Architect Eric Rothfeder Brings Artful Warmth To Historic Montgomery Ward Loft

By J.P. Anderson

Architect Eric Rothfeder transforms an expansive apartment in the landmark Montgomery Ward warehouse building into a warm, artful abode worthy of its setting.

A striking balance of texture, color, pattern and shape make the kitchen/living area a stand-out space; highlights include sleek Modulnova Blade cabinetry from Archisesto and a living room vignette of Vladimir Kagan’s Freeform curved sofa, a Madagascar coffee table and Sumo lounge chairs covered in Nobilis Arctique fabric, all by Holly Hunt.

The Client

Having purchased a 2,400-square-foot loft unit in the iconic 1908 Montgomery Ward warehouse building along the Chicago River, the client was looking for a home that would showcase their collection of contemporary art, antiques and modernist furniture. After previously renovated a condo in Lakeview, they knew they wanted to work with the same construction team again, but didn’t have a designer. Enter Eric Rothfeder, founder of Lincoln Park/Lakeview-based Eric Rothfeder Architect. “The general contractor, Ivaska Builders, was familiar with my work and made the initial introduction,” says Rothfeder. “This was the rare instance when construction started before design; we had our first design meeting in a fully demolished apartment that had been completely stripped down to the concrete structure.”

Framed drawings by John Walker take pride of place in the dining room, where an Ochre Seed Cloud pendant from David Sutherland Showroom hangs elegantly above a custom travertine and chrome table and TG-10 sling chairs from Gratz Industries.

The Priority

Explains Rothfeder, “The clients already had a beautiful collection of artworks, antiques and vintage furniture, and it was essential that the new interior was designed to highlight and complement these unique pieces.” Rothfeder’s strategy? “In many instances, we started with an object—a painting, an antique screen, a vintage desk—and built the space around that piece. Additional furnishings were carefully added to create a cohesive whole. The clients were also very engaged in finding unique natural stones to use throughout the apartment. They often describe the marble slabs as being like paintings built into the architecture. To balance all of the elements, there are moments when the interior is very minimal and restrained, like a gallery, and other moments when it is very assertive and dramatic.”

In the entry, a console bench designed by Eric Rothfeder and fabricated by Lagomorph Design showcases a selection of the client’s art pieces.

The Challenge

“After seeing the raw space revealed during demolition, we wanted to preserve that loft-like feeling of openness and spaciousness,” says Rothfeder. “Often, removing walls is the easy part, and the real problem is the ceiling, where the tangle of pipes, air ducts and beams creates less-than-ideal conditions. We reconfigured these systems so that the ceiling steps up and becomes taller as it approaches the east-facing windows, orienting the interior towards the outdoor terrace and the stunning views of the city.

An expansive backsplash of Calacatta Cielo marble from Stone Source makes a stylish statement in the kitchen, which also features a quartet of restored and refinished vintage stools covered in Holly Hunt’s Great Outdoors Tudor Doe fabric.

The Detail

For Rothfeder, one room stands out as one of the aspects of the project he’s proudest of. “The kitchen is so simple and abstract, like a giant sculptural frame for the Calacatta Cielo marble backsplash. It’s a clear visual statement, drawing all the elements of the room to a common focal point.”

The clients’ desire to incorporate unique natural stones throughout the home is exemplified in the primary bathroom, where a dramatic slab of Calacatta Verde marble from Calia Stone Boutique steals the show.

“The clients already had a beautiful collection of artworks, antiques and vintage furniture, and it was essential that the new interior was designed to highlight and complement these unique pieces.”–ERIC ROTHFEDER

The entry makes an artful first impression with works by (from left) Ed Paschke and Sandro Miller, complemented by the client’s own antique tables.

Warm wood custom millwork designed by Rothfeder and fabricated by Lagomorph Design sets an inviting scene in the office, where various art pieces from the client’s collection are on display.

The Outcome

“With the long expanse of east-facing windows, there’s a beautiful progression of light throughout the day, from the morning light at sunrise to the glowing city at dusk,” notes Rothfeder, who also credits The Cosine with the home’s sophisticated lighting design. “They’ve really come to enjoy how much the different materials and textures respond to these constantly changing qualities of mood and light.”

A set of antique Chinese doors from The Golden Triangle adds Far Eastern flair to the primary bedroom.