Construction is Underway on Michigan Avenue’s 300 NMA Luxury Apartments

Construction at the new 300 NMA apartments on Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Loop
Future site of new luxury apartments in downtown Chicago Loop, on the northeast corner of Michigan Ave. and Wacker Place.

A stretch of Michigan Avenue just south of the river is about to get classier…and glassier. In September, a 47-story residential apartment and micro-hotel tower broke ground at 300 N. Michigan Avenue. It replaces an abandoned 4-story building and is scheduled to open in 2022. 

This new high-rise, officially named 300 NMA, will join a chorus of new buildings and rehabbed historic towers around the northeast tip of Chicago’s Loop. I’m so pleased to see this swath of downtown experiencing much-needed rejuvenation. The prime Loop location, just south from River North and along the edge of Lakeshore East, is an incredible sliver of the city to live in or visit. 

Promising Plans Revealed

Sterling Bay and Magellan Development Group, two of Chicago’s most active real estate development firms, recently revealed their plans for the eye-popping structure. They partnered with highly acclaimed Chicago architecture firm bKL, who has designed some of the very best luxury apartment buildings in Chicago, on the design. 

Rendering of the new 300 NMA luxury apartments in Chicago's Loop
Renderings of 300 NMA, a new luxury apartment, and hotel tower coming to the Loop in 2022. Images: courtesy of Sterling Bay and bKL Architecture.

Let’s break down their plans – they’re big!

This corner of the Magnificent Mile is going to be so beautiful once this sky-high tower is complete! On the ground-level to the third floor, 25,000 square-feet of imposing high-ceiling retail space will anchor the coveted Michigan Avenue location. 

Parking, though sparse, will be available with 26 vehicle parking spaces and 48 bike spots in a below-ground garage.

Above the retail, the next 10 floors of the 523-foot high-rise will be home to 280 luxury hotel rooms. Hotel reception and amenity space will be located on the fourth floor and a shared fitness center will take center stage on the sixth floor.  

Luxury Living in The Loop 

Luxury apartment residences will start on floor 17 and will include 289 upscale apartment units going up, up, up to the 45th floor. I expect to see a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and have no doubt the floor-plans will be laid out masterfully. 

Atop the 46th floor is the residential amenity level and oooh, it’s going to feel like your own private resort! It’ll include an impressive outdoor pool and sun deck with a hot tub, as well as an adjacent indoor residential club room. The top of the eastern portion of the glassy building will be set back to create a spectacular amenity terrace for residents that overlooks Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue. I expect it’s going to be one of the best apartment views in all of Chicago.

Over-The-Top Dog-Friendly Apartments 

If you want to rent a dog-friendly apartment in the Loop, just wait until you see what 300 NMA has planned. I must say, as a human, I’m a little jealous of their plans for pet-friendly amenities. You’ll have access to a pet spa and grooming areas to keep your dog fresh and clean. They’ll get plenty of exercise on the 16th-floor outdoor dog run, and get this – two additional indoor dog runs! And if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a dog owner’s lounge where you and your pooch can chill and get to know your new furry neighbors. I gotta say, once it’s built, this just might be the most dog-friendly apartment building in Chicago. 

Nearby access to outdoor space is a huge perk for pet owners too. The Chicago River Walk, Lakeshore East Dog Park and Millennium Park are all just a few tail wags away.

Beautiful Units and Unreal Views 

With recent designs for other magnificent apartment towers such as Wolf Point West, Coast, and MILA (just two blocks away) under bKL’s belt, I’m confident that their modern high-end styling for this property will dress to impress.

Expect luxury units with open-concept living, modern kitchens, tech-focused touches and light-filled space. 

A view of open concept living in Wolf Point West in Chicago
Luxury apartment at Wolf Point West, developed by bKL, opened in 2015

Higher floor apartments will boast jaw-dropping views of the surrounding city and the river. One of my favorite architectural gems in Chicago, the landmark Carbide and Carbon Building, is just across the street. The Burnham Brothers designed it to look like a bottle of champagne, and I will be totally jealous of 300 NMA apartment renters with a southern view of the famous golden cork at the top! 

A view of the top of the gold leaf accented Carbide and Carbon Building in Chicago's Loop
The up-close views from 300 NMA of the gold leaf accented Carbide and Carbon Building will be dazzling!

Unmatched Location

The vivacious downtown Chicago neighborhood around this new apartment building has a lot to offer in both convenience and entertainment. There are plenty of coffee options just minutes away, ensuring you’ll always start the day well-caffeinated. Walgreens and Mariano’s are nearby too so you never have to worry about stocking up on toiletries, getting your prescription filled, or grabbing groceries.

A myriad of eateries are right outside your doorstep, and there’s always plenty of spots to enjoy cocktails and nightlife too. And…of course this is downtown Chicago…where you’re surrounded by theaters, museums, shopping, and culture galore. Plus, you’re just steps from the city’s marquee green spaces at Millennium Park and Grant Park, as well as the lakefront.

Several prominent companies and major office buildings are in the immediate vicinity including Tribune Tower, AON Center, Prudential Plaza, Two Illinois Center, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. If you work in the Loop or Lakeshore East, these new apartments will be a prime place for employees to live. 

A map of the neighborhood surrounding the site of the new 300 NMA luxury apartments in Chicago's Loop

With all of the CTA trains converging nearby at Clark/Lake and State/Lake, as well as the Metra Millennium Station less than a 10-minute walk away, getting around town or out to the suburbs is a cinch. If driving is more your speed, access to Lake Shore Drive is just a few minutes away via Randolph Street.

Neighborhood Highlights and Conveniences

Nearby Restaurants 

Neighborhood Activities and Green Space 

Nearby Grocery and Drug Stores 

Convenient Transit 

  • Millennium Station – Metra
  • CTA subway and elevated trains hub – State and Lake

If you’d like to find out more about these or any of downtown Chicago’s best apartments, our team would love to help you out! Give us a shout and let’s find you a great new place to call home. 

A signature of blog writer Sarah