Historic Oxxford Clothes Building Set for Residential Conversion in West Loop

A long-awaited redevelopment is officially moving forward in one of Chicago’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. The city has issued a renovation permit for the conversion of the former Oxxford Clothes building at 1220 West Van Buren Street in the West Loop, clearing the way for construction to begin.

The project, known as Oxxford Lofts, is being developed by Base 3 in partnership with The Missner Group. After several years of planning, the team can now begin work on transforming the historic structure into a 112-unit residential building.

Originally built in the 1910s, the building served as the headquarters for Oxxford Clothes, housing its showroom, factory and offices. The company vacated the property in 2016, and while earlier plans called for an office conversion, the current proposal shifts the focus to residential use, reflecting changing demand in the West Loop.

The redevelopment will include a full gut renovation of the seven-story building, along with restoration of its exterior and a one-story rooftop addition. The final unit mix will include 48 studios, 59 one-bedroom units and five two-bedroom layouts, with 20% of the apartments designated as affordable housing on-site.

Residents will have access to a range of modern amenities, including a rooftop deck, coworking space, fitness center and bike storage. A basement level will also provide 24 parking spaces, balancing convenience with the building’s urban location.

The project is being designed by Filoramo Talsma Architecture and carries an estimated construction cost of $15.5 million. Developers are aiming to begin construction in May, with the first units expected to be delivered by summer 2027.

Location is another key advantage. The property sits near the intersection of Van Buren and Racine, just steps from the Racine Blue Line station, providing direct access to downtown and O’Hare. Multiple CTA bus routes are also within walking distance, reinforcing the area’s appeal for renters seeking transit-oriented living.

For those tracking adaptive reuse projects in Chicago, Oxxford Lofts is another example of how historic industrial and commercial buildings are being repurposed into modern residential spaces. As the West Loop continues to evolve, projects like this highlight the shift toward preserving architectural character while meeting current housing demand.

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