"A $126M adaptive reuse of a historic West Loop loft building plus a new 27-story tower"
This building is not yet open
All information on this page is based on pre-sales materials, architectural filings, and developer announcements. Ratings are preliminary and will be updated once the building opens and residents move in. Occupancy is expected in 2028.
The Rundown
1060 W Van Buren is a $126 million mixed-use redevelopment of the historic Universal Overall Co. building in the West Loop. The Chicago Plan Commission approved the project in January 2026, and the City Council gave final approval in February 2026.
The project has two phases: Phase I will adaptively reuse the existing 8-story historic loft building into 111 residential units, preserving the industrial character that makes the West Loop distinctive. Phase II adds a new 27-story tower with additional units, bringing the total to 325 apartments.
The Van Buren Street address sits between the West Loop and the Near West Side, with the Blue Line at UIC-Halsted about 0.4 miles away. The historic loft conversion is the most interesting part of this project — adaptive reuse in the West Loop is rare, and the industrial bones of the Universal Overall Co. building should produce distinctive units. We will publish full ratings once the building opens.
Who Lives Here
Renters who want the West Loop's energy with a more affordable price point than Fulton Market. The historic loft units will appeal to design-conscious tenants who want something different from a standard new-construction apartment.
The Neighborhood
The building sits on Van Buren Street at the southern edge of the West Loop, close to the Near West Side. The Blue Line at UIC-Halsted provides transit access, and the West Loop restaurant corridor is walkable to the north.
What You Get
Elevator Experience
Upper Level Intel
Recently Approved — Long Timeline
City Council approved this project in February 2026. Construction has not yet begun. Completion is expected around 2028. All details are based on city planning documents and developer filings.
Historic Loft Conversion Is the Star
Phase I converts the historic Universal Overall Co. building into 111 loft apartments. Adaptive reuse in the West Loop is uncommon — these units should have the industrial character (exposed brick, high ceilings) that new construction can't replicate.
The Good & The Not-So-Good
Wins
- ✓Historic adaptive reuse — rare in the West Loop
- ✓City Council approved Feb 2026 — regulatory path is clear
- ✓325 units across two phases — strong scale
- ✓Industrial loft character from Phase I building
- ✓West Loop adjacency at a more accessible price point
Watch Out
- ✗Completion not expected until 2028 — long timeline
- ✗Van Buren Street location is less premium than Fulton Market
- ✗Architect and full amenity program not yet announced
- ✗Building not yet open — ratings are preliminary
The Verdict
1060 W Van Buren is an interesting adaptive reuse project with a long timeline. The historic loft conversion is compelling, and the West Loop location is solid. We will publish a full review once the building opens around 2028.
Getting Out of Chicago
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