Timber Gallery Lofts

30 loft condominiums. Once served as a brewery for Berghoff and before that, Sieben’s beers.

Timber Gallery Lofts. The site of the project, at 420 W. Ontario, once served as a brewery for Berghoff and before that, Sieben’s beers. The brick and timber beam building is best known to Chicagoans today, however, as the home of Reza’s restaurant, which has gained a large following for its gourmet Middle Eastern cuisine. Two of the antique beer vats – there are only two others of the type in the country – still sit in the Reza’s space, now creating atmosphere instead of beer.

30 loft condominiums.

The other thing they apparently want is a true loft condo, something in short supply in the city lately.

“These are real timber lofts, with big beams and huge posts,” Helmer says. “They’re dramatic, huge, interesting, eclectic.”

The loft craze of the late ’90s, when nearly everything on the market was some kind of loft, ate up much of what is a limited commodity, especially in prime neighborhoods such as River North.

Developments like Timber Gallery Lofts, with ceilings of up to 14 feet, exposed brick and ductwork, hardwood floors and large windows have become rare, though the demand has not lessened.

IGL has made the most of its opportunity, highlighting the building’s lofty nature instead of covering it up. The original skylights on the fourth floor are being preserved along with other whimsical touches. Large metal sliding doors that once connected the building to its neighbors are being maintained (there’s nothing but brick behind them now), and giant hooks used to hoist materials still will dangle from the cross beams, though they’re more likely to support planters than sacks of barley.

“Some of the demolition people said we’re going to tear those metal doors out, and I said, no you’re not,” Helmer says. “We see it as artwork, not an eyesore.”

The units have two bedrooms and two baths, with 1,160 to 1,400 square feet. Features include granite countertops, balconies, washer and dryer hookups, some roof decks and indoor heated parking.

The project takes its name from the many art galleries of River North, and Helmer arranged to hang artwork from four of them at Timber Gallery Lofts’ grand opening in April. The flavor of the immediate neighborhood, known for its long list of restaurants as well as art galleries, will be a big attraction, Helmer says.

“We’re just two blocks from the East Bank Club, which is a draw, and there are restaurants up and down the streets that facilitate this as a walking neighborhood,” Helmer says. “Transportation is excellent too, with the Ontario feeder ramp onto the expressway and the el just to the east.”

Steps away from The East Bank Club.

Garbage disposal
GE microwave oven
Choice of designer cabinets
Granite countertops & backsplash
Deep soaker bathtubs with ceramic surrounds and floor
Choice of vanity cabinets in master bathroom
Cultured marble counters with designer faucets
Full-width mirrors with theatrical lighting
Hardwood floors in living areas
Carpeting in bedrooms
Insulated thermal-pane windows and balcony doors with screens Low rise building
Up to 14' timber ceilings
New elevator
Individually controlled heating and central air-conditioning
Quality wire shelving in closets
Intercom entry system with camera monitored lobby entry
Washer and dryer hookups in units
Pre-wired for cable TV and telephone
Wireless highspeed internet service (via T-1 line)
Indoor heated garage parking available
Great location: Walk to the Loop, art galleries, restaurants, the East Bank Club, and Michigan Avenue shopping
Rooftop decks are available