Wrigleyville Lofts to Add 120 Luxury Apartments in Chicago’s Lakeview

Something new and shiny is coming soon to Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood! Just a couple of blocks north of Wrigley Field, construction is underway on a seven-story luxury apartment building. The construction site, located at 949 W. Dakin, is buzzing with activity as developers stay on track to open these new apartments by August 2021. 

A view of the construction site of the Wrigleyville Lofts in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood
Future site of new luxury apartments in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood on the southeast corner of Sheridan and Dakin.

In this popular area – dominated primarily by classic residential three-flats – the development will bring modern-style living which is sorely needed in the Lakeview neighborhood. 

If you want to live on the North Side, but gaze longingly at the modern high-rises downtown, I have good news for you. This new property – currently dubbed “Wrigleyville Lofts” – will have luxury amenities and sleek finishes that are on par with some of the best apartments in downtown Chicago. However, it’ll be appropriately scaled to a mid-rise size that will fit in with the neighborhood’s streetscape. 

It’ll be everything you want in an apartment community, plus offer the charm of a more quaint neighborhood. 

Wrigleyville Lofts Developer and Design Details

Developers Draper and Kramer broke ground on the 120-unit building in the summer of 2020.  They enlisted Sullivan, Goulette & Wilson Architects to create the design and based on the renderings I’ve seen, they’re nailing the Lakeview vibe. 

A rendering of the soon-to-open Wrigleyville Lofts in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood
Rendering showing the façade of a new apartment building coming to 949 W. Dakin, tentatively to be called “Wrigleyville Lofts.” Photo: courtesy of Draper and Kramer, Inc.

Complementing the classic brick buildings seen throughout the neighborhood, the building exterior features classic light brown masonry with modern lines of cream concrete framing the windows of each elevation. The large windows of the first-floor lobby and retail will offer tons of natural light and feel super welcoming too. 

The Chicago-based architect is known for their work designing elegant brick, steel and glass new construction condominiums, making this project a perfect fit. But, they’re also masters of renovations, turning vintage warehouses into incredible residences. I’ve toured one of their other projects – Cobbler Square apartments in Old Town – and if this new building brings the same vintage charm, it’s residents are going to be spoiled with unique details. 

New and Modern Lakeview Apartments 

By August 2021, these beauties will be ready to rent, and you’ll have two different floor plans to choose from. One-bedroom (108 units available) or two-bedroom apartments (12 units available) with footprints ranging from 620 to 1,040 square feet.

I’m expecting the residences will deliver a loft feel that fits the casual-urban neighborhood vibe. Tall ceilings can be hard to come-by in historic neighborhood apartments, but these will be over 9 feet tall! And, they’ll have exposed structural elements, which will add a ton of personality.

Each unit will also feature modern kitchens with stone countertops and stainless steel appliances. Don’t worry about scaling down your wardrobe either – you’ll get walk-in closets and full-size washer and dryer in each unit. 

Wrigleyville Lofts Amenities and More 

Even though the building is a mid-rise, it’ll be one of the taller structures in the neighborhood. How does a fantastic rooftop view of Lake Michigan and Wrigley Field sound? 

While hanging out on rooftops is common in Wrigleyville, the residents at the Wrigleyville Lofts will enjoy an outdoor rooftop that’s totally decked out. Imagine grilling stations, alfresco dining tables, sunning lounge chairs, a large TV viewing lounge and several fire pits. Sounds like a perfect summer day in Lakeview, right? 

Indoor amenities will also add extra at-home conveniences including a cozy coffee bar overlooking the tree-lined streets. They’ll even have a CTA transit video monitor so you can sip your coffee while you wait for your train. 

Other shared spaces include several casual gathering lounges and a private club room with a kitchen and bar that’ll be perfect for hosting friends and special celebrations. And of course, a fitness center will be stocked with brand-new gym equipment. I also see a heated bike storage room; if you bike the city, you know what an awesome bonus this is! 

The street-level will have three retail spaces. One will be occupied by an Ace Hardware store – the same retailer that previously stood ground on the lot – and rumor has it a coffee shop may call one of the other spaces home. 

Calling Lakeview Home 

Lakeview is one of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhoods because it’s filled with fun micro-neighborhood enclaves including Southport Corridor, Wrigleyville, Belmont Theater District, Northalstead (formerly Boystown), North and Sheridan Station Corridor. 

The Wrigleyville Lofts are located in the Sheridan Station Corridor; conveniently right across the street from the CTA Sheridan Red Line station.

The neighborhood around the soon-to-open Wrigleyville Lofts in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood
The northeast side of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, the future home to 949 W. Dakin apartments, coming in August 2021.

In 2013, Money Magazine named Lakeview as #3 on their list of Best Places to Live in big-city neighborhoods. The area surrounding Wrigley Field is well known for its lively bars and pub grub. Nearby Boystown/Northalstead was the first officially recognized gay village in the United States and is still one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the nation.

Recreation and Lake Michigan is less than a mile away, along with Waveland Park Tennis Courts and Marovitz Golf Course. With lots of nearby green space, I anticipate the Wrigleyville Lofts to be Lakeview’s newest pet-friendly apartments.

Getting Around Town

When you live in Lakeview, commuting around Chicago couldn’t be easier. And these new apartments will be ultra transit-oriented! With the Sheridan CTA Red Line station just steps away from its front doors, living here will be a train commuter’s dream. Several bus routes and quick access to Lake Shore Drive are just a ½ mile away via Irving Park Road too. 

Fitness enthusiasts will love the neighborhood too. Cyclists and runners can hop on Lakefront Trail (it’s just a mile to the east), and enjoy the miles and miles of paths alongside Lake Michigan. 

Neighborhood Highlights and Conveniences

Nearby Hospitals 

  • Thorek Memorial Hospital
  • Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Nearby Restaurants and Bars 

Nearby Grocery and Drug Stores 

  • Whole Foods
  • Jewel-Osco
  • Walgreens

Nearby Parks and Entertainment 

Ready to call Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood home? Contact HotSpot Rentals today for help finding the perfect new apartment in Lakeview or anywhere in downtown Chicago. 

A signature of blog writer Sarah