One of the best parts of living in a luxury Chicago apartment building over a private home is the amenities. For the most part, apartment high-rises tend to have more onsite conveniences compared to privately-owned condos in mid-rises and walk-ups.

For some, onsite amenities are a must. Pet parents seeking an easier way to care for their furry friends, entrepreneurs in need of workspace to launch their next ventures and fitness enthusiasts who avoid crowded gyms might gravitate toward the towering apartments near the urban core.

With so many new construction apartment buildings in Chicago to choose from – each equipped with everything renters need to exercise, relax, work and play – it can be difficult to select just one building. We rounded up five of the best Chicago apartment amenities in River North, the Loop and Streeterville to help narrow your downtown Chicago rental search.

73 East Lake – The Loop

As the winner of Best Community Amenities from the Chicagoland Apartment Association (CAMME), it’s no surprise that 73 East Lake holds an impressive array of onsite perks. Between working from home, hosting private parties, lounging and exercising, 73 East Lake apartments cater to most, if not all, lifestyle needs.

  • On the 42ndfloor, residents share an entire indoor-outdoor Sky Lounge, complete with private dining room, seating areas, fire pits and cabanas overlooking the impressive cityscape.
  • On the ninth floor, an indoor pool, sauna and steam room creates a haven where year-round relaxation and water aerobics, even during the chilly Chicago winter, is possible.
  • The fitness center includes all customary cardio equipment and weights, plus in-demand workout classes in the secluded yoga studio.
  • For warmer days, 73 East Lake has complimentary bikes available to borrow for sightseeing, errands or your daily commute.
  • Although all apartments at 73 East Lake include a small desk alcove, residents can also stretch out in one of several private conference rooms.

Current Rent Prices:

Convertible – $2,305-$2,670

One Bedroom –  $2,530-$2,725

Two Bedroom ­– $3,325-$4,180

For a limited time, the building is offering two months free rent in addition to other signing bonuses.

Optima Signature – Streeterville

Image: Z Chicago / Optima Signature

Although Optima Signature’s high-end finishes and comfortable layouts make lounging at home incredibly soothing, the shared spaces are too good to ignore. Optima offers three full floors filled with resort-style facilities and athletic spaces.

  • The outdoor amenities are all located on one level, equipped with wine lockers, an outdoor kitchen, lounge areas, fire pits, spas, sundecks, cabanas, bars and televisions.
  • Apart from the fitness center and virtual workout studio, residents can immerse themselves in a full luxury gym experience with an onsite golf simulator, putting green, basketball/squash/bocce ball court – plus men’s and women’s locker rooms with dedicated steam, sauna and lounge areas.
  • The business center, library, conference rooms and coffee bar are perfect for those who work from home regularly or on a whim.
  • Onsite dry cleaners, bike storage and repair space and car wash station make weekend chores a breeze.
  • Indoor-outdoor dog parks and grooming facilities are prime for pet owners in the city.
  • Spacious party room, showcase kitchen and theater room mean no more crowded get-togethers in your apartment.

Current Rent Prices:

Convertible – $2,105-$2,645 (Tower)

One Bedroom –  $2,530-$2,885 (Tower) and $2,890-$3,455 (Apex)

Two Bedroom ­– $3,835-$4,210 (Tower) and $4,400-$4,575 (Apex)

Three Bedroom – $5,615-$5,635 (Apex)

Penthouse – Unavailable

As of February 20, the leasing specials at Optima Signature include a waived administrative fee ($450 value), two months free rent on select one- and two-bedroom units with an 18-month lease agreement OR one month free rent on any 10+ month lease term.

Lofts at River East – Streeterville

Image: Z Chicago / Lofts at River East

As the only true timber loft rentals-only building in the city, the Lofts at River East are best known for stunning interiors that mirror Chicago’s industrial roots. However, there’s a lot more to the Lofts than impeccable interior design choices. Yet another CAMME award winner, the Lofts at River East has a prime location overlooking Lake Michigan and one of the best rooftops in Chicago for watching the 4th of July fireworks.

  • Apart from gazing at Navy Pier and the waterfront, residents can venture outside to the sky deck and cook at several grilling stations, relax at the waterfront lounge or cozy up next to the fire pits on breezy nights. There’s also an outdoor theatre that puts an alfresco spin on movie night.
  • Inside, the residents-only lounge is complete with a fireplace, bar and seating areas along with an entertaining lounge used for both work and social interactions. The game room includes a shuffleboard table, pool table, poker table and arcade games.
  • In addition to cardio and weight machines, the fitness center at the Lofts has boxing equipment and punching bags.
  • The onsite bike room and repair shop helps residents navigate the city without a car.
  • When it’s colder out, the indoor screening room is perfect for watching the big game or binge-watching Netflix.
  • Although not limited to residents, the onsite Target, Starbucks and Pinstripes bowling alley is the epitome of downtown Chicago convenience.

Current Rent Prices:

Studio: $2,015-$2,095

One Bedroom: $2,505-$4,210

Two Bedroom: $3,875-$4,700

Three Bedroom: $5,035-$5,080

The Lofts at River East is currently offering up to two months free rent on a 15-month lease for vacant units OR one month free rent on a 12-month lease for all other units. Residents who apply within 24-hours of a showing will also receive their $400 administrative fee credited back to their account.

AMLI – River North

Image: Amli / Amli River North

Not to be confused with AMLI Lofts, AMLI 900 or the four other AMLI properties located in the Chicagoland area, AMLI River North is a 50-story rental property located in one of Chicago’s most popular residential neighborhoods. The building’s twelfth floor is where amusement and leisure meet to give tenants a retreat right in the center of downtown.

  • One of the most unique amenities at AMLI River Northis the rooftop dog park and pet washing stations.
  • On the 22,000-square-foot roof deck, there’s an outdoor movie theatre, lounging area, fire pits, communal grills and dining spaces for more casual summer nights. During the day, residents can swim in the pool or sunbathe inside the cabanas before venturing to the rooftop herb garden for fresh cocktail trimmings.
  • The fitness center offers numerous treadmills, fitness machines, a yoga/Pilates studio and golf simulator to achieve those 2018 health resolutions with ease.
  • The business center holds a copier, fax and scanner and the nearby morning lounge has free coffee to keep you going.
  • Residents can also relax in the sports lounge or the library room to stay social throughout the cold winter season.

Current Rent Prices:

Studio: $1,700-$2,180

One Bedroom: $2,675-$3,335

Two Bedroom: $3,380-$3,517

Three Bedroom Penthouse: $6,600

AMLI River North offers a “look and lease” special – apply within 24-48 hours to receive your admin fee credited back.

Hubbard Place – River North

Image: The Habitat Company / Hubbard Place

Despite being a stone’s throw from East Bank Club in River North, Hubbard Place has its own country club-esque framework designed to delight. Outside of its awe-inspiring city views, lessees at Hubbard Place are given access to shared spaces to satisfy their everyday needs without stepping foot off the property.

  • Club room and indoor deluxe media theater with surround sound capabilities are perfect for relaxing solo or with friends.
  • Fitness center is open 24-hours and includes free weights, cardio equipment and private “zen studio” for all your yoga and meditation needs.
  • Outside, residents have access to fire pits, landscaped dog run, outdoor pool and sundeck to fully immerse in warm Chicago summer weather.
  • The business center is a convenient and comfortable spot to catch up on work, study or hold meetings. Hubbard Place offers enhanced cell reception for AT&T and Verizon customers to facilitate a seamless conference call.
  • Residents can join East Bank Club with no introductory fees and current EBC members who live onsite get a $500 gift card.
  • Tenants without cars can use one of the Zipcars housed onsite to make errands even easier.

Current Rent Prices:

Studio or Convertible: $1,740-$2,675

One Bedroom: $2,600-$3,570

Two Bedroom: $3,830-$5,040

Hubbard Place offers a “look and lease” special – apply within 24-48 hours to receive your admin fee credited back.

 

To learn more about the best Chicago apartment amenities, see current rent prices or to schedule your private showing with a Z Chicago agent, contact us today.