Wicker Park Loft
Wicker Park Loft Information:
The 16,400 square foot building is located in Wicker Park, a Chicago neighborhood northwest of the Loop near Bucktown. The nondescript building was a dressmaker's sweatshop in the early 20th century, a storage facility in the 1970s, then fell into disrepair in the 1980s, occupied by addicts and dealers. The space was leased from 1989 to 1998 by Urbus Orbis Cafe, a hipster hangout and later an antique shop. The building was leased to Bunim-Murray Productions during the second half of 2001.
The interior of the Loft for the filming of the series was designed and constructed by Chicago Scenic Studios with local designer Suhail serving as the interior decorator. The design of the 8,000 square foot space was completed in three weeks and the construction was completed three weeks later. After the filming of the series was complete, an auction was held inside the Loft to sell the fixtures and furnishings. Held on 11/18/01 and 11/19/01, the auction item list provided the first insight into the interior design of the Loft. The production of the season experienced many problems including a nearby shooting, neighborhood protests and vandalism to the building.
After the filming of the series was complete, construction began to renovate the building into a Cheetah Gym, which opened in 2002. They gym was later rebranded as Verge Fitness and has since closed. As of 9/20, the upper floors were available for lease.
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Wicker Park Loft Visit, August 2006
Basement, East Side, Front, North Side, Southeast Corner, West North Avenue
Renovation of the Loft
2nd Floor, 3rd Floor, Bathroom, Kitchen, Living Room
Exterior
3rd Floor Windows, East Side, Front, Front Door, Southeast Corner
1st Floor
Control Room, Lobby
2nd Floor
Bathroom, Bird's Nest, Blue Bedroom, Brown Bedroom, Gym, Hallway, Orange Bedroom, Phone Lounge
3rd Floor
Billiard Room, Confessional Room, Elevator, Kitchen, Living Room, Office, Spa/Patio, Stairs
Floor Plans
Filming, Cheetah Gym
Taping Dates
June 28 - November 3, 2001
Photo Credit: www.bedno.com
Updated - May 31, 2021