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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 5 years

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The Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s West Loop Neighborhood

West Loop is changing so much, so fast, and in such a short period of time. It’s no longer the “gritty” neighborhood it once was in its industrial-era beginnings. Executive Director of the West Loop Community Organization, Carla Agostinelli, claims that West Loop’s identity is in flux, but “We are not flashy. We are not hipster. We’re a very individual neighborhood with our own style. I don’t know what it’s called yet. We’re not pretentious, and we’re not super fancy, either. We kind of have our own feel.”

West Loop Today

Whatever you choose to call the draw, West Loop has become a very popular place to live and work. The trend of building West Loop luxury apartments with close proximity to Restaurant Row and tech employers Google, Twitter and LinkedIn have provided the area with thousands of high-quality residences in the last decade.

The Fulton Market District is the area’s destination for shoppers, art lovers and gourmets. The district features 17 galleries and designers, eight restaurants, bars and coffee shops, the Ace Hotel and two new hotels on the way. West Loop is also the home of Greektown, where you can explore the heritage of Greek immigrant life at the National Hellenic Museum and get a taste of traditional Mediterranean food.

Just over the western boundary of West Loop, you can catch a Bulls basketball game or cheer on the NHL Blackhawks at United Center. If you’re looking for interior design help and custom home furnishings for your Chicago luxury apartment, the Merchandise Mart is just over West Loop’s northeast border in River North.

The addition of an “L” stop in 2012 at Morgan and Lake Streets provides West Loop neighbors the opportunity for easy access to nearby attractions in downtown Chicago. Residents enjoy easy access to I-90/I-94 and I-290. West Loop is also known for its green space, and we think you’ll love taking your dog for a stroll in one of its five parks.

We invite you to explore West Loop with us, and find out what it is about West Loop that makes so many people enjoy calling it home.

History of the West Loop

Today, West Loop has developed quite a reputation as a cutting-edge gastronomic center. In the mid-1800s, however, the area’s efforts were located at the opposite end of the food production scale. Chicago was a major hub of agricultural and processing and distribution, and West Loop became a hub for both the produce and meatpacking industries.

The Fulton-Randolph Market District has a rich history as one of the oldest Chicago wholesale markets. In the 1850s, the area was separated into two markets, with Randolph Street Market Hall providing a home for produce sales and Fulton Street providing meatpacking services and sales. As these areas grew, related businesses began to pop up, like barrel manufacturers, then general manufacturing made the area its home as well.

The low-rise manufacturing buildings of the meatpacking era became a draw for condo developers and restaurateurs in the early 2000s, who favored its unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline.

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 affected the southeast portion of the West Loop area, having spread north and east from an area that is now the home of Nordstrom Rack in South Loop. Flaming debris picked up by a strong southwest wind landed on rooftops across the river, and the conflagration moved into the Loop. After devouring 3.3 miles of Chicago’s business district and leaving ⅓ of Chicago homeless, the fire began to burn itself out, and the rains came.

The industrial revolution took hold of Chicago during this era. Immigrants looking for work sought out the West Loop area as a place to earn a living. Labor unions grew which tried to fight for better labor conditions, including reduction of the workday to eight hours. Union members had been striking, some of whom were killed by police. On May Day, 1886, a peaceful rally in support of the striking workers turned into a massacre, as someone threw a dynamite bomb at a group of police, killing seven officers and four civilians and wounding dozens.

The Haymarket Affair had a tremendous impact on labor around the world, including creating the celebration of International Workers Day on May 1 and the U.S. Labor Day. You can still visit the beautiful Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument in Forest Park Cemetery, dedicated in 1893.

Fortunes fell for West Loop during the Great Depression, bringing industry and production to a standstill. Generational poverty set in, and by the fifties and sixties, West Loop became known as Skid Row. The area was filled with homeless men, in the winters as many as 15,000, and post-WWII, those numbers included servicemen with PTSD. Alcoholism was rampant in the area, as well as crime.

What put an end to Skid Row? Money, of course. Developers saw an opportunity to profit and pitched an idea to the city to develop a self-contained community in West Loop called Presidential Towers, a residential community which is still vibrant to date. The city responded warmly, giving the private developers $180 million in federally tax-exempt city bonds, and the Federal Housing Authority gave them a $159 million federally insured mortgage.

What went missing in this deal? Presidential Towers was exempted from the requirement to reserve 20% of its units for low-income residents. Despite controversy over the use of federal and city funds for private development, the overall outcome seems to have been positive.

Soon after, in 1988, one dynamic woman made the final difference in West Loop’s revival, Oprah Winfrey. Oprah opened her production company, Harpo Studios, at 1058 West Washington, and it served as both the headquarters of her television empire and a production studio. From January 1990 until 2011, the Oprah Winfrey Show was shot at Harpo Studios.

The studio was sold in 2014 and demolished, making way for McDonald’s new corporate office and training facility which opened in July 2018.

In the two decades that followed, many of the old Skid Row haunts fell, and new development occurred, including the new United Center. When you visit West Loop today, there’s hardly any evidence that it was once Skid Row, save for Father Mac’s Haymarket Center, which still serves people seeking help from alcohol addiction, and the Pacific Garden Mission on South Canal. West Loop is now a thriving, proud community with a strong neighborhood association that seeks to influence the future of West Loop development in a way that benefits all residents.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 5 years

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The Paragon: New South Loop Luxury Apartments Available Spring 2019

Imagine walking home from the Roosevelt CTA station to your new South Loop luxury apartment, The Paragon. Before you turn on to South Wabash, you decide to stop in to Trader Joe’s across the street to pick up the makings of a delicious meal, a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of cabernet.

You have plans to grill salmon on one of the grill stations on the outdoor deck and to relax with a friend after dinner, drinking cappuccino in one of the building’s lounges. One thing you love about walking home from work is enjoying your view of MadC’s mural, The 1000 Wall, a colorful 1,000-square-foot mural on the north facing of The Paragon. You think to yourself how good life really is in the South Loop.

South Loop’s New Luxury Apartments

One of our favorite neighborhoods, the South Loop, is getting yet another fabulous luxury high-rise, mixed-use property that you can call home in the Spring of 2019. Construction began in May of 2017 at 1326 South Michigan Avenue, and progress has been rapid. The building features a lovely beveled glass design that reaches 47 stories and will offer 500 apartment units in studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom options.

While we haven’t yet gotten the skinny on apartment details, we are excited to note that the building is being co-developed by Walsh Construction and CIM Group. Two winners of the Best Luxury awards in our recently released guide to the 2018 Best of Chicago’s Downtown Apartments are Alta Roosevelt and 1001 State Street, both Walsh Group properties. As a result, we feel confident that The Paragon will meet high standards.

Luxurious Amenities

We expect big things from The Paragon in terms of amenities. Its entire 47th floor will be dedicated to your health and happiness, including a lake-view fitness center and entertainment room. Other amenities will include:

Co-working space with a library.

Outdoor deck with pool, cabanas and grill stations.

Spa with sauna, whirlpool and steam bath.

Lounges to enjoy morning and evening coffee.

Dog park for your pooch to exercise.

Neighborhood Shops, Restaurants and Attractions

One of our agents, Randy, boasts, “The South Loop is my favorite neighborhood,” and if you aren’t familiar with the neighborhood, we welcome you to check out our comprehensive guide. Residents of The Paragon will enjoy a quick walk or bike ride to popular shops, restaurants and attractions.

Trader Joe’s and Jewel are within a couple of blocks, Grant Park is a block and a half away and the Field Museum is a six-minute bike ride down South Indiana Avenue. Walgreens is just on the other side of Roosevelt Station and Target is to the west in the nearby Roosevelt Collection Shops, which includes Old Navy, Loft, Ulta Beauty, The Container Store and the Showplace ICON movie theatre.

The building itself will feature 7,500 square feet of retail space, though we don’t yet know what will be featured there. However, we do know that just next door is Giordano’s, which features handcrafted deep dish pizza made lovingly by “pizza artisans.” The popular Flo & Santos is located on the west side of The Paragon and offers pizza, pierogis and other popular Polish-American fare.

Smart Technology

One reason we expect The Paragon to live up to its name as a model of excellence is that it’s committed to installing IOTAS smart home technology in all of its units. Each luxury apartment will come with an IOTAS hub, smart switches, smart outlets, door sensors, motion sensors and smart thermostats. This technology will interface with third-party smart products like Amazon Echo, Nest, August and others.

Hard Hat Tours of The Paragon

At HotSpot Rentals, we invite you to come with us on a hard hat tour of The Paragon to get a feel for what we expect to be a fantastic place to call home in one of the best up-and-coming neighborhoods in Chicago, the South Loop. Just give us a call or contact us online to set up your tour.

The post The Paragon: New South Loop Luxury Apartments Available Spring 2019 appeared first on HotSpot Rentals.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 5 years

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Wolf Point East Apartments Coming in 2019!

If you’re wondering what is being built at Wolf Point, the small peninsula where the North, South and East branches of the river meet, that would be Wolf Point East, River North’s newest luxury apartment building that broke ground in June 2018. Based on what we know about Wolf Point West, which opened in 2016, we’re really excited to see what Wolf Point East will have to offer.

What Can You Expect?

We already know that Wolf Point East will have 60 luxurious stories and 698 various layouts with unobstructed views. Residents can choose between a studio, convertible, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom layout. The existing Wolf Point West stands at 48 stories ― that gives you a really good visual of how these two towers are going to change the community in such a positive way.

We also know that Wolf Point East will offer 40,000 square feet of amenities on floors six, three and forty. What does that mean? Imagine Soldier Field, end zone to end zone, filled with an outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, business lounge, gourmet kitchen, dog run, golf simulator and so much more. The Chicago Riverwalk will see significant beautification in this area, including new landscaping, a waterfront park and retail shops.

We haven’t mentioned Wolf Point South, but we’ll leave that for another day, as ground hasn’t broken just yet. If you’ve been in this area of River North before, you’re familiar with the Merchandise Mart, the East Bank Club and many bars and restaurants that the community has to offer. This part of River North is a short walk across the Kinzie Street Bridge to Fulton River Market District and West Loop. The Franklin Bridge will take you to the Loop, so anyone looking for an easy commute, look no further!

Builders and Architects With Reputation

If we look to Wolf Point West for an outlook on design elements, you already know it’s going to be top of the line. Wolf Point West contains sleek elements like duo-toned European-style cabinetry in the kitchen and bath, undermount sinks, quartz countertops and wood-grain flooring. You can assume these features are going to be the epitome of opulence at Wolf Point East. Wolf Point East’s architects, Pelli Clarke Pelli are known internationally for bold designs that are site-specific, diverse and without any particular “signature” style.

Will Wolf Point East Win a HotSpot Rentals Award?

Every year, our entire company does a vote for the “Best Of” list for several different categories, including Best Overall, Best New, Best Luxury, Best Luxury for Less, and Best Dog-Friendly apartments. In 2017 and 2018, Wolf Point West won for “Best Luxury” and “Best Overall.” So, if Wolf Point East is anything like West, it’s going to be pretty glorious! We’ll have more information to come, but hang tight, as these units debut in the fall of 2019, and don’t forget to check back for updates on the progress of this new luxury apartment building.

The post Wolf Point East Apartments Coming in 2019! appeared first on HotSpot Rentals.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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Southbank Neighborhood: Chicago's Latest Addition

Chicago was initial cleared up in 1780 as well as has because become one of the most populated city in the midwest. The wonders of Chicago are understood worldwide, however this city is still expanding. On the South Branch, you'll locate the current addition to Chicago, Southbank.

This community brings a wide variety of experiences for residents as well as vacationers alike with countless restaurants, stores and tourist attractions all within distance. Find out more regarding the excellent Southbank area as well as discover if it's the kind of area you could want to call residence.

Modern Residences As the newest neighborhood in Chicago, you can expect the readily available houses to be dressed up with contemporary styles including tidy lines and also fashionable construction. High homes are available which can use you impressive sights of the city and also the Chicago River. The visual appeals of these residences are simply the beginning, nonetheless, as they additionally feature all the features you might ever before want.

These fabulous structures are created not just to be effective but motivational. Every structure, from property homes to physical retail room, is created to be environment-friendly, offering a continuously sustainable impact. In addition, the layouts are artistically feasible adequate to supply motivation to the young, budding artists that populate this location.

Art And Society Art and also society have found a new house in Southbank. This neighborhood was constructed to be a celebration of art, with numerous public rooms readily available for regional artists to display their job. This way, the people right here can genuinely shape the atmosphere of their neighborhood and make use of the design itself to advance their very own self-expression.

While this community is special amongst the other communities in Chicago, it still features the Chicago culture many have actually familiarized as well as enjoy. Located just actions away from midtown, you'll have accessibility to basically whatever Chicago needs to provide using a brief stroll or train trip.

The Southbank Experience Staying in Southbank itself provides numerous benefits you'll be hard pressed to discover elsewhere. It lies exactly on the Chicago River, so you can delight in half a mile of continuous riverwalk ideal for mid-day walks or night time journeys. There are also 15,000 square feet of retail area, where you can find a wide range of restaurants and specialty shops.

You'll likewise locate the lovely Southbank Park right here, which extends a full 2 acres. If there's one point unique concerning Chicago, it's its capability to keep beautiful parks packed with nature in the middle of a metropolitan area. You'll discover lots of entertainment space in the park, so feel free to take pleasure in a sunny afternoon outside in this lovely park.

Discover Your Southbank Community House With Hotspot Rentals Are you trying to find a high-end apartment or condo in the Southbank area? Hotspot Rentals is happy to assist. Our task is to find the excellent apartment for your details requirements, and it doesn't cost you a point. Get in touch with us today to learn more concerning everything we can do to locate you a home you'll be happy in for several years to find.

#southbank neighborhood #apartment agencies in chicago #chicago apartment rental agencies #hotspot apartments #Apartment rental agency Chicago #apartment rental agencies chicago

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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465 North Park: Streeterville’s Downtown Luxury Apartments

Imagine the views of Streeterville and the lake through floor-to-ceiling windows from your gently curved, luscious living room, up to 48 stories above. If this sounds like a place you could see yourself living, 465 North Park should be your next apartment home. Let’s take a closer look together.

What Makes These Brand-New Streeterville Apartments Unique

The upscale apartment units within 465 North Park are wrapped in a magnificent glass and elliptical gift package, waiting for you to be surprised by the contents inside. It’s pretty impressive! In fact, due to its curvy design, most apartment rooms will have a fantastic view of downtown Chicago or the lake — how cool is that?

From Studios to Penthouse Apartments

You can be one of the lucky residents living in a studio, convertible, one, two or three bedroom apartment. Or, you can be one of the really lucky few living it up in a penthouse or townhome in this new Chicago rental. Me, personally? I was sold with the gorgeous rooftop fire pit. I immediately envisioned myself wrapped up with a blanket on a chilly November night, drinking a hot cocoa or a glass of red wine, roasting some smores and thinking how lucky I am to live in this beautiful city.

The architects of 465 North Park, Pappageorge Haymes Partners, left no opportunity for luxury untouched, with spectacular interiors that contain modern, sleek features, such as:

European-style cabinetry with light or dark finish options.

Silver fixtures such as the Grohe® Concetto faucet.

Bosch® Stainless appliances.

Quartz countertops.

Grohe® fixtures in the kitchen and bath.

Kohler® undermount sinks in the kitchen and bath.

French-door style refrigerator.

Fully automated and mobile-controlled Nest® thermostat.

I can really see myself entertaining in these apartments. 465 North Park’s residences promise just the right balance between my personal comfort and convenience for entertaining. Each floor plan is open and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows, warm wood plank flooring and roomy bedrooms with walk-in closets. Love those walk-in closets!

An Acre of Amenities

Yes, you read that correctly! 465 North Park is keeping pace with other new luxury high-rise apartment rentals in Chicago by offering a literal acre of amenities, including:

Well-appointed lounge with fireplace and lobby for relaxing with friends.

Outdoor pool and cabanas with grilling areas on the fifth floor.

Club room with billiards table.

Well-equipped fitness center and yoga studio

Private dining room for hosting your friends for dinner.

On-site pet spa and dog run.

Sky Deck lounge on the 38th floor for watching sunsets and sunrises.

Demonstration kitchen — anticipate cooking classes and wine tastings!

What Is Streeterville Like?

Streeterville was the very first neighborhood that I lived in when I moved to Chicago 17 years ago, and it was a fantastic place to live then, just as it is now, but with even more to do! If you’re looking for access to the lakefront or Lakeshore Drive, the Lakefront Trail sections just above and below Navy Pier have been completed. Lovely Ohio Street Beach, the quiet alternative to the North Avenue Beach, is a quick walk to Michigan Avenue. Do you like IMAX movies and theater? Want to ride a 15-story ferris wheel? How about a beer garden and restaurants? They’re all a short walk to Navy Pier.

Healthcare is not an issue in Streeterville, as several hospitals and medical institutions call Streeterville home, including Northwestern Memorial and the Lurie Children’s Hospital. Northwestern University has a campus here, as well as the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, right on the Chicago River.

You can’t go wrong with the many four-star-plus rated restaurants, including fine French dining at Les Nomades, Italian at Volare (site of my worst date ever, but the BEST Italian food) or Francesca’s. For eclectic American meals, let’s not forget Lettuce Entertain You’s Beatrix, one of HotSpot’s favorites (we had our Christmas party there last year). Bars and taverns also offer highly rated cuisine, atmosphere and adult beverages or cocktails, such as Mity Nice Bar and Grill, Drawl Southern Cookhouse and Whiskey Room and the Dublin 4 Pub and Cafe. Last but not least, get your taste of Cuba at Cafecito, specializing in coffee and hot pressed Cuban sandwiches.

Explore 465 North Park With HotSpot Rentals

Let us take you on a tour of 465 North Park to see if a “curvy” Chicago apartment is right for you. This amazing residence is now leasing, so contact us to find your room with a view. When you plan your tour, make sure to reserve some time to check out the Streeterville neighborhood, Navy Pier and Ohio Street Beach for yourself.

The post 465 North Park: Streeterville’s Downtown Luxury Apartments appeared first on HotSpot Rentals.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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The Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s South Loop Neighborhood

By any measurement, the South Loop of Chicago has seen an impressive rebirth in the last 10 years. Let’s take a comprehensive look at this extensively revamped and reconstructed neighborhood that draws singles, couples and families who love its proximity to the water, mix of downtown and traditional neighborhood feel and easy access to various forms of transportation.

South Loop Today

On the east side of South Loop is the Museum Campus, a 57-acre park and home to the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. Museum Campus is also home to the Chicago Bears’ Soldier Field, where you can see Da Bears in all their glory, and to McCormick Place, an enormous convention center that hosts some of the country’s largest and most important trade shows and exhibits, including the Chicago Auto Show, the nation’s largest car show.

Grant Park, “Chicago’s Front Yard,” is literally your front yard when you live in the South Loop. Within Grant Park are multiple smaller parks and attractions that offer recreation, such as the Crown Fountain and Lurie Garden, skating in Maggie Daley Park, skateboarding and BMX biking in the Skate Park, sailing at the marina, jogging on the Lakefront Trail and music festivals at the Petrillo Music Shell.

Nature lovers enjoy South Loop’s proximity to Lake Michigan and Northerly Island, former home of Meigs Field, an airport which was controversially bulldozed in 2003 by former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. The peninsula now hosts acres of beautiful grasslands with strolling paths and a magnificent view of the Chicago skyline.

Huntington Bank Pavilion, which is on the northern point of the island, is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts music concerts and offers unbeatable views of Lake Michigan, Soldier Field and Burnham Harbor. If you love music and chilling out, grab a friend who has a boat and drop anchor just off Northerly Island. The venue is right on the water, so you can hear your favorite band play while you bob up and down on the lake.

Printer’s Row, in the northern section of South Loop, is a neighborhood within a neighborhood, where former printing companies and paper pulp manufacturers’ historic brick and masonry offices are now renovated residences. Printer’s Row is also home to a burgeoning arts scene and its annual homage to books and printing, Lit Fest.

In recent years, residents looking for nightlife have come to Printer’s Row for a good meal or a cold draft, like Italian favorites from Sapori Trattoria, or Kasey’s, the second-oldest pub in Chicago, where you can enjoy a Bell’s Two Hearted Ale or a Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA.

South Loop’s vibrancy is impacted by its proximity to 22 colleges and universities in the Greater Loop area. As of 2014, these institutions enrolled 58,000 students annually and employed 14,000 people. Of these students, 28 percent stay in the Chicago area, and South Loop is becoming known as a great place for them to start a business or a family.

Currently, a development race is on in South Loop, which started in the late 1990s but was crushed by the economic crash of 2008, only to revive again recently. The goal of these developments is to provide residents with a place to work, live and recreate in close proximity to home.

One example is the new neighborhood, Southbank, a seven-acre community with five planned high-rise, multi-family apartment buildings and a two-acre park. The idea is to promote the regeneration of the Riverwalk, which will draw companies, restaurants and retail to the area so the full, rich lives of residents will revolve around the neighborhood.

Needless to say, South Loop has a lot to offer, including business and financial opportunity, greenspace and recreation, music and arts, nightlife, football, family-friendly activities and history. Its diversity and proximity to university campuses make it an ideal home for those who like a neighborhood with eclectic energy. Even though it’s growing, residents report that it maintains a mellow vibe and a neighborly feel. To top it all off, if you live in the South Loop, you get to tell folks you live by the only river in the world that flows backwards, the Chicago River.

History of South Loop

Image credit: Terri Buseman

South Loop’s first heyday happened for the same reasons South Loop enjoys its current heyday: space for growth, business, jobs, nightlife and diverse society. Downtown Chicago was a magnet for manufacturing in the late 1800s. One steel mill after another popped up in the late 1870s to feed industry and the growth of the nation’s transportation system. Moving steel to the West Coast meant bringing in labor and sending out goods. People came to work tough jobs, including immigrants and laborers from Germany, Italy and Poland.

To accommodate trade from the East Coast to the West Coast through the city, railway depots were built just outside of town. Four stations sprung up within a mile and a half of each other: Dearborn, Grand Central, Central and LaSalle. The shape of the railroad lines gave the area its name, The Loop, and subsequently, the southern area became South Loop. The wealthy elite of Chicago built their suburban mansions there, including George Pullman of Pullman sleeping car fame and Marshall Field, who opened department stores where “the customer is always right.”

Things changed quickly. For two days in October of 1871, residents of South Loop got a front-row view of the Great Chicago Fire just over the Chicago River to the west. While the entire business district of Chicago was devastated, the South Loop grew as a result. Businesses sprang up overnight, especially the printing industry. Some industry was a bit sketchy, such as the brothels and saloons that kept the laborers happy in the evening hours, but it was an important development time in the neighborhood’s history.

Many of the marvels of architecture built during this period can still be seen today, including the Glessner House, which was built in 1887 and is now a museum. Though the exterior is Romanesque, the interior is all Arts and Crafts, cozy and warm. If you’re not hitched yet, keep the Glessner House in mind, as it’s one of the top 25 most beautiful places to get married in Chicago. In 1899, Libby Prison was converted to the third Chicago Coliseum, home of the Republican National Convention for 16 years until 1920.

Printer’s Row filled a two-block area between Congress Parkway and Polk Street at Dearborn in the northwest corner of South Loop in the late 1880s. Ink, pulp and paper, and printing press manufacturers supported printers like W.F. Hall Printing Company, Franklin Printing and famous mapmakers Rand McNally Co.

To the southeast, Motor Row was being made famous in the early 20th century. Michigan Avenue was home to a burgeoning auto market, with names known today like Buick, Cadillac, Ford and Fiat, to names long past like Hudson and Pierce-Arrow. These gorgeous showrooms are now part of a landmark historic area including 56 buildings, some with fantastic brick and terra cotta exteriors.

Motor Row only houses one car dealership today, but a lively music and entertainment district has developed instead. In fact, some folks call this area Music Row, since it’s the home of Chess Records and the stomping grounds of Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon. Now, South Loop hosts Buddy Guy’s Legends, “the premiere blues club in the world.”

To escape high rents in the Loop, Chinese merchants built a district of shops in Armour Square in 1912, which was named after famous meatpacking industrialist Philip Danforth Armour. Now known as Chinatown, the area borders South Loop to the southwest. Today, Sloopers (South Loopers) visit Chinatown to get delicious dim sum or to drink hot green tea in one of its many teahouses.

By the 1950s and 1960s, our beloved South Loop was hit hard by modernization. Interstate highways and the trucking industry killed the railroads, and huge offset presses created a need for larger spaces, causing many printers to build plants in the suburbs. Suddenly, Printer’s Row became vacant.

By the late ‘60s, South Loop was a shadow of its former glory. People commuted in for work and vacated by 5 p.m. According to Lois Wille, author of “At Home in the South Loop,” an overgrowth of office buildings and the demolition of neighborhood, family-run shops and restaurants meant that people might work there, but they stopped living there.

The only people moving into the Loop moved into the northeast area, along the river and lakefront. In South Loop, people lived in poverty “in tiny cubicles in the flophouses and cheap hotels near those empty railroad tracks. Some of them, in fact, lived on the empty railroad tracks.” South Loop was down, but as you know, it wasn’t out.

A decade later, developers began taking a second look at South Loop and finding lots there to love with its proximity to downtown, museums, higher education and Lake Michigan. Plans to revive South Loop as a residential neighborhood started to fall into place, and today, the area is thriving and growing, with new businesses and residential spaces opening constantly.

Northerly Island is no longer an airport, but an amazing place to commune with nature and enjoy music, a throwback to the famous architect and planner Daniel Burnham’s original vision for the island. Motor Row is slated to become the area’s entertainment hot spot and even a place to co-work.

In its approximate 140-year history, South Loop has morphed from sin to salvation, from goddess to beggar and back again. Today, the neighborhood is rising like a phoenix, but it is doing so with a reverence for its history. Historic publishing houses on Printer’s Row have been converted to apartments, and Dearborn Station has been converted to retail and office space.

We fully expect that when you visit South Loop, you will fall in love with its history, its vibrancy and its neighborliness. The following sections will provide you with more specific information about the neighborhood, especially answers to the de rigueur questions such as where South Loop is located, what schools, parks, universities and hospitals are nearby and what amenities are available.

South Loop Map

Apparently, no one knows where South Loop really begins or ends, not even its inhabitants. The City of Chicago reached out to residents in 1978 to define neighborhood boundaries, and this is the result for South Loop, which remains unofficial to this day:

Residents were again asked in 2015 to draw the boundaries of South Loop, and the maps turned out like this:

According to South Loop Living, a website dedicated to “celebrating, exploring, and sharing the heart, soul, and energy of the Near South Side,” South Loop is better defined by its micro-communities, each with its own unique personality. Here is their take on South Loop’s map:

South Loop Statistics

Size: Despite the fact that South Loop has no officially recognized boundaries, City-Data places its area at 2.308 square miles.

DemographicsPopulation: Nearly 100,000 people live in the 60607, 60605 and 60616 area codes. You will find a nearly even 50/50 split according to gender.Median Age of Population: 32Average Household Income: ~ $100,000 annuallyMedian Household Income: ~ $67,000 annuallyMarital Status: 49% never married, 34% married. The rest are either separated, widowed or divorced.Median Income for Residents Aged 25-44: ~ $66,000 annually

Parks and Greenspace

The proximity of South Loop to natural areas, green spaces and outdoor activities is one of the most attractive characteristics of the neighborhood. Choose one or two parks to visit when you come to South Loop to get a feel for what everyday, yet still out of the ordinary, life is like here.

Ping Tom Memorial Park: A 17-acre former railway yard with a kids’ playground, Chinese pagoda, pool, boat launch, boathouse, gym, baseball field, fieldhouse, kayak rentals, club rooms, fitness center, natural area and paths and trails.

Prairie District Park: A new (2017) children’s pocket park and playground in McCormick Square.

The Battle of Fort Dearborn Park: A 1/2-acre green space that memorializes an 1812 massacre of Chicago settlers and the burning of Fort Dearborn.

Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens: 2.51 acres of gardens with green space for rent for birthday parties, meetings and events. A fieldhouse houses a kids’ club, fitness classes, summer camps and kids’ science classes.

Northerly Island: A 91-acre natural park on a peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan and including 12th Street Beach, Huntington Bank Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater and a visitor’s center. The Adler Planetarium is at the northern end.

Mark Twain Park: Playground and dog run at 201-299 E. 15th Place.

Gold Star Families Park and Memorial: A 5-acre lakefront park in Museum Campus with statues, sculptures and a memorial wall to remember Chicago police officers who have fallen in the line of duty since the CPD’s founding in the 1830s.

Coliseum Park, Coliseum Park Dog-Friendly Area: Formerly Park No. 507, this park has a playground, a dog park and a passive green recreation space.

Daniel Webster Park: A small, dog-friendly park between South Indiana and 14th Street with beautiful flowers, a fountain and benches under an arbor. We hear it’s more protected from the wind than some other parks in the area.

Roosevelt Park: Named for President Teddy Roosevelt, Roosevelt Park is a 1.6-acre park with open green space, two tennis courts and a track. Even though it’s not officially a dog park, neighbors say it’s the best dog park in South Loop. Four swings are there, including two for adults.

Grant Park, Grant Bark Park: Grant Park is Chicago’s premier park. Known as “Chicago’s Front Yard,” it is home to 319 acres of public lands and historic landmarks and attractions like Museum Campus, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park and Buckingham Fountain. Baseball diamonds, tennis courts and a huge skateboarding park are available for traditional and extreme sport enthusiasts. Look for food and music festivals and other events here.

Dearborn Park: Small park in Near South with playground, walking path, fitness course and green space. It hosts no programs, but is a very active park.

D’Angelo Dog Park: A small dog park at 438 S. Franklin St. that has dog fountains, doggie bags and space to run.

If you’re not sure how to get to the South Loop parks, you can find information about transportation at www.transitchicago.com.

Neighborhood Associations

Greater South Loop Association

South Loop Neighbors

Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance

Wabash Avenue Neighborhood Association

Chicago Cultural Mile

South Loop Community Organizations

Universities

Columbia College Chicago: Private, non-profit liberal arts college known for its up-and-coming film program and as the college Kanye West dropped out of.

Roosevelt University: Co-ed, private university known for its pharmacy school and the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation (MISJT). It offers 125+ bachelor degrees and 40+ advanced degrees.

Illinois Institute of Technology: Private, tech-focused research university offering degrees in the fields of science, engineering, law, architecture, business, design, human sciences and applied tech. IIT is known as the alma mater of Marty Cooper, class of ‘50 and inventor of our favorite toy, the mobile phone. Who received his first call? Joel Engel, his competitor at AT&T’s Bell Labs.

East-West University: Private, non-profit, non-denominational university offering two- and four-year degrees in areas such as biological sciences, computer and information science, electronic and engineering technology, mathematics and others.

Illinois College of Optometry: Optometry-only program that provides clinical experience and whose graduates always get good laughs because the jokes just get cornea and cornea.

Hospitals

University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences

Mercy Medical at Dearborn Station

Mercy Hospital & Medical Center

Schools (K-12)

Chicago Public Schools governs the public school system in the South Loop. Their website is a helpful source of information regarding schools assigned to the property you are considering. Following is a list of public schools in each ZIP code of the South Loop:

60605 ZIP CodeJones HSSouth Loop Elementary (K-8)

60607 ZIP CodeChicago Virtual (K-12)Galileo (K-8)Jackson A (K-8)Skinner (K-6)STEM (K-8)

60616 ZIP CodeDoolittle (K-8)Drake (K-8)Dunbar HSGraham HSHaines (K-8)

60608 ZIP CodeAcero de las Casas (K-8)Acero Paz (K-8)Armour (K-8)Chalmers (K-8)Chicago Tech HSChicago Tech HS

Plans are in the works to develop a new high school in South Loop by converting South Loop Elementary. The Board of Education has approved the changes, but there has been citizen opposition. Be on the lookout for more information.

To learn more about both public and private schools in the area, check out the neighborhood page, South Loop Living.

South Loop Amenities

Everybody’s got priorities. Yours might be highway or CTA access, permit or free parking, dog friendliness or proximity to the lakefront trail, parks and greenspace. Each neighborhood HotSpot Rentals serves is ranked by either zero, one, two or three stars to give you a feel for how closely that neighborhood meets the described need. The following amenities follow this rating system on the HotSpot Rentals neighborhood web page.

Dog Friendliness

If you’re looking not only for the right place for you, but for your four-legged family, we’ve got you covered. South Loop is extremely dog friendly due to its proximity to three dog parks: Grant Bark Park, Coliseum Park Dog Friendly Area and D’Angelo Dog Park.

Parking

Options for South Loop parking include free parking, on-site parking, permit parking and permanent off-site parking. Most people prefer reliable on-site parking, which is offered by most condos and apartments for around $250/month. For those who prefer permanent off-site parking, SpotHero and Parking Spotter are great resources.

To get an idea of your options, you can use these and other available sites:

SpotHero

Parking-Spotter

ParkWhiz

CHI Monthly Parking

Parking.com

Be aware that if you park near Soldier Field when event parking restrictions are in place, you may receive a parking ticket. For more information concerning events at Soldier Field, please go to their website.

Highway Access

South Loop neighborhoods have access to U.S. Route 41 (Lakeshore Drive) and Interstates 90/94, 290 and 55.

Google maps is an easy and effective way to identify the on/off ramps and access points to these by neighborhood.

Public Transit

Commuting in and out of South Loop is easy using the red, green and orange CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) lines out of Harrison or Roosevelt Station. When you head home, you can take bus #146 (Inner Drive/Michigan Express), #3 (King Drive) or #4 (Cottage Grove). If you aren’t familiar with Chicago in general, the original city planners did a nice job of developing the city into a grid system, so bus lines typically run east/west and north/south without too much confusion.

Don’t forget, you also have the Metra. For those who don’t know, the Metra is the commuter rail system in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, which provides easy access to and from the suburbs.

For comprehensive data on destinations and transportation options, it’s best to use the maps and schedules on the websites of CTA and Metra. Be aware that the advertised schedules provide an estimated time of when the trains, buses and rail arrive and depart. To be more sure of CTA and Metra’s actual daily schedules, you can try several third-party apps that draw from their data.

You can also check the CTA and Metra websites for status updates and alerts. You can set up email alertsfrom Metra, and CTA will send you either email or text alerts.

Another option you have is to use Google Transit. Chicago O’Hare Airport Transit System (ATS), CTA and Metra participate in providing data to Google Transit. Here’s an example of the type of data you can get.

Let’s say you want to go from The Cooper at Southbank to meet friends at the AMC River East 21, north of the river. You enter the address for The Cooper in the top field and the address for the theater in the bottom field. Press “Get directions,” and it will show you exactly what options you have via public transit for getting there. If you decide you’d rather drive, just switch over to the car symbol above the address fields. You can even get a time estimate for riding your bike there!

You can also find complementary services to public transportation, like Shoreline Water Taxis, Pace Suburban Bus Services or Zipcar. Metra provides a list of these services on their website.

New Rental Properties

New rental properties are opening up all over downtown Chicago, and the past year was no different in the South Loop. More than 1,400 luxury apartment units hit the market between the Prairie District, traditional South Loop and the new Southbank area of the neighborhood. Here’s a list of some of our favorites.

1407 on Michigan: Completed in 2017 and currently leasing. This 199-unit, modern, glass 15-story building with residential and commercial space offers studio to three-bedroom apartments. Amenities include an outdoor pool, sauna, indoor basketball court, dog run, yoga studio and 141 parking spaces.

Alta Roosevelt: Completed in 2017 and currently leasing. Spacious studio to three-bedroom apartments feature lots of light, excellent closet space, quartz countertops in kitchens and bathrooms and beautiful plank flooring throughout. Best known for its luxurious amenities such as rooftop pool with private cabanas and grills, co-working hub, entertainment space with multi-room theater, fitness center with separate yoga and flux rooms and club lounge.

Eleven40: Completed in 2018 and currently leasing. This 26-story, glass, 320-unit complex offers studio to two-bedroom apartments with views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan and is only an eight-minute walk from the park. Certain two-bedroom units offer private balconies from which to enjoy these views. Features include European-style cabinetry and polished quartz countertops. This building also offers fabulous amenities such as a co-working space, Aqua lounge with pool and bar, fitness and yoga studio, live performance area and pet spa, among others.

The Cooper: Completed in 2018 and currently leasing. Elegantly situated along the South Branch of the Chicago River, it’s an architecturally stylish building offering 452 units and 26 townhouse-style apartments. The Cooper offers amenities to help you speed up and slow down, with a fitness center with Peloton bikes, a stretching room with barre, sports simulator room, bocce ball court, outdoor pool and hot tub, outdoor living and screening room and a game room, to start.

If you’re looking to find a luxury apartment in South Loop, check here for a selection of the most current studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments available.

The next year promises to be another booming year for luxury apartments in the South Loop. Here are a few of the properties scheduled to open during the end of 2018 and through 2019.

21st Street Lofts: 2018

Essex on the Park: 2019

One Grant Park Nema: 2019

1326 S. Michigan Avenue: 2019

1136 South Wabash: 2019

The Paragon Chicago: 2019

Lakefront Trail Access

South Loop offers easy access to the Lakefront Trail. To plan your biking, strolling, skateboarding or jogging trip on the trail, you can access an online trail map. Note that in an effort to make the trail safer for bikers and walkers alike, the Chicago Park District is taking steps to divide the single trail into two trails, one for bikers and the other for walkers. As a result, construction is ongoing, and you should use caution. Alerts for construction areas are posted on the Chicago Park District website for the trail. Driving directions to the northern and southern access points can be found on Traillink.

Top-Rated Restaurants

Since restaurants come and go in a big town, the simplest way to source fabulous food is to search the web. Aim for websites or apps that are reliable and that offer plenty of customer reviews to help you pick.

In order to find exactly what you want, you may want to search not only by “best restaurants in South Loop” but more specifically by either the time you want to eat or the type of food. For example, you can search Yelp by “Breakfast and Brunch” or “Takeout.” Searching by “Restaurants” will give you lunch and dinner info.

Here’s a breakfast and brunch example.

Reliable Chicago restaurant review sites include not only Yelp but OpenTable, Eater Chicago, Foursquare.com, TimeOut Chicago, Thrillist and the Michelin Guide. Once you find a restaurant that piques your interest, you can go directly to their website to check out a menu.

Bars and Nightlife

Like Chicago restaurants, bars and clubs come and go, so we want to help you help yourself to the best South Loop has to offer.

We’re pretty confident that Kasey’s Tavern, which has been around for over a century, will still be around in the distant future, so if you’re looking for a wide variety of beers and no dancing, this is your spot.

Otherwise, try the following Google searches for up-to-date information about bars, pubs, clubs and nightlife in South Loop:

Best bars in South Loop

Best pubs in South Loop

Best sports bars in South Loop

Best clubs in South Loop

Best entertainment in South Loop

Best movie theaters in South Loop

Best comedy in South Loop

Best dancing in South Loop

Don’t forget that there are several venues for concerts, live theater and other performances in South Loop. Check out each venue’s website for upcoming productions.

Best concert venues in South Loop

Best live theater in South Loop

Best ballet theater in South Loop

South Loop Living also posts events of various types by season and activity. As you can see, you would have to work very hard to run out of fun things to do in South Loop.

5 Great Things You Need to Know About This Neighborhood

In summary, South Loop is a simply awesome place to live. Here are five reasons you should seriously consider South Loop as your new Chicago neighborhood:

Location, location, location: Easy access to tons of things to do like visit Museum Campus, Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, Grant Park and Huntington Bank Pavilion; proximity to CTA and Metra stops and hospitals; close to many options for restaurants, nightlife and more.

History: South Loop has a rich history which has been lovingly and painstakingly preserved by the area’s developers. Make its history a part of your identity.

Neighborliness: Despite its crazy growth, South Loop keeps a handle on its small-town, neighborly, eclectic and artsy vibe. Check out its eight micro-communities, all with a different culture and character, from Chinatown to Wabash Corridor. It’s also a great area to enjoy the arts and to be an artist.

Opportunity: The fact that this area is booming – and will be for decades to come – presents opportunities for investment, employment and business for its residents. Considering that the median age of residents is 32 and that 49 percent of residents have never been married, it looks like there may be opportunities for romance in South Loop, too.

Just plain FUN: No matter what kind of person you are – sporty, adventurous, bookish, a foodie, a roadie – you’ll find activities in South Loop that make you happy. Music lovers can rock out at the Pavilion, artists can enjoy inspiration in the Wabash Arts corridor, runners can find their high on the Lakefront Trail and sports fans can catch a game at Soldier Field.

In short, South Loop is a fantastic place to live, work, play, create, love and dream.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s South Loop Neighborhood appeared first on HotSpot Rentals.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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Relocation from NYC to Chicago: Ashley’s Perspective

I’m Dorothy Moody, owner of HotSpot Rentals since 2012 and a former New Yorker. I’ve been in the apartment rentals business for ten years and have helped thousands of people move to the Chicago area, so I know from experience that moving is one of the most simultaneously exciting and nerve-wracking experiences you can have in life, especially if you move from one big city to another. Everyone wonders, “Will I fit in here in Chicago?” and “Will my lifestyle change?” I wondered the same things when I moved here from New York City. At HotSpot, we want to be sure you settle into your new apartment easily and that you enjoy life in Chicago. To give you an idea of what to expect when relocating, I’ve asked Ashley, a 35-year-old NYC native, what it’s been like moving from NYC to Chicago.

Why did you move to Chicago?

“I moved to Chicago to be with my fiancé. We have dated long distance for our entire relationship, and when we got engaged, we needed to decide where to live. While I LOVED living in NYC, we decided that Chicago, where Christian has lived for the past 12 years, made the most sense for us long term.”

How long have you been in Chicago?

“I’ve been in Chicago for about a month and a half.”

Had you visited before?

“Yes, many times, especially over the past two years!”

What is the biggest difference you have noticed so far?

“The city is MUCH smaller but cleaner and less crowded – more spacious. The apartments are also so much more spacious!”

What do you miss most about NYC?

“The energy of NYC and fast-paced environment – both a blessing and a curse.”

What do you like about Chicago more than NYC?

“The cost of living. It’s nice that it’s not nearly as crowded. It’s nice to not always have that super fast pace! Also, they sell wine everywhere.”

What one word sums up Chicago based on your experience?

“Neighborly.”

Favorite thing to do in Chicago so far?

“So far, I’m still in exploration mode – spending time outside! Checking out the restaurant scene, summer street fests, etc. Looking forward to concerts in the park and going to the beach!”

Favorite restaurants you have tried so far?

“Mott Street and Clever Rabbit.”

Are you a sports fan? Which sport? Which team?

“Not die hard, but I enjoy going to baseball games. I’m a Yankees and Cincinnati Reds fan. I lived in Ohio until I was 12. So far I’ve been to two Cubs games, so I think they will become my adopted team.”

Did you have friends here when you moved here?

“A few, not very many. Working on making some new friends, which can be challenging as an adult, particularly without a job, but everyone I encounter is super welcoming and friendly.”

What neighborhood did you end up moving to?

“We moved to Wicker Park.”

Do you have any pets?

“We have two dogs. I brought my Toy American Eskimo, Chloe, here from New York, and my fiancé has a Britney Spaniel, Charley. Chloe is enjoying having much more greenery!”

What were the main goals of finding your place in Chicago?

Finding a place that’s big enough for two people, two dogs, and would enable us both to work from home. Eat-in kitchen with an open counter. Lots of natural light!”

How was the price of rent compared to New York?

“Significantly less expensive! Our 3 BR is 16% more than my 1 BR in Brooklyn and is on par with what a 1 BR would cost in some parts of Manhattan. Apartments are MUCH bigger. It took me some time to adjust to the amount of living space we now have.”

Do you notice a difference in the cost of living?

“YES! Everything is significantly less expensive, from groceries, dining out, gym memberships, etc.”

Where do you work?

“I quit my job to move here because my role [legal technology sales] was territory-based. My former clients are all in the Northeast. I’m still looking for my next gig.”

If you could give advice to other New Yorkers who are moving here, what would you tell them?

“Don’t have the expectation that Chicago is going to be a smaller, cleaner version of New York. I’ve heard this description from multiple people, but the cities and cultures are COMPLETELY different.

If you have allergies, be prepared for allergy season. They didn’t affect me nearly as much in the concrete jungle that is NYC. There are a lot more trees and greenery, even in the more urban neighborhoods in Chicago.

Also, don’t forget to bring bags with you when you go shopping to avoid the bag tax. I’m still working on remembering that one!”

If you could clear up one thing about New York for Chicagoans, what would it be?

“I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that New Yorkers are rude. I completely disagree – it’s just a different culture that is blunt and straightforward. New Yorkers are direct and don’t have time for nonsense. We have no problem stating our opinion. It’s a super-crowded, fast-paced city, and there’s a blurring between public and private life that breeds an unspoken sense of familiarity and community. There’s no need for superfluous pleasantries or beating around the bush. Everyone is in the same boat of needing to get stuff done, and we all share that mutual understanding.”

Do you have any personal stories or interesting anecdotes to share with our readers?

“I recently met a girl who asked if I wanted to do a hot yoga class with her, and my response was ‘No, I don’t like being hot.’ She was taken aback, laughed out loud and said, ‘I love the directness,’ as if she was expecting me to say maybe or yes, even though I had no interest. Thankfully, she didn’t take it as being rude, and we agreed to do pilates at a normal temperature.”

What Dorothy Learned About Moving from NYC to Chicago Today

Like Ashley, I also grew up in New York, and I was kind of curious to see what a new transplant would say. I’ve lived in Chicago for 17 years, and I completely relate to the misunderstanding that people share about New Yorkers. I realize that I have softened up a bit on directness, but maybe that’s okay. I wouldn’t trade my time in NYC for anything, but I LOVE Chicago, and I’m excited for Ashley and Christian as they get started on their new journey.

If you’re considering a move to the great city of Chicago, now is the perfect time. We have plenty of gorgeous luxury apartments ready for lease, as well as some new ones on the way, so contact us at HotSpot Rentals to see what we have to offer. We’d love to help you find you that new Chicago apartment you’ve dreamed of!

The post Relocation from NYC to Chicago: Ashley’s Perspective appeared first on HotSpot Rentals.

#apartment agencies in chicago #chicago apartment rental agencies #hotspot apartments #Apartment rental agency Chicago #apartment rental agencies chicago

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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The Cooper Luxury Apartments Open at Southbank

Say hello to the newest luxury high-rise, The Cooper, located in Chicago’s newest neighborhood, Southbank. These new luxury apartment rentals in Chicago are an urban oasis in the heart of the South Loop, one of the city’s most unique neighborhoods. The Cooper covers a wide range of luxury apartment rentals, complete with all the amenities a modern city has to offer.

The Cooper

These new apartments provide uniquely curated features and furnishings, such as:

State-of-the-art kitchens.

Quartz countertops.

Stainless-steel appliances by Whirlpool.

Kohler and Grohe fixtures.

Frameless glass terrazzo showers.

Warm wood-style flooring.

Balconies on some units.

Regardless of your situation, The Cooper has something for you. From studio to penthouse units, these apartments are suitable for single professionals who want a convenient location near work or for a couple ready to settle down and start a family.

Like nearly all new luxury apartments built in Chicago over the last few years, the amenities are exceptional. A modern fitness center, outdoor event space, outdoor pool and lounging area with barbecues and fire pits are becoming standard. The Cooper has them all.

But The Cooper also has some of the most high-tech and unique amenities I’ve ever seen, such as:

The Namaste Nook.

A sports simulator room.

Private cabanas.

A game room.

Herb gardens.

Those aren’t your everyday amenities, and if you are wondering what a Namaste Nook is, you probably need one. Chill out, find your inner self and relax, you hard-working people!

With much of its focus on sustainability, The Cooper rewards eco-conscious residents with priority parking for low-emission vehicles and convenient bike storage.

The Cooper takes care of all your needs, thanks to a full-service 24-hour concierge. Here, you can get recommendations for local personal trainers, florists, restaurants and anything else you may need, as well as convenient in-home delivery, complimentary Wi-Fi and onsite events.

Some other concierge services include:

24-hour maintenance.

Valet dry cleaning and laundry.

Loaner bikes.

Car-charging stations.

Away-from-home services.

Life in Southbank

Located on the bank of the Chicago River in the heart of South Loop, Southbank is an up-and-coming neighborhood situated around a two-acre public park. There’s plenty of open green space here, as well as local coffee shops like Dollop Coffee Co., delicious restaurants like American-style Weather Mark Tavern and Italian Café Bionda and temporary pop-up retail locations for a refreshing change of pace. Southbank is also near the continuous Riverwalk, which runs from Harrison Street to Polk Street and offers spectacular views of the South Branch of the Chicago River.

This neighborhood showcases local art as well, celebrating the artistic past of the nearby Printer’s Row, a hub of inspiration and creativity. Local artists and designers will leave their mark on the buildings and public spaces within Southbank, creating an immersive experience for its residents.

Within walking distance of The Loop, the lakefront and several CTA stops, residents of Southbank will have easy access to all the city’s trails, parks, museums and attractions. The ecologically-conscious design of Southbank, with its energy-efficient details and local amenities, provides all the modern amenities with a sustainable footprint.

Find Your New Luxury Apartment with HotSpot Rentals

The Cooper just started pre-leasing in July, with first move-ins starting this September. If you want to enjoy the cabanas, fire pits, pools and rooftop grilling stations before winter sets in, contact us at HotSpot Rentals. We’d love to take you on a tour and show you what makes The Cooper one of the most special luxury apartment rentals in Chicago!

The post The Cooper Luxury Apartments Open at Southbank appeared first on HotSpot Rentals.

#hotspot rentals #chicago apartment rental agencies #hotspot rentals chicago reviews #Apartment rental agency Chicago #apartment rental agencies chicago

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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3 Ways to Stylishly Decorate Your Apartment on a Budget

Whether you live in a new luxury apartment, traditional condo or urban loft, turning a house into a home means infusing the space with unique touches and design elements that express your personal style. For some of us, it’s off to Pottery Barn or West Elm to load up. But what if you are trying to be stylish and make a dent in those student loans at the same time?

Fortunately, you can showcase your style in many ways without breaking the bank. Let these ideas inspire you to find new and creative ways to express your individuality AND look like you just got a promotion!

Breathe New Life Into the Old

Vintage stores and thrift shops are a great place to find beautiful and often high-quality pieces for less than you might expect. Sure, they may need a little work, but choosing vintage gives you an opportunity to infuse the piece with your own unique flair.

Look for furniture that can be reupholstered or refinished to look modern and brand new, and consider putting a remnant piece of marble or granite on top of tables or dressers to create something truly original. Don’t be afraid to try decoupage or artistic finishes on one or two pieces for an ultra-modern, eclectic look.

Vases, trays and other accent pieces are easy to find and add nice accent pieces. Stick with a monochrome palette that compliments your aesthetic, or try out sea glass, stained glass or metallic finishes for pieces that pop.

Brighten Up the Space With Art

Here in Chicago, the wall-to-wall windows in those luxury high-rise apartments turn the Chicago skyline into a work of art all its own, but the best way to brighten up your living space and make it distinctive is with art.

Collect small, distinctive photographs or art prints to arrange on the wall or shelves, or put art pieces in thick, sturdy frames to serve as accent pieces throughout your apartment. If you prefer a less cluttered look, have your favorite photograph or painting blown up to fit on your feature wall and let it be the focal point of your living space.

Are you the creative type? Use old pictures, cutouts from magazines or newspaper clippings to form an interesting collage that serves as your main art piece and that reflects your own artistic eye.

Ever consider supporting a new or local artist? All major cities have local galleries that feature awesome and affordable art, and Chicago is no different. With the multitude of distinctive neighborhoods and blend of people from all over the world, Chicago has a booming art scene for all types and budgets. We scoped out a couple that we thought were a good mix to start with:

http://chicagotruborn.com/

http://humboldthouseco.com/

https://www.linedoteditions.com/

https://www.facebook.com/galerief/

Work the Web

If you’re living in a luxury apartment, you didn’t get to where you are today without using your resources wisely and optimizing the internet. Apply that computer savvy to personalizing your space by using the latest apps for buying and selling home goods online locally. If you like treasure hunting or seeking out bargains, this method may be for you, and you’ll find several excellent platforms for your search.

While many are familiar with Craigslist, it’s not your only option for finding gently-used high-end furniture at deep discounts. Facebook’s online yard sales provide an easy way to find bargains near you. Simply click “Join Group,” and you’ll have access to all items currently on sale in the neighborhood. By using your phone’s Facebook app, you can adjust the settings to provide you with notifications for newly posted items, so you don’t miss a deal! Don’t forget Facebook Marketplace, a buy/sell marketplace that allows you to customize your location and decide how far from it you want to search for deals.

In addition to Facebook, there’s the Letgo app, the most popular Craigslist alternative, which allows you to search by keyword (like brands Hooker, Aspen and Bernhardt) and allows you to communicate with sellers through the app. You can also check out Recycler, which works well for those in large cities, OfferUp and Oodle. Before you know it, you’ll make so many finds, you’ll be hooked!

Find Inspiration for Your Apartment Decor

Whether you’re looking to revamp your current space, or you’re getting ideas for your new apartment, these budget decorating tips should inspire you to create a unique style all your own. Be bold, take some chances and have some fun!

If you happen to be looking for that perfect downtown Chicago apartment to get started, don’t be afraid to contact us. We’re glad to help.

The post 3 Ways to Stylishly Decorate Your Apartment on a Budget appeared first on HotSpot Rentals.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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Alta Roosevelt, a Chicago Luxury Apartment

If you’re a recent graduate or a professional on the rise, Chicago deserves to be on your radar. With a rapidly-growing tech scene and financial arena, this historic, diverse city is quickly becoming a hot spot for young professionals all over the country.

Chicago is the third-largest city in the country, however, so getting the most out of your move comes down to choosing the neighborhood that’s tailored to your success. Gold Coast has the glamour, Wicker Park is a hippie haven and Old Town has the authenticity, but if you want our advice- and some great bang for your buck, put down some roots in South Loop. This once-industrial area has been completely reimagined, with plenty of Chicago luxury apartment rentals, the perfect match for a young professional on the rise.

Alta Roosevelt Luxury Apartments

What sets Chicago apart from many other cities is accessible luxury. A lot of value is to be found in this great city, which offers the same cultural appeal and high-end living as NYC or LA without the exorbitant prices. It’s the “good life” without breaking the bank, which is best experienced at Alta Roosevelt, the latest in Chicago luxury apartment rentals.

Though they were built in 2017, Alta Roosevelt apartments are brand new and blend luxury style, practicality and “green” living, along with all the modern amenities to suit a busy lifestyle. Part of the stress of moving to a big city is finding your new gym, dry cleaner, car wash, coffee house and regular haunts, but Alta Roosevelt takes care of all of that for you on-site. Take in the culture, adjust to the city and make friends with some of your neighbors in the meantime.

You’ll have the peace of mind of a 24-hour doorman, and an in-unit washer and dryer. Some units even have balconies with stunning views of this neighborhood. Granite and stainless steel in the kitchen, hardwood floors, and some unique features, like a two-lane bowling alley, Nest Thermostats and wine storage, make Alta Roosevelt a standout among Chicago luxury apartments. It’s also an 8-minute walk to the Roosevelt CTA Stop for the Red, Green and Orange lines, which can take you anywhere you need to go.

If you’re bringing a pet with you to Chicago, the open space, green areas and pet-friendly nature of South Loop are the perfect choice. If you prefer to stay within the apartment building, however, Alta Roosevelt has you covered with two outdoor pet parks and an indoor pet spa, giving your dog the pampering and space to properly adjust to apartment living.

After moving into Alta Roosevelt from California, this is what our customer, Karen R., had to say about her new apartment:

I love the place so much! Thank you so much once again for finding me this beautiful place

– Karen, Renter

Alta Roosevelt apartments are available in studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom units, and move ins are set for Spring 2018.

Life in South Loop

A lot of Chicago’s charm comes from the variety of people and industries that create its culture, but no neighborhood showcases this better than South Loop. Far from boring, South Loop offers an eclectic mix of shopping, dining and events, as well as a few long-time residents who can tell you a story or two.

It’s also a close-knit community with some of its own unique events. The neighborhood regularly hosts a book fair and block party, along with some under-the-radar nightlife, such as Jazz Showcase or Buddy Guy’s, that we locals like to keep to ourselves. If you’re looking to become a true Chicagoan, this is an excellent start.

The gray streets and crowded atmosphere of a city can be a bit of an adjustment to newcomers, especially if you’re leaving a beautiful green area with lots of space. Depending on where you are in South Loop, however, your front yard is the river, Grant Park or the gorgeous waterfront of Lake Michigan, all enjoyed from the rooftop or balcony of the Alta Roosevelt apartments. You couldn’t ask for a better way to enjoy nature while reaping all the professional benefits of a major city.

Find Your New South Loop Luxury Apartment with HotSpot Rentals

With the stunning views of the sweeping skyline and the glistening water of Lake Michigan, the high-rise patio of Alta Roosevelt is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the Chicago summer before the long winter comes back around. We expect Alta Roosevelt apartments in South Loop to fill up fast, so be sure to get in line and be the envy of all your friends.

If you’d like to call Alta Roosevelt home, contact us at HotSpot Rentals. We know how important it is to find the right apartment for your needs, so let us take the stress and guesswork out of the process. Let us bend over backward to help you!

The post Alta Roosevelt, a Chicago Luxury Apartment appeared HotSpot Rentals.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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New Chicago Neighborhood Coming: Southbank

Hey Chicagoans! There’s a new hidden oasis nestled in the heart of the historic South Loop neighborhood. It’s called Southbank, and it’s the Windy City’s newest neighborhood, resting right on the edge of the Chicago River.

About Southbank

If you’re drawn to the eclectic vibe and open spaces found in South Loop, keep an eye on Southbank. Situated between the Chicago River to the west, and Wells Street to the east, you’ll find a blend of modern, urban architecture with the tranquil beauty of the riverfront. The newly planned neighborhood is expected to total seven acres of high-rises while surrounding a two-acre park. That sounds kind of similar to the Lakeshore East neighborhood, if you ask me!

Here’s a look at what I expect will be the neighborhood borders (highlighted in pink):

As you can see, the location offers a ton of benefits. Fast access to I-290 at Columbus provides an easy way to jump on the I-90/94 if you’re a commuter. The CTA Blue, Orange, Brown, Purple and Pink Lines are just to the Northeast, about a 5-7 minute walk. If you are staying in the area, you can enjoy an endless amount of convenient shopping and tons of restaurants, all within walking distance. In fact, Roosevelt Road and Michigan Avenue are each less than a 15-minute walk.

I think one of the best things about the Southbank neighborhood is its proximity to tons of adventurous and fun things to do. Because you’re in the South Loop, Grant Park, the Museum Campus and the Lakeshore Trail are all ultra-convenient spots to spend some relaxing time. As this new neighborhood develops, we expect the local developers to build out the riverwalk, embracing the works of local artists and designers. How cool will it be to have a riverwalk in this area with sweeping sunset views to the west?

Luxury Apartment Rentals in Southbank

Southbank is being designed as a community all its own, with all the essentials well within reach. An array of high-rise Chicago luxury apartment rentals is in development, ranging from cozy studios to lavish one, two or three-bedroom units with stunning views and iconic architecture.

The first of these remarkable buildings is The Cooper, a collection of new Chicago luxury apartment rentals with a long list of exciting amenities and benefits. All your daily needs are taken care of, from a rooftop farm with seasonal products to a full range of fitness options, along with some indulgent extras, like a Sports Simulator room and private cabanas. With all these amenities in one place, if I were you, I’d have a tough time choosing between staying in and heading out on the town.

Find Your New Chicago Luxury Apartment With HotSpot Rentals

The Southbank is poised to become one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods, and with lease dates for The Cooper starting in the summer of 2018, there’s no time to waste.

If Southbank sounds perfect for you, contact HotSpot Rentals and be one of the first to call this new neighborhood home.

The post New Chicago Neighborhood Coming: Southbank appeared first on HotSpot Rentals.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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Creating the Perfect Small At-Home Workspace

With the growing tech and finance sectors, young professionals from across the country are flocking to Chicago for new opportunities. Depending on the neighborhood, residents are mere minutes from their workplace, but you may also be surprised to know that 3.1 percent of Chicago’s workforce works remotely at least half the time.

This workplace flexibility is another huge perk to Chicago living, and though there are many public places to get some work done while taking in all the city sights, you may want a cozy and convenient office space in your home. If your Old Town or South Loop apartment is a space-saver, however, creating a productive home office can be a challenge.

Fortunately, a few small tips and tweaks are all it takes to create the perfect small at-home workspace without breaking the bank, losing the space or ruining the atmosphere.

Carve Out Your Workspace

With so much of the workforce remote, those huge, bulky desks are a thing of the past. A small desk with drawers, a corner desk or a wall-mounted desk take up little space, but still give you an area to work. A few shelves above it are a space-saving way to store supplies, documents or some of your knick-knacks as well, which also helps your desk area stay clean and uncluttered. Just a find a small nook or out-of-the-way area and you’re good to go.

Another innovative option is a standup desk. With so many models available, it’s easy to find an option that works well for your needs without losing space, and you can lose the chair altogether. Sitting for hours on end isn’t good for you, and though we know you’re getting plenty of exercise exploring the city, a standup desk lowers your risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and helps you live longer as well.

If a desk isn’t an absolute necessity and you want to conserve floorspace you may find that other furniture options serve your needs just fine. A hall table or end table with a dining room chair can double as a workspace, and a folding chair can be used and then stored out of sight. Even a high windowsill or nightstand could serve as a desk, especially if you only need a laptop and a cup of coffee.

Get Creative

Converting an unused closet or nook is an ingenious way to create an at-home workspace without sacrificing your apartment space. Measure the available space and choose your desk or table based on the dimensions, then choose a chair that fits neatly into the space. This gives you a little more flexibility with comfort and ergonomics as well, since you no longer need a multi-purpose chair.

If you need a little inspiration, check out how one of our agents, Mia, solved her space issue:

The entire thing cost me elbow grease and 4 hours. I reused what I had, mixed old leftover paint to create the shade of gray I wanted, repurposed old shelving (only using a screwdriver and hammer), a desk and fabric. Printed photos and tacked them to the wall. Easy peasy.

– Mia, Agent

Sounds easy enough, right? All it takes is a little creativity, even if you’re not the “handy” type.

With this option, shelves are your best friend. Wall-mounted shelves and organizers work well for all your office supplies and you’ll have space left over for a pop of color, some pictures or a few trinkets to liven up the space. You could also add a curtain to the doorway to close the space off, but be sure to check with the property owner or manager before removing the closet door.

Separate Work and Play

When you’re working from home, it can be easy to allow work-related stress to impact your enjoyment and relaxation. While this is true for any home office, having a small apartment can amplify the effects, so it’s important to separate your workspace from the rest of your apartment as much as possible.

For many, simply putting a desk facing a wall is enough to mentally and visually detach your workspace from the rest of the space. Small touches, such as a curtain or room divider, tall, potted plants or a standalone shelving unit with plenty of books and decor, are all it takes to set your office apart. Keeping power cords and wires neat and organizing your mail and paperwork goes a long way as well.

Find Your Downtown Chicago Apartment With HotSpot Rentals

With a little ingenuity, small spaces in your apartment can double as a cozy at-home workspace that maximizes productivity and efficiency. Let these tips and ideas inspire you to create the ideal workspace without losing your apartment’s style and appeal.

We’re no interior designers, but at HotSpot Rentals, we’re always happy to share the innovative ideas we see throughout the luxury apartments we work with. Give us a call today to see what we can do!

The post Creating the Perfect Small At-Home Workspace appeared first on Hotspot Rentals.

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hotspotrentalschicago-blog · 6 years

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How to Choose the Right Chicago Neighborhood for You

Choosing the right neighborhood in a new city is a daunting task, especially with the many exciting areas Chicago has to offer – 77, to be exact, with 12 unique downtown areas.

Each of these vibrant communities offers something a little different for everyone, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and needs. Let’s take a look at the nightlife, architecture, public transportation and culture of these areas, so you can find out how to choose the right Chicago neighborhood.

Lincoln Park South

“Lincoln Park South” isn’t officially a neighborhood, but kind of like in the Journey song “Don’t Stop Believin’” if there’s a Detroit, then there’s a “South Detroit”. If you’re a young professional looking to settle into city life, Lincoln Park South is the one for you. This area has a distinctly suburban feel, with a mix of quiet residential streets and world-class dining and entertainment. This is a hip, young scene for foodies and cultural aficionados, with a vibrant theater scene in Lincoln Park, a South African fast-food chicken joint, Nando’s Peri Peri, and beautiful views of the lakefront.

This neighborhood also has plenty of transportation to the nearby neighborhoods of Old Town and the Loop, but you’re likely to find all you need within walking distance.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is the place for luxury. With its gorgeous lake view, world-class restaurants, boutique shopping and frequent celebrity sightings, Gold Coast is Chicago’s Upper East Side, and if you’re looking to splurge on some Jimmy Choos, Gucci or Chanel, this is the place for you. It also has a rich history, with some of the architecture dating back to the 1920s and the Newberry Library, which has been around since 1887 and houses over 1.5 million books.

Gold Coast is also a short walking distance from Lincoln Park South and offers plenty of public transportation to the nearby areas.

Old Town

Known as one of the more energetic neighborhoods in Chicago, Old Town belies its name with some of the best activities and nightlife in the city. Whether you enjoy a night out watching the Cubs, Bears or Blackhawks with friends or an afternoon of beach games at the North Avenue Beach, Old Town has what you want.

Old Town also has bus and train routes that take you into the city or to the lakefront, but it’s also an excellent area for biking.

Streeterville

Located near some of Chicago’s biggest employers, Streeterville is the place for young professionals. It’s also close to some of Chicago’s biggest attractions, including the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and Museum of Contemporary Art, so there’s no shortage of events to keep you occupied all year long. Streeterville has many restaurants and stores, including the essentials like Whole Foods.

Many Streeterville residents walk to work and to the local attractions, but there’s also the nearby CTA Red Line to get into the city.

Lakeshore East

Lakeshore East has a small-community feel in the middle of a bustling urban environment. Some of the area’s best attractions, like Millennium Park, are nearby, but it’s a low-traffic, green area hidden among the skyscrapers. If you’re leaving a location with plenty of beautiful, green areas and wide open spaces, or you just like to stay in touch with nature, this is the spot for outdoor enthusiasts and pet lovers.

Lakeshore East is a very walkable area, but there are also buses and train lines to take you anywhere else you need to go.

The Loop

The El train forms a loop at the center of downtown Chicago, which is where the Loop neighborhood gets its name. The Loop is at the center of it all, close to the Theater District, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and the annual Lollapalooza summer festival. This is the cultural hub of the city, filled with hotspots and landmarks.

With the proximity to the El train, Loop residents never need a car. These lines will take you anywhere you need to go, and all your essentials are within walking distance.

River North

River North is the epitome of urban living in Chicago. With an abundance of clubs, rooftop bars, speakeasies and local hotspots, River North is the ultimate party neighborhood for single, young professionals, while also offering some of the best gourmet dining and high-end shopping.

River North is near the Loop, so a simple jump to the El train means you can go just about anywhere in the city. Many residents also walk to work.

Fulton River

Fulton River is a quiet neighborhood, though it still has much of the urban appeal Chicagoans look for. Offering all the fine dining and energetic nightlife of River North, just across river, and the West Loop, just a 10 minute walk, Fulton River is perfect for those who want to enjoy a quiet, relaxing community with quick access to the urban scene.

Fulton River has all the essentials right there, but if you need to go elsewhere in the city, the CTA’s Blue, Green and Pink Lines are all accessible.

West Loop

West Loop is more than an up-and-coming neighborhood for the trend setters. It’s arrived! Home to the new headquarters for McDonalds, as well as Google’s Chicago headquarters, it also offers the best dining in the city, which makes it appealing for young couples and professionals, as well as some gorgeous, industrial architecture and an antique and vintage marketplace.

West Loop also has several CTA lines that connect to the Red Line in the heart of the city, as well as Metra and Amtrak access to the suburban areas.

River West

River West mixes a suburban vibe with the dining and nightlife of the big city. Tree-lined streets, rustic architecture and bike lanes keep it small, but food trucks and clubs in the downtown area ensure you get the full urban experience.

River West is close to the CTA’s Blue Line and the El train, putting you minutes away from downtown neighborhoods like West Loop, South Loop and River North.

Medical District

As the name suggests, the Medical District is the neighborhood for medical students, researchers and educators from the University of Illinois and the Rush University Medical Center. Like college and university towns, the Medical District has a young vibe with plenty of tree-lined streets and pet-friendly parks, as well as sporting and concert venues. It’s also right next to the University Village/Little Italy neighborhood.

The Medical District is close to Highways 90 and 94, and the CTA’s Blue and Pink Lines can take you to all the nearby hotspots.

South Loop

South Loop is another up-and-coming neighborhood in Chicago. Bikers and outdoor sporting enthusiasts will love the proximity to Lake Michigan and its many beaches, as well as the many parks and green patches for pets. South Loop is also home to some Chicago icons, such as Soldier Field, Museum Campus and the Museum of Science and Industry.

South Loop is the only neighborhood with direct access to both Lake Shore Drive and Highways 90 and 94. There are multiple train lines as well, including the CTA’s Red, Green and Orange Lines.

Find Your New Chicago Apartment with HotSpot Rentals

So, which of these fabulous Chicago neighborhoods speaks to you? They’re all so exciting and distinctive, we can understand why you’d have a hard time deciding between them.

If you need some advice on how to choose the right Chicago neighborhood for you, turn to HotSpot Rentals. We know all the ins and outs of these diverse neighborhoods, so we’ll be happy to give you the inside scoop to determine the one that suits your personality. Contact us today to find your new Chicago luxury apartment!

The post How to Choose the Right Chicago Neighborhood for You appeared first on Hotspot Rentals.

#apartment agencies in chicago #chicago apartment rental agencies #hotspot apartments #Apartment rental agency Chicago #apartment rental agencies chicago

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