The Newest Apartments in Chicago’s River North

If you want to work, live and play in downtown Chicago, there’s no better neighborhood to call home than River North. Right in the middle of it all, this vibrant part of the city puts you within walking distance of the lake, entertainment, shopping, transit and so much more. 

When you’re ready to find a place to live in River North, you’ll likely be overwhelmed by the choices. Simply take a walk around the neighborhood and it feels like there’s a high-rise on every block. My team and I are the experts on them all and love helping people find their dream place. 

I’ve got a little advice when it comes to this ‘hood. If you’re going to rent in River North, take a look at the newest apartment buildings. They’re beautiful, chock full of luxury amenities, and their towering views of the city are out of this world. 

Here are my favorites, each with its own unique personality. 

1. The Ardus

When The Ardus building opened, River North took notice. This apartment building, located on the corner of Huron and LaSalle, is an absolute head-turner. Formerly an industrial warehouse, its impressive black exterior, topped with a rooftop terrace and twinkling lights, stands out as one of the most modern apartment buildings in River North. 

The Ardus: The Details

• Location: 676 N. LaSalle Street (Corner of Huron and LaSalle)
• Built: 2018
• Building Type: Mid-Rise | 6 Floors 
• Number of Units: 149
• Floorplans: Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom   
• Pet-Friendly

What You’ll Love About The Ardus

The Ardus is beautiful but not the least bit pretentious. I describe it to my apartment-hunting customers like this – if Crate and Barrel opened a luxury apartment building, it would be The Ardus. 

Located on the corner of Huron and LaSalle, The Ardus’ location is awesome. You’re less than a half-mile to everything downtown Chicago has to offer, including the River Walk and the Magnificent Mile. You can easily walk to all of downtown’s best entertainment restaurants and events. Or, let them come to you, like when Ardus holds a Chicago Air and Water Show watch party from its rooftop. 

Step inside the building, and you’ll instantly feel at peace. The shared spaces, including the lobby and game room, are awash in shades of charcoal and cream and feature awesome wood and brass details. Head up to the rooftop deck to find a cozy oasis that feels like it’s been tucked right into the middle of the city. 

The apartment units themselves have a minimalist-modern appeal. They’re literally a blank palette with white walls, all-white kitchens and subway tile laden bathrooms complete with glass-enclosed rain showers. There are tons of floor-plans to choose from, including unique studio apartments with lofted sleeping nooks. 

The Ardus Apartment Highlights

• In-Unit Washer and Dryer 
• Private Decks Available 
• Parking Available (additional charge)
• Modern Kitchens with Custom Cabinetry
• Balconies Available 

The Ardus Amenities

• Rooftop Lounge with Grills and Sun Loungers 
• Gym with TRX System  
• Fitness Classes 
• Game Room with Pool Table 
• Roof Lounge with Kitchenette 

2. The Gallery on Wells

If you feel like you’ve seen all the luxury apartment buildings that River North has to offer up, and they’re all starting to look the same, take a tour of The Gallery on Wells. Its name sounds more like an art gallery than an apartment building, and by design. The interior of this 39-story stunner blends contemporary art and design in a way that’s unlike any other building in the city.  

The Gallery on Wells: The Details

• Location: 637 N Wells (corner of Wells and Ontario) 
• Built: 2017
• Building Type: High-Rise | 39 Floors 
• Number of Units: 442
• Floorplans: Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom 
• Pet-Friendly

What You’ll Love About The Gallery on Wells

First, the location is right in the heart of River North. Located on Wells and Ontario, this building is a 7-minute walk to the Riverwalk and just 12-minutes to shopping on Michigan Avenue. Even the lakeshore is only a mile away…a distance I hear is just a warm-up for actual runners (I’m more of a walk-to-happy-hour kind of gal). 

If you’re looking for an apartment that’s close to the Merchandise Mart, Gallery on Wells is it. It’s just 5 blocks north, making your jaunt to the office a quick one. If you need to hop on the CTA purple or brown line, the Chicago CTA Station is just a 5-minute walk northwest. 

Gallery of Wells’ apartments are perfectly modern, comfortable and have great views of the city. The finishes include white subway tile, wood cabinetry and huge windows that give you an up-in-the-clouds view of Chicago. 

The amenities at Gallery on Wells are plentiful! Its residents enjoy a fitness center that’s stocked with the best equipment including…drumroll…Peloton bikes! If biking isn’t your thing, head to the rooftop deck for an awesome surprise. It isn’t just a great place to take in a view; it has a 25-yard, 3-lane pool for lap swimmers. Awesome for lounging and entertaining too, the roof-deck is outfitted with cozy furniture, fire pits, grilling stations and even a community garden. 

If you need a dog-friendly apartment in River North, Gallery’s got you covered with a dog-run, grooming stations and even a lounge for pet-owners to chill and socialize. Other fun bonus spaces include a game room, tech lounge and library. 

But, what really puts Gallery on Wells over-the-top is the Dollop coffee shop that’s attached to the lobby. Throw on your slippers and enjoy access to endless Mexican mochas without even stepping outside. Dream come true! 

The Gallery on Wells Apartment Highlights

• Keyless Entry – Smartphone Compatible 
• In-Unit Washer and Dryer 
• High-End Kitchen with Quartz Countertops
• Hardwood Plank Flooring 
• Balconies in Some Units 
• Parking Available (additional charge)

The Gallery on Wells Amenities

• 24-Hour Doorman  
• Rooftop Deck with Grills and Firepits 
• Community Garden 
• Lap Pool and Hot Tub 
• Sauna 
• Library
• Co-Working Space 
• Fitness Center with Peloton Bikes 
• Covered Dog Run and Grooming Area 
• Bike Storage 

3. Niche 905

So – you want to live in Chicago but also want a view of Chicago. Sounds impossible? Nope – it’s yours when you live at Niche 905. Located in the northwest corner of River North (just a mile north of the river), this luxury building reaches 18-floors into the sky and has panoramic views of downtown’s skyline that’ll have your heart at first glimpse. 

Niche 905: The Details

• Location: 905 N Orleans Street (corner of Orleans and Locust) 
• Built: 2017
• Building Type: High-Rise | 18 Floors 
• Number of Units: 202
• Floorplans: Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom 
• Pet-Friendly

What You’ll Love About Niche 905

I’m a huge fan of Niche 905 for so many reasons, but it’s the location that’s got my heart. Not only is it just north enough to offer up killer views, but it’s also super close to two of Chicago’s other awesome downtown neighborhoods. First, you’ve got Gold Coast. In fact, Niche 905’s renters are so close to Chicago’s most charming ‘hood that they’re actually considered residents. Next, walk north just a half-mile to hit Old Town and all it has to offer, including its awesome bars and restaurants. 

You’ll have quick access to downtown too. Snake your way through River North and into the Loop when you catch the train at the Chicago station. It’s just a 5-minute walk south of Niche 905 on Franklin Street. 

The apartments at Niche 905 are new, modern and bright with natural light. The developers capitalized on the view, making it the centerpiece of every space possible. Nearly all the apartments have balconies, which is an awesome bonus that sets Niche apart from nearby buildings. 

As far as amenities are concerned – you get everything you need to live ultra-comfortably. Let’s start at the top. The rooftop pool and skydeck are just soooooo good! While most building’s rooftops are closed in the winter months, Niche’s remains open! Soak in the hottub and watch snowflakes fall on the cityscape or get a little toasty around the fire pit. My other favorite amenities are the outdoor dog-run and fitness facilities (with a view, of course!). 

Niche 905 Apartment Highlights

• In-Unit Washer and Dryer 
• High-End Kitchen with Quartz Countertops
• Hardwood Plank Flooring 
• Balconies in Most Units 
• Parking Available (additional charge)

Niche 905 Amenities

• 24-Hour Front Desk Concierge 
• Dry-Cleaning and Laundry Service 
• Rooftop Pool and Spa 
• Fitness Center and Yoga Studio 
• Entertainment Room and Lounge 
• Dog Run
• Pet-Grooming Area 
• Community Garden 
• Bike Storage 

4. Wolf Point East

Rent an apartment at Wolf Point East and here’s what you get: remarkable luxury amenities, gorgeous units and a priceless bird’s eye view of the Chicago River. I watched this building rise from the ground up and was thrilled when it opened in 2020. With 58 floors towering above the city, this building takes the term “high-rise” to a whole new level. 

Wolf Point East: The Details

• Location: 313 W Wolf Point Plaza (on the banks of the Chicago River) 
• Built: 2020
• Building Type: High-Rise | 58 Floors 
• Number of Units: 698
• Floorplans: Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom | Penthouse 
• Pet-Friendly

What You’ll Love About Wolf Point East

Honestly, there’s nothing not to love about Wolf Point East. It’s without a doubt one of the most high-end apartment buildings in Chicago. If living in a luxury hotel was your childhood dream (any Eloise fans out there?) moving into Wolf Point East will fulfill your every whim. 

Wolf Point East is located on the Chicago River split; arguably the best place to live in downtown Chicago. It’s smack in the middle of the intersection of three great neighborhoods – Fulton River, River North and the Loop – and when you live here you have the city at your feet. 

You’ve got to see Wolf Point East with your own eyes to believe it, but let me try to set the scene for you. The building has an air of sophistication that you don’t find in every luxury apartment building. Each amenity space has been so well-planned and designed. Every inch has been perfectly curated with high-end furnishings and jaw-dropping views. It’s obvious that the developers took great pride in their design, giving each detail its deserved attention. The staff that cares for the building is world-class and is devoted to impeccable cleanliness.

Move-in and you might never leave. And, you really don’t have to. Wolf Point East feels more like a sprawling campus than an apartment community. Everything you need, and more, is within its walls. 

The apartments themselves are lovely and have three distinct design collections to choose from – the River Collection, Lake Collection or Penthouse Collection. All feature luxury kitchens, technology-focused details and floor-to-ceiling windows. 

The amenities are top-notch and include polished indoor gathering spaces, a riverside terrace, a 40th-floor coworking-space with insane views of the city and a pool deck that overlooks the Chicago River. Oh – did I mention there’s a full-floor fitness club? You might feel the need to pinch yourself but I swear, this building is the real deal! 

Wolf Point East Apartment Highlights

• Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
• In-Unit Washer and Dryer 
• Custom Built-In Shelving
• Kohler Fixtures
• Parking Available (additional charge)

Wolf Point East Amenities

• 24-Hour Doorman
• Dry-Cleaning and Package Storage
• Sports Club
• Co-Working Space
• Board Room
• Several Luxury Lounges
• Full-Floor Fitness Club
• Indoor/Outdoor Pool 
• Golf Lounge with Simulator 

Now comes the tough part – choosing! With so many awesome apartments in River North to pick from, having an expert by your side can help make touring apartments and signing a lease so much less of a headache. Give my team and me a shout to chat more about finding your new apartment in downtown Chicago.