|
Floor Plans: A Lease With a Commanding View, Chicago-Style
Project:
Sky55
Developer:
Forest City Residential
Think “Chicago-style,” and deep-dish pizza, “Da Bears” or the rough and raucous days of Al Capone and the Untouchables come to mind.
In the hands of Cleveland-based developer Forest City Residential and its Sky55 project, however, Chicago-style conjures up a whole different image — one of architecture inspired by modern city life, of curved glass, floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping, panoramic views as high as 40 stories above Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline.
|
|
 |
|
|
The view from above — through Sky55's signature floor-to-ceiling, curved-glass windows. | The fabulous views come complete with full-time concierge services, of course, and luxurious amenities like a rooftop pool; flexible, work-from-home office capabilities; a cardio center; even dog walking and car detailing.
The Chicago twist is that the views and services don’t command a premium, they come with a lease.
|
|
 |
|
|
The outdoor terrace and fireplace. | Targeting Bookends
The Sky55 rental market is skewed towards the 18 to 24 and the 55+ age “bookends” — those transitioning into new stages of life, either into the workforce or out of the workforce — while wanting to enjoy city living, most for the first time.
|
|
 |
|
|
Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counterop. |
Living on the Edge of the Action
The paradox is that while these “bookends” want to be in the mix and hubbub of city life, they also want to be able to retreat to a safe haven above the fray. Sky55 was created to give its residents the comfortable buffer they seek while also providing them ready access to the city’s excitement.
|
|
 |
|
|
Hotel-like details in the master bath. | Built on the site of the Chicago’s famed Central Station, the heart of the Illinois Central Railway, and five minutes from such Chicago attractions as the Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Museum of Contemporary Art, residents can cocoon amidst gourmet kitchens, Italian stone fireplaces, hardwood floors and bedrooms and baths that serve as sanctuaries from the bustle of Chicago life.
Sky55 earned the Best High-Rise Apartment (nine-plus stories) in NAHB’s Pillars of the Industry design competition.
|
|
 |
|
|
The fitness/cardio center. |
|
|
|
|
|
Click for larger image. |
|
Features and Specifications |
|
Community and Amenities:
- 80-acre infill development; 502 units in two for-lease buildings
- 411 units in a 40-story luxury tower; 326 market-rate units, 85 affordable units
- 91 units in mid-rise building for seniors
- Curved exterior glass in 40-story tower
- Rooftop garden
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Sundeck
- Fitness/cardio center
- Concierge services
- Pet services
- Car detailing services
- Wi-Fi wireless service
- Library and conference room with projection capabilities
Market-Rate Units:
- Hardwood floors
- Italian stone fireplaces
- Gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances
- Hotel-like fixtures such as framed mirrors and wall sconces
Developed by Forest City Residential, Cleveland |
|
