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Moving to Downtown Chicago

Top Tips for Moving to Downtown Chicago

Moving to downtown Chicago can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. From navigating the neighborhoods to finding the perfect apartment, there’s a lot to think about when making the move to the Windy City.

Wondering how to find downtown Chicago apartments, about neighborhoods, the benefits of working with a leasing agent, or the average rent in Chicago? Here are our top tips if you’re thinking of moving to Chicago!

1. Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown Chicago is made up of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and character. From the bustling streets of the Loop to the trendy vibes of River North, there’s something for everyone in downtown Chicago. Before you start your apartment search, take some time to research the different neighborhoods and determine which one best fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Here’s a brief overview of some popular downtown Chicago neighborhoods and their average rent prices:

  • The Loop: Known for its iconic skyline and bustling business district, the Loop offers a mix of high-rise apartments and historic lofts. Average 1 bed rent: $2,300 – $3,000 per month.
  • River North: A trendy neighborhood known for its art galleries, nightlife, and upscale dining scene. Average 1 bed rent: $2,500 – $3,500 per month.
  • Streeterville: Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Streeterville offers luxury high-rise living with stunning lake views. Average 1 bed rent: $2,000 – $3,200 per month.
  • West Loop: A former industrial area turned vibrant neighborhood, West Loop is known for its trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and loft-style apartments. Average 1 bed rent: $2,300 – $3,500 per month.

2. Work with a Leasing Agent

Navigating the downtown Chicago rental market can be daunting, but working with a leasing agent can make the process much easier and more efficient. A leasing agent can help you narrow down your search, find deals through their relationships with high rise buildings, take videos and do virtual tours if you’re out of state or busy, schedule apartment showings, and sometimes negotiate lease terms on your behalf. They have insider knowledge of the market and can help you find hidden gems that may not be listed online.

3. Timing Your Search

The downtown Chicago rental market moves quickly, especially during peak moving seasons like summer. To ensure you find the perfect apartment, start your search early and be prepared to act fast when you find a place you love. On the other hand, you also tend to find the best deals the closer you look to your move date. The sweet spot tends to be starting your search 30-60 days out from your move date.

4. Average Rent in Chicago

Renters coming from other big cities, such as New York, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, tend to be pleasantly surprised that the average rent in downtown Chicago tends to be substantially lower than in other big cities. Most managed high rise buildings don’t ask for security deposits or move in fees, but most private landlords do.

5. Consider Transportation Options

Downtown Chicago is known for its excellent public transportation system, including buses and trains operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Many downtown neighborhoods are also very walkable, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. You really don’t need to have a car to get around downtown Chicago, but picking an apartment near the transit lines is an important consideration.

6. Embrace City Living

Moving to downtown Chicago offers an unparalleled urban experience, with endless opportunities for entertainment, dining, and cultural enrichment right at your doorstep. Embrace city living and take advantage of everything downtown Chicago has to offer, from world-class museums and theaters to waterfront parks and outdoor festivals. Get out and explore your new neighborhood, meet your neighbors, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of downtown Chicago.

Thinking of moving to downtown Chicago or wondering about average rent in Chicago? We’re happy to answer all of your questions! Contact us today to get in touch with one of our neighborhood experts.

Downtown Chicago’s Bullish Multifamily Market

Why We’re Bullish on Chicago’s Downtown Rental Market

The residential rental market in Chicago has been a top performer, with strong fundamentals and promising prospects.

One of the primary factors fueling the demand for apartments in Chicago is the rising prices of single-family homes. As home prices continue to climb, more individuals and families are opting for the flexibility and affordability of renting. Additionally, the hybrid work-from-home trend has played a significant role in driving demand. With more people working remotely, the appeal of living in vibrant urban neighborhoods close to amenities and transportation has increased.

The work-from-home trend has not only influenced the demand for apartments but has also shaped design trends in the rental market. Renters are now seeking units that offer dedicated workspaces and flexible layouts to accommodate their remote work needs. Developers and property managers are adapting to this demand by incorporating home office spaces, high-speed internet connectivity, and communal work areas into their apartment designs.

New construction projects have faced challenges due to rising interest rates and development costs. Tightened capital markets have made it more difficult for developers to secure financing for new projects. Additionally, the increase in development costs, including construction materials and labor, has put pressure on profitability. These factors have contributed to a slowdown in new construction, limiting the supply of available apartments. Demand far exceeded supply in 2021, and readjusted over the last two years. However, the ratio of supply vs. demand is trending back toward demand exceeding supply again by 2025. As a result of supply trending slightly lower than demand, there’s less competition between new construction buildings that are being delivered, resulting in climbing rental rates and quick and successful lease ups. With rental rates high, renters are disincentivized from looking elsewhere, and renewal and occupancy rates have stayed high in tandem. Nearly every downtown neighborhood has far exceeded pre-pandemic rental rates per square foot.

Additionally, the potential for interest rate hikes could affect rental demand, as higher rates may reduce purchasing power and influence individuals to continue renting. With so many luxury apartment buildings offering condo-grade finishes and appliances as well as top tier amenities at no additional cost, many would-be purchasers are content with continuing to rent.

Furthermore, the city of Chicago has been strongly incentivizing corporate relocations, specifically in the tech and biotech sectors. Because the cost of living in Chicago is low relative to other tech hub cities, like Seattle, Boston, New York, and San Francisco, top talent continues to choose Chicago as a place to live and work.

Chicago’s residential rental market continues to perform well, driven by strong demand and favorable market conditions.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent and more information on new construction in downtown Chicago? Contact us today!

New Construction at 400 N Lakeshore Drive

400 N Lakeshore Drive by Related Midwest is one of the most highly anticipated new developments in downtown Chicago. After significant delays due to COVID, 400 N Lakeshore is finally breaking ground. The site was originally going to be home to the Chicago Spire, but was acquired by Related several years later. Related plans to bring 1000 luxury apartments for rent to bridge the Streeterville area with Michigan Avenue’s Mag Mile and the lakefront.

400 N LSD New Construction near downtown Chicago's lakeshore drive

Rendering of 400 North Lakeshore Drive

With its luxurious features, impeccable amenities, and attention to detail in every unit, this high-rise development sets a new benchmark for upscale urban living. Its architectural significance and strategic location in downtown Chicago make it a landmark destination for those who seek the perfect blend of city and lakeside living.

With a range of well-thought-out features, these units are designed to cater to your every need. The modern interior design and high-quality finishes create a serene and sophisticated ambiance that complements the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the cityscape. Each unit features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, creating a sense of openness and allowing residents to enjoy panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. Whether you’re relaxing in your living room or preparing a gourmet meal in the chef-inspired kitchen, you’ll always be treated to awe-inspiring vistas. Whether you’re seeking a cozy one-bedroom apartment or a spacious three-bedroom penthouse, the development has you covered.

The interiors are adorned with high-end finishes, including hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. In addition, the oversized closets and in-unit washer and dryer add convenience and functionality to your home. Plus, the building is pet-friendly, so your furry family members are more than welcome.

Residents at 400 N Lakeshore Drive are pampered with a remarkable array of amenities that make daily life truly extraordinary. The development boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with cutting-edge equipment. After your workout, relax in the luxurious spa and sauna, where you can rejuvenate and unwind. On warm days, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, which offers stunning views of the city while you soak up the sun. For those who enjoy entertaining, there’s a spacious rooftop terrace with grilling stations, perfect for hosting gatherings with friends and family. The building also offers concierge services, including package receiving and dry cleaning, to make your daily routines smoother and more convenient. Additionally, dedicated parking and bike storage facilities ensure that every resident’s needs are met.

400 N Lakeshore Drive is strategically located to offer residents the best of both urban and lakeside living. Situated just steps away from Lake Michigan, residents can take leisurely strolls along the lakefront, enjoy picnics, or simply bask in the calming presence of the water.

Looking for luxury pet friendly apartments for rent near 400 N Lakeshore Drive? Contact us today!

The St. Regis Residences Chicago

The St. Regis Residences stand as a beacon of opulence in downtown Chicago’s thriving real estate landscape. As the latest addition to the city’s luxury residential offerings, The St. Regis Residences redefine the standard for upscale living, featuring one, two, three, and four bedroom homes.

Pet Friendly at The St. Regis Chicago Dog friendly 3 beds

When you enter The St. Regis Residences, you are greeted by an aura of sophistication that sets the stage for what lies within. Each residence is a masterpiece of modern design, meticulously crafted to provide the utmost comfort and elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light to pour in, offering panoramic views of the iconic Chicago skyline, which becomes your daily backdrop.

4 bedroom Residences at The St Regis Chicago

The interiors of these residences showcase a commitment to quality that is second to none. High-end finishes, including gleaming hardwood floors, designer lighting fixtures, and custom millwork, are found throughout. The kitchens are a culinary enthusiast’s dream, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry. These spaces seamlessly blend style and functionality, making entertaining guests or preparing gourmet meals an absolute delight.

4 bedroom Residences at The St Regis Chicago

The spacious bedrooms are designed as private sanctuaries, featuring plush carpeting, generous closet space, and luxurious en-suite bathrooms adorned with marble and designer fixtures. In these spaces, tranquility and relaxation take center stage.

4 bedroom Residences at The St Regis Chicago

The St. Regis Residences do not merely offer luxurious homes; they provide an unparalleled lifestyle experience. The amenities here are truly exceptional. The fitness center is a state-of-the-art space, equipped with the latest exercise equipment and offering personal training services. Whether you prefer a high-intensity workout or a calming yoga session, you’ll find everything you need to maintain your health and wellness right at your doorstep.

For those who crave relaxation, the spa and wellness center are a haven of serenity. Indulge in rejuvenating treatments, unwind in the steam room, or take a dip in the sparkling indoor pool. It’s a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The St. Regis Residences also cater to the needs of busy professionals with a business center and private meeting rooms. These spaces are designed to facilitate productivity, whether you’re working from home or need a quiet place for important meetings.

Concierge services are available 24/7 to assist with any request, from securing reservations at the city’s finest restaurants to arranging transportation and more. The attentive staff is dedicated to ensuring that your every need is met, allowing you to enjoy a seamless and luxurious lifestyle.

The St. Regis Residences are situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, granting residents access to the city’s finest offerings. The location places you within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, an iconic shopping district known for its upscale boutiques, department stores, and dining options. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to renowned museums, theaters, and galleries, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. For those who enjoy the outdoors, nearby parks and the scenic Riverwalk offer opportunities for leisurely strolls and picturesque views of the Chicago River.

The St. Regis Residences in downtown Chicago represent the pinnacle of luxury living. From the meticulously designed residences to the lavish amenities and the prime location, every aspect of this residential development exudes opulence. If you seek a lifestyle that combines elegance, comfort, and convenience in the heart of Chicago, look no further than The St. Regis Residences. Contact us for more information.

Arthur on Aberdeen West Loop Apartments

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood, The Arthur on Aberdeen stands as a beacon of luxury living, offering residents a lifestyle that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with modern convenience. This new luxury apartment building at 210 N Aberdeen boasts an array of exquisite features and amenities, making it the perfect choice for those seeking the pinnacle of comfort and style in downtown Chicago.

Arthur on Aberdeen West Loop Apartments for rent near Fulton Market

Rendering courtesy of LG Group

A Glimpse into The Arthur on Aberdeen Apartments

The Arthur on Aberdeen features a wide range of meticulously designed apartments to cater to various lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or someone looking to downsize in style, you’ll find the perfect home within this elegant residence.

The apartments at The Arthur on Aberdeen are a testament to luxury. They come equipped with high-end finishes, including hardwood floors, custom cabinetry, and expansive windows that flood each unit with natural light, offering breathtaking views of the city. The open-concept layouts create spacious living areas that are perfect for both relaxation and entertaining guests.

Gourmet kitchens in these apartments feature top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and generous island spaces, making cooking and dining an absolute delight. Modern conveniences such as in-unit washer and dryer and ample closet space add to the ease and comfort of everyday living.

The bedrooms at The Arthur on Aberdeen apartments are designed to provide an oasis of tranquility. Spacious and inviting, they are a haven of comfort after a long day in the bustling city. Spa-inspired bathrooms with elegant fixtures and walk-in showers complete the luxurious experience.

Amenities Beyond Compare

Living at The Arthur on Aberdeen extends far beyond the comfort of your apartment. This luxury building offers a wealth of amenities to cater to your every need and desire. The rooftop terrace, for instance, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. It’s the perfect place to unwind, socialize with neighbors, or simply take in the beauty of the city.

For those who love to stay active, the fitness center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Residents can work out at their convenience without having to leave the building. Afterward, the sauna and steam room provide a soothing retreat to relax and rejuvenate.

The lounge areas are stylish and comfortable, perfect for casual gatherings or simply unwinding with a good book. The co-working spaces are ideal for remote work or studying.

The pet-friendly policy at The Arthur on Aberdeen means that even your furry family members can enjoy the perks of luxury living. A dedicated pet grooming station ensures that your pets are pampered and always looking their best.

The West Loop Neighborhood 

Beyond the luxurious amenities within the building, The Arthur on Aberdeen is strategically located in Chicago’s West Loop, a neighborhood known for its trendy restaurants, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. From world-class dining experiences to boutique shops and cultural attractions, this area has something for everyone.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the famed Restaurant Row, where you can savor a diverse array of cuisines from renowned chefs. The West Loop is also home to many art galleries, making it a hub for creativity and culture.

For those seeking outdoor activities, nearby parks and the scenic Chicago Riverwalk offer opportunities for leisurely strolls, biking, and enjoying the picturesque surroundings.

If you’re ready to experience the exceptional lifestyle offered at The Arthur on Aberdeen, contact us today to schedule a tour and discover the ultimate in luxury apartment living in downtown Chicago. Your new home awaits amidst the sophistication and convenience of this remarkable residence. Contact us for pre-leasing information!

Luxury Apartments in Chicago: What to Know

If you’re looking for luxury apartments in Chicago and wondering when to start your search or how much to budget for your move, here’s everything you need to know before getting started!

Gold Coast Luxury apartments in Chicago for rent

The Best Time to Look For Luxury Apartments in Chicago

Timing your search depends on whether you’re looking to live in a managed high rise or a privately owned condo. In general, managed buildings will start to have availability about 60 days out and privately owned condos tend to pop up within 30 days of their availability date. Managed high rises tend to offer the beset pricing and concessions (like rent credits or a month free) for vacant units more often than they do for units coming up later. However, luxury apartments in Chicago tend to rent pretty quickly, so you don’t want to wait too long and risk having limited availability. All in all, the best time to look for an apartment in Chicago is about 45 days out from your move date if you want the maximum number of options and the best pricing.

Luxury apartments in Chicago for rent near you now leasing

Costs of Moving to Luxury Chicago Apartments

Millie on Michigan Luxury Apartments

Managed high rises tend to have lower costs associated with moving than privately owned condos because they’ll often do a small administrative fee (about $400-500) and no security deposit or move in fees. Often times, the administrative fee can be credited back to your rent account if you apply within 24-48 hours of first touring the unit.

Privately owned condos tend to ask for a security deposit (about one month of rent), a move in fee (usually about $300-750), and first months rent.

In some cities like New York or Boston, it’s customary to pay a broker fee. Renters are often happy to learn that there are no costs associated with working with a broker for renters in Chicago.

Both managed high rise units and privately owned units will ask for an application fee, usually ranging around $50-65.

All in all, it tends to cost about $500-600 plus your first month of rent to move into an apartment in a managed high rise and it tends to cost about two months of rent plus about $400-800 to move into a privately owned condo. Of course, these numbers are averages and will vary depending on the landlord.

 

If you’re looking for luxury apartments in Chicago for rent, contact us today!

Are Luxury Apartments Worth it?

With so much (tempting) new construction in Chicago, many renters are wondering, are luxury apartments worth it?

Aysha Hackert, partner and broker at Downtown Apartment Company and DRC, shared her insight with Go Banking Rates and Yahoo on the topic.

Now leasing luxury 2 bedroom 3 bed and convertibles studio and penthouse apartments near downtown Chicago

Don’t Sweat the Small (or Big) Stuff

One of the major advantages of living in a managed luxury building is the caliber of management and maintenance. Buildings often have on-site maintenance with 24 hour emergency response. This isn’t something you’ll appreciate every day, but when you need it, you’ll be really glad you have it.

The management companies often hired by high rise developers tend to have a strong reputation with a national presence, which means more resources and systems in place to keep buildings running smoothly. From seamless lease renewals, to resident events, concierge services, and even minor needs like when you need a lightbulb changed or an appliance repaired, there are quite a few advantages to having a high quality professional management and maintenance team on site.

Third Party Vendors

Most high rise luxury properties work with third party vendors that offer incredibly convenient services. Popular services include on-site personal training, an option to get your car washed while it’s parked in your building garage spot, valet dry cleaning, room service available from a private chef service, housekeeping and cleaning, and even miscellaneous chores like plant watering.

When she commented for the Go Banking Rates article, Hackert used the example of a management company that offers a “Home Away” program. When you’re away from your unit on a vacation or trip, they will water your plants, water and feed your animals and deliver any packages directly into your unit.

Is renting a luxury apartment in downtown Chicago worth it?

Many high rise luxury apartment buildings in Chicago offer housekeeping services

Amenities

Many buildings include health club quality fitness centers with state of the art equipment like Peloton bikes, spa amenities like salt saunas, resident-only salons, and massage treatment rooms, co-working and flexible individual work spaces, rooms for entertaining and hosting private events, on-site coffee bars (some of which are even staffed with baristas), wine cellars, bike repair stations, recording studios, and substantial discounts on hotels, restaurants, and retail in the surrounding areas.

Downtown Chicago Luxury Apartments for Rent

Resident co-working space at Property 171 in the West Loop

Hackert added that living in a luxury building can help cut costs for services and expenses if you find the building offers amenities that match your lifestyle needs. For example, if you move into a luxury apartment with a fitness center, you could save money by canceling your existing gym membership and use the facilities provided on-site.

 

To browse luxury apartments and see what’s out there, check out our map tool or contact us today! We offer both virtual and in person apartment tours.

If you’re looking for information on how to list or purchase a property in downtown Chicago, contact us here.

A Tale of Two Cities: Moving From New York to Chicago

There’s a reason New York and downtown Chicago are world renowned cities. Moving from New York to Chicago? Here are some of the biggest similarities and differences you need to know between the two.

Moving from New York City to downtown Chicago

The Chicago River runs through the heart of the city

Biggest Similarity

One thing New Yorkers and Chicagoans alike appreciate about their cities is the vibrant and distinct culture of each neighborhood. If you like the elegant brownstones of The Village, take a stroll down Dearborn Street in the Gold Coast or down Sheffield in Lincoln Park.

Moving from New York City to downtown Chicago

Chicago’s Gold Coast and Lincoln Park neighborhoods are home to stunning brownstones, much like the ones you’d find in The Village

If SoHo is your vibe, check out the chic brick and timber lofts, galleries, and world-renowned restaurants of Fulton Market. Is Brooklyn more your scene? Head to Logan Square, Wicker Park, and West Town for a vibrant hipster artist scene mixed with tree-lined residential streets, coffee shops, and farmers markets. Another thing Chi City and the Big Apple have in common– both sure made great use of their waterfronts! If you’re seeking Cooney Island vibes, head to Navy Pier for boat cruises, carnival rides, the Ferris wheel, dining, fireworks, and incredible live events. When you’ve gotten your fix of the pier, stroll to North Avenue or Oak Street beaches for a fun round of volleyball or relaxing water-side yoga class.

Moving from New York to Chicago

Navy Pier is home to Chicago’s famous Ferris wheel, first designed to host the World’s Fair in the late 1800s!

Biggest Difference

Although Chicago streets feel quite bustling to Chicagoans, New Yorkers always marvel at how “little traffic” there is on both streets and sidewalks compared to downtown Manhattan. Chicago streets can get a little backed up during rush hour but for the most part, it’s easy to breeze between neighborhoods. New Yorkers also appreciate how easy it is to go for a run on the sidewalks compared to Manhattan and how many additional running and biking trails there are. From the 606 trail that runs through the western neighborhoods,  the Lakefront trail that runs through the eastern neighborhoods, and the Riverwalk that runs through the center of the city, to the smaller paths through any number of spacious local parks, like the two mile loop around Humboldt Park or the 5.5 mile loop through and around Lincoln Park, there are plenty of places to be in nature and unwind in the heart of downtown.

Moving from New York to Chicago

Many smaller lakes and ponds with running paths are scattered throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods

Moving from New York to Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to guide you in your search and answer your questions. We are also offering both virtual and in person apartment tours. Be sure to ask about move in specials including free rent concessions!

Millennium on Lasalle

Millennium on Lasalle offers the best of historic charm and luxury new construction. This elegant building still has historic accents, like original (decorative) doors, regal grand stairs, and limestone and marble in the hallways. The new interior finishes and state of the art amenities give residents everything they could want in a new construction high rise, all in the heart of the downtown Chicago financial district in the Loop.
Pet friendly luxury apartments for rent near the Loop CTA line

Millennium on Lasalle offers luxury furnished and unfurnished pet friendly apartments in the Loop near the Google headquarters at the Thompson Center

These luxury apartments feature modern kitchens with stainless appliances, stone countertops, premium Italian cabinetry, backsplashes, and elegant designer lighting with marble tile and large vanities in each spa inspired bathroom.
Pet friendly luxury apartments for rent near the Loop CTA line at Millennium on Lasalle near Google headquarters at the Thompson Center
Each apartment also includes an in unit washer and dryer and individually controlled heat and air conditioning. Millennium on Lasalle’s apartments are also pet friendly. Most units also include space for a work from home set up or office.
Pet friendly luxury apartments for rent near the Loop CTA line
Millennium on Lasalle offers both seasonal and year round amenities. In the warmer months, head to the trendy rooftop pool area or the grilling stations. Year round, residents enjoy having access to the state of the art fitness center, a full size basketball court, a demonstration kitchen and dinner party space for hosting, a poker room, gaming room and lounge, a theatre room, and on site co-working space. Pet amenities include a private on site dog park and a pet washing station. Other conveniences include 24 hour maintenance, bike storage, door staff, and dry cleaning. Millennium on Lasalle also offers furnished apartments in the Loop.
Millennium on Lasalle luxury apartments for rent in the Loop near Google Thompson Center
Millennium on Lasalle is conveniently located near nearly every CTA and Metra train line as well as the Board of Trade, City Hall, SAIC, Depaul’s Loop Campus, and John Marshall Law School. Additionally, if you’re looking for luxury apartments for rent near the new Google headquarters at the Thompson Center in the Loop, Millennium on Lasalle will be a great location!
Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago in the Loop? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to guide you in your search! We are offering both virtual and in-person apartment tours. For a limited time, Millennium on Lasalle is also offering up to 1.5 months free on select units!
You can also stay up to date on all the Loop events here.

344 N Canal Acquired by Habitat Co

The Habitat Company is a leader in the multifamily market, with over $3 billion in assets and over 22,000 units under their management around the country. In Chicago, Habitat is the developer behind East Bank Club, Chicago’s cornerstone health and social club which spans over two blocks, as well as many high rise rental buildings and townhomes.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago in River North or Fulton Market River District?

Rendering courtesy of Habitat and Solomon Cordwell Buenz

Most recently, Habitat acquired 344 N. Canal St, just up the street from East Bank Club and two of their high rise rental buildings– 43 story Kingsbury Plaza and 450 unit Hubbard Place apartments. 344 N. Canal is currently the site of the Cassidy Tire building. Construction is expected to begin this spring and upon completion it will be a 33 story, 343 unit rental building with a mix of studio, one, and two bedroom apartments as well as ample amenity space, ground level retail space, and 123 parking spaces. The renowned architecture firm, Solomon Cordwell Buenz, will be designing the glassy tower.

 

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago’s Fulton River District or River North neighborhoods? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to guide you in your search! We are now offering in person and virtual tours. Be sure to ask about any move in specials!

Eleven23 Randolph Apartments

Eleven23 Randolph Street is one of the newest luxury apartment buildings to join the ranks in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.

Eleven23 Randolph St Apartments in the West Loop

Images courtesy of Eleven23 and Peak Properties

Each unit’s kitchen is equipped with efficient stainless steel appliances, under mount lighting, white quartz countertops, sleek espresso cabinetry, gas ranges, and large kitchen islands. The apartments at Eleven23 Randolph boast thoughtfully designed living spaces, natural light through the oversized windows, full sized in unit washer and dryer, and private balconies with stunning city views. Units are composed of one and two bedroom apartments.

Eleven23 Randolph St Apartments in the West Loop

Images courtesy of Eleven23 and Peak Properties

The two bedroom layouts are great for roommates, as each bedroom is a comparable size with its own bathroom. Each 2 bed layout also features an expansive terrace or two smaller balconies, one off of the living space and another off of the primary bedroom. The spa inspired bathrooms come with frameless glass showers, luxe tile, and plenty of storage space.

Eleven23 Randolph St Apartments in the West Loop

Images courtesy of Eleven23 and Peak Properties

The location of Eleven23 Randolph is unbeatable. Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of everything, close to conveniences like public transit, parks, and grocery stores, or are looking for a neighborhood feel, this could be the place for you! The stretch of Randolph Street known as “Restaurant Row”, a former meat packing district that is now known for its high density of world renowned restaurants, starts just two blocks east of these apartments. You’ll enjoy being on a more quiet block with coffee shops and smaller restaurants with the option to be in the lively center of the neighborhood within minutes. Head west two blocks and you’ll be at Union Park, a sprawling and well maintained park with tennis courts, a running trail, basketball courts, and wide open green space. Whole Foods and Mariano’s grocery stores, Skinner dog park, the seasonal farmer’s market, as well at the CTA green and blue lines are also within minutes walking distance. McDonald’s international headquarters and Google’s midwest headquarters are two and three blocks away, respectively. Eleven23 is less than a mile to the Loop and Union Station.

 

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago’s West Loop or Fulton Market? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to guide you in your search. We are now offering in person and virtual apartment tours.

Union: Onni Group’s Fulton Market Apartments

Onni Group brought its first development to Chicago less than 5 years ago and has already taken the city by storm. From the wildly successful lease up of their first development, The Hudson, in River North, this year’s River North delivery, 369 Grand, and of course the multi-phase three tower development at Old Town Park, it seems that Onni has cracked the code in terms of giving Chicago renters exactly what they want. Hallmarks of Onni’s developments include top tier condo grade finishes and some of the highest quality appliances on the market in every unit, thoughtful amenities like ample work-from-home areas, pet amenities, and 24/7 package receiving, and extra touches of luxury, like spa inspired Himalayan salt saunas, oversized hot tubs, basketball courts, music rooms, sparkling water on tap, grand lobby spaces, herb and produce gardens for residents, and having multiple outdoor pools in a single building so residents can find their own poolside “vibe”.

With all these successful lease ups, Onni is not slowing down anytime soon and has multiple projects in the pipeline. One project that has garnered recent attention is Union, at 354 Union Avenue in Fulton Market. Upon completion, Union will be approximately 400 feet and will offer 373 luxury rentals as well as 143 parking spots. Union is being designed by architecture firm, Pappageorge Haymes.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near the West Loop and Fulton Market?

A rendering of 354 N Union Avenue courtesy of Pappageorge Haymes

The development at 354 N Union Ave broke ground this past April and is expected to take two years to complete. Early sketches and renderings suggest Union will have a host of state of the art amenity spaces, including an expansive outdoor pool deck. The finished high rise is expected to have a sleek, glassy exterior with aluminum balconies and metal accents.

Pet friendly apartments for rent in Fulton Market near downtown Chicago

Sketch of third floor amenity space courtesy of Pappageorge Haymes

Like neighboring building, K2 Apartments, Union will have a pedestrian bridge providing direct access to the adjacent Jewel Osco supermarket as well as several other shops in the same plaza including a pet supply store, nail salon, dry cleaner, bank, and more.

In addition to convenient grocery store access, Union will be in an incredibly convenient location overall. With both the highway entrance and the CTA blue line to O’Hare and downtown just two blocks away, lively Fulton Market street just one block away for Chicago’s best dining and nightlife, and ample coffee shops, parks, and boutique fitness studios, the location doesn’t get much better than this.

Fulton Market has been a popular destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike for several years because of its high density of world renowned restaurants, nightlife, and the charming neighborhood feel created by its cobblestone road, low rise brick lofts, and artful nods to its meat packing district roots. However, the past three years have also seen a significant boom in Fulton Market office space development. With numerous high-end office buildings popping up on what seems to be a monthly basis, it makes sense that the demand for residential development has grown in tandem. Between the hot location and Onni’s stellar track record, Union is sure to be a hit!

Looking for luxury new construction apartments for rent in Fulton Market? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to answer your questions and guide you in your search. We are now offering in person, self guided, and virtual apartment tours.

Trending 2 Beds

Lots of new market trends emerged from the pandemic. From increased puppy adoption to Peloton purchases, many products and industries saw a boost this year. One key market trend in the rental market has been absorption of 2 beds. In addition to expected 2 bedroom absorption, here are some reasons explaining where the increased demand came from over this past year.

Looking for pet friendly 2 beds for rent near you in downtown Chicago?

2 Bed at DAC Property 79 in Streeterville

One Place for All Needs

In 2020, home needed to serve as the office, gym, and recreation space. For many, having their home office and “chill space” be in the same area felt exhausting. Even occupants who lived alone felt a need for 2 beds to have an additional bedroom to serve as a designated office or personal space to create a sense of work-life separation.

Companionship and Additional Occupants

The pandemic highlighted the importance of quarantine companionship. For some people that meant moving in with another occupant and for others that meant adopting a pet. Either way, many renters have been looking for more space to accommodate the fact that they are no longer living alone.

Decreased Travel

Many renters with travel based jobs, like consultants, leased studio apartments thinking they would only be home on weekends. However, with decreased travel, some of those same renters are opting for more living space.

Looking for  luxury 2 beds for rent near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to answer your questions and guide you in your search. We are now offering in person, virtual, and self guided apartment tours. Be sure to ask about move in specials, including available free rent concessions!

Moving From Los Angeles to Chicago

There’s the east coast and the west coast, but Chicago is called the “Third Coast” for a reason. Located on Lake Michigan with miles of sprawling (underrated) beaches, vibrant culture, and pretty great cuisine, Chicago offers much of the same appeal as New York and LA but in many ways, is much more livable. If you’re moving from Los Angeles to Chicago, here are some of the key differences you may appreciate!

Moving from Los Angeles to Chicago and looking for apartments for rent near you?

Walkability

Unlike Los Angeles where each neighborhood is spread out, Chicago neighborhoods change by the block. Shops, restaurants, museums, and parks densely line the streets, making strolling between neighborhoods seamlessly enjoyable.

Pricing

Chicago offers more bang for your buck than Los Angeles, with pricing for luxury apartments with in-unit laundry hovering between $2200-$2800. Chicago also offers great values on properties if you’re looking to buy! Chicago is also conveniently located in the middle of the country which means its easier to transport goods to Chicago than the west coast from most distributors. In turn, this keeps cost of living, from gas prices to cocktails, lower in Chicago.

Transit

You can get within a few blocks of pretty much anywhere with the Chicago transit system. The subway (referred to as the “L” by Chicagoans) has lines running from the Loop (the city’s central business district and epicenter) out in every direction. Bus lines run regularly down most main streets as well. The blue line subway train will take you directly from downtown to inside the terminal if you’re traveling to O’Hare International Airport and want to avoid rush hour traffic (which still pales in comparison to LA traffic).

Moving from LA to Chicago available now transit system

Are you moving to Chicago from Los Angeles and looking for more information on neighborhoods, Chicago living, and luxury apartments for rent? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to answer your questions and guide you in your search. We are now offering in person, self guided, and virtual apartment tours. Be sure to ask about move in concessions, including free rent specials.

Avra West Loop Apartments

Avra is one of the West Loop’s newest luxury high rises featuring elegant interiors, thoughtful layouts, practical and upscale amenities, and an unbeatable location.

Avra features a collection of 198 luxury apartments, comprised of studio, convertible, one, two, and three bedroom units as well as penthouses. Some of the star features include oversized walk in closets, floating vanities, floor to ceiling glass windows, kitchen peninsulas, designer pendant lighting, and four piece bathrooms.

New luxury studio 1 bedroom 2 bedroom 3 bedroom apartments near Rush Medical Center

Renderings courtesy of Tandem

Avra is a full amenity building, including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a fully equipped fitness center, co-working space, fire pits, complimentary bike storage, and even pet amenities like the community dog wash station.

Now leasing Avra luxury West Loop Apartments near UIC

Avra, located at 1125 W Van Buren, is in a prime West Loop location, just minutes from the Loop and Medical District, and two blocks to the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. With Whole Foods and Mariano’s grocery stores just blocks away, Target just one block away, the CTA blue line train two blocks away, and the highway entrance less than a minute drive, you’ll be situated near all the major conveniences. Furthermore, Avra is just a few blocks from Halsted and Madison streets, both lined with retail, restaurants, coffee shops, fitness studios, salons, and the like. Avra is also just a few blocks from Mary Bartleme Park, where you can peruse the seasonal farmers market, go for a stroll, or take your furry friend to the enclosed dog park. Whether you’re looking to live near the Loop, the West Loop, or the Illinois Medical District and UIC, this location is hard to beat!

Now leasing Avra luxury West Loop Apartments near UIC

Avra is currently pre-leasing for move ins starting  in April 2021 and offering spectacular pre-leasing specials.* Avra is being developed by Tandem with architecture by Antunovich Associates and interiors by Brianne Bishop Design.

New luxury studio 1 bedroom 2 bedroom 3 bedroom apartments near Rush Medical Center

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near the West Loop or apartments near the Illinois Medical District and UIC? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to answer your questions and guide you in your search! We are now offering in person, self guided, and virtual apartment tours. Be sure to ask about move in and free rent specials!

*Concessions,  specials, and availability are subject to change on a daily basis.

The Neighborhood Hotel Apartments

The Neighborhood Hotel in Lincoln Park offers both short term and long term furnished luxury rentals with a unique, artful blend of historic charm, modern interiors, and homey conveniences.

Furnished luxury apartments for rent near Lincoln Park

The Neighborhood Hotel was originally built in 1893 and still has some of its preserved vintage details, like the original banister, staircase, and limestone cladding. It has since been updated with 21st century finishes and conveniences.

Furnished luxury apartments for rent near Lincoln Park

The Neighborhood Hotel’s exterior around the time of construction. Its exterior still looks similar today.

Each furnished rental unit at The Neighborhood Hotel has been thoughtfully designed and furnished. Apartments come equipped with air conditioning, WiFi, a hair dryer, coffee, books, Sonos speakers and record player, a TV with video games and YoutubeTV, linens, washer and dryer, beach essentials, and other essentials like shampoo, kitchen utensils, and spices.

Furnished luxury apartments for rent near Lincoln Park

Entertain outside on the balcony or patio, complete with grills. Large bedrooms are complete with fire places, seating areas, and bay windows.

Furnished luxury apartments for rent near Lincoln Park

The grey wash hardwood floors, mosaic tiling, pastel accent walls, and Art Deco light fixtures are part of what gives these rentals their character.

Furnished luxury apartments for rent near Lincoln Park

The prime Lincoln Park location sits between Diversey and Fullerton, just a few short blocks west of Diversey Harbor, the lakefront trail, Lincoln Park Zoo. The Neighborhood Hotel is also near the red, brown, and purple line trains, allowing for a quick and easy commute south through the Loop, north through Evanston, and to the Depaul, Loyola, or Northwestern campuses.

The Neighborhood Hotel offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. See more photos in the gallery below.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near Lincoln Park? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to answer your questions. We are currently offering virtual tours!

West Loop Apartment Specials

Many luxury high rise apartment buildings in Chicago have opted to offer virtual tours during the stay at home order. The West Loop has multiple new construction buildings in their lease up also offering virtual tours. With all the new inventory in West Loop, pricing is competitive and many buildings are offering concessions. Here are a few of the best specials at apartments offering virtual tours!

Property 193- Madison & Green
(Offering 1.5 months free on 18 month lease terms plus an additional $500 concession)

Now leasing! Looking for west loop luxury apartments for rent?

This West Loop apartment building offers a range of rentals from studios, 1 beds, 2 beds, 3 beds, and a selection of bi-level townhomes. The third floor amenity deck connects this development’s multiple towers and creates a unique, neighborhood park feel. Enjoy the club quality fitness center, pool, co-working space, indoor and outdoor lounge spaces, and more. Each unit comes equipped with in-unit washer and dryer, gas stove, stainless appliances, a mosaic backsplash, and sleek, modern finishes.

Now leasing! Looking for west loop luxury pet friendly apartments for rent?

Property 161- Van Buren & Halsted
(Offering 2 months free on move ins by June 30th)

This boutique mid-rise has the feel of a chic luxury hotel in the amenities and a spacious private home inside the units. Apartments offer ample storage space and great separation between rooms. Large kitchen peninsulas and spacious living rooms make these apartments comfortable to work from home, entertain, and relax. Head to the fitness center complete with Peloton equipment, stunning common space and quiet co-working space, and sprawling pool with grill stations overlooking the skyline all on the top floor. Enjoy additional outdoor common space and a covered dog run on the third floor.

Now leasing! Looking for west loop luxury pet friendly apartments for rent?

Property 134- Van Buren & Green
(Offering 2 months free on select units for move ins by June 15th)

Now leasing! Looking for west loop luxury pet friendly apartments for rent?

Wood accents and pops of bright color throughout the property gives this modern apartment building a warm personality. Each unit has floor to ceiling windows for ample natural light, wood plank flooring, integrated Bosch appliances with quartz countertops and tile backsplashes, walk-in closets, full-size washers and dryers, and concrete accents. Select apartments also have terraces. Boho meets nautical on the amenity deck, where you can enjoy lounging on the tranquil pool terrace or in one of the multiple common spaces.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near Chicago’s West Loop? Contact us today and one of our neighborhood experts will be happy to answer your questions. We are currently offering virtual tours.

Moving During The Coronavirus

A lot of tasks that once seemed approachable can seem more daunting in the current times of extreme uncertainty, namely, moving during the Coronavirus. We’re here to help. Here’s your guide to moving during the Coronavirus, start to finish.

Step 1: Contact an Agent

Your leasing consultant or broker will start by asking you some questions about your search. For instance, your ideal move time frame, price range, whether you’ll be bringing any pets or cars, whether having in-unit laundry is a must-have or nice-to-have, how much furniture you’re bringing, transit or sites you’d like to be near, view and lighting preference, the finishes, color palettes, and amenities you like best, and anything else that is most important to you.

You’ll want to give some thought to these questions so you know what you’re looking for and your agent can best serve you. You can start by making a list of all the things that are important to you in an apartment, location, and lifestyle. Then, sort your criteria into “must-haves” (the non-negotiables) and “nice-to-haves” (the things you like but can do without).

Available for rent now!Are you moving during the Coronavirus? Here are luxury apartments available for leasing via virtual tours

Courtesy of Erda Estremera

Step 2: Evaluate the Apartment Options (Round 1)

After having a conversation about what you’re looking for, your agent will send you options that match your criteria via email. Pick the top options (usually about 2-5) that you’d like to virtually tour and let your agent know of any feedback you have from these options. Is there something else you’d like to see? Did you realize something that is more or less important to you than you initially thought? If so, your agent will send you any additional options.

Step 3: Virtually Tour Apartments & Re-Evaluate Options (Round 2)

Your DAC agent will reach out to the on-site team at each property to request a virtual tour and bring the on-site agent up to speed on what you’re looking for. Your DAC agent will either send you the virtual tours or make sure the on-site agents send them. Then, your DAC agent will help you evaluate each tour and talk through the tradeoffs of each option.

Step 4: Apply For an Apartment

Once you’ve chosen the best option, your DAC agent or the on-site agent at the building will send you a link to the online application. These applications are usually conducted through a third party. You’ll want to have the necessary materials ready for income verification. Although managed high rise apartment buildings in Chicago don’t typically ask for a security deposit, there are typically application and administrative fees around $50 and $450, respectively. Some buildings will waive or credit back the administrative fees if you apply within 24 or 48 hours of your virtual tour.

Available for rent now!Are you moving during the Coronavirus? Here are luxury apartments available for rent via virtual tours

Step 5: Schedule Your Move

Each apartment building has their own protocol for scheduling a time to reserve an elevator for your move in. You’ll want to ask the on-site team member you’ve been working with during the application process about how to schedule your move.

If you’re looking for a fully furnished apartment, you can ask your agent about furniture rental options so you can schedule furniture deliveries, as well.

Step 6: Enjoy Your New Apartment!

For more information about virtual tours, moving during the Coronavirus, or luxury apartments for rent in Chicago, contact us today to get your questions answered by one of our leasing specialists.

Careers in Leasing: What To Know

Ever wondered what being a luxury leasing agent is like? Here’s what you need to know!

 Looking for careers in real estate and real estate agent jobs now hiring in downtown Chicago?

Working With High Rise Buildings

Although some luxury leasing consultants work with both MLS listings and high rises, some just work with high rise buildings. These high rises are seldom listed on MLS. Through years of mutual relationship building, Downtown Apartment Company (DAC) has gotten the privilege of non-exclusively representing over 200 high rises in downtown Chicago. High rises appreciate working with DAC because we bring them qualified clients, that is– client’s whose wants, needs, price ranges, and preferences match what the building has to offer.

Most high rise apartment buildings have dedicated on-site leasing teams. On-site team members have extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of their particular building. DAC’s luxury leasing consultants work to have extensive knowledge of the overall market as a whole, strong familiarity with each building, and get a deep understanding of the client’s wants and needs. DAC’s leasing consultants and on-site building teams have strong relationships and stay in regular communication so both parties can give the client all the information they need and find them the best suited options. This allows DAC leasing consultants to act as matchmakers between clients and on-site teams.

If there’s a great deal or rare unit on special, on-site team members will be the first to alert DAC’s leasing consultants. Similarly, when a client reaches out with specific search criteria, a DAC luxury leasing consultant will use their market knowledge to narrow the options from over 200 downtown high rises to a selection of 5-8 buildings. Then, the DAC leasing consultant will get in touch with the on-site experts to see which layouts in the building will be best for accommodating the client’s move date, price range, view and lighting preferences, and furniture quantity.

The chief responsibilities of a leasing consultant at DAC are to (1) know all there is to know about your client’s wants and needs, (2) know all there is to know about the market, an (3) know all there is to know about your inventory, all so you can serve your clients’ best interests. The market, pricing, and availability can change on a day-to-day, or even moment-to-moment basis, so staying on top of current information takes ongoing initiative. It takes a village to know the city!

Now hiring leasing agents in downtown Chicago

DAC works primarily with luxury high rise buildings in downtown Chicago

Being a Team Player

At DAC we value character above all else. There’s a misconception that you need to be “tough” or “cut-throat” to succeed in real estate. That could not be further from the truth. The people who are most likely to succeed at Downtown Apartment Company embody professionalism, kindness, great listening skills, patience, and integrity for two reasons: (1) it just feels good to be a good person, and (2) being a good person is good for business. You only do a high quality job when you’re looking out for your client’s best interests. When you find your client a great deal that is exactly what they’re looking for, they will naturally refer you to their friends. Your clients want to help their friends, not expose them to a “cut-throat” agent who doesn’t really listen.

The Chicago real estate industry also feels pretty small. Over time, you’re bound to run into the same agents again and again. Being kind and professional with other agents is a must. Each interaction is an opportunity to plant the seed for another positive interaction in the future. No deal is ever worth jeopardizing a relationship.

 If you’re someone with integrity, professionalism, a desire to learn, a good attitude, and an interest in being part of a tight-knit team, we’d love to talk with you, regardless of whether you have any real estate experience! If you’re interested in learning more about leasing and real estate careers contact us at careers@downtownloop.com or click here to learn more.

Work From Home Tips: How To Set Up Your Apartment

For many of us, working from home is a change of pace. It can be challenging to have healthy work-life separation and a productive work environment if you live in a small space and your amenities are closed. Here are some tips on setting up your apartment to work from home.

Whether you have a studio apartment or just want to section off your living space, there are few quick and easy ways to create an additional room. You can use a tension rod to hang curtains on the exposed side of your bed to give yourself a designated bedroom area in your studio.

Looking for virtual tours on luxury apartments for rent in Chicago?

Bedroom created with curtains, Courtesy of IKEA

You can also use shelving to create a similar effect. Floating a couch in the middle of living space can give the illusion of separate rooms, as can area rugs.

Now renting near you! Apartments with virtual leasing remote tours and showings!

A shelving unit used to separate rooms, Courtesy of IKEA

Another way to create work-home separation is to give your tables different designations. For instance, if you don’t have a desk, maybe you temporarily designate your dining table as your “office space” and eat at your island. If your island or peninsula has an outlet (as is the case in many new construction apartments) you can try designating the island as your “office” during your work from home period.

You can also create separation by having your furniture face different directions. For example, try putting your desk facing a window, so you’re not looking at the rest of your space while you’re in work mode. If you have a studio apartment, try facing your bed away from the rest of your apartment.

Having separation is important for keeping routine and healthy sleep behaviors. Regardless of whether you opt to break up your space, whatever you do, don’t bring your laptop or work materials into your bed. Keep work materials out of sight when it’s time to unwind by storing them in a designated spot.

Looking for virtual tours on luxury apartments for rent in Chicago?

Living space to bedroom convertible set, Courtesy of IKEA

In addition to setting up your space to be work from home conducive, it’s also crucial to optimize your living situation to be distraction free, which could mean communicating with roommates or other occupants about work from home agreements. For instance, put a “Work Mode” sign on the door to your bedroom, guest room, den, or wherever you’re working. Create expectations about what it means when that sign is up. Maybe it means they need to act as if you’re away at your office and should call, text, or email you to communicate rather than coming in or even knocking. Put away your pets during zoom calls. Resist the urge to do housework in the middle of the work day.

If you’re conducting your apartment search, DAC offers virtual tours which are, as always, a completely complimentary service. For more information about virtual tours and remote showings, contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

Finding a Downtown Chicago Apartment Through Virtual Tours

If your move date is coming up and you’re wondering how you’re going to find a new apartment in Chicago while social distancing, we’re here to help! DAC is offering virtual tours for downtown apartment buildings.

How to virtual tours work?

When you reach out to our office, one of our team members will ask you about your search. After curating a list of appropriate options, you’ll select your favorites and we’ll send you video walk throughs of each apartment and the amenities in each building. The application process is all online as well.

How will I get a sense for the neighborhood?

Downtown Apartment Company agents live and work downtown and are experts on the local neighborhoods. Your agent can provide you with local recommendations, fill you in on what’s nearby, and send you photos or videos of the neighborhood, too. If you’re looking for more information on each neighborhood, visit our neighborhood guide for details.

Which buildings offer virtual tours?

Many downtown high rises are offering virtual tours. Since the list is always growing, contact one of our agents for a complete list. Here are just a few of the luxury apartment buildings offering virtual tours:

Old Town Park- located in Old Town just two blocks west of the Gold Coast and four blocks north of River North.

Looking for pet friendly luxury apartments for rent for immediate move in? Great amenities!

One of many thoughtfully curated lounge and co-working spaces at Old Town Park

NEMA- located in the near South Loop across from Grant Park.

Looking for pet friendly luxury apartments for rent for immediate move in?

The boxing ring at NEMA

Now leasing! Move in ASAP! Looking for luxury apartments for rent for immediate move in?

Golf Simulator at NEMA

North + Vine- located on the border of Lincoln Park and Old Town in the Sono area (south of North ave).

Looking for pet friendly luxury apartments for rent for immediate move in?

Tranquil pool terrace at North+Vine

Eleven40- located in the South Loop near Printer’s Row.

Looking for pet friendly luxury apartments for rent for immediate move in?

Game room at Eleven40

Looking for pet friendly luxury apartments for rent for immediate move in?

Music room at Eleven40

For more information on remote virtual showings, contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

South Loop Southbank Development

In keeping with the mega development trend of the last two years, Southbank is bringing luxury rental apartments, restaurants, retail, green space, and culture to the south branch stretch of river front in the South Loop. Southbank is being developed by Lendlease.

Looking for 2 bed town homes for rent near South Loop available now?

Rendering courtesy of Perkins + Will

The Cooper at Southbank is the first residential rental high rise to be completed in the development. With 452 apartments and town homes, this property is making a splash in the South Loop’s rental market.

Looking for luxury South Loop Apartments for rent? Cooper at Southbank

Rendering of one of the lounge spaces at The Cooper at Southbank

The Cooper at Southbank offers state of the art amenities including an expansive fitness center, music room, outdoor movie theatre, a large outdoor roof deck with a pool, hot tub, bocce ball court, hammocks, grills, and an herb garden, an upper level skyline terrace for taking in panoramic views of the city skyline, a game room with ping pong and billiards, a chef’s kitchen, a library, curated resident events, co-working spaces with private offices and conference rooms, a shop and craft space, entertaining spaces, 24 full service concierge, and even a salon!

Southbank’s new two acre park will use the foundations of the demolished Grand Central Park and is being designed by Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects. Prairie grasses and landscape features (like the bird houses created in partnership with UIC students) were selected for their low maintenance qualities and with local wildlife in mind. The .2 miles of continuous river walk will feature ample seating, lighting, and a mural created by Pilsen artist, Ruben Aguirre. The Southbank development will also include 15,000 square feet of retail space.

Dog friendly townhouses for rent in South Loop Southbank

The mural by Pilsen artist, Ruben Aguirre
Courtesy of Curbed Chicago

Southbank strives to be an oasis in the center of the city, just minutes from the Loop and easily accessible from most of Chicago.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near South Loop? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

11,000 New Luxury Apartments Still Not Enough For Demand

The supply of luxury apartments has doubled since 2015 and another 11,000 luxury rental units are in the pipeline. What’s even more baffling is how quickly all these units are being absorbed. (To put this in context, the downtown market historically absorbs about 2,200 luxury rentals per year). Of the 30,000 luxury rentals in downtown Chicago, 46% have been built since 2015, and most of them have been leasing up quickly.

So, who’s renting all these apartments? For the sixth consecutive year, Chicago was named as a top corporate relocation target. According to articles in Multihousing Pro Magazine and Connect Chicago CRE News, the steady increase of job growth and corporate relocations is largely responsible for the absorption of the influx of luxury rental inventory. Ben Creamer, principal and managing broker of Downtown Apartment Company, says “Chicago continues to enjoy robust job growth, especially in the tech sector where jobs are concentrated in the city’s urban core (…) This perpetuates the increased demand for Class A rentals in the city, as does the large percentage of millennials and empty nesters who prefer renting to owning. With demand at an all-time high, expect to see rents continue to rise in tandem.”

Speaking to the very different demographics dominating the market– millennials and empty nesters, with Gen Z closely following– means creating amenity spaces and design that will appeal to all of those groups. Another focus on amenity spaces stems from the expected wants and needs of Gen Z and millennials, demographics that tend to value prime locations, short commutes, great common spaces, and tech-integrated features and services and are willing to compromise on the square footage of actual units in exchange for those features. The increase of corporate relocations also means an increased demand for short term and corporate rentals. In response to all the corporate relocation traffic, some of the downtown buildings even offer incentives for employees of nearby companies.

Now leasing! Looking for luxury apartment rentals available now in downtown chicago?

A new West Loop luxury rental building near McDonald’s new headquarters, currently offering preferred employer incentives to McDonald’s corporate employees

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown Chicago with preferred employer incentives? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

 

By Sophie Morrison

Downtown Apartment Company Culture: An Inside Look

Ever wonder what it’s like to work at Downtown Apartment Company? If you’re looking for a career that keeps you on your toes, where everyday is different, and you can always learn something new, with a culture of welcoming, hardworking, approachable team mates, the DAC pack may be the right fit for you! Here’s an inside look at what it’s like to work at DAC.

You’ll Have A Growth Oriented Environment

DAC is a growth conducive environment. The leadership is extremely approachable, cares about agents’ personal and professional fulfillment, and encourages trying your best without fear of failure.

Downtown Apartment Company Careers in Real Estate

Managing broker, Ben Creamer, recently sat down with Chicago Agent Magazine to discuss learning and coaching from your mistakes. “There’s no greater source of teachable moments than your own personal experience in the business” he said.

The article also discussed how Ben and the DAC leadership develop agents by running through problem solving exercises. “Regardless of whether they give the right answer, they’ve learned something valuable through the thought process.” He emphasized the importance of putting your team first, being humble, and preparing your team for a range of situations, as well as having a team with diverse skill sets and knowing how to play to everyone’s strengths.

There’s No Shortage of Things To Do

Between team events, like the famous annual DAC Holiday party, industry exclusive looks, like hard hat tour previews, and whole industry networking opportunities, like broker open houses and new inventory openings, there’s no shortage of team building and professional development activities at DAC.

Looking for careers at downtown Chicago real estate agencies?

“I love working at DAC because my calendar is so full” says Alexa Morgan, an agent at DAC. “There’s always an opportunity to build great, lasting relationships whether its with other members of the team or other industry professionals.”

There’s Never A Dull Moment

No two days are the same at Downtown Apartment Company. The constant influx of new rental inventory, new clients, a growing team, and regular agent trainings, there’s no shortage of new places to see, things to learn, or people to meet.

DAC broker, Adam Valentino, says “The market is booming and areas that weren’t as residential have been rapidly growing and are therefore, now in higher demand. The popularity in these rapidly growing areas brings new real estate inventory, restaurants, green space, and an overall developing sense of community, so even as a local there’s always something new to learn about the city because of how regularly it’s growing and changing.”

Due to the growing team, Downtown Apartment Company recently opened an innovative new office in River North.

The Conference Room at Downtown Apartment Company’s New River North Office Space

If you like being in a fast-paced environment that regularly challenges you to learn, DAC could be the place for you.

 

At DAC we build our team based on our values of integrity, desire to learn, resourcefulness, work ethic, professionalism, and above all else, kindness, with culture as our top priority. If DAC sounds like the right fit for you, contact us or email your resume to Kati at careers@downtownloop.com.

New Rental Construction From CMK in the South Loop

CMK has had quite a few new residential developments in South Loop, especially in the past two years. From earlier projects, like the successful lease up of 1333 S Wabash, to newer projects, like two towered Coeval or the multiphase Riverline development, as well as several condo developments, CMK has garnered significant attention for their back to back high volume deliveries of luxury inventory. These are some of the more recent rental developments in CMK’s portfolio.

717 S Clark 

The most recent CMK development to break ground is 717 S Clark. 717 S Clark is a glassy new rental apartment development that began construction in Printer’s Row this year in what was the former site of Palmer Printing. The 29 story residential luxury high rise will house 329 units and was designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture. It is slated for 2020 delivery.

New CMK Construction

Courtesy of Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture

Riverline

Riverline will be an 8 acre community with 1000 feet of continuous riverwalk. CMK is developing the southern portion of the 15 acre parcel, the northern 7 acres of which are being developed by Lendlease as the Southbank development. Riverline will feature 10 new residential buildings in addition to an abundance of public green space. The Riverline project was masterplanned by Perkins+Will architecture.

CMK Riverline Development near South Loop

Courtesy of Perkins+Will

Coeval

Coeval, on 14th and Wabash, is a two towered development offering amenities and boutique style rental apartments in one tower and condos in the other, as well as 10,000 square feet of retail space. With over 15,000 square feet of amenities, residents have access to a roof terrace, fire pits, a fitness center, co-working space, and indoor and outdoor lounge an entertainment space as well as indoor and outdoor dog amenities. Coeval apartments began leasing in early 2019.

Now leasing! Looking for luxury 2 bedroom apartments for rent near South Loop?

Courtesy of Coeval

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near Chicago’s South Loop? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

2019 West Loop Hotel Development Boom

In 2015 the West Loop started to see the first wave of a residential development boom, followed by an influx of new office development in the past two years. This year, the West Loop is seeing an increase in hotel development.

Hotels Locals Love

Currently bustling hotels, including The Hoxton, Ace Hotel, and Soho House, have become social hubs which seem to be frequented at least as much by locals as out of towners. The top notch restaurant, coffee shop, and bar concepts in each of these West Loop hotels are major draws, namely Cabra— a Peruvian concept by Girl and the Goat’s Stephanie Izard and one of this year’s hottest new restaurants– located on the rooftop of The Hoxton. The Allis at Soho House and Waydown at Ace are both high-traffic spots locals frequent as part of the neighborhood nightlife scene.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near West Loop?

Cabra Chicago at The Hoxton Hotel

Hyatt House

When Sterling Bay and Skender Development broke ground on Hyatt House in 2018 it was slated to be the first extended-stay public lodging option in Fulton Market. Hyatt House opened this summer with 200 rooms. Unlike The Hoxton, Ace Hotel, and Soho House, Hyatt House functions more as a traditional out-of-towner lodging place and meeting space and less as a local night life destination.

Coming Soon

After several delays, Nobu hotel is slated to open on Randolph Street’s “Restaurant Row” in early 2020 with 115 rooms. It’s rooftop bar and sushi concept is highly anticipated, making it likely to be another trendy spot locals love. The Nobu project was first announced in 2013 and highly publicized in part because of the notoriety of one of it’s owners, Robert DeNiro.

Equinox hotel, by Related Midwest, is a mixed use high rise development that will feature 240 rooms, as well as 30,000 square feet of amenity space and 370 residential units. The 58-story development will be geared toward fitness-focused clientele and locals looking for a wellness based “staycation”.

Another boutique hotel was approved this summer for a Pendry concept at 1043 W Fulton Market. The Pendry will be on the smaller side, at 12 stories with 200 rooms. Part of the Pendry will be allocated to full time office space, making its rooms a convenient choice for office tenants bringing in out-of-towners.

Last but not least, Chicago-based Marc Realty is developing a 250 room Standard Hotel at 1234 W Randolph, just west of City Winery. The Standard will feature a ground level restaurant concept, expansive terrace, and rooftop bar or restaurant concept. It will likely cater its restaurant and bar concepts to local traffic.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near West Loop?

Rendering of Nobu Chicago, Courtesy of Bisnow

Proposed Developments

In July F & F Realty and FitzGerald Associates Architects proposed a new hotel development at 920 W Lake that will likely be a more affordable Marriott concept upon completion. This proposed project is just up the street from another proposed hotel at 800 W Lake by North Park Ventures and GREC Architects.

 

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near West Loop? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

 

By Sophie Morrison

Amenity Trends in Luxury Chicago Rental Buildings

There’s no question living in an amenity building makes life much more convenient. The on-site fitness centers, complementary coffee, package receiving, coworking space, and dog runs are just the tip of the iceberg, With the current trends in amenities, like salon service rooms, penthouse lounges, and sports facilities, it won’t be long before residents never need to leave the building to find anything they want or need.

1. Penthouse floors being allocated as shared space

Multiple high rise rental buildings have begun to make their most coveted penthouse floors available for many residents to enjoy. Ben Creamer, managing broker and founder of Downtown Apartment Company, recently noted in Forbes, “While the penthouse level usually commands the priciest and most exclusive square footage in a rental building, we’ve seen changes to this peak space in Chicago’s new rental model. Many developers are now using the space for shared recreation, to the benefit of all residents rather than just a select few.”

Streeterville’s Optima Signature is one such building. Residents of their larger Apex units, have access to the 52nd floor penthouse space as one of many common spaces in this luxury rental building. The penthouse space offers wine lockers, indoor and outdoor lounge space, and an alfresco kitchen.

Looking for luxury apartments with great amenities on penthouse level?

Courtesy of Taylor Johnson Public Relations

In the West Loop, The Parker Fulton Market and 727 West Madison have followed suit. The Parker’s penthouse space houses a kitchenette, lounge space, and an atrium-style fire pit. 727 West Madison is Chicago’s tallest residential building west of the highway. The club style space on the top penthouse level gives residents 24-hour access to some of the most sought-after views of the city, as well as exclusive curated events, like mixology classes.

 

2. Heavy emphasis on recreational sports spaces

In addition to its penthouse level amenity space, Optima Signature has been a front-runner in the trend of sports based amenity spaces. Residents can enjoy racquet ball and basketball courts, a putting green, and golf simulator, in addition to other fitness amenities like a group fitness and cycling studio, full-floor fitness center, indoor and outdoor sauna and steam rooms, as well as cold plunge showers in each locker room. Fulton Market’s K2 and Alta K Station are also apartment buildings with basketball courts.

Although boxing equipment, like speed and punching bags, has made its way into the gyms of many rental buildings over the past few years, 2019 saw buildings with full-sized boxing rings. Included with NEMA Chicago’s 70,000 square feet of amenity space is a boxing ring, the centerpiece of  its unparalleled fitness center, which frankly feels more like a 5-star health club. Bush Temple Flats in River North also features a full-sized boxing ring in its spacious, loft-inspired fitness center.

In addition to its expansive fitness center and yoga studio, Streeterville’s two-towered McClurg Court has three full-sized tennis courts (or shall we call them, the McClurg “Courts”).

Looking for luxury apartments with great amenities?

Courtesy of McClurg Court

 

3. Salon and spa focused spaces

Luxury buildings are increasingly offering spa spaces and services to residents. The worst part of getting a massage is having to drive in traffic afterward and forget keeping your hair blowout in tact on a windy day. These amenities help residents to avoid such inconveniences.

Both the Gold Coast’s Sinclair apartments and River North’s Parc Huron offer massage rooms which are BYO masseuse. The Cooper at South Bank has a salon space for residents to book services with their own stylists.

Alternatively, the massage room at NEMA has dedicated building masseuses as well as its own stylists for the salon.

Aurelien in the Gold Coast offers on-site hair services on select Fridays in the womens’ locker room on the amenity level.

Looking for luxury apartments with amenities in Chicago?

Courtesy of NEMA Chicago

Looking for luxury apartments with great amenities for rent? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

 

By Sophie Morrison

Service Amenities in Luxury Apartment Buildings

Luxury apartment buildings in downtown Chicago have been offering residents an increased number of service based amenities over the past year. From housekeeping, to dry-cleaning, and even private chef service, these services provide residents ultimate convenience for their busy schedules.

The Minte

The Minte offers hotel-style housekeeping (as well as deep cleans) in managed residential high rises. Each building has designated, on-site housekeepers which allows for same day booking. For a starting price of around $35, the hotel style housekeeping service will make your bed, load the dishwasher, sweep, wipe countertops, and clean bathrooms. The best part? Your housekeeper will leave a mint chocolate on your pillow, making it feel truly like hotel style housekeeping. Request service via The Minte app, the in-home service request button, or online. Use code “MINTE20” to save $20 on your first service!

Downtown Service Amenities

Courtesy of The Minte

Pear Chef

Pear Chef is an on-site private chef service that is available in luxury apartment buildings Sunday through Thursday evenings. Each meal is made fresh upon order and delivered directly to your door with no delivery fee. The menu, which includes appetizers, entrees, sides, desserts, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, changes weekly. Check out the calendar for cooking classes, too!

Looking for luxury apartments with private chef service?

Courtesy of Pear Chef

Pear Chef is currently available in a handful of downtown apartment buildings, including Mila, Xavier, Optima Signature, Hubbard Place, Sono East, 2 W Delaware, The Sinclair, 3Eleven, Eugenie Terrace, Kingsbury Plaza, Eleven40, SixForty Wells, NEMA, and 727 West Madison. Click here to see the current menu at your building.

Tide Cleaners

Tide Cleaners is a valet dry-cleaning service which also offers wash and fold service and alterations. Tide installs pin-pad access lockers in the lobby of each residential building they partner with so residents can put their items in a locker and request service through the Tide Cleaners app. Items will be returned to a locker in the resident’s building with an access code, typically with a 2-3 business day turnaround time.

Luxury apartment buildings with valet dry cleaning service

Courtesy of Tide Cleaners

Looking for luxury apartment buildings with service amenities? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

Viridian on Sheridan: Lakeview Luxury Apartments for Rent

Viridian on Sheridan offers open-concept one, two, and three bedroom apartments with designer finishes, breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan, and smart home technology features.

Looking for new luxury apartments for rent near downtown Lakeview?

Residents at Viridian on Sheridan enjoy access to plenty of common space. With the amenities at Viridian on Sheridan you’ll never be at a shortage of places to relax in the building. The state of the art fitness center features premium equipment including Precor connected cardio machines, curved treadmills, Expresso bikes, and stair climbers. The penthouse level is open to all residents with a co-working lounge, an entertainment and party hosting room, as well as a demonstration kitchen. The green rooftop is used to grow produce, available for residents to purchase.

Looking for new luxury apartments for rent near downtown Lakeview?

On-site conveniences include Latch keyless entry system, Amazon Hub package receiving system, Tide Cleaners valet dry-cleaning lockers, a bike room, a dog wash and on-site dog run, as well as access to retail on the ground level.

The Italian inspired two-tone, soft-close cabinets in the kitchens make the finishes the perfect fit for many interior decorating styles and color palettes. Kitchens are also outfitted with Delta Trinsic fixtures, stainless steel whirlpool appliances, undercount rectangular sinks, and deep quartz countertops. Each unit comes equipped with in-unit washer and dryer and wood plank flooring throughout. The 9-foot ceilings and large windows provide optimal natural light and a spacious feeling.

Looking for new luxury apartments for rent near downtown Lakeview?

Starting prices are approximately $2000 per month for one bedroom apartments, $3200 for two bedroom apartments, and $5800 for three bedroom apartments.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near Lakeview? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

Rentals On The Rise In Chicago’s Corporate Relocation Market

While some may call Chicago by its specious Second City moniker, we know it’s the best city in the world. But, don’t just take our word for it. Adding another feather to the city’s cap, Site Selection Magazine named Chicago the top metropolitan area for corporate relocation in 2018. With a high-tech workforce, world-class museums, winning sports teams and foodie-favored restaurants, all situated around the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan…what company wouldn’t want to relocate here?

The city added on average 15,000 jobs per year from 2013-2017, with the largest expansion of nearly 20,000 new jobs in 2017 alone. And, 2018 is looking just as promising.

As employees evaluate a corporate relocation, housing is generally their number one issue. While the most common (and expensive) form of housing relocation assistance is with a home purchase, an often-overlooked need is employee rental assistance. According to a recent article from the Human Resources Certification Institute, skipping rental support is one of three common mistakes made in designing relocation packages. As we discussed in the article, leasing often better suits an employee’s needs and budget, but finding the right apartment home requires more than a quick internet search, especially in a city with the size and diversity of Chicago.

In an effort to streamline their relocation services, companies all too often work with just one brokerage firm – typically a full-service firm that says its agents can help with all housing needs, including for-sale and rental. Most brokerages specialize in either for-sale listings or rental listings, but not both – especially in Chicago which is known for its 77 distinct neighborhoods and more than 100 suburbs. So, what inevitably happens is that an employee who wants to rent an apartment in the city is paired with an agent well-versed in the for-sale market. Without the in-depth knowledge of the hundreds of rental buildings in Chicago’s city center, the agent may never quite get it right and the employee is frustrated and confused.

Engaging the help of a professional who specializes in apartment leasing and has hyperlocal neighborhood knowledge, as well as insight into rental concessions and rate fluctuations, will ensure the employee finds the right home and has a positive relocation experience, enhancing the employee’s overall satisfaction with the new job assignment.

Below are a few additional scenarios to consider when determining the best housing option in a corporate relocation:

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

While previous generations bought homes early and stayed in them for a long time, that is not the case today. Many people who would have moved to the suburbs in previous generations are moving to the suburbs at a slower rate, which means many are downtown renters-by-choice for a much longer time period. Many are trading in the suburban home for a maintenance-free rental penthouse or town home in the city. In short, housing needs are incredibly varied and available options are equally diverse.

Now Renting, Luxury 3 bedroom penthouse in Streeterville

Short-term Assignments

Many companies are leveraging short-term and temporary assignments as a cost-effective way to balance talent development and the employee experience with the company’s workforce needs. Employees relocating for a short-term assignment will benefit from leasing and often need help finding the right rental community to meet their needs.

Tax Implications

A change in the tax code in 2018 means relocation expenses paid by employers are now taxable, so there is an additional incentive for both employers and employees to forgo big real estate expenditures in a move.

Flexibility

Most employers recognize that working ‘wherever and whenever’ is a growing trend among mobile employees who crave flexibility. Those employees often gravitate toward renting, rather than buying, because they want the flexibility afforded by leasing. Chicago’s newest rental buildings are also known for their high-speed internet, co-working areas and tricked-out business centers, which make connectivity with the home office easier and more enjoyable than ever before. Again, engaging them with a professional to conduct a customized apartment search will yield far better results in finding a home that meets their specific needs.

Ensuring a smooth transition for the relocating candidate is critical to the overall success of the relocation. Engaging the help of a professional leasing service like Downtown Apartment Company is a smart move to guarantee an improved experience for all.

If you need help with a corporate relocation, contact us! We would be happy to talk about our full suite of services, including suggestions for vetted moving, cleaning and furniture rental companies.

6 Insider Tips About Downtown Chicago Real Estate

At Downtown Apartment Company and Downtown Realty Company, we live and breathe the downtown real estate market on a daily basis. Recently, we’ve shared some of our insider tips with many real estate publications and wanted to highlight some of our favorite key takeaways. Here are our top 6 tips from Ben Creamer and Ericka Rios, co-founders of DAC and DRC.

1. Your Realtor Can Be Your Quarter Back

Insider apartment leasing market tips

There are many things to coordinate in a move– from insurance, electricity set up, and furniture, to movers, reserving elevator time, and changing your address at the post office. Your real estate agent likely has experience with moving related services and vendors and can help you quarter back all the “moving” parts. “One of the things we do is to connect clients to many vetted relocation service providers such as furniture rental and moving companies,” Creamer says.

Read the article in Apartment Therapy, 6 Things You Never Knew Your Real Estate Agent Could Do for You for more insider moving tips.

2. Winter = Apartment Sales

“As we get into the fourth quarter, demand ticks down,” says Ben Creamer. “You’ll see one to two months free concessions, which has been pretty common in new downtown construction…If job growth continues in Chicago, the thousands of new apartments currently under construction downtown will likely be absorbed”.

Check out the article, Rents May Be Stabilizing in Hot Chicago Neighborhoods, in Chicago Mag for more info!

3. Make Use of Storage Options

Insider apartment leasing market tips

Many downtown apartments and condos offer on-site storage to minimize clutter in smaller apartments. “It’s particularly helpful to have storage available in the building for larger items and seasonal things you don’t need on a day-to-day basis,” says Ericka Rios, co-founder and director of leasing at Downtown Apartment Company. “For example, some buildings have free bike storage on the ground level, while others have basement storage units for larger or less-used items.” Take a look at more of Ericka’s tips in Apartment Therapy’s article, 6 Things Everyone Seeking a Small Apartment Should Know  for more information.

4. Ask the Right Questions to Predict Your Average Utility Bill

Insider apartment leasing market tips

In order to get an accurate picture of your total monthly expenses, ask your realtor, the utility provider, and your property manager the right questions. Some utilities tend to have an average historic range. “Your agent should be able to see the annual utility costs for similar homes that are a year or two older and give you a reasonable range,” says Creamer. Other, more fixed utilities, will just require a quick phone call. “Internet and cable can be calculated with a quick call to your local cable provider,” says Rios.

In response to any ambiguity over total costs, many downtown luxury high-rises are offering predetermined utility packages. “Most new apartment communities recognize that this is a concern for new residents and have established utility packages with prices that vary based on unit size,” Rios says. “(At most buildings) the major utility expenses – heating, air conditioning, gas, water, trash removal – are covered in a single monthly fee, eliminating much of the budget guesswork.”

For more information on estimating your total monthly costs, check out our article, How to Estimate Utility Costsin U.S. News & World Report’s Money section.

5. You don’t need to put 20% down to buy a home or condo

Insider apartment leasing market tips

Find a knowledgeable mortgage broker who can educate you on the financing options available. “Some financing options require as little as 3 percent of the purchase price. Others require 10 to 20 percent,” says Ben Creamer, a principal and managing broker at Downtown Realty Company. Check out our article, Think You’re Ready To Buy A House? Ask These 6 Questions First, in Huffington Post for more info!

6. Amenities are in Hot Demand

Insider apartment leasing market tips

For an article about Apartments of the Future, Ben Creamer sat down with Mult-Housing News about trends in demand for high-rise amenities. He says:

“I think the future of multifamily will continue to trend towards enhancing service amenities and creating social spaces that encourage resident engagement. Many properties are adding wow-factor social amenities—spa-inspired pools, gourmet kitchens, music lounges, and entertainment spaces—in dramatic areas, such as rooftops or penthouses, to stand out with prospective renters. Equally important, hotel-style concierge services like on-site dry cleaning, housekeeping and in-home package delivery can ease the burdens of day-to-day life. Multifamily properties will continue to find new and creative ways to both socially engage residents and deliver white-glove service. Today’s tech-savvy renter wants everything at the touch of a button, and multifamily communities will have to keep up.”

Indoor Things To Do In Chicago In The Winter

It’s winter. There’s wind chill in the Windy City, which means the “feels like” temperature is “can’t feel my toes.” No matter. If you want to have winter fun while keeping warm, here’s a list of 10 great indoor winter activities in Chicago:

Have a Tom and Jerry: Miller’s Pub has been a Loop destination since 1935. Each holiday season (roughly Thanksgiving into early January), it breaks out its version of this classic hot toddy, the Tom and Jerry. Arriving in a simple brown coffee mug, this most traditional of Chicago winter activities — a foamy concoction of brandy, dark rum, sugar, egg white and nutmeg — will have you sinking into one of Miller’s amazingly deep, comfy booths and quickly becoming a local.

Visit Navy Pier: One of Chicago’s top tourist attractions can seem like a summer-only deal, with its giant Ferris wheel, boat rides and stunning lake views. Yet there’s ample indoor space — and indoor parking — not to mention Winter WonderFest, which covers 170,000 square feet of the pier’s Festival Hall with, among other things, indoor rides, giant slides, ice skating and holiday decor. It runs from late November through early January.

See Buddy Guy: The consummate Chicago bluesman presides over a string of gigs each January at his South Loop club, Buddy Guy’s Legends. For his January 2019 residency, he’s playing 16 dates at the club, 700 S. Wabash Ave., between Jan 3 and 27. Tickets to see one of Eric Clapton’s favorite guitar players range from $55 to $70.

Get Tropical: The Lincoln Park Conservatory, a Victorian-era glass house built in the 1890s, has four huge spaces devoted to lush greenery. Opening in 1908 on the West Side, the Garfield Park Conservatory is larger still, with 2 acres of indoor greenhouse space. Both sites offer a wonderful respite from the winter chill amid palms, ferns and many more exotic flora.

Train for Spring Training: Whether you’re a fan of the North Side team or the South Side team — you have to pick one — late January is the time to start gearing up for the season. The 34th edition of Cubs Convention takes place Jan. 18-20 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. Seven years its crosstown rival’s junior, SoxFest will be held Jan. 25-27 at the Hilton Chicago. Both feature players past and present and coaches mingling with fans for autographs, panel discussions and more.

Laugh Out Loud: Nothing warms you up quicker than a good laugh. The Old Town neighborhood is home to two of Chicago’s comedy institutions: The Second City, for improv, and Zanies, for standup. Since Zanies opened in 1978 (The Second City opened in ’59), the competitors have been dishing out laughs half a block apart from each other on Wells Street.

Get Ready to Wait: The Walnut Room was the first restaurant opened in a department store, coming to the seventh floor of Marshall Field’s State Street store in 1905. Now Macy’s, the store still welcomes thousands of visitors each year to dine amid the Walnut Room’s Russian wood paneling and Austrian chandeliers. Each holiday season, with tables surrounding the great Christmas tree, waits to be seated frequently exceed three hours — all the more time to shop.

See ’em: The Art Institute of Chicago is a wonderful place to while away a day. TripAdvisor’s top-ranked American museum four years in a row, it has an envied collection of impressionist paintings and its modern wing is a spectacular 21st century addition. Yet just a few blocks north on Michigan Avenue sits one of Chicago’s newest attractions. The American Writers Museum — named 2017’s best new museum in the world by Fodor’s Travel and the best attraction in Illinois by USA Today readers — seeks to engage the public in celebrating and exploring the influence of American writers.

Go Deep: Eating is always among the top indoor winter activities in Chicago, and deep-dish pizza is THE top eating activity. Almost any time a list of the best Chicago deep-dish pizzas is compiled, Pizzeria Uno, Gino’s East, Pequod’s Pizza and Lou Malnati’s rate a mention. The first two have flagships in River North. Lou Malnati’s has several spots, including Wicker Park and the Gold Coast, and Pequod’s Pizza is in Lincoln Park.

Dream of the Open Road: The Feb. 9-18 Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s largest. First staged in 1901, the show now takes 1 million square feet of exhibition space at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. Concept cars and the latest models from most of the world’s major auto manufacturers will be on display. Tickets are $13 for adults, $7 for seniors and children aged 7 to 12, free for children 6 and under.

So Much More

Remember, 10 items make for just a short list of Chicago winter activities. We haven’t sent you to a Bulls or Blackhawks game; to the fabulous theatre district; or any of dozens of live music spots from Reggie’s Rock Club on the near south side to Metro, Martyr’s and the Aragon Ballroom up north. The point is, Chicago is no place to hibernate.

10 Great Outdoor Chicago Winter Activities

Yes, it’s cold outside. That’s no reason not to get into the many great outdoor things to do in Chicago in the winter. Here’s our list of 10 wonderful Chicago winter activities to enjoy in the frosty fresh air.

Ribbon cutting: If you own skates, you can take a free spin on the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon, a serpentine, quarter-mile loop that does for the skating rink what lazy rivers do for the hotel pool. You can rent skates starting at $13, and some rental packages include extras such as hot chocolate and lockers. Skating amid gorgeous skyline views is available into March.

Sled at Soldier Field: Just south of the Bears’ home is a 35-foot-tall hill built for all sorts of sliding fun. The lakefront and skyline views aren’t bad, either. The hill is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., weather permitting. When Mother Nature isn’t providing snow, Soldier Field grounds crew members have been known to use snow machines to get the hill in sledding shape.

Lit Lincoln: ZooLights is a 24-year tradition at Lincoln Park Zoo. Some 2.5 million lights decorate the grounds through Jan. 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Admission is free — just like it is every day of the year at the zoo. ZooLights’ added attractions include musical light shows, ice sculpture carving, carolers and spiced wines, among others.

Night sledding: Dan Ryan Woods is one of the few forest preserves within the city limits, and its 37 acres bordering the lovely Southwest Side Beverly neighborhood make it a popular destination year-round. When there’s at least three inches of snow on the ground, its lighted sledding hill is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Enter on Western Avenue between 83rd and 87th streets.

Window shopping: Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile features some 460 retailers spread from the Chicago River to Oak Street — or Tribune Tower to Drake Hotel. Everyone has a favorite window to linger in front of, and there are plenty of places to pop into for a quick warmup.

Macy’s holiday windows: Many Chicago traditionalists still refer to this State Street institution as Marshall Field’s — the name under which the department store opened in 1893 — but whatever you call it, visiting the holiday-themed windows has been among the things to do in Chicago in the winter for 51 years. Each window uses familiar animated characters to create a scene built around an annual theme — for 2018, that’s Reasons to Believe.

Skate by the Bean: Now in its 18th season, skating at the McCormick Tribune Plaza Ice Rink continues through March 10. The rink is in Millennium Park, a touristy, percolating patch of downtown holiday bustle. The Bean, a sculpture formally titled “Cloud Gate,” sits near the rink and is a great backdrop for family photos. Skating at the rink, which sits between Madison and Washington streets at Michigan Avenue, is free. Skate rentals start at $13.

Winterland at Gallagher Way: At the southwest corner of Clark Street and Waveland Avenue — perhaps better known as along the left field line at Wrigley Field — Gallagher Way is a former parking lot transformed into a social hub outside the Cubs’ ballpark. Winterland runs through January 27 and features, among other indoor and outdoor options, a skating rink, a schedule of holiday movies you can watch indoors or out, Learn to Curl classes and, new this winter, an interactive art installation featuring 30 lights and eight speakers called “Chimes at Gallagher Way,” designed to demonstrate chaos theory.

Adventure Days: Northerly Island, formerly home to a lakefront airfield, is now an extension of the lovely Grant Park and its Museum Campus. On three Saturdays throughout winter — Dec. 15, Jan. 26 and Feb. 23 — the man-made, 91-acre peninsula hosts Polar Adventure Days. Free events include the opportunity to explore the island on snowshoes; tours of the new Northerly Island Natural Area; winter crafts making; and viewing live animals including wolves and Siberian huskies.

Christkindlmarket: A growing tradition, this year marks the 23rd annual Christkindlmarket Chicago, which gives a decided German accent to holiday shopping for crafts, foods and all manner of other goods with a decidedly European flair. Located in the heart of the Loop at Daley Plaza, the market runs through Christmas Eve.

So Much More

From cross-country skiing at Northerly Island to hitting buckets of golf balls at Diversey Park’s two-tiered, heated driving range, there are many other Chicago winter activities to enjoy. Don’t wait for the thaw — you’ve got things to do in Chicago in the winter.

Decorating Your (Kinda Small) Apartment For The Holidays

As we close in on the holiday season, it’s time to start decorating your home. If you have a small space, decorating can be a daunting task. Don’t worry—we’ve got some great hacks for decorating small spaces this holiday season.

  1. How do I display holiday cards without a fireplace?No mantle? No problem! Use ribbon to display holiday cards on cabinets
  2. How do I get a Christmas tree into my studio apartment?If getting a full-sized Christmas tree isn’t very easy, take a tomato cage and wrap it in a green string of lights.If you want to have a true tree element, use ribbon or twine fasten sprigs of pine tucked into a throw pillow, around a candle, or in and around a mason jar and display on shelves.
  3. What’s a quick and easy holiday centerpiece?Any chance you have ingredients left over from Thanksgiving? Place fresh cranberries in a white or glass bowl surrounded with 3-5 tea light candles or in a candle holder.
  4. My table or island is too small for a centerpiece. How can I make it festive?Switch out your regular candles for blue, red, or green candles—bonus point if they’re holiday scented. Adding a holiday themed runner or tablecloth is another space-efficient way to spice up your serving surfaces. Napkin rings are another great way to liven your table setting.If you really don’t have room for any decoration on your island or table, spice up your bar cart by using your wine glasses to display ornaments or candles.
  5. I’m worried too much décor will make my space look small. How can I avoid that?Develop a theme! Using the same color palette throughout will prevent decorations from overwhelming a small apartment or home as easily. Focus on designs that use height rather than width. For instance, hanging strands of lights or homemade snowflakes from your ceiling or above doorways are a great way to add some winter sparkle. No floor or counter space required!
  6. I’m short on time but want to be festive when entertaining. What’s the best one thing I can do to get my apartment into the holiday spirit?Once again, candles! In the olden days, candles in the window were a sign of hospitality and frequently used to welcome sailors home from sea. Place candles on or next to mirrors to amplify their light. Also, scent is one of the most powerful senses in memory. Using a festive, scented candle (like pine, cinnamon, apple, clove, or cookie) can fill your home with a nostalgic holiday scent to set the mood. This is especially true in small and studio apartments!Swapping out throw pillows for more festive ones on your chairs or sofa is another quick way to infuse your apartment with holiday cheer. The best part? No clean up required!
  7. How can I entertain with minimal counter space?If you’re throwing a holiday party and have more dishes to serve than you have counter space, use multi-tiered stands to maximize space.

Looking for Great Deals on 2 Bedroom Apartments?

Winter is a great time to rent in downtown Chicago. If you’re looking for 2 bedroom apartment deals in River North, Lakeshore East, South Loop, or the Loop, check out the hot units below!

Lakeshore East

Property 78

Looking for 2 bedroom apartments for rent near downtown Chicago?

The spacious bedrooms can comfortably accommodate king sized beds

This 2 bedroom apartment’s star feature is its expansive balcony over 130 square feet. The bedrooms in apartment 78 are comparably sized, each with a walk-in closet, and the shared bathroom is in the middle, making this an ideal layout for roommates. The built-in kitchen island with outlets and in-unit laundry offer convenience. This Lakeshore East property is also steps from a semi-private 6-acre park (outfitted with public wifi) and Mariano’s grocery store.

Layout: 2 Bed/1 Bath + Balcony

Price: $2606 + 1 month free on a 12 month lease (nets at $2389)

Loop

Property 46

Looking for 2 bedroom apartments for rent near downtown Chicago?

In Loop apartment 46 you’ll find Energy Star stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, cherry cabinetry, and an energy efficient washer and dryer. Floor-to-ceiling windows, large bedroom closet space, and spacious amenities are a few notable features.The convenient Loop location is ideal for anyone who works downtown and wants to keep their commute as minimal as possible.

Layout: 2 Bed/2 Bath

Price: $2855 + 1.5 months free on a 13 month lease (nets to $2526)

South Loop

Property 18

Looking for 2 bedroom apartments for rent near downtown Chicago?

South Loop apartment 18 has an open loft layout with in-unit laundry and a large balcony. This luxury apartment was part of a condo deconversion. Therefore, the finishes are on par with most condos in the area. This prime location is steps from Target, Whole Foods, and many other shops and boutique fitness studios.

Layout: 2 Bed/2 Bath + Balcony

Price: $2382

River North

Property 97

Looking for 2 bedroom apartments for rent near downtown Chicago?

Concrete wall accents, an all white kitchen, and high ceilings give this River North apartment 97 a striking modern interior. Appliances include a full-sized GE washer and dryer, stainless steel kitchen fixtures, garbage disposal, and Nest thermostat.

The lenient pet policy makes this rental ideal for owners of large dogs, German Shepherds, or Huskies.

Layout: 2 Bed/2 Bath + Balcony

Price: $3580

What $2000 in Rent Will Get You This Week

Looking for a luxury apartment for rent that won’t break the bank? Here are some of our top picks netting under $2000!

Looking to Rent in Printer’s Row?

This fall and winter Printer’s Row is absolutely filled with great deals on luxury apartments for rent. Here are a few stellar deals that really stole the show this week!

Property 135

New luxury 1 bedroom apartments for rent

This luxury apartment features large windows, white quartz counter tops, a gas range, garbage disposal, Nest thermostat, in-unit laundry, hardwood floors, and stainless appliances.

Community amenities include a rooftop terrace and pool, spa, 24-hour door staff, and even a bowling alley! Property 135 also offers on-site dry-cleaning and tailoring services as well as direct access to Dollop cafe and coffee shop.

#135 Looking for luxury 1 bedroom apartments?

Pricing: $2021 + 1 month free on a 13 month lease (Net Effective: $1866)

Property 18

New luxury 1 bedroom apartments for rent

Between the dog run and abundance of nearby green space, this rental is a great option for pet owners. Modern finishes include designer Italian cabinetry, a rain shower and Grohe faucets in the bathroom, in-unit laundry, hardwood floors and a large walk-in closet in the bedroom.

At 850 square feet plus a balcony, there is plenty of room for entertaining. If you’re bringing large furniture pieces such as an L-shaped couch, dining table, or king sized bed to your new apartment, property 18 could be a great option for you!

#18 Looking for luxury 1 bedroom apartments?

Property 14

New luxury 1 bedroom apartments for rent

Do you entertain often? Between the extra half bathroom by the entry, spacious balcony, kitchen island seating, and a living room large enough for an L-shaped couch plus 8 person dining table, property 14 is ideal if you plan on having company.

Certainly. at 908 square feet, this apartment is one of the more spacious 1 bedroom layouts in the market. Additionally, notable features include 9 foot ceilings, in-unit laundry, and 2 walk-in closets in the bedroom. This pet friendly building also offers a dog run.

#14 Looking for luxury 1 bedroom apartments?

Pricing: $1896

Looking to Rent in Lakeshore East?

Property 78

New luxury 1 bedroom apartments for rent

This Lakeshore East 1 bedroom apartment features a modern kitchen with quartz counter tops, stainless appliances, and a gas range. The large balcony is great for entertaining and offers sweeping views of downtown Chicago.

This apartment features in-unit laundry, ample closet space, hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Better yet- the rent price includes heat, air-conditioning, internet, cable (Showtime & HBO), gas, sewer, water and trash removal.

#78 Looking for luxury 1 bedroom apartments?

Pricing: $2021 + 1 month free on a 12 month lease (Net Effective: $1853)

Looking to Rent in the Fulton District?

Property 1

New luxury 1 bedroom apartments for rent

The Fulton District joins the River North and West Loop neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a great value for rent in a prime location, check out this Fulton District convertible. This apartment features in-unit laundry, granite countertops, a kitchen island, and large windows to maximize natural light.

In addition to a large, 2-room fitness center, landscaped terrace, and billiards room, this apartment building offers a multitude of convenience-based features and services such as a resident coffee bar, co-working space with printing, door staff, and on-site dry-cleaning and bodega.

#1 Looking for luxury 1 bedroom apartments?

Pricing: $1806 

 

For more information on luxury apartments for rent within your price range, contact us today. We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

Meet Leslie

Looking for a luxury real estate broker near downtown chicago?

What do clients ask for most in their searches?

Clients always ask for convenient location first and foremost. Although what that means can vary from client to client, for the most part, convenience means being near grocery stores, coffee shops, entertainment, and transit to work. Many clients want to feel like they can walk to most places easily.

The other things my rental clients ask for frequently are closet space in the bedroom and countertop space in the bathroom, especially if there is more than one person who is going to be living in the unit.

My buyer clients tend to care more about layout, view, and HOA information than finishes. Often times clients shop or purchase with renovations already in mind. A lot of times I’ll be in the middle of a showing and a client will say, ‘this reminds me of an idea I got from HGTV!’

What advice would you give to someone looking to rent?

Looking for a luxury real estate broker near downtown chicago?

 

“ultimately it’s important to go with your gut feeling”

 

Have an open mind because sometimes the unit you end up falling in love with, isn’t what you’d think you’d like until you see it. I’ll send clients listings and some they’ll love, and about one or two they’ll say ‘maybe’ and more often than not they end up going with the ‘maybe’.

Write down your ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ to help define and prioritize your goals. However, some things aren’t quantifiable so its important to ultimately go with your gut feeling.

What advice would you give someone looking to buy?

Know your personal goals. There are a multitude of reasons someone may decide to buy like tax incentives, square footage, long term investment, rental income, a sense of long-term roots, proprietary control or being able to customize the interiors. It’s important to know your goals so you can select a property that is most in alignment with what you want to accomplish with your purchase.

Are most of your clients new to Chicago? If so, how do you approach acclimating them with the city?

Most of my clients lately have been new to Chicago, which I enjoy because I love showing them around. I always try to learn about their hobbies as an orientation for what kinds of things I think they’ll enjoy. Many of them like taking classes at boutique fitness studios like Crossfit, Barre, or SoulCycle. There’s a fitness studio that focuses on axe throwing. Sometimes I like to tell clients, ‘we Chicagoans don’t get many opportunities to chop lumber, so this is how we satisfy the need’. Who knows? Maybe I’ll take up a new hobby!

I also enjoy pointing out architecture and history. As a born and raised Chicagoan I’ve had the privilege of seeing many changes first hand. For example, when I was growing up, the West Loop was mostly meat markets. I remember going on trips there with my parents to pick up specialty salami and seeing meat hanging on hooks. There’s still a lot of meat in West Loop, but now it’s cooked and on trendy plates. It’s interesting to watch the growth of neighborhoods.

Looking for a luxury real estate broker near downtown chicago?

How did you get into real estate?

When I was a kid my parents used to manage three mid-rise apartment buildings. My mom was in charge of screening and tenant management and my dad was in charge of turning units for the next tenant. He did a lot of the maintenance work himself and I would help out. I remember when two and three bedroom condos started becoming really popular. All three rental buildings were converted into condos. That’s another example of the kinds of city changes I got to see first hand. I grew up intimately being around real estate and have loved it since.

Where do you like to go downtown in your free time?

I love River North, especially Hubbard Street, for its food, energy, and night life. For my friends and me, Barrio was our go-to spot this past year. We love their unique tacos, like truffle mushroom.

Looking for a luxury real estate broker near downtown chicago?

Tacos at Barrio River North

What is the best holiday activity in downtown Chicago?

Ice skating Maggie Daley park, followed by appetizers and drinks at Park Tavern. It’s never a complete winter without ice skating (even though I’m not very good at it).

Which “tourist” activity never gets old?

Going to the Sears Tower. Even though it’s formally known as the Willis, it’ll always be the Sears to me. Everytime we go its the same thing but with different people, and the different people make it special. I love waiting in the long line in anticipation. Every year I think I’ll have the urge to go on the ledge but I never have. I have a big fear of heights, but I enjoy watching others go on it! I’ll be the first one to volunteer to take their pictures!

Looking for a luxury real estate broker near downtown chicago?

Contact Leslie with questions about renting, buying, selling, or getting to know Chicago!

Winter is Coming! Get to Work From These Luxury Apartments Without Going Outside

It’s that time of year again for Chicagoans to bundle up! If you work near the Loop, Aon Center, O’Hare International Airport, Chase Tower, City Hall, or Merchandise Mart, here are some luxury apartments that will allow you to commute without going outside!

Property 111- The Loop

Get to these locations without going outside:

  • O’Hare Airport
  • City Hall
  • The Pedway
  • 150 N Michigan
  • Macy’s on State Street
  • LA Fitness
  • Millennium Station Metra Trains
  • Chase Tower

These Loop luxury apartments have direct, secured access to the CTA red and blue line trains from inside the building.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown CHicago?

One of the greatest perks of living along the blue line is direct access to O’Hare International Airport! That’s right– if you live at property 111, you could get from your apartment to anywhere in the world without going outside! Who wouldn’t want that convenience on a blustery winter day?

Property 111 also provides direct access to Chicago City Hall without going outside.

The blue line also runs through Chicago’s Western neighborhoods including Bucktown, Wicker Park, UIC campus, River West, West Loop, and Logan Square. The red line goes South past Columbia College and Museum Campus, around the Loop, and North through River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and along the lake past Loyola and DePaul Universities. If you work near any of these locations and are looking to cut your commute time, the luxury apartments at property 111 could be right for you!

Rentals at property 111 start around $1900 and include washer and dryer in unit.

Property 2- Lakeshore East

Get to these locations without going outside:

  • Aon Center (<1 block)
  • Swissotel
  • Hyatt Regency
  • Illinois Center
  • One Prudential Center

Luxury apartments at Lakeshore East property 2 offer residents direct access to the Chicago Pedway system.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown CHicago?

The Chicago Pedway is a system of underground tunnels linking more than 40 blocks of downtown Chicago, covering a total of five miles. The Pedway connects public and private buildings, CTA and metro stations, and is lined with convenient shops and restaurants along the way. Pedway users liken the feeling inside the Pedway more to an airport terminal than a tunnel.

Now leasing! Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown CHicago?

A list of all buildings accessible via the Pedway system

Rentals at property 2 start around $1795 and include washer and dryer in unit.

Property 34- Lakeshore East (*Value Building*)

Get to these locations without going outside:

  • Aon Center (<1 block)
  • Swissotel
  • Hyatt Regency
  • Illinois Center
  • One Prudential Center

Property 34 is connected to the same part of the Pedway system as property 2 and could be a strong alternative if your price range is more price sensitive. Property 34 has its own dry-cleaner on site and offers stunning views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel and fireworks!

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown CHicago?

Rentals at property 34 start around $1695 and offer shared laundry.

Property 138- River North (Merchandise Mart)

Get to these locations with <1 block outside:

  • Merchandise Mart
  • RX Bar Headquarters
  • CTA Brown Line Trains

Okay, this one is a bit of a stretch. You will have to go outside, but not far!

River North property 138 is connected to the RX Bar building as well as several popular spots in its retail space including Joe & The Juice juice bar and coffee spot, and Brown Bag Seafood Co, a casual seafood restaurant with reasonable prices. Property 138 is under a block from Merchandise Mart and the brown line train. The brown line CTA also provides access around the Loop and North through Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, and past DePaul and Northeastern Universities.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near downtown CHicago?

See the gallery below for more photos of a 1 bedroom layout at property 138!

Rentals at property 138 start around $1995 and include washer and dryer in unit.

 

 

By Sophie Morrison

Downtown Deal Sheet! Looking For Great Downtown Apartment Deals?

The weather is cooling off but apartment deals are heating up! Here are some of our favorite deals on luxury apartments downtown this week.

Featured Studio Apartment

Property 139- Chicago/Milwaukee

Studio/1 Bath, From $1525

Property 139 is a brand new River West high-rise with resort-like amenities and modern interiors. Kitchen finishes include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, kitchen islands, gas ranges, and unique layouts. Each unit has sleek, stylish hardwood floors, in-unit laundry,  floor-to-ceiling windows, and custom Elfa walk-in closets.

Now leasing! Luxury studio, 1 bed, 2 bed, 3 bed, Penthouse apartments in downtown Chicago!

Amenities include a “jam” room with instruments and pool table, a 15th-floor skylounge, indoor and outdoor fire places, several work-from-home spaces, a recording studio, and movie theatre. A 1-acre landscaped rooftop terrace features a hot tub, bocce and spike ball, fire pits, a pool with cabanas, hammocks, and grill stations with an outdoor pizza oven. Multiple fitness amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center with TRX, a squat rack, cardio and weight equipment, a boxing simulator, and a peloton spin bike studio. There are also 2 private training rooms where free yoga and HIIT classes are held twice per week. Coffee, tea, and fruit-infused water is available to residents in the lobby.

Now leasing! Luxury studio, 1 bed, 2 bed, 3 bed, Penthouse apartments in downtown Chicago!

15th Floor Skylounge

This pet-friendly building also features dog amenities, including a heated dog run and pet spa.

More Info and Pictures

Featured 1 Bedroom Apartment

Property 14- Clark/Polk

1 Bed/1.5 Bath, $1751

Looking for great deals on luxury apartments near downtown Chicago?

These South Loop luxury apartments feature nine foot ceilings, walk-in closets, balconies, and hardwood floors throughout. The modern kitchens have granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum natural sun light. All units in the building have an in-unit washer and dryer.

At 886 square feet, this large 1 bedroom apartment is perfect for anyone looking for maximum space.

More Info and Pictures

Featured 2 Bedroom Apartment

Property 75- Michigan/Chestnut

2 Bed/2 Bath, $2309

*1 Month Free*

Looking for great deals on luxury apartments near downtown Chicago?

Kitchen finishes at Property 75

What is most important to you in an apartment? If a high walk score and abundant closet space made the top of your list, you’ll love these Gold Coast apartments. Each unit features espresso plank flooring, stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. In-unit laundry is available in select units.

The market rent on this 2 bedroom layout starts at $2309. After the 1 month free on a 12 month lease, the rent nets to just $2117!

Looking for great deals on luxury apartments near downtown Chicago?

Newly updated fitness center

Looking for great deals on luxury apartments near downtown Chicago?

The rooftop terrace offers free high-speed wifi

More Info and Pictures

 

Prices can change daily, so if you’re looking for more information on great apartment deals in downtown Chicago, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

 

 

By Sophie Morrison

Spectacular Apartment Deals Near Lakeshore East!

The Lakeshore East neighborhood (also know as the New East Side or East Loop) is both centrally located and a quiet, tree-lined retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated comfortably between Millennium Park and the Chicago River, this area has some outstanding apartment deals in luxury buildings, surrounded by lush green space. Lakeshore East buildings are steps from a flagship Mariano’s, a 6-acre park with free wi-fi and separate dog run, as well as a variety of other shops, salons, and restaurants. Lakeshore East has direct access to the lakefront as well as the Pedway system. GEMS preschool is also conveniently located in Lakeshore East.

Property 16 offers full sized washer and dryers, updated kitchens with granite and maple cabinetry, and  gas cooking ranges. Enjoy stunning views with the building’s amazing floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive glass encased balconies offering unparalleled panoramic views. Building amenities include an outdoor pool terrace with lounge seating, a club room with games and pool tables, a steam room, spa, and sauna, as well as an expansive fitness center. Be sure to check out this property!

Property 16 offers studio, convertible, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom apartments. One of our favorite values is the convertible layout priced starting from $1750! View photos and more information here!

Now renting! Luxury apartments near the East Loop Chicago!

Another great option is Property 34. These Lakeshore East luxury rentals feature fabulous separate dining and living areas, a rare find in the city! Spacious floor plans offer generous square footage at an excellent price in the downtown market. Select apartment options available with hardwood flooring and stainless steel appliances. Building amenities include a stunning, year-round sunroom with retractable roof, a fully equipped fitness center, and a club room and internet lounge offering printers and complimentary wi-fi. You’re sure to fall in love!

Property 34 offers studio, convertible, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom apartments. One of our favorite values is the 1 bedroom layout priced starting from $1750– one of the most spacious 1 bedroom layouts available downtown! View photos and more information here!

Now renting! Luxury apartments near the East Loop Chicago!

Property 28 offers stunning east-facing lake and west-facing skyline views. Apartments offer wrap-around bay windows to maximize natural light. Spacious floor plans with high ceilings create a spacious, open feeling. Select rentals feature newly renovated appliances, flooring, and kitchen finishes. Property 28 features an indoor pool, outdoor grilling areas and sundeck, a fitness studio with complimentary classes, and a fully equipped business center. 

Property 28 offers studio, convertible, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartments. One of our favorite values is the 3 bedroom layout priced starting from $4200 with in-unit laundry! View photos and more information here!

Now renting! Luxury apartments near the East Loop Chicago!

Looking for luxury apartments near Lakeshore East? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

New Construction! Vista Tower Luxury Condos

Standing tall at 101 stories is the breathtaking Vista Tower located in the Lakeshore East neighborhood. The unique, glassy high-rise, inspired by the distinct crystalline form of fluorite, offers an unparalleled design to the Chicago skyline. The intricate geometric shape of the tower brings yet another iconic building to this city, brought to us by architect Jeanne Gang at Studio Gang.

Looking for luxury condos and apartments near Lakeshore East Chicago? Vista Tower

The tower, which is a visual masterpiece in itself, will offer condominiums and an exclusive 5-star hotel called the Wanda Vista Hotel. Magellan Development Group delivers yet another jaw dropping residence, forever shaping the city skyline.

Looking for luxury condos and apartments near Lakeshore East Chicago? Vista Tower

Just recently reaching it’s halfway point in construction, Vista Tower is climbing fast. Although it’s just meetings it’s halfway point the tower condominiums are already 40% sold according to the developer.

Looking for luxury condos and apartments near Lakeshore East Chicago? Vista Tower

The interior of each unit is spectacular and ultra luxe, making luxury the standard in each one. Residents can expect to enjoy spectacular panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Wide plank hardwood flooring meet modern oversized wood baseboards for a sleek look. A full chef’s kitchen that will make anyone swoon – contemporary Snaidero cabinets are matched with beautiful quartz and stone countertops and backsplash. Built-in appliances are key to the modern, luxurious look. A wall oven, speed oven and five-burner gas stove complete the impressive kitchen. The bathrooms will feature walk-in showers and deep soaking tubs.

Looking for luxury condos and apartments near Lakeshore East Chicago? Vista Tower

Vista Tower is offering unrivaled penthouses dubbed Sky360 Residences. With exceptional finishes and incredible views, it is of the utmost quality. Key highlights are 11’ high ceilings, 360 degree panoramic views of the lake and city, and upgraded kitchen appliances and finishes. Kitchens include a steam over, in-counter steamer and warming drawer, coffee machine, and a under-counter wine cooler. Unbeatable and ultra unique, future residents will be in awe every day when they live here.

Looking for luxury condos and apartments near Lakeshore East Chicago? Vista Tower

Be sure to keep an eye out as Vista Tower nears completion and forever shapes the skyline!

 

The 78: Chicago’s New Downtown Community

Major redevelopment is breaking ground in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. Dubbed as a “mega-development”, The 78 will overhaul a massive 62-acre area between the South Loop and Chinatown, into a new mixed-use neighborhood along the vacant riverfront.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near the new 78 development chicago?

Developed by Related Midwest teamed up with architectural master planner Skidmore, Owings & Merrill have recently outlined brand new details about the newest neighborhood. Since it will take over two decades and upwards of $5 billion to complete, The 78 is defiantly one of the largest developments in Chicago’s history.

 

Inside this currently vacant land, several barriers make it difficult to access from the surrounding area. One of the first orders of business will come with the long-discussed Wells-Wentworth Connector, which will create multiple new roadways. The new road will connect the dead end S Wells Street to Chinatowns Wentworth Avenue; providing a much more conveniently accessible area. 15th Street will also become extended to Clark Street to Wells as well.  Opening roadways from North to South from East to West will open the area incredibly.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near the new 78 development chicago?

In addition to the incredible advancement in roadway systems, The 78 development will also bring a new CTA red line station to the area. One of the largest challenges facing the new neighborhood is the Metra tracks currently situated on the areas boarder. The development team’s plan is to relocate the tracks further West. They also plan to enclose the train rail line, which adds the benefits of improved air quality and reduced noise throughout the new neighborhood.

 

The 78 will feature extensive outdoor space alongside the river to bring residents and guests alike to the beautiful waterfront area. Open space will carve through and between the buildings to elevate the area. A new river walk will also be built along the waterfront to add water activities and running/walking lanes.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near the new 78 development chicago?

Of course, the new mega-development will include stunning high-rise residential buildings. Though the exact number, design and where they will be situated is still being determined.

 

The 78 will house commercial, residential, and retail space, and is a hopeful candidate  in the bid for Amazon’s HQ2 headquarters. Related Midwest’s president, Curt Bailey, has commented saying, “The request for proposal calls for 8 million square feet. Our site has 13 million square feet so you do the math”. With such high stakes, this neighborhood could possibly be the newest home to Amazon!

 

Be sure to keep your eyes on this incredible new site! Interested in luxury apartments near South Loop? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

Millennium on LaSalle Luxury Loop Apartments

The Loop neighborhood is expecting a new luxury apartment building coming soon! Historically known as Barrister Hall and completed in 1902, 29 S. LaSalle is being revamped as a posh, boutique style apartment building called Millennium on LaSalle. In partnership with Fitzgerald Architects, DLC Residential recently purchased the beautiful 13-story office building and plans to renovate it into the Loop’s newest apartment addition!

Millennium on LaSalle Luxury Apartments Near Loop 1

DLC Residential, which typically does ground-up construction, appreciated the spectacular existing buildings structure, historical nature and phenomenal location. The goal is to create a new building using the existing shell and impeccable architecture. The apartment will feature 211 apartment dwellings and 5,000 square feet of retail space.

The exterior will feature a steel structure with a limestone and terra cotta exterior. The original building’s exterior will be preserved while the interior is renovated. Marble columns and ceilings will remain as modern finishes, furniture and lighting are incorporated. The combination will give a spectacular feeling of boutique, high-end residential living in the heart of the city.

In a beautiful blend of modern and classic styles, Millennium on LaSalle will feature incredible amenities for residents and guests alike. On warm, sunny days the rooftop pool and landscaped lounge with fireplaces can be enjoyed while taking in the views of the city skyline. The 14th floor amenity floor will also include a bocce ball court, a fitness room and dog run!

Millennium on LaSalle Luxury Apartments Near Loop

In the basement, additional amenities will include a large screening room, multiple media rooms, a computer lounge and a unique musical practice space with a recording booth! For your furry friends, an all-season indoor dog wash station can be used year round. Millennium on LaSalle’s first floor lobby will also include a coffee/media lounge – great for when you’re running out the door!

 

Looking for luxury apartments for rent in the Loop? Contact us today! We’d be happy to keep you in the Loop!

Walton on the Park – Gold Coast Luxury Rentals

Chicago’s Loop is home to a couple of the oldest neighborhoods in Illinois. With block after beautiful block lined with everything from cathedrals and luxury apartment buildings to high-end retail shops like BHLDN and Madwell, culinary hot spots ranging from the Yard Cafe and Vanitas to Citrique, and posh watering holes including the Stingray Lounge and Bazaar, it’s no wonder that Downtown Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood’s an incredible place to rent an apartment home.

Located off the northern end of the Magnificent Mile, renters in the Gold Coast enjoy convenient access to all of the above and more including–great shopping and exclusive retailers like Lanvin, Hermes, Christian Louboutin, Tom Ford and Barneys New York, along with notable dining destinations such as LuxBar, Jellyfish, Allium, the Morton’s Steakhouse, and Rosebud on Rush. Chicago’s Gold Coast is known for a variety of residential options including townhomes, classic mansions and of course luxury high-rise apartment complexes. Which brings me to Walton on the Park; it’s truly one of the Gold Coast’s most prestigious rental communities, and offers an assortment of luxurious amenities and high quality apartment features that are practically fit for royalty!

Just steps from Washington Square Park and a short stroll from the Magnificent Mile, Walton on the Park is in a walker’s paradise. Easy access to grocery stores, fine dining, retail shopping, public transportation and the lakefront means that renters never have to travel far in order to fulfil their needs. An onsite, 24 hour concierge is available to assist with securing taxi service, providing dining suggestions and other area information on request to ensure that residents receive catered care around the clock. No expenses were spared in the design and construction of Walton on the Park; an underground heated parking garage, Chef’s Kitchen and lounging area, meditation garden and outdoor fireplace are some of the unique amenities that make this community truly special. Other amenities include private men’s and women’s saunas, whirlpools and showers, a huge outdoor sundeck with a full sized lap pool and an outdoor kitchen.

In a city where the average one bedroom apartment size is roughly 700 square feet, Walton on the Park offers Chicagoans spacious floor plans starting at 920 square feet! Fitted with rich hardwood floors, imported granite bench tops, wood cabinetry, Viking appliances and floor to ceiling glass windows, the apartments are sure to impress. Do you have an abundance of clothing to store? Look no further! Each luxury rental includes great closet space including huge walk in closets and linen cupboards. Walton on the Park is truly a beautiful community where the apartments are bright, the service is impeccable and the location is perfect.The apartment community even offers some 4 bedroom apartments – a truly rare find here in the Chicago Loop!

Rents at Walton on the Park start at $2900 for 1 bedroom apartments, $3900 for 2 beds, $6900 for 3 bedroom rentals and $10,500 for the aforementioned 4 beds. While those rents might seem a little steep, various concessions are offered throughout the year, which provide an opportunity to obtain a great apartment at a discounted rate. Contact one of the Luxury Leasing Consultants at Downtown Apartment Company today for more information or to schedule a tour.

Candis Hickman | Luxury Leasing Consultant
Downtown Apartment Company
candis@downtownloop.com

Boutique High-rise Apartments in Chicago’s Gold Coast Await

Tour Gold Coast City Apartments

Few people who’ve had the opportunity to visit Chicago’s Gold Coast have failed to fall in love with its defining, timeless luxury. In other words, if you’re looking for a rental convenient to the loop, you’ll definitely want to include this neighborhood in your apartment search!

Boasting easy access to Lake Michigan’s Oak Street beach and the high-end shopping clustered along Lake Shore Drive’s Magnificent Mile, the Gold Coast is a truly luxurious slice of Downtown Chicago. Its gilded age architecture, tree-lined streets, glamorous retail from Christian Louboutin on Oak St to Judy Maxwell’s shop on North State , selection of fine dining options- including Rush Street’s Nico Osteria and North Dearborn’s Eduardo’s Enoteca-put virtually every other neighborhood in the country to shame. Residents even have late night dance bars like The Hangge Uppe, Lodge, and The Leg Room practically right outside their front doors. The prestigious Northwestern Memorial Hospital is even within easy walking distance. Few people who’ve had the opportunity to visit Chicago’s Gold Coast have failed to fall in love with its defining, timeless luxury. In other words, if you’re looking for a rental convenient to the loop, you’ll definitely want to include this neighborhood in your apartment search!

If you’re interested in making the Gold Coast neighborhood your new home, Gold Coast City Apartments might be the perfect place to start your apartment search! Managed by Village Green, this 22 story boutique-style high rise was recently renovated to meet Class G Green Standards and offers prospective renters three different finishes. All of the apartments feature new wood plank floors, granite countertops or islands, and updated cabinetry. Whether your apartment faces Lake Michigan or , The Loop, you won’t find yourself without a view. A fitness center, a rooftop sky park with an LED Movie Wall, business center, updated laundry facility, and a concierge with extended hours have all been added to appeal to today’s luxury minded renters.

Gold Coast City Apartments offers spacious floor plans from inviting studios and convertibles to one bedrooms with dens and expansive two bedrooms. Current pricing starts around $1400 for studio apartments. For more information and to set up a showing as soon as possible, contact us today!

Gold Coast City Apartments is located at 860 N Dewitt in Chicago

Sarah Hutcheson | Luxury Leasing Consultant
Downtown Apartment Company, LLC
Sarah@Freedowntown.com