Any luxury building worth its salt sports a wide-open rooftop and a gut-busting gym. Even perks for pets and a co-working space are pretty much par for the course these days. So naturally, builders and developers have upped their game when it comes to amenities.
Here in Chicago — where 3,664 new units came online in 2018, with another 8,000 anticipated in the next two years — real-estate folks are thinking outside the box to offer residents services that set a new standard in urban living.
Consider The Cooper at Southbank, a new 452-unit residential tower developed and built by Lendlease along the South Branch of the Chicago, where developers have opted to add a Listening Lounge, complete with a selection of guitars, an electronic keyboard, LPs and a turntable, and karaoke gear.
Image via The Cooper
Or Spoke, a River West project of Morgan Bond Company, where “The Venue” is kitted out with instruments and a small stage, plus a separate space for recording. And residents at Eleven 40 — a mixed-used development in the South Loop — can kick back in the Jam Room, all set to swing with instruments, amplifiers, spot lighting and a sound mixing board and iMac for recording.
If you’re tone deaf (or high school band is not a happy memory for you), don’t worry. There’s quite a spectrum of new amenities on tap at top-drawer condos and rentals. And who knows what’s next? Here are a few making life sweet right now.
The Cordial Room at One Bennett Park
One Bennett Park
Smack dab in Streeterville, this 70-story tower designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects is a combo of condos and apartments. The property features a slew of amenities and for those who buy their homes, there’s a special perk: access to The Cordial Room. Situated on the 41st floor, the clubby space is all about libations, with equipment for bar service and tasting events as well as oak-paneled lockers where homeowners can store their best bottles.
Alta Roosevelt
This South Loop rental goes old school. In addition to a fitness center with all the necessary cardio and strength training equipment, the property features a high-end rumpus room that includes a pool table, shuffleboard (yes) and two bowling lanes (yes!).
The outdoor sauna at Optima
Optima Signature
Peloton bikes are great, but what else have you got? No matter what new amenities come on-line, workout spaces will never go out of style, and this luxury rental at 220 E. Illinois Street covers the waterfront when it comes to getting the lead out. That means indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness room with the WELLBEATS™ virtual workout studio, basketball, squash and bocce ball courts, plus an outdoor sauna and steam room.
Main image via the Optima Signature
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