River North New Construction Condos Delivering In 2019

A walk through the River North neighborhood will allow anyone to easily see that River North has been a hotbed on high end new construction condos and apartment buildings over the last few years.  River North has more larger (20+ units) new construction condo buildings in various stages of marketing and development than any other downtown adjacent neighborhood in Chicago.   Continue reading “River North New Construction Condos Delivering In 2019”

JDL’s 76-story development not the only massive skyscraper shuffling Chicago’s skyline

A rendering of JDL’s plans for the parking lot across from Chicago’s famed Holy Name Cathedral.

JDL Development has unveiled plans for the parking lot it purchased across from Holy Name Cathedral in River North. And the building it’s planning? It’s big. Continue reading “JDL’s 76-story development not the only massive skyscraper shuffling Chicago’s skyline”

West or East River North? There’s a Big Difference

There’s plenty to do this summer in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, everything from free movie nights in A. Montgomery Ward Park to the annual Taste of River North food fest and high-end shopping along the Magnificent Mile.

To the outsider, it might look like River North is one large area of restaurants, condo towers, shops and office buildings. But there are nuances to River North. It’s Western half, though still dotted with restaurants and shops, is a quieter, residential neighborhood.

But the Eastern half of River North is where the real retail and restaurant action is. This is the home of the Magnificent Mile and its stretch of shops and restaurants. This is where the tourists flock, especially on weekend nights. Continue reading “West or East River North? There’s a Big Difference”

New construction condo boom underway in River North

The 61 West Erie condo building is now under construction.

More people are choosing to rent today, and if you travel through River North you’ll find plenty of new-construction apartment buildings rising in this neighborhood. But developers aren’t limiting themselves to apartments. Many are now building new condominium towers, too, in River North.

These new condo towers are a bit different, though, from what developers have brought to River North in the past. Today’s new condo buildings tend to be smaller, with anywhere from six to 75 units. New apartment rental towers in the neighborhood, on the other hand, tend to house hundreds of units.

And the new condos hitting River North tend to cater to the luxury buyer, with most units in them priced at $1 million or more.

Here’s a quick look at some of the new condo towers hitting River North. Continue reading “New construction condo boom underway in River North”

Goodbye kitsch, hello class: River North continues transformation into modern, cosmopolitan neighborhood

A common-area space at River North’s Exhibit on Superior residential tower.

Remember the days when you could stroll past giant pizza slices, an orange-roofed Howard Johnson hotel and retro ’50s diners in Chicago’s River North neighborhood? Well, those days are ending.

High-end residential towers are replacing many of the kitchy establishments that once called River North home. It’s one more sign that this neighborhood — which still attracts the tourists, of course — is becoming more sophisticated. That’s good news for residents moving into all the new apartment towers: When they’re ready for shopping, eating or entertainment, they now have plenty of higher-end options. Continue reading “Goodbye kitsch, hello class: River North continues transformation into modern, cosmopolitan neighborhood”

Lucien Lagrange’s Long Lasting Impression On Chicago Architecture

The Pinnacle Tower, one of the signature Lucien Lagrange-designed buildings in the city.

Few architects have had the impact on Chicago’s skyline as has Lucien Lagrange. Lagrange has designed 27 important buildings in the city, including many in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Some of the key buildings that this Paris-born architect has designed include Chicago’s Park Tower, 65 East Goethe, the Waldorf Astoria and the Ritz Carlton Residences.

Lagrange isn’t quite as prolific as he once was, and he officially announced his retirement at least once, in 2010. “Retired,” though, isn’t quite the right word. Lagrange today runs his own Chicago-based studio, and is now working on a five-story luxury housing development in downtown Winnetka.

Lagrange, though, is best known for his work in the city, and his influence in River North has been particularly impressive.

Interested in living in a Lucien Lagrange building? You have plenty of options. Lagrange is known for his range. As his studio’s website says, he is one contemporary architect who can design everything from a Beaux-Arts hotel to contemporary steel-and-glass office towers. Continue reading “Lucien Lagrange’s Long Lasting Impression On Chicago Architecture”

Over 2,000 New Apartments Coming Soon to River North

A rendering of 8 E. Huron, one of several apartment towers now under construction in River North.

People want to live in the middle of cities today. They want to ditch their cars and walk to shops, restaurants, public transportation and theaters. And it’s not just young people: A mix of empty nesters, Baby Boomers and Millennials are all choosing the urban lifestyle in cities across the country.

That’s why we’re seeing so many new apartment buildings rising in the center of cities. Demand is high, and developers are racing to meet it.

Chicago’s River North neighborhood is no exception with over 2,000 units coming to market this year and next. In fact, apartment developers are especially busy in this part of the city. This shouldn’t be a surprise: River North features exactly what those seeking the urban lifestyle want, plenty of restaurants, shops, bars, theaters and options for public transportation.

Here, then, is a quick look at some of the most important new apartment projects now under construction in River North and slated for delivery in 2017 and 2018: Continue reading “Over 2,000 New Apartments Coming Soon to River North”

Looking For High-End, Urban Living? Try River North’s Cathedral District

 

St. James Episcopal Cathedral – Photo By Eric Allix Rogers

So you’ve decided you’re moving to River North.  Even within River North, there are several sub-neighborhoods to consider.  If you’re looking for something that’s pedestrian friendly with tons of shopping and restaurants nearby, then consider the Cathedral District.

Chicago’s Cathedral District is a small community of luxury multifamily high-rises, shops and restaurants on the east side of the city’s River North neighborhood.

The Cathedral District is roughly bounded by Michigan Avenue on the east, LaSalle Street on the West, Ontario Street on the south and Delaware Street on the north. People visiting this slice of the city remember its Gothic architecture, high-end restaurants and eclectic, independent shops. And if you’re looking to buy here? The draws, again, are the mix of sophisticated high-rise residential towers and the nearby shopping, including the shops along Michigan Avenue and in Water Tower Place.

And if you don’t want to drive? You can walk or take public transportation just about anywhere. Continue reading “Looking For High-End, Urban Living? Try River North’s Cathedral District”

Things To Consider When Buying A Home In River North In Chicago

Buying a Home In River North

It’s time to open the door to a new chapter in your life—literally. Turning that knob signifies a fresh beginning, with the opportunity to build a community in a new neighborhood and make some wonderful memories. When you’re buying a home in River North in Chicago, you should have an idea of what you’re looking for.

Having a set checklist will simplify the process and help you find your dream home as quickly as possible. Here’s what you should know before embarking upon your search. Continue reading “Things To Consider When Buying A Home In River North In Chicago”