New Luxury Apartments Start to Materialize at 1123 W Randolph Street

Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood is adding one more building to its portfolio of luxury apartments. The six-story structure – which is slated to open by the end of 2021 – replaces a small surface parking lot at the corner of May and Randolph Streets. 

1123 W Randolph Street construction site
A six-story luxury apartment building under construction in Chicago’s West Loop should be finished in 2021.

Local Development and Imaginative Design 

The mixed-use building – at 1123 W. Randolph – is being developed by Chicago-based Interra Realty and will house just nine apartment units in its micro-sized footprint. 

At the helm of design is renowned HKS Architects. With offices all over the world, including downtown Chicago, HKS has an international reputation for innovative design that focuses on well-being and sustainability. Their Chicago-based team’s portfolio includes projects ranging from futuristic healthcare campuses to drop-dead-gorgeous corporate headquarters. 

Their diversity in projects means one thing – this building is going to be a total stand out. 

Design Dreaming at 1123 W Randolph

So far, details are light on what is planned for the apartments and retail spaces, but a girl can dream, right? 

I imagine HKS will be incorporating home office space, with a focus on wellbeing and sustainability, into the design. And seriously, with all this pandemic-era stress, don’t we all deserve to live in an apartment building that prioritizes its resident’s zen? I just might want to sign a lease myself and move right in. 

Luxury Finishes Are a Sure Thing 

Luxury creature comforts are especially common in apartments in the West Loop where the bar is set pretty high among its newest apartments. And I’m positive that these units – which will be a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments – will leave their tenants wanting for nothing. 

Because this new building only has nine rental units, it’s exempt from Chicago’s affordable housing requirements. For that reason, the dollars invested here should go a long way towards top-shelf touches. Modern stainless steel appliances, chic cabinetry, premium-stone counters, hardwood flooring, and full-size in-unit washers and dryers would be the minimum features I expect to see. 

Exterior Vision That Fits Right In

The architects have released a sketch of the building and it’s definitely eye-catching. 

First, you’ll notice two types of façade. The first two floors are dedicated to retail, with 2,000 square feet on the ground floor and 1,700 square feet on the mezzanine. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean these spaces are going to be light and bright. It would be awesome to see a coffee shop or cozy bakery move in.

Crane your neck up to the four residential floors and you’ll notice metal and brick walls with windows that are reminiscent of a historic warehouse. Surely a nod to West Loop’s industrial past, they lend character to the building that’ll allow it to seamlessly melt into the neighborhood.  

A sketch of the soon to be new apartment building at 1123 W Randolph in Chicago's West Loop
Sketch of the 75-ft tall mixed-use retail and residential plans coming to the southeast corner of Randolph and May Streets. Illustration: HKS Architects

Now, take a look at that sketch and count up the corner balconies. When you live downtown, an outdoor perch is priceless, and it appears each unit has at least one. 

There’s also a promise of a rooftop sun deck for residents to enjoy. It’ll have spectacular cityscape views and the people-watching perches overlooking Randolph Street could not be more perfect.

Searing Hot Location

Set on the southeast corner of Randolph and May Streets, these new West Loop apartments will be steps from dozens of Chicago’s most amazing eateries along “Restaurant Row.” Add in plenty of craft breweries, nightclubs, boutique shops and notable businesses, and it’s no wonder why renters flock to this extremely popular side of town.  

Urban, but ultra-livable, the West Loop neighborhood also has a significant amount of green space with three large public parks within its borders. And, everyone here has a dog…or two. Since pets seem to outnumber humans in the ‘hood, I wouldn’t be surprised if 1123 W. Randolph joins the ranks of pet-friendly apartments in the West Loop. 

An Awesome Downtown Chicago Location

Several office buildings and corporate headquarters are located in the West Loop, so many lucky locals and newcomers simply walk to work. However, it’s also adjacent to the downtown Chicago Loop financial district, as well as the near west side Illinois Medical District and University of Illinois Chicago campus.  

For this reason, this centrally-located neighborhood has several convenient options for commuters.

The CTA Green/Pink Line Morgan station and #20 Madison Loop Link bus stop are both within a five to ten-minute walk. The regional Metra train station is about a mile east, and it’s a short drive to the on-ramps for both I-90 and I-290 expressways. 

There won’t be any on-site parking at the building, but the plans do call for bicycle storage. If you do have a car, there is free parking along May Street and other surrounding side-streets. You can also find parking options on SpotAngels or SpotHero apps.

A map of the neighborhood around 1123 W Randolph in Chicago's West Loop
Here’s where 1123 W Randolph is located. Central to practically everything you need in downtown Chicago.

Everything You Need is Nearby

Workplaces Within Walking Distance 

  • Chicago Public Library West Loop Branch
  • McDonald’s HQ & Global Menu Restaurant
  • Google Fulton Market
  • ShipBob Chicago HQ (#1 fastest growing company in Chicago – Crain’s Chicago)

Close Conveniences 

Favorite Restaurants a Walk Away 

  • City Winery
  • Sweetgreen
  • J.P. Graziano Grocery and Sandwich Shop
  • Wazwan
  • Federales
  • La Colombe Coffee Roasters

Public Parks in West Loop

  • Skinner Park
  • Union Park
  • Mary Bartelme Park

If you’re ready to move to the West Loop, reach out to me and my team at HotSpot Rentals. Our expert leasing agents are pros at finding the best luxury apartments in downtown Chicago. 

A signature of blog writer Sarah