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Light-filled kitchen in a Chicago vintage penthouse renovation by Jaffe Architecture, designed for everyday living with wood cabinetry, marble island, and city views

Shuffling the Decks

Chicago, ILLINOIS

Restored original wood paneling in a Chicago vintage renovation by Jaffe Architecture, opening to a modern family room with new millwork that blends traditional detailing with contemporary design
Family room with new wood paneling and fireplace in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago penthouse gut renovation with a two-story addition by Jaffe Architecture, designed for everyday living
Great room seating area in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse gut renovation by Jaffe Architecture, where restored arched windows frame views to Lake Michigan and shape the space
Updated staircase with metal balusters and restored paneling in a Chicago renovation by Jaffe Architecture, giving new life to a once outdated great room

Jaffe’s updated design brought cohesion, natural light, and flexibility across all levels of the home. Wide plank flooring was introduced throughout the main floor to unify spaces, while existing oak paneling was refinished and paired with new millwork—respecting the home’s vintage identity while adding contemporary clarity. Rooms now open seamlessly into one another, with thoughtful transitions between public and private zones.

Study in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse gut renovation and addition by Chicago architect Lisa Jaffe of Jaffe Architecture, transformed from a former laundry room with access to an intimate terrace and city views
Rear elevator lobby in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse gut renovation by Jaffe Architecture, with concealed elevator and integrated millwork that improves flow, connection, and flexibility

“If I ever have another project, Jaffe Architecture will be the first and only firm I call.”

Expanded kitchen with breakfast area and lounge in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse gut renovation and two-story addition by Jaffe Architecture, created by converting an underused terrace
View through the expanded kitchen in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse reimagined by Lisa Jaffe of Jaffe Architecture, with new sightlines, eat-in island, and city views
Kitchen in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse gut renovation by Jaffe Architecture, with reconfigured layout, integrated millwork, and concealed TV and fireplace tailored to the owners’ needs
Primary bathroom in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse gut renovation by Jaffe Architecture, with slab marble steam shower, floating bench, freestanding tub, and custom storage

A two-story rooftop addition brings light, air, and function. By enclosing part of a west-facing terrace, we made room for a new primary suite, yoga room, and upstairs laundry—freeing the main floor for more generous daily living and
entertaining. A new study with a walkout terrace and sweeping views replaces what was once a dark utility room. A
reimagined kitchen—complete with a fireplace and oversized island—now anchors the home’s social heart.

Light-filled laundry room adjacent to the primary suite in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago penthouse renovation by Jaffe Architecture, designed for everyday ease
Wellness studio with yoga rope wall and Lake Michigan views in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse gut renovation by Jaffe Architecture, created through a two-story addition and major layout reorganization
Terrace with lounge and dining areas overlooking Lake Michigan in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago vintage penthouse gut renovation by Jaffe Architecture, redesigned for outdoor living and entertaining
Private terrace with fire table and seating overlooking Lake Michigan in Shuffling the Decks, a Chicago penthouse renovation by Jaffe Architecture, reimagined for gathering and relaxation

Bringing new life to a vintage apartment is our passion. Explore Back to the Future another Chicago renovation rooted in timeless transformation.

What began as a kitchen renovation evolved into a full transformation of this vintage duplex penthouse in Chicago.
Set high above the city with lake views and multiple terraces, the home offered architectural character and untapped potential—but a disjointed layout and underutilized spaces kept it from truly living well. The homeowners came to Jaffe Architecture with a desire to preserve what made the home special while reshaping it for the rhythms of modern life.

Chicago architect Lisa Jaffe transformed this vintage residence to support the way the family lives, with a light-filled living room framed by original arched windows and lake views
Dining room in a Chicago penthouse renovation by Jaffe Architecture with custom table, layered textiles, and curated artwork, designed for everyday living and gathering

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