The Newest Apartments in Chicago’s West Loop

Trying to decide which downtown Chicago neighborhood you should live in? Good news – you’ve got so many fantastic options. If you’ve done your research and settled on the West Loop, the next step is to find the perfect spot to call home. 

As this popular neighborhood has grown, so have its number of new apartments. Our leasing agents are the experts on the luxury rental market in West Loop and will help make the hunt for your new place easy peasy. 

Why live in West Loop? It’s not only home to some of the best luxury apartments in Chicago, but also on-trend restaurants, awesome bars and a surprising amount of urban green space. The location – just west of the heart of downtown – is so central, you can commute anywhere in the city in no time flat. 

From modern high-rises to community-oriented buildings, these are the newest apartments in Chicago’s West Loop. 

1. Union West

After much anticipation, Union West opened in the fall of 2019. Located on the west side of West Loop, this building lived up to our high hopes – it’s modern, comfortable and just feels like home. 

Union West: The Details 

• Location: 939 W. Washington (Corner of Sangamon & Washington)
• Built: 2019
• Building Type: High-Rise | 2 Towers | Each 15 Floors 
• Number of Units: 357
• Floorplans: Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom 
• Pet-Friendly

What You’ll Love About Union West 

There’s so much to love about Union West, I could go on and on. Living here makes life easy in so many ways. 

Let’s run down the location first. Obviously, West Loop is a terrific neighborhood, and Union West’s location is prime. You’ll be close to lots of employers, including the McDonald’s headquarters, which is just a block and a half away. 

If you’re commuting from West Loop to the Loop, the Morgan CTA Station is a 5-minute walk north and there’s a La Colombe and Starbucks along the way. 

The building itself was built with convenience and beauty in mind. It has a modern meets industrial aesthetic with cozy touches to make it feel like home. And, Union West residents rave about the staff and the building’s cleanliness; even the dog-friendly amenities like the pet spa are cleaned on a daily basis. 

Union West Apartment Highlights: 

• In-Unit Washer and Dryer 
• Luxury Kitchens with Quartz Countertops
• Conveniences like Nest Thermostats and Charging Stations 
• Parking Available (additional charge)

Union West’s Amenities:

• Outdoor Pool Deck with Cabanas 
• Rooftop Grill Stations 
• Fitness Center + Yoga and Spin Room 
• Resident Lounge with Pool Table 
• Pet Spa & Dog Run 
• Co-Working Space and Private Meeting Rooms 
• Bike Storage 
• 24-Hour Doorman

2. Milieu 

When Milieu first announced its name, I admit I scratched my head for a moment. Then, I googled. “Milieu” is French and means “a person’s social environment.” Here, let me use it in a sentence: rent an apartment in this brand-new building and you’ll live in a milieu of luxury that’s enviable. 

And, it’s true – life is just better at Milieu! 

Milieu: The Details 

• Location: 205 S. Peoria (Adams and Peoria) 
• Built: 2019
• Building Type: High-Rise | 19 Floors 
• Number of Units: 275
• Floorplans: Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom
• Pet-Friendly

What You’ll Love About Milieu 

Milieu is the luxury apartment building in West Loop that I’ve been waiting and hoping for. I think it’s the most sophisticated property in the neighborhood. Every time I step through the doors, I feel instantly relaxed. 

Located in the southeast part of West Loop, Milieu’s location is pretty awesome. Mary Bartelme Park is situated kitty-corner from the building which means you have 2.7 acres of green space right outside your window. And yes – you can live in a unit that has a view of the park (and even a balcony!). 

If you’re working downtown, you can walk or bike the trip in less than 15 minutes. There’s a bus station just down the block that’ll get you a number of downtown locations as well as CTA stations to other downtown Chicago neighborhoods. 

Like I mentioned – Milieu is just a beautiful building. The designers nailed a refined look that blends urban elements like concrete and brick with warm wood and leather tones. There are huge windows everywhere, making the boundaries between the inside and outside fade away. 

Milieu also has services and thoughtful amenities you just don’t get in every luxury residence. They stock complimentary treats for your dog (yes, Milieu is very dog-friendly!) and have a barista who brews lattes for residents.

Milieu Apartment Highlights: 

• In-Unit Washer and Dryer 
• Huge Closets 
• Balcony-Units Available 
• 12-Foot Ceilings 
• Parking Available 
• Club Level Living on the 18th Floor

Milieu’s Amenities:

• Dog Run and Washing Station 
• Rooftop Pool and Hot Tub With a View 
• Outdoor Lounge Space with Fire Tables and Hammocks 
• Fitness Center 
• Gear Garage with Complimentary Electric Scooters, Bikes and More 
• Cold Storage for Grocery Delivery 
• 24-Hour Doorman
• Concierge Barista

3. The Mason Apartments

When The Mason opened in 2019, it knocked my socks off. Its design aesthetic and overall vibe perfectly complement West Loop’s urban hipster vibe. If you’re searching for a cool apartment in West Loop, this is it. 

The Mason: The Details 

• Location: 180 N. Ada 
• Built: 2019
• Building Type: High-Rise | 13 Floors 
• Number of Units: 263
• Floorplans: Studio | Convertible | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom 
• Pet-Friendly 

What You’ll Love About The Mason

The Mason is located on the far-west side of West Loop, giving it one ridiculously amazing view of the skyline. Sandwiched between Union Park and West Loop’s best restaurants and nightlife, it’s an awesome spot if you want to be close to everything Chicago has to offer. 

A fantastic spot for commuters, the CTA Green/Pink runs outside The Mason, with the Ashland station a 6-minute walk west. Don’t let that farther west location freak you out if you’re wanting to get downtown on foot or bike – it’s doable. The Loop is 1.6 miles east, making it walkable and bikeable. 

If you’ve fallen in love with West Loop’s high-brow-hipster attitude, you’ll love The Mason. It’s as if the building’s designers brought the outside in with concrete ceilings throughout (yes, even in the units) and accents of brick and weathered wood planks. This place feels gritty in the coolest way possible, with industrial-inspired features like Edison-bulb pendants and matte-black fixtures. I love these units because the design feels loft-like, but the floor plan is more practical. 

Social butterflies are gonna be all about The Mason’s shared amenities. It feels like there are places to lounge, drink and relax around every corner. My favorite by far – the first-floor bar, is just for residents and their guests! There are super-cool indoor lounges, co-working spaces and an insane rooftop deck with an impressive view of downtown. If it’s all feeling a little too people-y, there are private workspaces you can reserve for a party-of-one as well. 

The Mason Apartment Highlights:

• Green Globe Certified 
• Industrial, Loft-inspired Design
• Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
• Exposed Concrete Ceilings 
• Parking Available (additional charge)
• Balconies (select units) 

The Mason’s Amenities:

• First Floor Cafe and Bar 
• From-From-Home Space & Conference Rooms 
• Open-Air Fitness Center 
• Dog Run and Washing Station 
• Rooftop Pool with Cabanas 
• Rooftop Deck with Incredible Views 
• Incredible Shared Social Spaces 
• Bike Storage 
• 24-Hour Doorman

4. Porte Apartments

If you’re looking to rent in West Loop, Porte is a must-see, especially if you’re new to Chicago. Porte is more than another luxury apartment building; it’s a community. 

Porte: The Details 

• Location: 855 W. Madison
• Built: 2020
• Building Type: High-Rise | 17 Floors | Two Towers 
• Number of Units: 586
• Floorplans: Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom | Townhomes 
• Pet-Friendly 

What You’ll Love About Porte 

This mega-development is situated on a full city block and feels like its own little town in the middle of the city. With over 500 units, you might think Porte is another mega-high rise, with each resident living their life behind rows of closed doors. But Porte’s developers put socialization at the forefront, creating a place to call home that’s never lonely. 

Porte is located on the eastside of West Loop, just south of Fulton Market. And yes, it really does take up a full city block, bordered by Madison, Monroe, Peoria and Green Streets. Two 17-floor towers flank either side of shared common spaces, including plenty of outdoor green space. 

Walk east a mile and you’re at the footsteps of Millenium Park. A mile west and you’ll land in Union Park. All of West Loop’s biggest employers are walkable, making Porte the perfect place to live if you’re working in or near the neighborhood. 

I describe Porte’s apartments as minimalist. I’m not talking minimalist-boring, I’m talking minimalist-chic. Fresh and clean white subway tile, gray plank floors, bright white walls – these apartments are like a breath of fresh air. 

Okay – let’s get to the really good stuff! Each tower has its own set of amenities you expect, like brand-new fitness centers, plus a unique outdoor-living space in between the two that you won’t find anywhere else. The elevated space – located on the second-story level – feels like your own private park. Grass, trees, dining areas and yes, a pool! This is where residents gather together to relax and connect.

Porte Apartment Highlights:

 

• Nest Thermostats
• In-Unit Washer and Dryer
• Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
• Parking Available (additional charge)
• Balconies and Terraces (select units) 

Porte’s Amenities:

• Co-Working Spaces 
• Game Rooms
• Chef Kitchens 
• Shared Dining Areas (Indoor & Outdoor) 
• Concierge
• Dog Run and Play Area
• Sunset Lounge Available to Reserve for Private Events 
• Roof Crop Farm on the Rooftop 
• Incredible Shared Social Spaces 

Well, whatcha think? The toughest part is trying to decide which one of these incredible properties to call home, right? If you need help comparing the newest places in West Loop with some of the neighborhood’s other great apartments, my awesome teammates and I are ready to chat!