Alta Grand Central Apartments Open in Chicago’s South Loop

It’s here. After the anticipation, after the expectation, Alta Grand Central has opened its doors and is ready for action. It’s time to come home.

Built on the land that was once home to Grand Central Station — the busiest train depot in the country —  this new pair of luxury apartment buildings houses 346 brand-new units.

I’ve been anxious to step foot inside Alta Grand Central since their plans for development first emerged in 2018. Let me tell you — it was worth the wait.

Standing side by side, the twin buildings that make up Alta Grand Central can be found on the northwest corner of Wells & Harrison in the South Loop. Fourteen floors to each building, these strong and handsome twins hold some of the best and most well-appointed apartments that I’ve ever seen in Chicago’s South Loop. 

Entering the buildings, I couldn’t help but stop and take a second to admire the architecture. Sleek, modern, glassy and state-of-the-art. I couldn’t wait to step foot inside to see if the interior lived up to my expectations.

First Impressions Matter

Being one of the newest luxury apartment buildings in the city means having high standards to meet. Guess what? Alta Grand Central exceeds them.

When I stepped through the doors, my first thought was, This is the exception to everything I’ve ever thought about apartment living. And during the tour, my feelings didn’t change. It’s open and airy, with every item in the lobby carefully hand-picked for comfort and style.

Between the Towers

Next, I made my way up to an outdoor common area, two floors above the street level, located between the two towers.

The outdoor oasis is gorgeously designed. Imagine open air that feels far away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets below. Paradise, right?

Each cozy patio space is designed to feel like your own private hangout. Grab your friends, a few brews and fire up the grill. 

Heading back inside, there’s plenty of common areas that are ready to wow. Looking for a quiet corner to read, work or gab with a friend? Check. Need a space to hold a bridal shower? Check check.

Oh… and just wait until you see the rooftop Conductor Lounge. The name is a nod to the building’s railway roots but don’t be fooled. It feels like the kind of high-brow bar you’d be happy to throw $18 a cocktail at.  

Pamper Your Pet

Yes, Alta Grand Central is dog-friendly! In fact, I’d classify this property as being dog-fanatical. Near the patio area, but separated from the “human-spaces”, you’ll find an enclosed dog run with just enough space to give your favorite friend a little exercise. Playtime without having to walk to a park is such a bonus for dog-owners. 

Right next to the dog run is a full-service pet spa so luxurious you’ll want to test the shower for yourself (please don’t!). Seriously…that herringbone tile? I died. This next-level dog care makes ME jealous. 

Get Your Fitness On

For you fitness buffs, the state-of-the-art exercise facility blew me away with floor-to-ceiling windows and a vast selection of equipment.

Stair climbers, treadmills and ellipticals abound, all in a private space with fabulous views of the city below. Into Crossfit? You’ve got your own studio outfitted with Outrage equipment. Love to spin? Hop on an Echelon bike. A Yogi, you say? Downward dog to your heart’s content in the yoga studio. Each tower also has an outdoor workout space if you’re in the mood to train in fresh air.

All the Extras

Heading over to the East Tower, residents are treated to a resort style pool with private cabanas. Alta Grand Central got it right (not everyone does) and designed the property to have the pool face south, maximizing the amount of sun hours and making a perfect outdoor happy hour spot in the summer.

Between the two towers, a transition space was smartly designed to accommodate a large outdoor spa, making for an easy to transition from happy hour. 

Four words that’ll make any game-fanatic smile: 24-Hour-Game-Lounge. Some might call it a man-cave, but we call it your new I-just-wanna-have-a-little-fun hangout. There’s something here for every member of the family, and the entertainment – foosball, pool, arcade game and more – is open to all residents. 

And, just when you think they’d thought of everything, complimentary, temperature controlled bike storage is yours. I didn’t even realize temperature controlled bike storage was “a thing”.

Welcome Home

I’m in love with the amenities here, but let’s be honest. For many of us, the amenities are a bonus – but, how’s the actual apartment?

I was lucky enough to see several of the units and there didn’t seem to be a bad view in the building. The floor-to-ceiling windows stream in so much natural light that even the smaller units feel airy, open and spacious.

I was also impressed with the attention to detail. The floor plans were smart, defying the apartment-dwelling mentality and instead feels warm and homey. For much of the tour, I completely forgot I was in a high-rise apartment. But, then I would look up and be reminded I was very much suspended over the city. Oooh, those views! Absolutely inspiring.

The floor plans at Alta Grand Central are available in studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedrooms configurations. There’s even some penthouse units with wine coolers in them if you want to get fancy!

The features and details will meet your expectations, but things to take notice of:

• Built-in washer and dryer.
• An extraordinary kitchen space with top of the line appliances including dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and stove. 
• Closet space. My gosh, have I talked yet about the closet space? Even the smallest apartment has STORAGE. You can actually live with your stuff and not have to keep it squared away in a storage unit somewhere.
• Balconies in select units (or what I like to my own personal haven).

Even the bathrooms — which are shockingly spacious — are luxurious from floor to ceiling. Comfortable and modern with maximum storage…you couldn’t ask for a better bathroom.

Overall, it’s easy to see the fine attention paid to every aspect of these apartment homes. A few more things of note:

• High ceilings
• State of the art everything from door knobs to cabinet doors
• Lots of elbow room
• Breathtaking views (OK, we cheated and mentioned this before. Can you tell we love the location?)

Home In the Heart of the City

Don’t forget, these are brand-new, luxury apartments in the South Loop, with quick access to the middle of the Loop and the rest of the city.

Alta Grand Central is just a short walk to Columbia College, City Colleges of Chicago and Kendall College and you’re just around the corner from the LaSalle Street Station. Love to be on the water? You’re right between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. This is truly some of the best real estate in the city.

If you haven’t spent much time in the South Loop recently, dining options have improved! Check out fine dining at Everest — which serves some of the best French food in the city. Or, if you need something quick, stick with a local staple that opened a couple years back.Chicago’s famous Portillo’s Hot Dogs is just a 4 minute walk from door to door. Chocolate cake anyone?

Cold brews are also easy to find in the South Loop so I promise you won’t go thirsty. You’re just a 7 minute walk from century-old Kasey’s Tavern, or check out local favorite First Draft which is also just a few minutes from your doorstep.

Call Alta Grand Central Home

Life in a city is often challenging, but where you live should never be. Alta Grand Central was designed from the ground up to take away the stress and uncertainty of day-to-day living. 

We’re here to go the extra mile in helping you to find the perfect home for you. Questions about renting at Alta Grand Central? Feel free to reach out to us here at Hotspot Rentals.