House Tour: An Industrial Flat in a Former Chicago Charcoal Factory

Photography by Janet Mesic-Mackie,  courtesy of Michael Del Piero Good Design

Take a look inside this industrial-meets-verdant space in Chicago, where steel-framed windows and concrete floors mix with original rough-hewn timber beams and lush ivy-covered walls. The renovation is the project of designer Michael Del Piero for her client, a globetrotting antiques dealer who was intrigued by the building’s history as a charcoal factory.

The Charcoal Factory, as it has come to be known, is in Chicago, “in an industrial area which has recently taken off as the place to be,” Michael says.

Entering the space. “The steel and glass windows were made to mimic the originals,” Michael says.

“We decided to sandblast the walls and floors, since charcoal and dusty debris filled the space,” Michael says.

Iron walkways and catwalks were added throughout.

The project now features a compact kitchen, all in stainless steel.

The primary bedroom, with a rope-wrapped panel as headboard.

Steel-framed glass doors leads out to the newly constructed terrace.