The Locust Loft Apartment is an architectural landmark, located just steps from downtown Champaign. As featured in the book Space, Movement, and Light, and designed by renowned architect and University of Illinois professor Jack S. Baker, the space is recognized as a trailblazing early example of adaptive reuse loft living. Designed in 1963, the “Apartment”, as it was originally known, is preserved as a midcentury modern time capsule, complete with period furnishings and accessories.

The Space
The interior of the Apartment was fashioned out of the rear storage space of a late 19th Century commercial building. The two-story spaces exists as a 25 foot cube, with a portion of the second floor removed to connect the living spaces on the main level with the sleeping and office space above. Light spills through the immense sliding doors and through the second floor skylight. The Apartment was originally designed for a prominent professor of architecture at the University and later was used to host many architects and artists. Perfect for lovers of all things midcentury modern, the space contains Herman Miller and Knoll furnishings and original artwork. A queen-sized bed and lounge area are located on the private upper level, accessed by a sculptural spiral stairway.
The open loft concept main floor contains a large living and dining space flooded with light from the courtyard and skylights above. With the sink lid closed, the kitchen appears as a sculptural wood credenza, and the vintage 1963 General Electric range floats as a sculptural island between the living and kitchen space. The kitchen is a perfect place to prepare a coffee to enjoy on the elevated deck, while overlooking the Campustown skyline or storing your leftovers from one of the fantastic restaurants located a short walk away. With its open concept and with vintage appliances, please don’t plan to cook your thanksgiving feast or multi-course gastronomical experience on site. Instead, you might walk to nearby downtown or across the street to pickup takeout and dine at the original dining table or use the vintage dinnerware al fresco for a meal on the deck or in the courtyard. In a rarity for loft living, the private courtyard and sleek elevated deck more than double the space of the interior. Lounge on the deck or cozy up by the firepit, all while being a stones throw from downtown and the University.

Other things to note
The design of the space appears contemporary today, despite the fact that it was created more than sixty years ago. The original materials, appliances, and bath fixtures have all been retained to preserve the original architectural vision. Please note that this is an open loft space with essentially just one room, which works best for 1-2 people (Happy to accommodate 3-4 total guests, with air mattresses). Your stay carries on Jack Baker’s tradition of hosting architects, artists, students, and guests from across campus, or around the world. Not only is the Apartment a trailblazing early example of architect-designed loft living, but you will marvel at the well thought out and clever details. From the sculptural reuse of the former chimney-turned-fireplace, to the hidden outlets and foot-operated light switches, you will enjoy discovering the thought and skill that brought the design to life – details that can really only be appreciated when spending time in the space.

Loft Reminders
- All guests must sign our Release before arrival.
- Please contact us directly to rent for an event or for a commercial shoot, as AirBnB cannot be used to book for anything other than an overnight guest stay.