Floor to ceiling windows have become one of the most sought after features in downtown Chicago apartments. They are especially common in newer luxury high rises, where the architecture takes advantage of Chicago’s skyline, river, and lakefront.
Depending on the building and the apartment, renters can wake up to views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, downtown landmarks, or the surrounding city. Beyond the view itself, large windows can also change the way an apartment feels. More natural light can make living spaces feel brighter and more open, particularly when paired with an open concept layout.
If natural light and a view are high on your apartment wish list, these are some of the best Chicago apartments with floor to ceiling windows.
Why Floor to Ceiling Windows Make a Difference
There is more to floor to ceiling windows than simply having a good view. The amount of natural light coming into an apartment can have a noticeable impact on how the space feels throughout the day. Large windows also create a stronger connection to the neighborhood outside, whether that means looking out over the river, watching the city from above, or having the lake in view.
In many newer apartments in Chicago, floor to ceiling glass is paired with open kitchens and living areas. Without traditional walls and smaller windows breaking up the space, the apartment can feel larger and more connected from one room to the next.
Of course, not every apartment with floor to ceiling windows has the same experience. The direction an apartment faces, its floor level, and nearby buildings can all make a significant difference in the amount of sunlight and the type of view you receive.
Optima Signature in Streeterville
Optima Signature at 220 East Illinois Street is a 57 story apartment tower in Streeterville where the windows are a major part of the residential experience. Floor to ceiling glass provides views of downtown Chicago, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan, depending on the apartment’s location within the building. Select corner residences offer exposure in multiple directions.
The apartments pair large windows with nine to ten foot ceilings, wide plank flooring, Snaidero cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz or granite countertops, and in unit washer and dryer.
The building also has one of the more extensive amenity packages in downtown Chicago, including indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, coworking areas, a basketball court, saunas, steam rooms, and rooftop spaces. For renters looking for large windows and impressive views in the heart of Streeterville, Optima Signature is a strong option.
465 North Park in Streeterville
465 North Park is another Streeterville high rise designed to take advantage of its location near the lake and downtown skyline. Floor to ceiling windows provide views of the city, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding sky, while select apartments also include private balconies.
The building’s curved architecture creates different perspectives throughout the tower, meaning the view can vary significantly from one apartment to another. Interiors include open layouts, wood plank flooring, quartz countertops, Bosch stainless steel appliances, gas ranges, walk in closets, and Nest thermostats.
Its location also puts residents close to Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, the Chicago River, and Michigan Avenue. Renters who want to be near downtown while still having easy access to the lake may find 465 North Park particularly appealing.
OneEleven in The Loop
Located at 111 West Upper Wacker Drive, OneEleven sits directly along the Chicago River. The riverfront location makes floor to ceiling windows especially meaningful here, with apartments offering different views of the river, downtown skyline, and Lake Michigan.
The apartments feature wide plank flooring, designer kitchens, Snaidero cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, full size washer and dryers, and custom closet organizers. In the penthouse residences, floor to ceiling glass is paired with ceilings reaching up to 12 feet.
OneEleven works particularly well for renters who want to live near the center of downtown while maintaining easy access to both the Loop and River North. The building’s location along the river gives many apartments a perspective that feels different from a typical downtown high rise.
727 West Madison in West Loop
727 West Madison is a 42 story apartment tower in the West Loop with a curved exterior and floor to ceiling window walls. The building’s height and position west of the Loop provide a different view of downtown, particularly from higher floors.
Apartments feature nine foot ceilings, plank flooring, Euro style kitchens, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, custom walk in closet systems, and Nest thermostats.
Residents also have access to an outdoor pool and spa, a sky lounge, fitness center, yoga studio, coworking spaces, dog park, and pet spa. The location is convenient for renters who want to be close to West Loop restaurants and nightlife while remaining within easy reach of downtown.
The Reed at Southbank in South Loop
The Reed at Southbank at 234 West Polk Street offers a somewhat different look from many newer luxury towers. The apartments combine floor to ceiling windows with concrete ceilings and soft loft interiors, creating a more industrial feel.
In addition to the large windows, apartments may include private balconies, solar shades, smart home features, stainless steel appliances, and in unit washer and dryers.
The building is part of the riverfront Southbank development, placing residents near the Chicago River while maintaining convenient access to the rest of the South Loop. The Reed is worth considering for renters who want large windows and natural light but prefer a modern industrial interior over a more traditional luxury high rise aesthetic.
The Cooper at Southbank in South Loop
The Cooper at Southbank is another option for renters looking for Chicago apartments with floor to ceiling windows. Depending on the apartment, the views can include downtown, the Chicago River, or Lake Michigan.
The apartments feature open layouts, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and floor to ceiling glass. The building also includes a rooftop pool, fitness spaces, entertainment areas, and outdoor amenities.
Its South Loop location offers a balance between downtown access and waterfront living. Residents are close to the riverfront, parks, restaurants, and the Loop, making it a good option for renters who want both city convenience and access to outdoor space.
What to Consider When Touring an Apartment with Floor to Ceiling Windows
When touring apartments in Chicago, it is important to remember that two identical floor plans can feel completely different depending on where they are located within a building. Pay attention to which direction the apartment faces and how much direct sunlight it receives. A south facing apartment may have a very different amount of natural light than one facing north.
It is also worth looking closely at the window treatments. Solar shades can make a major difference in apartments that receive significant afternoon sun, while bedroom window coverage may be particularly important for renters who are sensitive to early morning light
Find Your Chicago Apartment with a View
Finding an apartment with floor to ceiling windows is only one part of the search. You may also have preferences around what you want to see outside your floor to ceiling windows. Some renters prioritize the lake, while others want a Chicago River view, an unobstructed skyline, or a quieter view over the surrounding neighborhood.
Floor level, sunlight, exposure, layout, neighborhood, and budget can all affect which apartment is the right fit.
If you are looking for Chicago apartments with floor to ceiling windows, contact Downtown Apartment Collective to find available apartments with the views and price point you’re looking for. We also offer guided tours and virtual showing services for renters who are moving to Chicago from out of town!
