Many Chicago professionals are choosing to live in the neighborhoods right outside of the Loop. For all of the Chicago newcomer readers, this is also known as the downtown area. Many bankers, brokers, portfolio managers, lawyers, engineers, executives, doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals have decided to save time and money on their commutes to downtown Chicago (some have relinquished car ownership) in exchange for the lively and upbeat lifestyle of living in the heart of Chicago.
By heart of Chicago, we do not necessarily mean downtown Chicago (the Loop), we mean just right outside of it. Specifically, the River North, Streeterville, West Loop, and South Loop neighborhoods which are considered first layer of neighborhoods right outside the downtown Chicago central business district. It’s these neighborhoods that hold some of the most exciting and desirable restaurants & bars, walk / jogging trails, parks, and thriving nightlife.
The continued influx of professionals moving into the city has created significant investment in living spaces, with the majority of the construction being luxury apartments. To be sure, as of April 5th, 2017 there are seven new high-rise luxury apartment buildings under construction in the River North neighborhood alone. Below we name a few of the many interesting projects.
Although a name for it has not been released at the time of writing, the pictured development is an office and residential combo which will include 193 apartment units and many amenities including a rooftop pool.
If you are into modern sleek design, then 3Eleven will work just fine. This 24-story tower will have 245-unit with floor-to-ceiling windows. Amenities include rooftop level fitness center, outdoor terrace, and swimming pool. You are in luck if you are Catholic, as there is a church right next door! The exterior is pictured below.
The final two we will mention are the Gallery and 640 N Wells, which are located adjacent to each other. Both are stunning buildings, but are great buildings but are very different on the exterior. 640 N Wells is a very modern design using lots of glass and interesting angles while the Gallery has a modern feel but uses a lot of brick on the exterior and has beautiful balconies.
Living in River North is fantastic, but don’t forget another fantastic neighborhood just a few blocks away. Click Part 2 to read about the Streeterville neighborhood, which is also located outside of downtown Chicago and just east of River North.