Leaving a Light on at the Cooper Factory

By Matt Wood in News on Sep 27, 2006 2:00PM

The developer who owns the site of the old Cooper Lamp Factory in Logan Square, overlooking the Kennedy, has an idea for what to do with the massive building, empty since the factory closed last summer. The Baum Realty Group submitted a zoning proposal to the city that would convert the building into a "live-work" space, in which people who have a business license can live there and work from the property. Our first thought for this type of arrangement was "brothels," but we're sure they have more than that in mind.

Chicagoist first learned about the factory in a fascinating essay in Granta by Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg. Cooper Lamp produced hand-made, custom luxury lamps there for 80 years. Their market dwindled from changing tastes, as more and more people were satisfied with buying simple, cheaper, mass-produced lamps at places like Target. The factory finally closed last June, leaving behind a 240,000-square foot building with its tower overlooking the highway, reminding commuters of Chicago's manufacturing past. We're glad that the new owners are at least giving a nod to the factory's heritage, instead of converting it to yet another loft-condo building.