211 S Locust St

About This Home

The Locust Loft Apartment is an iconic piece of architecture, just steps from downtown Champaign. Featured in Space, Movement, and Light, and designed by renowned architect and University of Illinois professor Jack S. Baker, this space is a pioneering example of adaptive reuse loft living. Originally designed in 1963 as a private residence for a prominent architecture professor, the "Apartment" has been preserved as a midcentury modern time capsule, complete with original furnishings and décor. The Space This unique apartment was created from the rear storage space of a late 19th-century commercial building. The two-story layout forms a 25-foot cube, with a portion of the second floor removed to create an open, flowing connection between the main living area and the private sleeping and office spaces above. Natural light pours through the expansive sliding doors and a skylight above, illuminating the entire space. The apartment has hosted countless architects, artists, and design enthusiasts over the years, and it remains a must-see for lovers of midcentury modern design. Inside, you'll find iconic Herman Miller and Knoll furnishings alongside original artwork. A sculptural spiral staircase leads to the upper level, where a queen-sized bed and cozy lounge area await. The open-concept main floor features a spacious living and dining area, bathed in natural light from both the courtyard and skylights overhead. The kitchen, designed to be a functional work of art, features a vintage 1963 General Electric range that serves as a sculptural island between the living and dining spaces. With the sink lid closed, the kitchen transforms into a sleek wooden credenza. This setup offers the perfect place to prepare a coffee and enjoy it on the elevated deck, where you can take in the views of the Campustown skyline, or store your leftovers from one of the nearby restaurants. While the kitchen is ideal for light cooking, it’s not suited for large-scale meals, so feel free to head to downtown or across the street for takeout. You can dine indoors at the original dining table or take your meal outside to the deck or courtyard using the vintage dinnerware. In a rare feature for loft living, the private courtyard and elevated deck more than double the living space. Whether you're lounging on the deck or warming up by the firepit, you’ll be just steps away from the vibrant downtown scene and the University of Illinois. Request a Showing! To proceed with the rental of this unit, it is necessary for you to have VERIFIABLE income that is at least three times the monthly rent. For instance, if the monthly rent is $1,800 your verifiable income should be $5,400 per month to meet the qualification criteria. The amount of your security deposit will be determined by your credit score. If your score is 650 or higher, a single security deposit equivalent to one month's rent ($1,800) will be required. Scores between 600 and 650 will need to provide a double security deposit ($3,600). For scores of 599 and lower, a triple security deposit ($5,400) will be required. Additionally, there is a refundable pet deposit of $450 per pet.