Wicker Park Loft
Wicker Park Loft Information:
The Loft is located in Wicker Park, a Chicago neighborhood northwest of the Loop, near Bucktown.
The nondescript building was a dressmakers’ sweatshop in the early 20th century, a storage facility in the ’70s, then fell into disrepair in the ’80s, haunted by addicts and dealers. The space was occupied from 1989 to 1998 by Urbis Orbis Café, a classic hipster hangout, then an antique shop. The building was leased to Bunim-Murray Productions during the second half of 2001.
The interior of the Loft was designed and constructed by Chicago Scenic Studios with local designer Suhail serving as the interior decorator. After the filming of the series was complete, an auction was held inside the Loft to sell fixtures and items used in the filming of the series. Held on 11/18 and 11/19/01, the auction item lists (List 1, List 2) provided our first insight into the interior design of the Loft. The production of The Real World Chicago experienced many problems including a nearby shooting, numerous neighborhood protests and vandalism to the building.
After the filming of the series ended, construction began to renovate the Loft into a Cheetah Gym, which opened in 2002.
Wicker Park Loft Visit, August 2006
East Side, Front, North Side, Southeast Corner, West North Avenue
Renovation of the Loft
Bathroom, Kitchen, Living Room, 2nd Floor, 3rd Floor,
Exterior
East Side, Front, Front Door, Southeast Corner, 3rd Floor Windows
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
During Filming, Cheetah Gym
Taping Dates:
June 28 - November 3, 2001
Photo Credit: Andrew@Bedno.com
Updated - August 15, 2010
