Abandoned Corner Shops Transformed Into Million-Dollar Homes in Chicago
In Chicago, neglected corner shops, bars, and old storefronts are being given new life as stylish, modern homes in the city’s residential neighborhoods. These once-commercial spaces have become sought-after properties that blend vintage charm with contemporary open layouts. Despite their often unconventional designs—awkward angles, windows lacking privacy, and entrances too close to the street—owners are drawn to their unique character and the potential for customization.
Chicago architect Matt Nardella and his wife, designer Laura Cripe, embraced this transformation when they purchased a 6,000-square-foot former liquor store in the Logan Square neighborhood in 2016 for $550,000. The property, which had been vacant for years, required extensive renovations, costing $350,000. The couple added a second story and transformed the space into a live-work environment, featuring an office, a showroom, an art gallery, a rental apartment, and their own two-bedroom home. They preserved the vintage marquee sign that still reads “Logan Square Food and Liquor,” a reminder of its past.
For Nardella, the appeal of repurposing old storefronts is rooted in their history. “It tells a bit of the story of what it used to be,” he says, noting that the space now includes exposed brick, built-in storage, and heated concrete floors, while the vintage sign occasionally attracts nostalgic visitors.
Similarly, Joey Sabani, an engineering executive, was drawn to the storefront façade of his 1880s Wicker Park home, once a butcher shop. Sabani purchased the 4,000-square-foot property in 2022 for $1.24 million and invested $1 million in renovations. The project uncovered original green tiles that were incorporated into the home’s design, while maintaining a Nordic-inspired aesthetic. They kept the oversized storefront windows, now partially frosted for privacy, and added a backyard for their toddler and dog. “We wanted to preserve the commercial feel of the front of the house,” Sabani says.
Urban planner Asher Kohn notes that many of Chicago’s corner stores, built before World War II, were once thriving businesses in high-density residential areas. However, by the 1950s, depopulation and changes in retail needs led to the abandonment of many of these storefronts. As a result, many properties were converted into residential spaces, often through rezoning efforts. Kohn adds that while some of these conversions were hastily done, others have been thoughtfully transformed into single-family homes, offering high ceilings, open spaces, and vintage charm.
These unique homes now cater to buyers seeking something beyond new construction, offering a balance of modern updates and historical elements. Realtor Vincent Anzalone highlights that newly renovated corner store homes are often priced similarly to other homes in the neighborhood, with those featuring high-end renovations commanding a premium.
Ken Lunsford, who purchased a former candy store in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood for $700,000 in 2017, was also drawn to the home’s character. The 1,600-square-foot space, with its exposed brick and original tin ceilings, is priced more like a large condo but offers the privacy of a single-family home. Lunsford made minor updates, including changing the front door to bright orange and replacing clear windows with tinted glass for added privacy. He also plans to add a roof deck in the future.
For Nardella and Cripe, their transformation project continues. They are currently converting the building’s former walk-in cooler into a wine cellar, further enhancing the property’s unique features.
These converted corner shops are proving to be not just homes, but a celebration of Chicago’s rich architectural history and the innovative ways owners are reimagining urban spaces.