In the heart of Chicago’s historic Six Corners shopping district, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Once the bustling site of a Sears department store, the property at 4714 W. Irving Park Road has been given a new lease on life as 6 Corners Lofts—a luxury, mixed-use housing development designed to meet the evolving needs of urban living.
From Retail Giant to Residential Haven
The Sears store, which opened its doors on October 20, 1938, with more than 99,500 eager customers, served as a retail hub for the community for 80 years. When it closed, it left behind not only a significant void in the neighborhood but also a landmark structure rich with potential. In 2024, this historic site reemerged as 6 Corners Lofts, a 394,000-square-foot adaptive reuse project that seamlessly blends modern living with the building’s storied past.
Designed by MG2, the project embraces the existing architecture while adding contemporary touches. The development offers 206 luxury units, featuring 38 distinct floor plans, each offering outdoor access—an element rarely found in city living. The design includes a five-story addition and a new rooftop, creating a dynamic residential environment.
A Blend of Luxury and Functionality
The architectural team faced the challenge of maintaining the historical integrity of the building while introducing modern conveniences. By punching windows into the original structure and adding balconies, they created bright, airy living spaces that still respect the building’s roots. High ceilings—up to 16 feet in some units—bring a sense of openness, while modern amenities such as stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry, and luxury finishes make each unit feel high-end yet comfortable.
Residents have access to a variety of on-site amenities, from a rooftop pool with sweeping city views to a fitness room, a speakeasy-style lounge, a dog park, and co-working spaces designed for the remote-work era. These features are crafted to foster community and convenience, making 6 Corners Lofts more than just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle destination.
Revitalizing Retail with Target and More
On the ground floor, 6 Corners Lofts offers 50,000 square feet of retail space, anchored by a Target store that serves both residents and the surrounding community. The inclusion of retail ensures that the development continues to function as a commercial hub, helping to restore the vibrancy of the Six Corners district.
As the area around 6 Corners Lofts continues to evolve, there’s hope that this project will once again establish the location as one of Chicago’s most active shopping centers—bringing renewed economic energy and opportunity to local businesses.
A Positive Impact on the Community
The adaptive reuse of this historic site has been widely applauded for its positive impact on both the local economy and the broader community. In addition to luxury living, 6 Corners Lofts includes six units set aside as part of Chicago’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO), ensuring a portion of the development remains accessible to those who qualify for affordable housing.
As the project nears completion, it’s clear that 6 Corners Lofts is not only preserving a piece of Chicago history but also helping to shape the future of the city’s urban landscape. By blending old and new, this development stands as a model of how adaptive reuse can revitalize communities and breathe new life into iconic buildings.
A Bright Future for Six Corners
With its mix of high-end residential units, modern amenities, and ground-floor retail, 6 Corners Lofts is poised to become a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s renaissance. As the Six Corners area continues to grow and develop, projects like this will play a key role in shaping its future—creating vibrant, sustainable communities that honor the past while looking toward the future.
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