Historic Pelouze Building in Streeterville Transforms with Rooftop Pickleball Courts and New Apartments

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Streeterville · January 3, 2026

The historic Pelouze Building at 230 E. Ohio Street in Streeterville is undergoing an exciting transformation as Horizon Realty Group converts the seven-story loft office building into 72 modern apartments. The property, which once served as the former offices of the Pelouze Scale & Manufacturing Co. and was built next door to where Playboy magazine once had its offices, was purchased by Horizon in September for approximately $5.6 million.

The renovated building will feature a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments that maintain the structure's distinctive loft style while incorporating modern amenities. What's creating particular buzz among Streeterville residents is the addition of a sundeck and two pickleball courts on the roof. "There's not many buildings that have rooftop pickleball in the middle of downtown Chicago with great views," noted Jeff Michael, Horizon's Chief Operating Officer. The development's strategic location near University of Chicago Medicine's River East hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is expected to attract strong demand, addressing what Michael described as limited new construction in Streeterville recently.

Residents can also look forward to additional amenities including fire pits, grill stations, and a dog walk area on the rooftop deck. The building's current ground-floor retail tenants, including a Thai restaurant and an optometrist, will remain part of the mixed-use development, maintaining the street's commercial character. Streeterville community members interested in learning more about this neighborhood enhancement can contact Horizon Realty Group for updates on the project's expected completion timeline and leasing opportunities.

Sources:
1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2024/11/12/streeterville-office-building-horizon-transforming-apartments-rooftop-pickleball-courts
2. https://chicagoyimby.com/2024/12/permits-issued-for-residential-conversion-of-230-e-ohio-street-in-streeterville.html