This breathtaking duplex penthouse loft in the famed Franklin Lofts is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, offering the only penthouse in the building with a direct north-facing view from its walled terrace. With soaring ceilings supported by iron buttresses, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and rooms flooded with light, it exemplifies loft living at its most elegant and unique. The first floor features a huge open layout flowing seamlessly from living room to dining room to kitchen, distinguished as the only unit in the building with a genuine woodburning stove and gas cooking range. The kitchen boasts a double row of windows overlooking the terrace and city, generous counterspace, a desk area, a beverage fridge, and a peninsula with a bar sink facing the dining room, while a stackable washer and dryer add convenience; the building also offers a newly renovated laundry room for larger items. The primary suite on this level includes east-facing windows, hardwood floors, exposed brick, a long walk-in closet, and a private bathroom with a double vanity, deep soaking tub, and separate shower. Upstairs, the open second bedroom, currently used as a family room and study, features abundant built-ins with shelving, cabinets, and bookcases, along with a second bathroom offering a separate sink area and shower. The HVAC system was completely replaced this summer by the building for quiet, efficient comfort. Perfectly located in the center of the city's transportation hub, all CTA train lines are within two blocks, with a Red Line stop on Polk and a bus stop across the street, while highways and DuSable Lake Shore Drive are easily accessible from Ida B. Wells Drive. Surrounded by new restaurants, bars, shops, museums, theaters, universities, and the attractions of the Loop, it's also within easy reach of the University of Chicago, UIC, and Rush Medical Center. With a Walk Score that rates it a walker's and transit rider's paradise, residents also benefit from a protected two-way bike path beginning at the front door. Deeded parking is included in the nearby 801 Plymouth garage, though you may find that your car is rarely needed. The building has a bike room and a freight elevator harkening back to its industrial past opening to the street for easy move-in and out that recalls its days of hauling heavy loads of paper. Carefully managed by an attentive board and management, the building covers everything in its assessment except electricity. Heat, cooking gas, endless hot water, air conditioning, high-speed internet, and basic cable are all included. Supported by a reserve fund exceeding one million dollars and recent major upgrades like a new hot water boiler, this iconic penthouse is truly one of a kind.
New
$700,000
720 S Dearborn St #PENTHOUSE 1, Chicago, IL 60605
2beds
2,020sqft
Est.:
Condominium, Duplex, Single Family Residence
Built in 1916
-- sqft lot
$-- Zestimate®
$347/sqft
$1,223/mo HOA
What's special
Genuine woodburning stoveSoaring ceilingsRooms flooded with lightDirect north-facing viewDouble row of windowsDesk areaEast-facing windows
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- on Zillow |
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Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: August 28, 2025 at 01:17am
Listing courtesy of:
Margie Smigel 312-953-1466,
The Margie Smigel Group, LLC
Source: MRED as distributed by MLS GRID,MLS#: 12456101

Travel times
Tour with a buyer's agent
Tour with a buyer's agent
Open house
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
Rooms
- Room types: Foyer, Deck
Primary bedroom
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Aluminum Frames, Blinds, Double Pane Windows), Bathroom (Full)
- Level: Main
- Area: 224 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X16
Bedroom 2
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Skylight(s))
- Level: Second
- Area: 364 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 14X26
Deck
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 270 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 18X15
Dining room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 112 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 7X16
Foyer
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood)
- Level: Main
- Area: 49 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 7X7
Kitchen
- Features: Kitchen (Eating Area-Breakfast Bar, Galley), Flooring (Ceramic Tile), Window Treatments (Aluminum Frames)
- Level: Main
- Area: 198 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 11X18
Laundry
- Features: Flooring (Ceramic Tile)
- Level: Main
- Area: 9 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 3X3
Living room
- Features: Flooring (Hardwood), Window Treatments (Aluminum Frames, Blinds)
- Level: Main
- Area: 532 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19X28
Heating
- Natural Gas, Forced Air, Indv Controls
Cooling
- Central Air, Electric
Appliances
- Included: Range, Microwave, Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Bar Fridge, Washer, Dryer, Disposal, Front Controls on Range/Cooktop, Gas Cooktop, Gas Oven
- Laundry: Main Level, Washer Hookup, Electric Dryer Hookup, In Unit, In Kitchen
Features
- Vaulted Ceiling(s), Elevator, 1st Floor Bedroom, 1st Floor Full Bath, Storage, Built-in Features, Walk-In Closet(s), Bookcases, Open Floorplan, Lobby, Replacement Windows
- Flooring: Hardwood
- Doors: Sliding Glass Door(s), Storm Door(s)
- Windows: Replacement Windows, Aluminum Frames, Blinds, Double Pane Windows, Skylight(s), Skylight(s), Window Treatments, Drapes
- Basement: Partially Finished,Full
- Number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Wood Burning Stove, Free Standing, Living Room
- Common walls with other units/homes: End Unit
Interior area
- Total structure area: 2,020
- Total interior livable area: 2,020 sqft
Video & virtual tour
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 1
- Parking features: Asphalt, Garage Door Opener, Heated Garage, Garage, Off Site, Garage Owned, Detached
- Garage spaces: 1
- Has uncovered spaces: Yes
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: No Disability Access
Features
- Patio & porch: Deck
- Exterior features: Lighting
Lot
- Features: Mature Trees
Details
- Additional parcels included: 17164190061148
- Parcel number: 17164060321001
- Special conditions: List Broker Must Accompany
- Other equipment: TV-Cable, Ceiling Fan(s), Internet-Fiber
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: Condo
- Property subtype: Condominium, Duplex, Single Family Residence
Materials
- Brick
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1916
Details
- Builder model: Duplex penthouse
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Circuit Breakers, 100 Amp Service
- Sewer: Public Sewer, Storm Sewer
- Water: Lake Michigan, Public
- Utilities for property: Cable Available
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Sidewalks, Street Lights
- Security: Fire Sprinkler System, Carbon Monoxide Detector(s)
- Subdivision: Franklin Lofts
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- Amenities included: Bike Room/Bike Trails, Coin Laundry, Elevator(s), Storage, On Site Manager/Engineer, Security Door Lock(s), Service Elevator(s)
- Services included: Heat, Air Conditioning, Water, Gas, Insurance, Cable TV, Exterior Maintenance, Scavenger, Snow Removal, Internet
- HOA fee: $1,223 monthly
Location
- Region: Chicago
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $347/sqft
- Annual tax amount: $13,163
- Date on market: 8/27/2025
- Ownership: Condo
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