https://www.wsj.com/articles/this-couple-turned-a-big-empty-loft-into-an-intimate-family-home-11643226908

“The owner had a half-pipe skateboard ramp in the loft because it was just one big open room,” says Charles Tribbett, who, with wife, Laura Tribbett, bought their 3,300-square-foot Chicago loft in 2017 for $1.075 million. “Apparently, the people living below moved out because they just couldn’t take it anymore. It was pretty bad.”

At the time they first saw the loft, located in the downtown neighborhood of Fulton Market, the soon-to-be-married couple, who are now both 37, had been looking at property for about nine months. When they saw the loft conversion, it needed work, but the Tribbetts were pretty sure they were up to the task. Ms. Tribbett founded Outline Interiors in 2015 after nearly a decade of working for interior designers and architects including Thom Filicia and Thomas Juul-Hansen, so she knew she could transform the space. Mr. Tribbett is a corporate development executive who, at the time, didn’t have a lot of experience with renovations.

We are delighted that you'd like to resume your subscription.

You will be charged $ + tax (if applicable) for The Wall Street Journal. You may change your billing preferences at any time in the Customer Center or call Customer Service. You will be notified in advance of any changes in rate or terms. You may cancel your subscription at anytime by calling Customer Service.

Please click confirm to resume now.