About Sentral Michigan Avenue
Opened in 2019, Sentral – formerly named Essex on the Park – is located in the heart of South Loop, right on famed Michigan Avenue. One of the neighborhood’s newest apartment buildings, Sentral Michigan Avenue’s most brag-worthy features are its incredible views, outstanding staff and a location that just can’t be beat.
Imagine living in a bustling urban setting, but having views of open sky, sprawling green space and sparkling Lake Michigan. That’s exactly what you get when you rent at Sentral. These apartments are located right across the street from Grant Park. Having acres upon acres of green space so close to home is a luxury when you live right downtown.
Sentral is also steps away from the little luxuries that make everyday life easier. Walk to Peet’s Coffee, Trader Joe’s and awesome brunch, lunch and dinner spots. The CTA Harrison Station is just a 7-minute walk north. Hop on the Red Line to reach all the North Side neighborhoods, including Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville, in a snap. If you work in the central business district, the Loop is just a half-mile north of this building. Take a stroll or catch a bus for a quick commute to work.
Sentral’s residents rave about living here, and overwhelmingly what they value above all else – yes, even the infinity pool – is the staff. From the friendly faces at the concierge desk to the maintenance team, Sentral’s staff is the best of the best! The feeling of community they’ve created is magic, and not something that you’ll find in every building.
The amenity spaces onsite are one-of-a-kind too. And, they’re to-die-for. The designers took advantage of the views of Grant Park and the city skyline, positioning the shared spaces with spectacular peeks of downtown.
Sentral’s winter garden is the kind of space you never knew you always needed. This plant-adorned atrium overlooks the park and is the picture of serenity. Other zen-inspired amenities include an outdoor pool with a spa deck and a yoga room with the best views in the city.
The practical spaces are beautiful too. If you’re an apartment dweller who works from home, consider the fourth-floor co-working space your new office. It’s light, bright and has private conference rooms for calls and meetings. Even the dog parks, where your pup can take care of business, are pretty! Yes, Sentral Michigan Avenue is one of the most dog-friendly apartment buildings in South Loop with several dog runs, parks and a pup-spa too.
Now let’s talk about the apartments for rent. In a word, they’re smart. They have smart floor plans that are laid out to take advantage of every square inch. And, they’re equipped with smart technology, like Ecobee thermostats, too.
From studio apartments to four-bedroom apartments, and everything in-between, you’ll find a floor plan that fits your needs. The interiors feature 9-foot ceilings and sunshine-filled open-living spaces. High-end finishes like quartz countertops, rainfall shower heads and frameless glass shower doors are yours too.
The Neighborhood
Sentral Michigan Avenue is located in one of Chicago’s best downtown neighborhoods – South Loop!
Bordering the south side of the Loop, the neighborhood is most popular because it’s so close to the heart of downtown. Being able to walk to work, entertainment venues and the city’s best restaurants make city living extra sweet. The South Loop also checks all the boxes regarding livability – from grocery stores to dog parks, this ‘hood has it all.
Restaurants Nearby
South Loop is flush with great restaurants, and when you live at Sentral, you’ll have tons of choices within walking distance. A few of our favorites include:
- Mercat a la Planxa: Spanish Tapas
- Low Country: Cajun and Creole
- Taco Maya: Tacos
- Bureau: Pizza
- Grant Park Bistro: American Fare
Transportation Options
If you’re not lucky enough to be able to walk to work from Sentral, no worries – public transport has you covered. Living right on Michigan Avenue means it’s easy to catch a bus and buzz all over the city. If the train is more your style, hop on the CTA Red Line – it’s just a 7-minute walk from the building.
And for renters who want to live downtown, but need to drive out of the city frequently, Sentral is the place for you. Access to Interstate 90/94 is easy and will get you to and from home in a snap.
Parks and Recreation
Live at Sentral Michigan Avenue, and Chicago’s front yard is YOUR front yard. Living in an apartment close to Grant Park equals loads of green space to run, bike or to even just lay down on a grassy knoll and have a picnic.
Perhaps not as famous, but equally serene, Roosevelt Park and Printer’s Row Park are both close enough to Sentral that residents can walk to them.
Grant Park:
- Gardens
- Skate Park
- Tennis Courts
- Softball Fields
- Fountains
Roosevelt Park
- Tennis Courts
- Playground
- Dog Play Area
- Running Track
- Green Space
Printer’s Row Park
- Home of the South Loop Farmer’s Market
- Green Space
Universities and Employers
If you work or go to school in South Loop, this is a great apartment building to live in. Some notable nearby universities and employers include:
- Columbia College Chicago
- Robert Morris University Illinois
- Roosevelt University
- East-West University
- Exalon
- Inland Steel
- Goettsch Partners
- Federal Courthouse
- US Department of Labor
- CoreSite
Grocery and Convenience
Rent an apartment here and not only do you have awesome shopping, entertainment and restaurants nearby, you’ve got all the conveniences that make living in downtown Chicago easy. Grocery stores and drug stores are abundant in South Loop, and many are super-close to Sentral’s front doors:
- Trader Joe’s
- South Loop Market
- Jewel-Osco
- Totto’s Market
- Target
- Whole Foods
- CVS
- Walgreens