Pythian Market, the highly anticipated urban food collective located on the building’s first floor, has served as a thriving, community-driven food mecca with a focus on independent businesses since its grand opening in May 2018. The 14 independent vendors range from established local brands with a loyal following to up-and-coming new concepts with unique and creative fare; all with an eye toward turning out high-quality, fresh food in a relaxed, communal setting. Local craftsman Matthew Holdren, who’s been featured on CNBC’s The Deed, transformed the original Pythian Jazz Garden’s old dance floors into a beautiful collection of dining surfaces for the high-tops, banquettes and communal tables, all set against polished concrete floors and exposed brick walls.

The historic renovation of the 10-story, mixed-use Pythian Building at 234 Loyola Avenue consisted of 69 apartments, a street-level foodservice operation, shared working space for small businesses and nonprofits, and healthcare offices. The full scope of work for the project included selective demolition and abatement; exterior façade repairs with historical masonry and cast stone; historic railing repair and restoration; waterproofing and roofing; replication of historic windows and curtain wall; traditional plaster treatment and repairs; modern interior finishes (drywall, flooring, etc.); new elevators; and all associated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.