Expressway-Adjacent Luxury Apartments to Add 413 Units to the West Loop

Randolph Row is undoubtedly West Loop’s most famous (and yummiest smelling) street. But in recent years, another impressive row has also been growing. 

Have you noticed the stunning line of amazing architecture that has sprouted along the Kennedy expressway? I’ve watched them rise up in recent years and find myself gawking at their beauty. They showcase the phenomenal work of the talented architects, designers, contractors and developers that we are lucky to have working in Chicago. 

Soon, we’ll have a new high-rise to gaze up at. A brand-new luxury apartment building – at 640 W. Washington – was recently approved by the city, and it’s going to be a stunner!

The nationally known developer – Crescent Heights – already has several remarkable luxury apartment buildings in Chicago, and this new tower should be on par with their high-end portfolio. Let’s take a look at what we know so far.

A Major Developer Expands In Chicago’s West Loop

Crescent Heights is a major player in real-estate development, with projects spanning from coast to coast. They’re the developer behind several luxury apartment buildings, including the city’s tallest rental residence, NEMA. Standing at 76-stories tall, NEMA pushes the envelope for resort-quality high-rise living in Chicago. 

With a strong presence with projects in the South Loop and Fulton River neighborhoods, this latest development at 640 W. Washington will give Crescent Heights a foothold in Chicago’s popular West Loop. 

Award-Winning Chicago Designer

Chicago’s Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture was tapped to design the tower. This local Chicago firm is on a hot streak with recently completed projects including Old Town Park’s three towers and River North’s 640 N. Wells.

I’m so excited to watch this titan team put their stamp on the West Loop! If what they have on paper is anything close to reality, this new West Loop luxury apartment high-rise will be spectacular. Let’s take a look at the detailed plans for what’s coming to 640 W. Washington. 

Brilliant Architectural Details

Renderings for this mixed-use development show an L-shaped building, with a 47-story tower attached to a two-story structure. The ground-floor space includes 8,000 square feet of space, which is sure to lure in some great retail. 

Rising up 515 feet tall, I’m almost certain that 640 W. Washington will be the second-tallest building in the ever-evolving West Loop neighborhood. Keeping track of the tallest towers makes my head spin, since developers are steadily racing to build across this favored turf. But, I do know that 725 W. Randolph, another new West Loop apartment that’s coming soon, is scheduled to be the tallest at 680 feet tall. Yowzaa! 

A New West Loop Apartment With Details to Impress

Blending historic character with modern style is practically a building code in the West Loop. This new building’s base brick walls are a nod to the historic industrial architecture of the neighborhood. In contrast, the metal cladding and glass panels on the upper-floors complement the sleek downtown skyscrapers that surround this property.

Crescent Heights has a reputation for creating jaw-dropping apartment amenities, and the spaces planned at 640 W. Washington are on par with Chicago’s best. A whopping 20,000 square feet will be dedicated to indoor and outdoor recreation and comforts, and each will be designed to impress.

• Third-Floor Rooftop: Renderings show off an outdoor dog run, a garden lawn, outdoor games space, and sun deck. 

• A Fitness Center: No details yet, but I guarantee this will be a gorgeous space to sweat in. 

• Coworking Lounge: The new gold-standard for work-from-home renters. 

• Outdoor Skydeck: Your personal play space awaits! A 42-ft pool, indoor amenity area and awesome views will sit atop this new building. 

Anticipating Additional Design Features

There are still a few mysteries about the building that are yet to be shared. 

On the 41st floor, I see a creative architectural feature that looks like an inset level with glass and metal railings surrounding a terrace. Above it is a parapet with large windows and metal frame accents. Are those penthouses? Bonus amenity spaces? We’ll have to wait and see! 

Details about the units are not available yet, other than there will be a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. If the aesthetics are on par with other new luxury apartments in downtown Chicago, then tenants can look forward to hardwood floors, on-trend finishes, stainless steel appliances, and convenient in-unit washers and dryers. 

A Convenient West Loop Location

Situated west of the Chicago River, but east of the Kennedy Expressway, the apartment’s location offers renters a perch in one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. And, you’ll still be within walking distance to the Loop and just two blocks to the Ogilvie Transportation Center. 

Favorite Reasons to Live in West Loop

Foodies will love checking out the incredible restaurants and bars along Randolph Street. If you find yourself out late with friends, you don’t have to worry about a long commute to work in the morning. Several major workplaces are located nearby in the West Loop, making this a favorite neighborhood for folks who are relocating to Chicago. 

Thankfully, Chicago is a city that loves parks, so even though this location is close to the city center, there are a couple of lovely nearby green spaces. 640 W. Washington will be West Loop’s newest pet-friendly apartment building, and with Heritage Green Park, Fulton River Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk nearby, getting fresh air with your pup is easy! 

If you work outside of the West Loop, there are plenty of transit options that are steps away from this building. Several bus routes run along Washington Street. Also, the CTA Green/Pink Lines, Ogilvie Metra and Union Station Amtrak are only a few blocks away. 

This apartment building’s location is adjacent to the I-94 Kennedy expressway, which could not be more convenient for drivers. North and south off-ramps exit onto Washington, only one block away, while north and south on-ramps are only two blocks away on Madison. 

Nearby Neighborhood Highlights

Wonderful Restaurants Nearby

• Randolph Street – aka Restaurant Row
• Greektown Restaurants
• Avec
• Omakase Yume
• Saigon Sisters
• Wishbone
• CH Distillery

Walkbale Grocery/Pharmacy/Essentials

• Whole Foods
• Mariano’s
• Walgreens
• Chicago French Market
• H Mart

Green Space to Run and Play

• Heritage Green Park
• Fulton River Park
• Chicago Riverwalk

Walkable West Loop Workplaces

• Boeing 
• CDW Corporate Office
• CME Group
• Ernst & Young
• Google Chicago
• Hyatt Hotels Corporate Office
• Kent College of Law
• McDonald’s HQ
• Starbucks Corporate Office
• Riverside Plaza offices
• River Point offices
• USB Tower
• 150 North Riverside offices
• 540 W Madison offices (Bank of America, Caterpillar, BMW)

If you’re excited to make Chicago’s West Loop home, our awesome team at HotSpot Rentals is here to help! We’re the experts in the best and newest apartments in West Loop, and we make finding your new rental a breeze.