River North
For the greatest selection of Chicago condos, River North real estate is a perfect choice. Rehabbed lofts, luxury high-rises, and the latest trend, condominium hotels, abound in this increasingly popular Chicago neighborhood. Just as the condo styles vary, River North condos can range in price from the low $200’s and go into the millions.
River North is a neighborhood considered to be part of the larger Near North Side, which also encompasses Streeterville, the Gold Coast, and Old Town. The aptly named neighborhood lies just north of the Loop past the Chicago River and has borders at Michigan Avenue to the east, Chicago Avenue to the north, and the Chicago River to the south and west. Originally an industrial region, this area of Chicago real estate eventually became a warehouse district home to such companies as Montgomery Wards. In the 1970’s these warehouses were shut down, attracting artists who found the space ideal for studios and galleries. Many of these buildings have since been converted into high-end lofts or torn down to make way for condos and luxury townhomes.
River North real estate varies in price and size depending on the type of property you are looking for. Condos with skyline views and newly built mansion-like townhomes are at the upper end, while loft-like condos and studios can still be found at reasonable prices. Possibly the most famous piece of River North real estate are the Marina City towers, often referred to as the “Corncobs” because of their shape. The twin 60-story structures were originally designed to be inexpensive working class housing. Now the buildings are highly desired condos and studios and offer such amenities as a bowling alley, ice skating rink, marina, fitness center, and restaurants.
Soon to be included among Chicago’s most iconic architecture is the 92-story Trump Tower, scheduled to be completed in late 2008. The 461 condominiums and 227 combination hotel rooms and condominiums start at about $1,000 per square foot and go as high as $5,000 per square foot. A few blocks down and across the river, another condominium hotel will finish construction in 2009. The Waterview Tower at Clark and Wacker will reach 89 stories and will house the Shangri-La Hotel & Resort’s first American hotel on floors 12-29.
The neighborhood of River North is home to the greatest concentration of restaurants in the city. National chains are intermixed with Chicago dining icons, including famous chop houses and one of a kind international fusion restaurants. River North is also the best place for antique, art, and furniture shopping in the city. The Merchandise Mart, a building so large it actually has its own zip code, is home to a variety of interior design and outfitting companies. Independently owned antique, furniture, and rug shops give the neighborhood an international flair, while the art galleries display wares from Chicago-based and world famous artists alike.
River North has a range of nightlife options to choose from. From neighborhood bars to chichi lounges and clubs, the neighborhood attracts visitors and locals alike. The House of Blues near the Marina City towers brings international celebrities to its intimate opera house-style concert hall. Art buffs will also enjoy the proximity to the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts and the Chicago Fine Arts Exchange.
Two schools serve the River North community, the Francis Xavier Ward School and the Feltre School. Higher education institutions like the Illinois Institute of Art, Northeastern Illinois University, and the Institute of Social Work are also in the neighborhood.
Transportation in and around River North is very accessible. CTA Bus routes run throughout the neighborhood, taxis nearly outnumber cars, and the Red, Brown, and Purple lines stop at various points throughout the neighborhood.
