HOA fees range from $500 to $900, covering water, insurance, security, exercise facilities, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger services, and snow removal. This comprehensive fee structure ensures that residents can enjoy a worry-free lifestyle in this historic building.
Modern conveniences in a historic setting
The Pencil Factory Lofts offers an array of amenities designed to enhance residents' daily lives. The building's rooftop deck provides stunning skyline views, creating an ideal spot for relaxation or entertaining. A well-equipped fitness center allows residents to maintain their workout routines without leaving home.
The landscaped courtyard, complete with grills and seating areas, serves as a communal gathering space perfect for outdoor dining and socializing. For indoor events, a party room is available for residents to host larger gatherings.
Unique features include a car wash bay and a dog wash station, catering to both automotive enthusiasts and pet owners. A bike room provides secure storage for cyclists, while a package depot ensures convenient and safe delivery receipt.
The building also boasts a conference room with a business center, accommodating work-from-home professionals. For families, a children's play room offers a dedicated space for younger residents to enjoy.
Additional amenities include on-site dry cleaning services, extra storage options, and a laundry room for those units without in-unit facilities. The building's pet-friendly policy extends to both cats and dogs, making it an attractive option for animal lovers.
Security features include a gated parking area for residents who opt to rent spaces, providing peace of mind for vehicle owners. The building's professional management team ensures smooth day-to-day operations and maintains the property's historic charm while providing modern conveniences.
A vibrant community with small-town charm
Roscoe Village, often referred to as "The Village Within the City," offers a unique blend of urban convenience and neighborhood charm. The area is known for its tree-lined streets, local boutiques, and diverse dining options, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
The main thoroughfare, Roscoe Street, is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and services. Food enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of dining options, from the Mediterranean-inspired Le Sud to the comfort food haven of John's Place. For those who enjoy cooking at home, the neighborhood is well-served by several grocery options, including Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Mariano's, all within walking distance.
Cultural attractions abound, with independent businesses like Roscoe Books hosting book club discussions and events. The Shangri-La Vintage Clothing Store offers a nostalgic shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Hamlin Park, which features 22 acres of green space, a paved trail, and various recreational facilities including a baseball diamond named after former Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood. The park also houses the Chicago Rowing Foundation, offering rowing lessons on the adjacent North Branch of the Chicago River.
The neighborhood hosts several annual events that foster a strong sense of community. The popular Retro on Roscoe festival in August showcases antique vendors, artisans, and live music, drawing visitors from across the city.
For sports fans, Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is just a few miles away, easily accessible for game days or concerts. The proximity to both quiet residential areas and lively entertainment districts makes Roscoe Village an ideal location for those seeking a balance between tranquility and urban excitement.
Well-connected with multiple transit options
The Pencil Factory Lofts benefits from excellent transportation links, making it easy for residents to navigate the city. The Paulina Brown Line station is just a block away, providing quick access to downtown Chicago and other North Side neighborhoods. This proximity to public transit is particularly convenient for commuters working in the Loop or other parts of the city.
For those who prefer bus travel, several routes serve the area. The Damen and Addison buses stop within a short walk of the building, offering additional public transit options. These bus lines connect to other parts of the city and provide easy transfers to other CTA train lines.
Cyclists will appreciate the neighborhood's bike-friendly infrastructure, with dedicated bike lanes on many nearby streets. The building's bike storage room makes it convenient for residents to securely store their bicycles.
For those who drive, the building offers rental parking options in an adjacent gated lot. The neighborhood generally has ample street parking, which is relatively rare for such a central Chicago location. This is particularly convenient for residents expecting visitors.
Major roads like Addison Street and Western Avenue are easily accessible, providing quick routes to other parts of the city. For longer trips, O'Hare International Airport is about a 25-minute drive away, while Midway International Airport can be reached in roughly the same time.
The neighborhood's high walkability means that many daily errands and activities can be accomplished on foot, reducing the need for frequent car use. This pedestrian-friendly environment, combined with the variety of public transit options, makes the Pencil Factory Lofts an excellent choice for those seeking a well-connected urban lifestyle.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
4/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
87/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
69/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Charles Fellger Park
8 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Burley Community Park
13 min walk
Basketball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Hamlin Park
13 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Dog Park
Sheil Park
14 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Juniper Playlot Park
15 min walk
Playground
Margaret Donahue Park
15 min walk
Picnic Area
Playground
Chi Che Wang Park
15 min walk
Trails
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
North Center Town Square
2 min drive
Filbert Playlot Park
3 min drive
Playground
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
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Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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