1960's Mid-Century Modern Apartment w/ Original Artwork

The Performance Loft 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 former University of Illinois professor Jack S. Baker, the space is recognized as a trailblazing early example of adaptive reuse loft living. Designed in 1973, the "Performance Loft” is preserved as a midcentury modern time capsule, complete with period furnishings and accessories. The interior of the Performance Loft was fashioned out of a late 19th Century wagon shop. A former vehicle elevator was infilled to create a sunken space and an elevated stage. The space has been frequented by students and local community members hosting seminars, dance, and theater performance and poetry readings, exhibits, and receptions. 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 in the sunken area, while the stage above can be used for additional sleeping or for dramatic performances, should the moment strike you. The main open concept room contains a large living and dining space flooded with light from the terrace doors and skylights above. An additional lounge or sleeping loft is located above the kitchen and bathroom, accessed from a ship ladder. The kitchen is the perfect place to prepare a coffee to enjoy on the terrace while overlooking the Campustown skyline or storing your leftovers from one of the fantastic restaurants located a short walk away. With no oven 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 vintage George Nelson table or use the vintage dinnerware al fresco for a meal in the courtyard. In a rarity for loft living, the private courtyard nearly doubles the space of the interior. Lounge on the sleek elevated deck or cozy up by the firepit, all while being a stonesthrow from downtown and the University. Midtown Champaign; located between downtown Champaign and UIUC campus The design of the space appears contemporary today, despite the fact that it was created half a century 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; however, there is an air mattress that can accommodate 2 additional guests if desired. The Performance Loft has a city location that comes with city noise. If you are looking for silence, you might venture to a prairie rental at the outskirts of town, but if you are looking for proximity to great dining, nightlife, and activities, you would be hard-pressed to find a better location, while still providing off-street parking and a large and private outdoor space. Your stay carries on Jack Baker’s tradition of hosting architects, artists, students, and guests from across campus and around the world. Not only is the Performance Loft 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 elevator gears on the “stage”, 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. - 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.