Sidney Friedman  |  1800 W ROSCOE Specialist  |  312.423.9169  |  E-mail Me

"In the last five years, Sidney Friedman has completed more real estate transactions at 1800 West Roscoe than any other agent anywhere."

Former Historic Properties developer Robert Finnigan once referred to the old Eversharp Pencil Factory at 1800 W. Roscoe Street as "an island surrounded entirely by residential property." That was just before he and business partner Calvin Boender began renovations, in 1988, to transform the then-64-year old building into new loft condos. Today, the Roscoe Village Pencil Factory Lofts are among the neighborhood's most envied properties, with units rarely available but quickly snatched up when they are

The "Pencil Factory" boasts a variety of residential amenities that aim to provide both comfort and general convenience. On the west side of the building, a landscaped yard is open to residents for hosting get-togethers, grilling out or just enjoying a sunny day, and a shared rooftop deck with a view is perfect for relaxing. A heated garage includes 120 resident-owned parking spaces, plus a carport where residents can wash their cars inside.

Individual lofts include one, two and three-bedroom layouts, and each one offers traditional 12-foot ceilings, exposed brick, timber and concrete elements and wall-to-wall oversized windows that flood units with natural light. Because many units have been updated in the recent past, they boast high-end finishes such as cherry cabinets in the kitchen, natural stone in the baths and Silestone countertops. Other common finishes include butcher block, maple hardwood floors and new lighting.

Of course, a designer loft is only as ideal as its surroundings - another feature that makes the Pencil Factory Lofts the perfect place to call home. Popular retail outlets, including Anthropologie and Target, are not more than a mile away, with popular grocers like Whole Foods Market, Trader Joes, Pauline Meat Market and Southport Grocery and Cafe even closer.

Also worth mentioning is the dining scene that surrounds the Pencil Factory Lofts. For a good beer and a great Sunday brunch, simply walk to Four Moon Tavern at the end of the block. Just a little further down Roscoe Street, you'll find classic southern fare at Wishbone Restaurant, wine and steak pairings at Volo, green eggs and ham at Kitsch'n on Roscoe and wood-fired pizza at Frasca Pizzeria.