Loken Hotel Building: 214 North Broadway

214 North Broadway was built in 1898 and this classic historic two-story load-bearing red brick facade building overlooks Broadway Square. The landmark has transitioned from the turn-of-the-century Loken Hotel to the Chicago Café, then, a bicycle shop, and eventually, a bookstore now into a modern mixed-use commercial and residential space.

Hosted by owners Kevin and Kari Hanson, this stop offers tour guests a firsthand look at successful adaptive reuse with its vibrant ground-floor commercial area and upper and lower residential levels.

The homeowner’s used wood from the original trusses to make newer, stronger ones, and gave them a dark stain that matches the cabinets and drawers. The wainscoting on the north side of the unit is original, as are the banisters and spindles on the stairs.

The original tin ceiling was discovered during renovation and restored on the first-floor level. The building’s exposed brick is a popular architectural and interior design feature showcasing raw masonry, offering timeless aesthetic charm, increased property value, and rustic texture.