One of the advantages of living in a downtown Chicago high rise is the view. Depending on what you’re looking for that might mean looking across Lake Michigan, down at the Chicago River, over Grant Park, or toward the skyline itself. Some Chicagoans want to look east from the West Loop and see the downtown skyline and others would rather have an unobstructed view of Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. In a city known for its architecture even a view of nearby towers can be part of the appeal!
For renters searching for Chicago apartments with skyline views, these are some of the luxury buildings where the view is a major part of the experience.
What Makes a View Great in Chicago?
Floor height matters but it is not the only factor. An apartment’s direction, window placement, and surrounding buildings can make a significant difference.
Corner apartments often have views in multiple directions, while floor to ceiling windows can make even a lower floor feel more open. Private balconies and terraces can also change how much the view becomes part of everyday life.
Sometimes, being outside the center of downtown actually creates a better skyline view. From the West Loop or Fulton Market, for example, higher floors can look back toward the concentration of towers in the Loop. Views can vary dramatically within the same building and the actual apartment itself matters just as much as the property.
NEMA Chicago
Located at 1210 S. Indiana Avenue, NEMA Chicago is one of the tallest luxury residential buildings in the city. Its South Loop location creates particularly expansive views from upper floors.
Depending on the apartment, residents can look toward the Chicago skyline, Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and Museum Campus. Floor to ceiling windows take advantage of the building’s height, while the location south of the Loop provides a perspective looking back toward downtown, so even within the same building you can choose between multiple types of desirable views to choose from.
Wolf Point East
Wolf Point East occupies one of the most distinctive locations in downtown Chicago, at the meeting point of the Chicago River’s three branches.
The riverfront setting opens up sight lines that are world class and rare. Wolf Point is set up facing at a straight shot down the river, and depending on the exposure, apartments can overlook the Chicago River, River North, the West Loop, the skyline, and Lake Michigan in the distance all within the same unit.
For renters who want both river and skyline views, Wolf Point East is difficult to overlook.
One Bennett Park and 465 North Park
Streeterville offers some of the best opportunities for views of Lake Michigan.
One Bennett Park is located near the lakefront trail, Bennett Park, and Navy Pier. Apartments can look toward Lake Michigan, the skyline, and Navy Pier depending on the orientation.
465 North Park offers great views from Streeterville as well. Its modern glass exterior and curved shape that makes most units feel like corner units create views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, Navy Pier, and the surrounding skyline. Select apartments also include private balconies.
OneEleven
At 111 W. Upper Wacker Drive, OneEleven sits directly along the Chicago River. It is a strong choice for renters who prefer to be surrounded by Chicago’s architecture rather than looking at the skyline from a distance. Floor to ceiling windows overlook the river and nearby towers, while the location provides immediate access to the Riverwalk, Loop, and River North. Upper floor apartments offer a broader view across downtown.
727 West Madison
727 West Madison shows why the West Loop can be an excellent neighborhood for Chicago apartments with skyline views.
Located west of the city’s central cluster of towers the 42 story building offers higher floor apartments the opportunity to look east toward downtown. Floor to ceiling windows frame views of the Chicago skyline, West Loop, and Fulton Market. The location is particularly appealing for renters who want a recognizable skyline view without giving up the restaurants, nightlife, and neighborhood atmosphere of the West Loop. It’s also an incredibly convenient and walkable location with Whole Foods, the CTA blue line, and Union Station all within two blocks.
The Reed at Southbank and 1000M
The Reed at Southbank sits along the Chicago River, with apartments overlooking the river and surrounding skyline. Select residences include private balconies, while the interiors feature concrete ceilings and a more industrial design.
1000M has one of the more open locations in the neighborhood. Positioned along Michigan Avenue near Grant Park, apartments can overlook the park, Lake Michigan, Museum Campus, and the downtown skyline. The open park frontage helps preserve longer sightlines that are increasingly difficult to find in the center of downtown.
Optima Signature
Optima Signature is a 57 story tower with views in nearly every direction and sits on the border of Chicago’s Gold Coast and Streeterville.
Depending on the apartment residents may see Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline, the Chicago River, and Streeterville. Its height, central location, and floor to ceiling windows make Optima Signature one of the more versatile options for renters prioritizing both views and building amenities.
What to Look for When Touring an Apartment with a View
When possible, tour the actual available apartment. Pay attention to the apartment’s direction, floor level, nearby buildings, window size, and whether the view is visible from the living room, bedroom, or both. If the apartment has a balcony or terrace, consider how usable that outdoor space will be. You’ll also want to consider the times of day you’ll be home. A lake view is stunning during the day but just looks like darkness at night, while the city lights of the skyline look beautiful in the evening.
Downtown Apartment Collective can help renters compare available luxury apartments based on the details that matter, including location, floor level, views, amenities, and pricing. Contact Downtown Apartment Collective to compare available luxury apartments with views throughout downtown Chicago!
