Ivy Clad Luxury Apartments Coming Soon to Chicago’s Loop

The new mid-rise development currently under construction at 171 N. Wabash is set to make quite the statement. 

Why, you ask? The exterior will be covered in lush, green ivy. A feature as charming as this isn’t usually found amongst the glass, brick and concrete of downtown and I’m super jazzed to see it come to life! 

So how will they pull it off? Vertical facades of ivy will trail up the sides of the building with innovative irrigation that will be heated in the winter months. The plants will be contained in individual modular units that can be removed or replaced as needed and can even be taken to a warmer location when the Chicago chill hits. Pretty cool, right? 

The seven-story brick and stone structure will keep with the 1930s theme that’s popular among its neighboring mid-rises, offering an exclusive 81 new luxury apartments and 5,500 square feet of ground floor retail smack in the heart of downtown. 

Arguably the most walkable neighborhood in the city, this location is killer – a few blocks in one direction and you’re on the lakeshore. A 4-minute walk to the north lands you along the river.

The building will also be connected to the MDA City Club Apartments, which sits right next door at 63 East Lake Street. The two buildings will be connected through a bridge on the sixth-floor. The residents will share amenities like a mailroom, leasing offices and fitness center. 

Plans also include a rooftop pool deck. 

Want to move your cat or dog in? 171 N. Wabash is expected to be a pet-friendly community. 

The ultra-transit-oriented development will not have any on-site parking, but no worries about getting around – there are two CTA stops within a two-block radius. Residents can catch the CTA State/Lake Green, Pink, Orange, Brown, and Purple lines and the CTA Lake Red line. The Millennium Station for Metra is just a whistle away as well. 

Designer and Developer Details

Development on this property has been in the works for over four years, so I’m stoked to see it inching closer to an opening date. 

Well-seasoned Delaware-based CCA MDA ll LLC is heading up the development.

If the exterior plans are any indicator, the interior details are going to be equally jaw-dropping. I expect a sophisticated urban vibe that includes sun-flooded spaces and sleek finishes. 

The local firm Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA) will tend to the design. Their other recent Chicago-based projects include newly opened Essex on the Park, Randolph Tower, and Amli Lofts. All stunningly gorgeous. 

Just Outside the Doorstep

Renters in Chicago’s Loop know they have it made – the city is right outside their doorstep…literally. 

Foodies take delight – Elephant and Castle is actually located at street level in the City Club Apartments, which means access to brunch on the patio or an impromptu happy hour is a 20-second walk away. Takeout options – ranging from super-healthy to extra-indulgent – blanket the neighborhood. From your morning brew to evening cocktail, exploring nearby food and drink might become your new pastime. 

You’ll never long for something to do when you call this neighborhood home. A 3-minute walk west and you’re in the heart of a shopper’s paradise on State Street. Looking for a bit of culture? The Art Institute of Chicago is a short 10-minute stroll. The theater scene is alive with the Chicago Theatre and CIBC Theatre both nearby too. 

What I love most is the proximity to nature and green space. Millennium Park sits two blocks away with Maggie Daley and Grant Parks just a stone’s throw beyond it. Another hidden treasure is Lakeshore East Park in the bordering Lakeshore East neighborhood. 

Additional nearby conveniences and attractions within a half mile walk include: 

• Walgreens
• Target
• Starbucks
• AMC Movie Theater
• Macys
• Marianos Grocery Market
• Chicago’s Riverwalk 
• Prudential Plaza 
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Building
• AON Center 

Here to Help

We’ll keep you posted as this fabulous new Loop treasure nears opening. In the meantime, if you’re looking for a great apartment to call home, reach out to HotSpot Rentals today.  We’d love to help you find your perfect place.