That old building on Michigan Ave has perfect bones underneath all that drop ceiling

I was scouting a spot near the Michigan Central Station last Tuesday and poked into a second floor that's been vacant for years. Pulled down one tile and found original tin ceiling that just needs some cleaning, not replacement. Anyone else find hidden gems in these old buildings that save you big money on renovation?

3 comments

3 Comments

lucasjackson20d ago

I was in a 1920s building near Jackson and saw the same thing with a dropped ceiling hiding original plasterwork. It makes me wonder how many buildings have these little secrets that developers overlook because they're in a hurry to flip a property. Reminds me of how people throw out old furniture when a coat of paint and new hardware would make it special again. We get so focused on the new and shiny that we forget the old stuff was built to last, not just look good for a few years.

mila_harris20d ago

Makes you wonder how many gorgeous original floors are hiding under cheap carpet too.

the_elliot18d ago

I read somewhere that roughly 70% of pre-war buildings in Chicago still have their original hardwood floors under the carpet. Makes you wonder how many guys like me have ripped out something good without even checking first.