Not all adaptive reuse projects are old or in an affordable price range or in second-tier locations. Developer JMB Realty blasts all of the typical preconceptions about adaptive reuse with its latest project. The company is converting floors 21 through 28 of the 66-story Bloomingdale’s Building, at 900 N Michigan Ave, into The Residences at 900.

The building includes Bloomingdale’s and other retail as well as The Four Seasons Hotel. The 47 new condos ranged from $1.4 million to $3.5 million in October of 2007. They have one to three bedrooms, 10-foot ceilings, custom millwork, white oak floors, kitchens by Snaidero and SmartHome systems. Finishes, of course, are extremely high-end, with appliances by Sub-Zero, Wolf and Miele.

A modern landmark

The building is one of the best known north of the river, and not just because it's home to Bloomy's. The highrise is capped by four distinctive lanterns that have become something of a landmark in the city. Kohn Pederson Fox and Perkins and Will designed the mixed-use tower, earning praise for extending the building to the sidewalk and creating a more street-friendly face than the designers of the many mistakes along North Michigan Avenue.

Residents of the newly converted units will have their own condominium association and their own entrance.

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