Developers are building new downtown apartment towers at a breakneck pace, but the city already contains a number of luxury rentals that sport some solid outdoor spaces and amenities. As the development landscape in Chicago has shifted from condos to apartments, many newer rental towers feature amenities that were once more common to be found at hotels. Windy City residents who enjoy being outside are in luck, as these new apartment developments include incredible outdoor spaces. From dog runs to swimming pools to lounges and fire pits, Chicago renters are becoming accustomed to these luxury amenities that are now standard offerings at many buildings.
↑ AMLI River North Located in the heart of Chicago's posh River North neighborhood, AMLI's new apartment tower sports a 22,000 square foot amenity deck on its 12th floor that includes an outdoor swimming pool, a fire pit, and numerous lounging areas. The deck also has a kitchen, bar and several grilling stations for tenants to cook up some brats while they're out enjoying the fresh air. Available units start off at just under $2,000/month.
↑ K2 Apartments Tucked away in Kinzie Station, and located in the Fulton River District lies the the new K2 apartment tower. Like several others on the list, K2 features an outdoor swimming pool, however at 70 feet long, the pool stands on the larger size. K2 is top dog however for private outdoor dog runs, as it features the city's largest.
↑ Hubbard Place Another recent entry to the luxury apartment scene in River North, Hubbard Place offers a number of great amenities, particularly its large outdoor deck space. The building's deck features a pool surrounded by lounging areas, a fire pit and private grilling stations. The building also sports a landscaped dog run for Fido. Rent starts around $1,800 for available units.
↑ Aqua Located in the Lakeshore East development, the Studio Gang designed Aqua has become a favorite of architect buffs for its unique shape. However, residents get to enjoy the building's incredible outdoor amenities located on one of the city's largest outdoor decks. Aqua's sprawling deck features a zigzagging running track, a large pool, lounging areas and the ubiquitous fire pit.
↑ OneEleven As one of the newest additions to the downtown apartment scene, OneEleven ups the game on outdoor amenities with its large two-level deck space. The tower's swimming pool is located indoors, but has a large glass wall that opens up completely to reveal an outdoor space that contains numerous lounging areas, kitchens, grills and a fire pit. Rents at the new Loop tower come in at just under $2,000 for an available unit.
↑ 500 Lake Shore Drive Located in Streeterville, Related's new 500 Lake Shore Drive is stacked with lux amenities. And its outdoor space doesn't disappoint with its pool, covered cabana area, fire pit and grilling areas. Available units start at $2,275 per month.
↑ 1130 S Michigan Heading on down to the South Loop, our trip takes us next to 1130 S Michigan. The tower recently did a major makeover of its outdoor deck, now dubbed "Club 2". The space features a swimming pool, a fire pit, grills and lounging areas.
↑ Kingsbury Plaza Now that's a green roof. Kingsbury Plaza's large outdoor deck has plenty of room for everyone with its swimming pool and huge grassy area. No nonsense, just a large stretch of grass to relax and soak up the rays. Available units start off around $1,750 per month.
↑ Halsted Flats As Lakeview's first new rental development in nearly three decades, Halsted Flats brings luxury living normally found downtown and brings it out to the city's neighborhoods. When Curbed toured the development in April, the building's large outdoor deck area was still under construction. However, it has since been completed and deserves some respect.