The Coolest Apartments in Chicago’s West Loop

Are you considering a move to Chicago’s West Loop? This ultra-chic neighborhood is the coolest of cool! Located just west of the heart of downtown, the West Loop has become one of the best neighborhoods to rent a luxury apartment in. 

Developers have sure been busy in the West Loop! Over the past 20 years, the neighborhood has transformed from being purely industrial to a favorite spot to dine, work, and live. Just when I think the development will slow down, I see another crane soaring into the sky. 

The cool thing about West Loop though, is that it’s held onto its industrial roots, and developers and the neighborhood’s residents continue to honor it. This is part of the reason why the apartments in West Loop stand out from other neighborhoods in Chicago. They’re beautiful, but with just the right amount of edge. 

From gleaming high rises to pet-friendly apartment buildings with amenities designed to make downtown living with your pup easy, these are the coolest apartment buildings in the West Loop.  

1. PORTE

If you want to live in an apartment that doesn’t look like a rental, you’ve got to take a tour of Porte. These community-centered luxury apartments are the coolest in the West Loop. 

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 
• Cat and Dog-Friendly

Why Renters Love Porte

Take a read through Porte’s Google reviews, and you’ll see a common theme – people love living here. 

Porte’s location is totally fantastic. It’s situated in the east part of West Loop; close to Fulton Market, Bartelme Park, and restaurant row. Rent an apartment at Porte, and you’re living in the heart of West Loop. 

The residents at Porte remark that living here feels like living in a 5-star resort. It’s not an exaggeration either. Porte spans an entire city block – a true mega-development – but is designed in a way that the spaces feel beautifully intimate. Two 17-story towers hold more than 500 apartment units, which are connected by shared amenities spaces that are the heart of the community. 

Rent at Porte, and you’ll never be lonely. Their first-class team feels like family, and they’re always planning activities for residents to enjoy. Catch a complimentary fitness class or find your dog’s new B.F.F. at a yappy hour. Even if you work from home, you don’t have to be secluded in your apartment. Porte’s co-working spaces are gorgeous; filled with light and better designed than any office you could wish for. 

What residents gush over most of all are Porte’s outdoor spaces. The third floor holds a massive rooftop terrace, complete with a pool, lush green space, landscaped gardens, private seating areas, gas fireplaces, and even canopies of trees. Host your friends for a night under the stars or spend a quiet day nestled on a lounge chair. 

Porte’s apartment units are so cool too; fresh, brand-new, and perfectly minimalist. Flooded with natural light, the units have the kind of high-end finishes that renters in West Loop want. Quartz countertops, unique tile, enormous closet space and so much more. Move in, and you’ll never want to leave. 

While Porte itself is amazing, it’s a quick walk to grocery stores and restaurants that make these apartments a dream! Mariano’s is literally across the street and Whole Foods is a block north. Some of Chicago’s best restaurants are two blocks north along restaurant row. 

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:

• Multiple Co-Working Spaces 
• Game Rooms
• Chef Kitchens (available to rent)
• Shared Dining Areas (indoor & outdoor) 
• Concierge
• Dog Play Area and Dog Run
• Party Lounge (available to reserve for private events) 
• Roof Crop Farm on the Rooftop 
• Awesome Shared Social Spaces

2. EMME 

Emme luxury apartments opened in 2017, in the northeast part of West Loop. I would describe Emme in one word – chic. The design is gorgeous, and the extras go way beyond your standard amenities. 

Emme: The Details 

• Location: 165 N Desplaines 
• Built: 2017
• Building Type: Mid-Rise | 14 Floors 
• Number of Units: 199
• Floorplans: Studio | Convertible | 1-Bedroom | 1-Bedroom + Den | 2-Bedroom
• Pet-Friendly 

Why Renters Love Emme

The moment you walk into Emme, you’ll notice a difference between it and other modern apartment buildings in Chicago. Not only is it beautifully designed, but the staff’s hospitality makes each resident feel taken care of. 

People who rent at Emme rave about its location. Just steps from Randolph Street, it’s the perfect apartment to rent if you love to eat well. With more than a dozen restaurants in just a couple block radius from Emme, touring the local menus will become your newest hobby. Because Emme is situated in the north area of the West Loop, it’s surprisingly close to nearby neighborhoods like River North, the Loop, and River West. 

So what is it about Emme that’s so cool? Everything! But, the amenities are an absolute dream. You won’t find massive lounges, but instead intimate spaces that bring residents together to work, play, and socialize. Grab your neighbors and play a game of pool, rent out the lounge and chef’s kitchen for a private party, or work amongst friends in Emme’s swoon-worthy coworking space. 

The outdoor lounge at Emme looks like it belongs in a boutique hotel. Take in the view of downtown Chicago from the pool, while the scent of the community herb garden wafts through the air. Just steps from the pool is the fitness center, with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of downtown that are so spectacular, your workout won’t feel like a chore. 

As you walk through Emme, you’ll notice its emphasis on sustainability and community. The artwork featured in the shared spaces is locally-sourced (and stunning!). And Emme’s staff is constantly creating community gatherings that bring the building’s residents together. But it’s the Roof Crop that’s the hippest apartment amenity in West Loop! It’s an urban farm on Emme’s rooftop that provides crops to local restaurants and to the building’s residents! From raspberries to rosemary – receiving fresh-from-the-garden produce is a super fun perk you’ll only get at Emme. 

Now more than ever, we all want our home to be a refuge, and Emme’s apartments are just that. The units are so fresh and bright, with white walls, sunlit rooms, and porcelain backsplashes. The kitchens are modern, with Italian cabinetry, and white quartz countertops. I love the simple finishes in the bathrooms and the smartly designed closets. But best of all, the views are just so cool. No matter which direction your apartment faces, you’ll wake up to an Insta-worthy scene out your window each morning. 

Emme’s Apartment Highlights: 

• Modern Style Kitchens 
• Exposed Concrete Ceilings
• Walk-in Closets Available 
• Engineered Wood Floors
• Office Nooks in Select Units 
• Floor to Ceiling Windows 
• Nest Thermostats
• Private Terrances Available 
• Parking Available 

Emme’s Amenities:

• Indoor and Outdoor Dog Run
• Dog Grooming Stations 
• Rooftop Pool 
• Fitness Center with Yoga Room 
• Lounge with Chef’s Kitchen
• Outdoor Terrace with Grill Stations and Fire Pits
• Private Work Pods 
• 24-Hour Door Staff
• Heated Bike Storage 

3. MILIEU

When Milieu opened in 2019, I couldn’t wait to get inside. I’d been eyeing the building as it was constructed and knew something special was happening. Perched on the southeast corner of Bartelme Park, I had high hopes it would be beautiful AND the best dog-friendly apartment building in West Loop. And, it delivered.  

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
• Cat and Dog-Friendly

Why Renters Love Milieu

Whenever I take someone on a tour of Milieu, I hear the words, “wow, that’s cool” over and over again. I dare you not to fall in love with this building. The staff is so warm, the amenities are unparalleled, the location is outstanding and yes – your dog is welcome at Milieu!

Right off the bat, let’s talk about the amenities – they’ll hook you at first sight! Walk into the lobby, and you’ll be greeted warmly; both by Milieu’s outstanding staff and by the roaring fireplace. An on-staff concierge is also your personal barista (yes, for real!). Imagine having your favorite flavored latte waiting for you as you head out the door each morning. If coffee’s not your jam, filtered and sparkling water are on tap too. 

The shared spaces are so serene, you may spend more time outside of your apartment than in it. Find a nook in the stunning library space to study, work or devour a book. If you need peace and quiet, duck into one of the quiet study rooms. When you’re feeling social, host a dinner party and use Milieu’s chef’s kitchen and lounge. There’s a movie theater too (perfect for football season!) and shuffleboard and foosball on the 19th floor, with crazy-cool views of the sunset. 

It only gets better when you walk outside. The rooftop lounge area is gorgeous, complete with a pool, hot tub, grills, and even grassy areas that overlook the West Loop. Personally, you’d find me curled into one of the oversized hammocks taking an afternoon nap. 

The lucky dogs who live at Milieu are the real winners. The 4th-floor pet park is a convenient spot for your pup to take care of business, and even get a little energy out. The real treat though is having Bartelme Park right across the street. It won’t take long before you make some furry friends and have daily dog dates to the park. And if your pup needs some primping, simply make an appointment with the groomer at the on-site dog spa. Now you can see why Milieu is truly the most dog-friendly apartment in West Loop! 

Lastly, Milieu’s apartment units are just lovely. And, they’re spacious too! You’ll fall for the floor-to-ceiling windows, huge walk-in closets, and light and bright kitchen finishes. The extra helpful staff is known for their prompt service too. From changing lightbulbs to unclogging drains, Milieu’s staff takes care of its residents like they’re family.

Milieu Apartment Highlights: 

• In-Unit Washer and Dryer 
• Enormous Closets 
• Balcony-Units Available 
• 12-Foot Ceilings 
• Parking Available 
• Club Level Living 

Milieu Amenities:

• Dog Run and Washing Station 
• Dog Spa with Grooming Available 
• Rooftop Pool and Hot Tub
• Outdoor Lounge Space Hammocks and Private Seating Areas 
• Fitness Center with Complimentary Classes 
• Gear Garage with Complimentary Electric Scooters, Bikes and More 
• Cold Storage for Grocery Delivery 
• 24-Hour Doorman
• Concierge Barista

4. PARQ FULTON

Parq Fulton isn’t just one of the coolest apartment buildings in West Loop, it’s also one of the newest. Opened in 2021, it’s quickly become a fan-favorite around here. 

Parq Fulton: The Details 

• Location: 1400 W. Randolph Street 
• Built: 2021
• Building Type: High-Rise | 25 Floors 
• Number of Units: 268
• Floorplans: Junior 1-Bedroom | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom 
• Pet-Friendly 

Why Renters Love Parq Fulton

Parq Fulton is located on the west end of West Loop’s Randolph Street, right where it spills into Union Park. That’s right – renters at Parq Fulton are sandwiched by incredible restaurants and space to run and play. The best of both worlds! 

But it’s the small things at Parq Fulton that make this luxury apartment building one of my favorites in West Loop (and in all of downtown Chicago for that matter). The developers did such a fantastic job designing Parq. When you walk in, you’ll feel like you’re in a new luxury hotel. It smells good, looks good, and best of all – you’re greeted by a smiling face every single time you come home. 

Unlike so many of the new luxury apartments that are awash in white and gray, Parq Fulton feels a little moody, and more high-end. Huge windows let natural light flood every space, and the designers chose edgy slate gray walls, industrial-styled lighting, and Scandinavian-inspired wood and leather furniture to complete the design. These elements create such a cool vibe.

The apartment units are designed in the same sophisticated way. Black window panes make an impressive statement and complement the views of West Loop and downtown Chicago perfectly. You even have options to rent a unit with cool upgrades like black stainless appliances, a wine fridge, a built-in tech desk, and more. The views from Parq Fulton are spectacular! If you’re thinking about renting here, be sure to ask about east-facing units – your view will look like a postcard. Hello from Chicago! 

We know if you’re searching for the coolest apartments in West Loop, unique amenities are probably high on your list of apartment must-haves, and Parq Fulton has you covered. For remote workers, there’s an incredible co-working space that’s more visually stunning than any office I’ve ever seen! It has private pods available for when you need to concentrate or hop on a call. 

The 18th-floor lounge looks straight out of a West Elm showroom, but even better because of its spectacular views of downtown. There’s a meditation room on the 18th floor too, and wow – it’s just sublime. In the gym, you’ve got cardio with a view! Hop on a Peloton and take a spin while you enjoy views of Union Park. And yes, the rooftop terrace is just as beautiful as you’re imagining. A swanky pool, cabanas, and a 360-degree view of downtown Chicago create a refuge unlike any other in the West Loop. 

Finally, I have to give a shout-out to Bambola restaurant, on the ground level of Parq Fulton. To the delight of residents, it recently opened and wow, are they in for a treat! It’s as beautifully designed as Parq Fulton and is getting rave reviews. The menu is inspired by the Silk Road, and it’ll knock your socks off. 

Parq Fulton’s Apartment Highlights: 

• In-Unit Washer & Dryer
• Gigantic Windows
• Quartz Countertops 
• Latch Keyless Entry System
• Parking Available (additional charge)
• Balconies (select units) 

Parq Fulton’s Amenities:

• Fitness Center with Peloton Bikes + Technogym Equipment
• Bike Storage 
• Meditation Room 
• Outdoor Pool with Cabanas
• On-Site Dog Park 
• Co-Working Space 
• Ground-floor restaurant 
• 24-Hour Concierge 

5. UNION WEST

The West Loop’s luxury apartments are some of the coolest in all of Chicago, and our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Union West! 

Union West: The Details 

• Location: 939 W. 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

Why Renters Love Union West 

Union West is situated right in the heart of West Loop, and everyone who signs a lease here mentions how perfectly located these luxury apartments are. 

From Union West’s east-facing balconies, it feels like you’re hovering just outside the sea of downtown high-rises. Its prime location is convenient too. Renters here are super close to the neighborhood’s biggest employers like McDonald’s headquarters. But if you need to commute to another part of Chicago, you’re just a 5-minute walk to the CTA train station too. 

Residents at Union West always remark how much they love being near Whole Foods. It’s just a two-minute walk from the front door, making quick trips to get groceries painless. And if you prefer Mariano’s, it’s just one more block south. 

Union West’s units are modern and spacious, and the abundant common areas feel like an extension of your apartment. You’ll discover new spots to hang around every corner. Find your favorite thinking nook or gather friends together in the SkyLounge entertainment space. 

The fitness center at Union West has everything you need to sweat, lift, and even spin. They have the standards, like treadmills and ellipticals, and extras usually only seen at a boutique gym. If you lift weights, you’ve got everything from a squat press to a shoulder press. Cycling more your speed? Hop on a spin bike and fire up a virtual training class. Union West offers complimentary virtual yoga, conditioning, and TRX classes too. Yes, you can officially cancel that expensive gym membership! 

If swimming is your thing, the pool deck at Union West will soon be your happy place. The pool here is one of the larger ones in the neighborhood, with enough space for laps or lounging. For sun-worshipers, stake your spot in a lounge chair or cabana. When the evenings turn chilly, gather around a gas fireplace with a glass of wine and some good conversation. 

Even though it’s close to so many West Loop employers, Union West didn’t forget about all of us renters who work remotely. The building has lots of co-working space, but also provides private work pods and even meeting rooms where you can host your whole team. 

When it’s time to wrap up work and go home, up the elevator you go! The apartment units at Union West are modern and sleek. The designers took an industrial approach with cool, concrete ceilings and exposed ductwork. These elements complement the city views out of your enormous windows. But, they didn’t leave out the luxury touches – quartz countertops, European cabinetry, and tech-focused features like Nest thermostats and built-in charging ports make renting at Union West a treat.

Union West’s Apartment Highlights: 

• In-Unit Washer and Dryer 
• Modern Kitchens with Quartz Countertops
• Cool Exposed Concrete 
• Nest Thermostats and Charging Stations 
• Parking Available (additional charge)

Union West’s Amenities:

• Outdoor Pool Deck with Cabanas 
• Grill Stations and Gas Fire Pits 
• Fully-Loaded 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

Are you ready to move to Chicago’s West Loop? Deciding on this popular neighborhood is the easy part; choosing which apartment to rent is harder. If you need some help narrowing down the options, our team of Chicago’s best leasing agents is the best – and, they’re all just as cool as these West Loop apartments! With over 2,000 5-star reviews, you simply can’t go wrong teaming up with an expert. Give us a shout and let’s get you into an apartment you love.