Sears Department Store Revived as Mixed-Use Community
After closing its doors in 2018, a former Sears department store built in the 1930s in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood has been brought back to life as mixed-use housing.
Behind the adaptive-reuse project are Novak Development and architect MG2, who worked to blend modern living with retail while preserving and amplifying the building’s art deco elements.
To create the 206-unit 6 Corners Lofts, the team reconfigured the building’s deep, windowless floor plate into a U-shaped layout, reducing unit depth and increasing access to natural light, and added a wing. The development includes 38 different unit layouts with studio, one-, and two-bedroom units—all with balconies or terraces.
By retaining the majority of the building’s original structural framework, foundation, and exterior masonry, the adaptive-reuse project preserved the most carbon-intensive elements of the structure.
Project Details
Location: Chicago
Developer: Novak Development
Architect: MG2
Builder: Novak Construction
Opened: February 2024
Number of Units: 206
Unit Mix: Studios to two-bedrooms
Rents: $1,800 to $3,800
The design preserves the prominent glass atrium feature, and the once nostalgic Sears window displays now offer a branding opportunity for Target, the new retail anchor. It also retains the art deco appeal, keeping the original terrazzo flooring, 16-foot ceilings, and flared columns.
While much of the structure consisted of blank, solid walls, the team extended linear forms vertically, incorporating rows of tall glass panes. The diagonal rods of the balconies, along with the vertical brick pillars and window mullion patterns, also pay tribute to the art deco design.
“The Six Corners Shopping District has a long history as a popular and successful neighborhood shopping and entertainment destination serving the community. Preserving the character of one of its most beloved landmarks was a crucial consideration for us,” says Jooyeol Oh, principal at MG2.
In addition, the structural integrity of the building allowed for the addition of a rooftop lounge and pool. The new amenity floor offers luxury cabanas, a speakeasy lounge, and views of the Chicago skyline. Additional interior amenities include a coworking lounge, meeting rooms, and a fully equipped fitness center.
The 50,000 square feet of ground-floor retail featuring Target echoes the site’s retail legacy.
“On site, 6 Corners Lofts’ retail tenant, Target, is a major draw for residents. It also attracts others living and working in the neighborhood,” adds Oh. “The building has once again become a hub of activity, enhancing the quality of life for the entire community. We hope it will inspire more mixed-use developments nearby.”