Printers Row Lofts Chicago | Complete Guide to 732 S Financial Pl
732 S Financial Place, Chicago, Illinois 60605 · Printer's Row Historic District
| Building Name | Printers Row Lofts (historically the Printers Building) | Neighborhood | Printer's Row / South Loop |
| Address | 732 S Financial Place, Chicago, IL 60605 | Historic District | Printer's Row Historic District |
| Property Type | Historic Chicago Loft Condominiums | Original Use | Printing plant, rented with power to printers only |
| Built | 1908 | Architect | Harry B. Wheelock |
| Stories | 8 stories plus basement | Current Use | Condominium loft residences (138 units) |
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Printers Row Lofts Chicago: Photo Gallery
About & History
About Printers Row Lofts Chicago
Located at 732 S Financial Place, Printers Row Lofts is a historic 8-story loft condominium building in Chicago's Printer's Row neighborhood. Built in 1908 as the Printers Building, one of the largest structures ever erected exclusively for the printing trade, it has since been converted into 138 individual condominium residences, ranging from studios to two-bedroom layouts.
Today the building is known for its soaring timber ceilings, exposed brick, and expansive industrial windows — hallmarks of the heavy mill construction used throughout Printer's Row's early 20th-century printing houses, now repurposed for modern residential living.
Printers Row Lofts History
Printers Row Lofts Chicago traces its origins to 1908, when architect Harry B. Wheelock designed the building for developer James A. Patten. The Printers Building was constructed as an investment property, built and rented out — with power supplied — exclusively to printing firms. At 210 feet along Financial Place (then called Sherman Street) and 106 feet deep on Polk Street, it was, at the time, the largest single building in the country devoted to the printing business, with roughly 189,000 square feet of floor area across eight stories and a basement.
In 1911, the ground floor was leased to the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company as a retail paper store, and the building was known for a time as the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Building. It later operated as Polk Street Station Lofts before its conversion into today's Printers Row Lofts condominium association.
Architecture & Printer's Row
Architectural Significance
Printers Row Lofts Chicago reflects the utilitarian, heavy mill construction favored for large-scale printing plants in the early 20th century. Notable characteristics include:
- An 8-story-plus-basement structure completed in 1908
- A stone first story topped by red pressed brick and buff enameled terra cotta trim
- Straight lines with no applied exterior decoration, emphasizing function over ornament
- Heavy mill (timber) interior construction built to the maximum height then permitted for that construction type
- Adaptive reuse into 138 loft-style condominium residences
Design by architect Harry B. Wheelock places the building among Printer's Row's most substantial surviving examples of purpose-built printing-industry architecture.
Printer's Row Historic District
Printers Row Lofts sits within Chicago's Printer's Row Historic District, an area known for its concentration of former printing houses, warehouses, and loft buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, the neighborhood combines:
- Historic loft buildings
- Restaurants and cafés
- Cultural destinations
- Downtown employment access
- Residential communities
It's one of Chicago's best examples of adaptive reuse, transforming historic commercial buildings into modern living and working spaces.
Location Overview & Nearby Landmarks
Location Overview
Printers Row Lofts Chicago sits at the northwest corner of Financial Place and Polk Street, within Chicago's Printer's Row and South Loop neighborhoods, providing access to:
- Chicago Loop business district
- Grant Park
- Harold Washington Library Center
- Museum Campus
- Lake Michigan lakefront
- Financial district
- Downtown entertainment venues
Printers Row Lofts benefits from a location near the LaSalle Street commuter rail corridor while remaining close to Dearborn Street's restaurants and shops.
Nearby Major Landmarks
Harold Washington Library Center
400 S State Street
Chicago's central library, offering extensive collections, public programs, exhibitions, and community spaces.
Grant Park
337 E Randolph Street
Known as "Chicago's front yard," Grant Park covers over 300 acres with walking paths, gardens, public events, and access to Buckingham Fountain.
Millennium Park
201 E Randolph Street
Home to Cloud Gate ("The Bean"), Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and public art installations.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Avenue
One of the world's leading art museums, with extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, photography, and cultural exhibits.
Dining & Coffee Near Printers Row Lofts
Restaurants
Eleven City Diner1112 S Wabash AveOld-school deli-style diner known for breakfast dishes, pastrami sandwiches, burgers, and milkshakes.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria805 S State StOne of Chicago's most recognized deep-dish pizza spots, known for its butter crust and carryout/delivery.
Half Sour755 S Clark StSouth Loop favorite for brunch, burgers, sandwiches, and craft cocktails.
Flaco's Tacos710 S Clark StLong-tenured Printer's Row taqueria known for burritos, tacos, and margaritas.
Mercat a la Planxa638 S Michigan Ave, inside the Blackstone HotelSpanish-inspired tapas, charcuterie, and cocktails near Grant Park.
Coffee Shops
Dollop Coffee Co.418 S Wabash AveEspresso drinks, cold brew, pastries, and workspace-friendly seating.
Hero Coffee Bar22 E Ida B Wells DrSpecialty coffee and quick service, convenient for commuters heading to the Loop.
Intelligentsia Coffee53 E Randolph StOne of Chicago's most famous specialty roasters, near Millennium Park and downtown offices.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago646 N Michigan AveA multi-level coffee destination with roasting demonstrations (farther north, on Michigan Ave).
Groceries & Shopping
Grocery Stores & Daily Shopping
Trader Joe's1147 S Wabash AveFresh produce, frozen foods, organic and specialty items at affordable prices.
Jewel-Osco1224 S Wabash AveFull-service grocery store with pharmacy services and household products.
Target1154 S Clark StHousehold items, electronics, clothing, groceries, and pharmacy.
Whole Foods Market1101 S Canal StOrganic groceries, prepared foods, and specialty products.
Shopping Near Printers Row Lofts
The Shops at Roosevelt Collection150 W Roosevelt RdSouth Loop retail and entertainment destination with stores, restaurants, a movie theater, and outdoor spaces.
State Street Shopping DistrictChicago LoopA short distance away, offering major retailers, department stores, and classic Chicago shopping.
Parks, Fitness & Recreation
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Grant Park337 E Randolph StWalking paths, gardens, open lawns, public events, and Buckingham Fountain.
Lakefront TrailChicago LakefrontAn 18-mile path along Lake Michigan for walking, running, and cycling.
Maggie Daley Park337 E Randolph StRock climbing wall, ice skating ribbon, play areas, and gardens near Millennium Park.
Printers Row Park744 S Dearborn StA neighborhood park close by, with green space and seating.
Fitness Centers & Wellness
East Bank Club500 N Kingsbury StPremier fitness club with equipment, swimming pools, group classes, and sports facilities.
LA Fitness1101 S Canal StWeight training, cardio equipment, group fitness, and personal training.
FFC South Loop1620 W Roosevelt RdStrength training, fitness classes, personal training, and wellness programs.
Entertainment & Cultural Attractions
Museums & Attractions
The Field Museum1400 S Lake Shore DrOne of the world's leading natural history museums.
Shedd Aquarium1200 S DuSable Lake Shore DrMarine life exhibits, aquatic education, and family attractions.
Adler Planetarium1300 S DuSable Lake Shore DrAmerica's first planetarium, offering astronomy exhibits and lakefront views.
Performing Arts
Jazz Showcase806 S Plymouth CtOne of Chicago's oldest jazz clubs, founded in 1947, located adjacent to Dearborn Station.
Chicago Symphony Center220 S Michigan AveHome of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Also nearby: Auditorium Theatre and Chicago Theatre, both popular year-round entertainment venues in the downtown core.
Transportation Near Printers Row Lofts
CTA Train Stations
LaSalle Station (Blue Line)200 S LaSalle St · ~0.3 milesBlue Line CTA access plus Metra commuter rail, one of the closest stations to the building.
Harrison Station (Red Line)608 S State St · ~0.5 miles24-hour Red Line access to River North, Wrigleyville, Chinatown, and the South Side.
Harold Washington Library–State/Van Buren1 W Van Buren St · ~0.5 milesBrown, Orange, Pink, and Purple Line Express service.
Roosevelt Station1167 S State St · ~0.6 milesRed, Green, and Orange Lines, connecting to downtown, Hyde Park, and Midway Airport.
Metra, Bus & Bike
LaSalle Street Station414 S LaSalle StServes Metra's Rock Island District Line, a short walk from the building.
Millennium Station151 N Michigan AveMetra Electric Line access to Hyde Park, University of Chicago area, and South Shore communities.
Bus: Nearby CTA routes run along Michigan Avenue, State Street, Harrison Street, and Roosevelt Road.
Bike: Divvy bike-share stations throughout South Loop and downtown, with dedicated bike lanes and Lakefront Trail access.
Healthcare & Education
Healthcare Near Printers Row Lofts
Northwestern Memorial Hospital251 E Huron StLeading academic medical center offering emergency care, specialty medicine, and surgery.
Rush University Medical Center1620 W Harrison StNationally recognized hospital offering emergency, cancer, heart, and neurology care.
University of Illinois Hospital1740 W Taylor StMajor teaching hospital with medical specialties and emergency services.
Insight Hospital & Medical Center (formerly Mercy Hospital)2525 S Michigan AveEmergency care and specialty healthcare south of the neighborhood.
Schools & Education
South Loop Elementary School1212 S Plymouth CtNeighborhood public elementary school serving South Loop families.
Jones College Prep High School700 S State StSelective enrollment CPS high school known for strong academics and college prep.
Columbia College Chicago600 S Michigan AvePrivate college focused on arts, media, and communication.
Roosevelt University430 S Michigan AveLocated in the historic Auditorium Building; business, arts, education, and sciences programs.
DePaul University – Loop Campus1 E Jackson BlvdUndergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Hotels & Everyday Services
Hotels Near Printers Row Lofts
Hotel Blake500 S Dearborn StBoutique hotel occupying the historic Morton and Duplicator Buildings, a few blocks away.
The Blackstone, Autograph Collection636 S Michigan AveHistoric hotel near Grant Park with fine dining and a downtown location.
Congress Plaza Hotel520 S Michigan AveHistoric hotel overlooking Grant Park, popular for events and skyline views.
Hilton Chicago720 S Michigan AveMajor downtown hotel near Grant Park with meeting spaces, restaurants, and fitness facilities.
Banking & Parking
Chase Bank1200 S Wabash AveChecking, savings, ATMs, and personal banking.
Bank of America Financial Center135 S LaSalle StLocated in the downtown financial district.
USPS Loop Station211 S Clark StPostal services for residents and businesses.
Grant Park North Garage & Millennium Garages25 N Michigan Ave and multiple downtown locationsLarge public parking facilities, plus the building's own on-site garage.
Neighborhood Lifestyle
Neighborhood Lifestyle Summary
Living at Printers Row Lofts Chicago provides access to a highly walkable Chicago lifestyle. Residents are close to:
- ✓ Historic Printer's Row
- ✓ Downtown offices
- ✓ Restaurants and cafés
- ✓ Museums and cultural attractions
- ✓ Parks and lakefront recreation
- ✓ Public transportation
- ✓ Universities and schools
The area combines historic Chicago architecture with the convenience of modern urban living.
A Typical Day Near Printers Row Lofts
Morning
Coffee at Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, or Intelligentsia; a walk through Printer's Row; a workout at a nearby fitness center or run along the Lakefront Trail; commuting via CTA or Metra from LaSalle Street Station.
Afternoon
Downtown offices, the Harold Washington Library Center, restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Evening
Dinner at a South Loop restaurant, live jazz at the Jazz Showcase, events at Millennium Park, or a walk through Grant Park with lake views.
Who Is Printers Row Lofts Chicago Best Suited For?
Ideal Residents
Downtown Professionals
Ideal for those working in the Loop financial district, legal offices, government buildings, tech companies, and corporate offices — the location reduces commuting time.
Architecture & History Enthusiasts
People who appreciate historic Chicago buildings will enjoy the character of Printer's Row, including its Chicago School architecture and preserved landmarks.
People Who Prefer Walkable Living
Restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks, transit, and cultural attractions are all within walking distance.
Students, Faculty & Buyers
First-Time Buyers
With studio and one-bedroom layouts, Printers Row Lofts is a common entry point for buyers looking to own in Printer's Row without the price tag of larger units.
Students & Faculty
Convenient for those connected to Columbia College Chicago, Roosevelt University, DePaul University's Loop Campus, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Pet Owners
Printers Row Lofts is a pet-friendly building, welcoming both cats and dogs — a distinction from some of the neighborhood's stricter buildings.
Things To Do Throughout the Year
Spring & Summer
Spring
Walking paths, outdoor photography, gardens, and lakefront views at Grant Park; historic architecture walks, independent shops, and local restaurants in Printer's Row.
Summer
Outdoor concerts, public art, and festivals at Millennium Park; the Printers Row Lit Fest and Printers Row Art Fest along South Dearborn Street; cycling, running, and walking along the lakefront.
Fall & Winter
Fall
Chicago architecture tours of historic buildings and downtown landmarks; museum visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and Museum of Science and Industry.
Winter
Ice skating and holiday events at Millennium Park; live jazz at the nearby Jazz Showcase; theater and entertainment at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Theatre, and Symphony Center.
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages of the Location
1. Exceptional Downtown & Transit Access
Steps from LaSalle Street Station and the LaSalle Blue Line stop, with an on-site garage — a short commute with multiple transportation options.
2. Historic Character & Scale
Soaring timber ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial windows inside one of Printer's Row's largest surviving purpose-built printing houses.
3. Strong Walkability
Dining, coffee, transit, parks, and attractions are reachable without a car for many daily activities.
4. Pet-Friendly & Range of Unit Sizes
With 138 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom layouts, plus a pet-friendly policy and on-site bike room, the building suits a wide range of buyers.
Considerations About the Building & Area
Parking Is Fee-Based
On-site garage parking is available but leased separately at an additional cost rather than included with every unit.
Downtown Environment
As with many central Chicago neighborhoods, traffic can increase during events, and urban activity levels are higher than in purely residential areas.
City Living Experience
Residents should expect pedestrian activity, downtown noise, and busy streets during events — typical characteristics of a central Chicago location.
Printers Row Lofts & Nearby Areas Map
Nearby Printer's Row Buildings
Explore More Printer's Row Guides
Franklin Building720 S Dearborn StA 1916 loft building built for the Franklin Printing Company.
Transportation Building600 S Dearborn StThe tallest historic building in Printer's Row, built in 1911.
Terminals Building537 S Dearborn StAn 1892 Van Osdel loft building, now rental apartments.
Morton Building538 S Dearborn StAn 1896 Jenney & Mundie landmark, now part of Hotel Blake.
Pontiac Building542 S Dearborn StHolabird & Roche's oldest surviving downtown Chicago building, built in 1891.
Conkey Building519 S Dearborn StAn 1888 book-publishing landmark, historically nicknamed the Old Franklin Building.
Duplicator Building530 S Dearborn StAn 1886 printing landmark, now joined with the Morton Building as Hotel Blake.
Pope Building Lofts633 S Plymouth CtA 1904 printing-house plant, now 91 loft condominium residences.
About This Guide Series
This page is part of a series of in-depth guides to historic Printer's Row buildings in Chicago's South Loop, each covering building history, architecture, and neighborhood amenities in detail.
See our Near South Side real estate guide for the full neighborhood overview, or the Loop real estate guide for the adjacent downtown market.
Printers Row Lofts Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Printers Row Lofts located?
Printers Row Lofts Chicago is located at 732 S Financial Place, at the corner of Financial Place and Polk Street in the Printer's Row neighborhood.
When was Printers Row Lofts built?
It was built in 1908, designed by architect Harry B. Wheelock for developer James A. Patten, originally as the Printers Building.
Are units in Printers Row Lofts condos or rentals?
They are condominiums. The building has 138 individually owned units, ranging from studios to two-bedroom layouts.
How many stories is Printers Row Lofts?
The building is 8 stories plus a basement, built to the maximum height then allowed for heavy mill (timber) construction.
What was the building originally used for?
It was built exclusively as a printing plant, rented out with power to printing firms. Its ground floor later housed a West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company retail store.
What other names has the building had?
It has also been known as the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Building and Polk Street Station Lofts.
What amenities does Printers Row Lofts have?
Reported amenities include an on-site garage, a bike room, an elevator, exposed brick, timber ceilings, and industrial windows.
Does Printers Row Lofts allow pets?
Yes, the building is pet-friendly and allows both cats and dogs.
Is Printers Row Lofts close to public transportation?
Yes. LaSalle Street Station and the LaSalle Blue Line stop are both within about a quarter mile.
What restaurants are near Printers Row Lofts?
Eleven City Diner, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Half Sour, Flaco's Tacos, and Mercat a la Planxa.
What coffee shops are near Printers Row Lofts?
Dollop Coffee Co., Hero Coffee Bar, and Intelligentsia Coffee.
What grocery stores are near Printers Row Lofts?
Trader Joe's, Jewel-Osco, and Whole Foods Market.
Is Printers Row Lofts near downtown Chicago?
Yes. It's located near Chicago's Loop business district and LaSalle Street's financial corridor, within the Printer's Row neighborhood.
What makes Printers Row Lofts unique?
Printers Row Lofts Chicago was one of the largest buildings ever constructed exclusively for the printing trade, and today offers 138 condo units with soaring timber ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial windows.
Information current as of publication and provided for general reference, based on publicly available historical and real estate sources. Reported details such as unit count, amenities, and historical dates vary slightly across sources and have not been independently verified by us. Distances are approximate. The photos above use placeholder image paths — replace them with your own photos in the WordPress Media Library, and adjust the alt text, title, and captions as needed. Verify hours, availability, HOA rules, and current offerings directly with each business or the building's association before making decisions.
