Tuesday, October 16th, 2018
It’s no surprise that Lakeshore East, also known as the New East Side, has grown increasingly popular in recent years.
Although this downtown neighborhood is steps from Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Loop, Lakeshore East is a tree-lined, tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life and steps to the lake front.
GEMS World Academy already has a popular private school in the neighborhood which services grades K-9 and is now developing a school for grades 8-12.
The 13-story building is expected to accommodate 1,440 students.
Initial renderings from architecture firm bKL are quite impressive and show student amenities including a landscaped rooftop overlooking the Chicago River, a media workshop and digital theatre, a 500-seat auditorium, an indoor gymnasium, and a two-story library.
GEMS students will have access to fresh air on the rooftop terrace
GEMS is on track to open in 2019Â at 355 E Upper Wacker Drive, between Coast Apartments and the Wanda Vista Tower development.
The 6-acre park in the center of the neighborhood has gorgeous landscaping, fountains, and free wifi. Village Market houses Mariano’s grocery store, Filini contemporary Italian dining, III Forks Steakhouse, MingHin Chinese restaurant, as well as other shops, coffee shops, and a nail salon. Lakeshore East is also one of Chicago’s most dog friendly neighborhoods.
Lakeshore East is blocks from CTA train stations serviced by brown, orange, green, red, blue, and pink line trains, which access to Midway and O’Hare International airports. Millennium Station provides access to the northern, southern, and western suburbs via the Metra trains. Many buildings in Lakeshore East connect to the Pedway, and underground system of walkways frequently used by locals in the wintertime. The Pedway is lined with plenty of restaurants, stores, salons, and after work hangouts. The entrances to Lakeshore Drive and Lower Wacker Drive are both in close proximity as well.
By Sophie Morrison
