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Here Now, A Ten Piece High-Rent Penthouse Sampler

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Ready to embark on an unhealthy, unnatural, and unproductive fantasy? Curbed is your complete and willing enabler and today's map of 10 pricey penthouse rentals is the latest pillar in that effort. Think of it as a sampler, not just a countdown of Chicago's highest-priced digs. North and South get representation and the typologies range from timber lofts to new concrete condos and landmark skyscraper units. One or two may even be obtainable for a middle-class, two-earner household. Oops, there we go again getting the readership all riled up. Alright, now get to browsing! And click the links for full listings and photo galleries.
·Renters Week 2013 [Curbed Chicago]
·Curbed Maps

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John Hancock Center, Unit 9109

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Well hello again, Mr. Minimalist Hancock penthouse! It's been barely a month since our last encounter, when you flaunted those silky blacks & whites on the for-sale market. Readers may recall Curbed's write-up and the terms: a 4/4, 2,600-square-foot space asking $1.6M. That offer still stands, but the extra studio space has been subtracted from the rental listing, bringing beds and baths to three and three, square footage to 2,000 and the target rent to $5,000/month. Furniture is not part of the deal-- a setback for maintaining that drug kingpin vibe.

2100 N Lincoln Park West #12ES

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Say hello to this renovated "loft-like" corner penthouse at the Pierre Condominiums. OK, we're not getting "loft" from this, but click through to assess for yourself. The 1,475-square-foot 2/2 has marble baths, a living room w/ full wall mirror, in-unit laundry, and is available fully furnished. One floor up is the rooftop pool. The rent: $3,500/month.

1201 S Prairie Avenue #5106

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This 51st-floor 2/2 at The Grant (formerly Museum Park West) commands views south and west-- second fiddle to units with north and east views but we say you'll feel even more dominant with the flat horizon at your feet. Related Midwest shook up the building and its fleet of amenities earlier the year: it keeps the pool, sun deck, and gym but now there's "Dog City"... woo-hoo!

345 W Fullerton Parkway #3008

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Finally, a penthouse that qualifies on size and not just height. A 30th-floor 3/3 is the item, rocking views south and east over lake and city. The unit delivers hardwood floors, marble baths, and a fine kitchen. Near as we can tell, the balconies are Juliet but full ones tend to be overrated at such a height and with such potent views. Put your name to a lease by Dec. 1 and get a $500 rent rebate in Jan & Feb. Any dent in the $4,450/month rent is welcome.

500 Lake Shore Drive #403

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The penthouse rental reveal at the 500 Lake Shore Drive was completely stupefying: two units at the crown of a new luxury tower asking $18,000 and $10,000/month. The largest and priciest got a Curbed write-up in September. The only justification for such an astronomical ask is that someone will probably pay it. Otherwise, the unit's selling points are confined to high ceilings, tall windows, and a marble master bath practically dangling out the window. Square footage is 2,800; meanwhile, the "cheaper" penthouse has barely half that.

505 N State Street #3509

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You know you've landed in a penthouse when your hardwoods are suddenly "espresso", your closets "walk-in", and your windows "floor-to-ceiling". Not to knock this River North penthouse in any shape or form-- it has panoramas AND sufficient space for living. The rent makes clear we're not in the South Loop anymore: $5,999/month for three beds and 1,950 square feet.

520 W Huron Street #619

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Penthouses aren't always in the clouds, but if a broker labels the top floor of a 3-flat as one get the hell outta there. Happily this rental is on the 6th floor (top) of a fabulous old River North loft building, in the sunny SW corner. The $3,495/month 3/2 has exposed brick, high ceilings, a slate fireplace, 17-foot terrace, and parking.

300 West Grand Lofts #408

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Still in the penthouse loft department, try on this 3/2 duplex space at 300 W Grand. While only 1,500 square feet, the unit's ceilings are crazy high and a spiral staircase ensures little floor space is forfeited. The interiors are in great condition and there's certainly nothing ailing the balcony and private roof deck. The rent: $3,300/month with an extra $200 for garage parking.

235 West Van Buren, 45th floor

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235 W Van Buren has made recent headlines for a fast sales pace, so opportunities to rent in the condo tower should grow as well. A 45-floor 2/2 penthouse availability is a fine place to start, rocking obviously huge views, a large private terrace, and the cool disconnect of white walls paired with concrete ceilings and pillars. No word on the square footage, but it's not enormous. The rent: $2,400/month, all inclusive.

616 West Fulton #702

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A short skip across the river brings us to an eerily similar duplex penthouse timber loft, at 616 W Fulton. It has just two beds, two baths, and 1,350 square feet, but somebody went all 'contempo' on the interiors. Highlights include 24-foot atrium windows, a 200-square-foot balcony, fireplaces, master suite w/ marble floors and skylight, and transit proximity. The rent: $3,200/month.

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John Hancock Center, Unit 9109

Well hello again, Mr. Minimalist Hancock penthouse! It's been barely a month since our last encounter, when you flaunted those silky blacks & whites on the for-sale market. Readers may recall Curbed's write-up and the terms: a 4/4, 2,600-square-foot space asking $1.6M. That offer still stands, but the extra studio space has been subtracted from the rental listing, bringing beds and baths to three and three, square footage to 2,000 and the target rent to $5,000/month. Furniture is not part of the deal-- a setback for maintaining that drug kingpin vibe.

2100 N Lincoln Park West #12ES

Say hello to this renovated "loft-like" corner penthouse at the Pierre Condominiums. OK, we're not getting "loft" from this, but click through to assess for yourself. The 1,475-square-foot 2/2 has marble baths, a living room w/ full wall mirror, in-unit laundry, and is available fully furnished. One floor up is the rooftop pool. The rent: $3,500/month.

1201 S Prairie Avenue #5106

This 51st-floor 2/2 at The Grant (formerly Museum Park West) commands views south and west-- second fiddle to units with north and east views but we say you'll feel even more dominant with the flat horizon at your feet. Related Midwest shook up the building and its fleet of amenities earlier the year: it keeps the pool, sun deck, and gym but now there's "Dog City"... woo-hoo!

345 W Fullerton Parkway #3008

Finally, a penthouse that qualifies on size and not just height. A 30th-floor 3/3 is the item, rocking views south and east over lake and city. The unit delivers hardwood floors, marble baths, and a fine kitchen. Near as we can tell, the balconies are Juliet but full ones tend to be overrated at such a height and with such potent views. Put your name to a lease by Dec. 1 and get a $500 rent rebate in Jan & Feb. Any dent in the $4,450/month rent is welcome.

500 Lake Shore Drive #403

The penthouse rental reveal at the 500 Lake Shore Drive was completely stupefying: two units at the crown of a new luxury tower asking $18,000 and $10,000/month. The largest and priciest got a Curbed write-up in September. The only justification for such an astronomical ask is that someone will probably pay it. Otherwise, the unit's selling points are confined to high ceilings, tall windows, and a marble master bath practically dangling out the window. Square footage is 2,800; meanwhile, the "cheaper" penthouse has barely half that.

505 N State Street #3509

You know you've landed in a penthouse when your hardwoods are suddenly "espresso", your closets "walk-in", and your windows "floor-to-ceiling". Not to knock this River North penthouse in any shape or form-- it has panoramas AND sufficient space for living. The rent makes clear we're not in the South Loop anymore: $5,999/month for three beds and 1,950 square feet.

520 W Huron Street #619

Penthouses aren't always in the clouds, but if a broker labels the top floor of a 3-flat as one get the hell outta there. Happily this rental is on the 6th floor (top) of a fabulous old River North loft building, in the sunny SW corner. The $3,495/month 3/2 has exposed brick, high ceilings, a slate fireplace, 17-foot terrace, and parking.

300 West Grand Lofts #408

Still in the penthouse loft department, try on this 3/2 duplex space at 300 W Grand. While only 1,500 square feet, the unit's ceilings are crazy high and a spiral staircase ensures little floor space is forfeited. The interiors are in great condition and there's certainly nothing ailing the balcony and private roof deck. The rent: $3,300/month with an extra $200 for garage parking.

235 West Van Buren, 45th floor

235 W Van Buren has made recent headlines for a fast sales pace, so opportunities to rent in the condo tower should grow as well. A 45-floor 2/2 penthouse availability is a fine place to start, rocking obviously huge views, a large private terrace, and the cool disconnect of white walls paired with concrete ceilings and pillars. No word on the square footage, but it's not enormous. The rent: $2,400/month, all inclusive.

616 West Fulton #702

A short skip across the river brings us to an eerily similar duplex penthouse timber loft, at 616 W Fulton. It has just two beds, two baths, and 1,350 square feet, but somebody went all 'contempo' on the interiors. Highlights include 24-foot atrium windows, a 200-square-foot balcony, fireplaces, master suite w/ marble floors and skylight, and transit proximity. The rent: $3,200/month.