Best Chicago Apartment Rooftops for 4th of July

Navy Pier may play host to biweekly fireworks throughout the summer, but there’s something special about the landmark’s iconic Independence Day commemoration. At 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Chicagoans will watch in awe as the sky lights up above Lake Michigan in Streeterville, one of the city’s most breathtaking waterfront communities.

If you’re looking to beat the tourist crowds at Navy Pier and dislike dinner cruises, you might be able to watch the fireworks from the comfort of home. Whether you currently rent at one of these buildings or are considering a move, the following Chicago rooftops make for an ideal 4^th of July summer soiree.

Lofts at River East

Image: Z Chicago / Lofts at River East Roof Deck

Located at 445 E. Illinois St., the Lofts at River East aptly sit just west of Lake Shore Drive. The building’s multi-level roof deck includes grilling stations, chic sofas, lounge chairs, gardens, pergolas, a communal fire pit and an outdoor movie theatre. Because of its full floor layout, residents can enjoy panoramic skyline and crystal Lake Michigan views without venturing offsite.

500 Lake Shore

Image: Related Rentals / 500 Lake Shore Drive

The sophisticated apartments at 500 N. Lake Shore Drive sit just steps away from Navy Pier, allowing for unspoiled views of Lake Michigan from the top floor terrace. Shared features include an outside pool, hot tub, sun deck, shaded cabanas, grill kitchens and lush landscaping. Depending on apartment location within the 45-story tower, renters in south-facing units may also be able to see the Navy Pier fireworks from their own living room!

Moment

Image: Z Chicago / Moment Apartments

Moment has two outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy: gardens, multiple grilling stations and eight cabanas on the north side of the 9^th floor and a sun deck with pool and resident lounge on the 45^th floor. The building, located at 545 N. McClurg Court, opened in late 2016 and holds a whopping 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity space.

Axis Apartments & Lofts

Image: Group Fox / Axis Apartments & Lofts

Although this building was constructed in 1986, Axis Apartments & Lofts was renovated in January of 2015 to incorporate modern comforts. Axis’ 360° Sky Park is on the 60^th floor and includes an exterior sun deck, bar, fire pit, and grilling areas. There’s also a 50-foot heated indoor swimming pool housed in massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the mezzanine floor.

1001 S. State

Image: Z Chicago / 1001 S State Pool

Head south of Streeterville and you’ll land in the red-hot South Loop neighborhood. 1001 S. State is a new luxury apartment building with gorgeous, summer-ready amenities. While residents aren’t quite as close to Navy Pier, they can still enjoy the 4^th of July from home. The 5^th floor south deck houses an outdoor pool, hot tub, grilling stations, and cabanas. The adjacent north deck is landscaped in greenery for a nice contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers with additional seating areas, grills, and strolling trails. The best views, however, are found on the rooftop terrace and lounge.

73 E. Lake

Image: Z Chicago / 73 E Lake

Rated best amenities in Chicago last year, 73 E. Lake in the heart of the Loop offers common spaces that are reminiscent of a five-star hotel. Club 73, the complex’s massive rooftop on the 42^nd floor, holds multiple outdoor seating areas, cabanas and a fire pit. On the other side, the indoor lounge overlooks the city’s impressive skyline alongside Lake Michigan’s sparkling blue waters. And in the wintertime, there’s always the famous indoor pool, spa and steam room on the mezzanine level for ultimate leisure.

North Water

Image: Z Chicago / North Water Apartments

North Water in Streeterville is another fairly new building with a 15th-floor pool deck, outdoor lounge and grilling area with large-screen TV. But on Tuesday, residents will likely head up to the 50^th floor for unobstructed views of the lake and Navy Pier fireworks. In case of rain, there’s an indoor lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows to watch the display without getting wet. Or, rent an east-facing two bedroom and enjoy the show without leaving your apartment.

If you’re looking to rent in Chicago at one of the above buildings for impeccable views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier year-round, call Z Chicago at 312-810-2295.

Heading outside of the city to celebrate the 4^th? You can still catch Navy Pier’s regular summer fireworks show this Saturday, July 1^st at 10:15 p.m., or any Wednesday or Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.