Neighborhood Spotlight: West Town and Old Town


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Looking for a change of scenery? You’ve come to the right city.

With 200 neighborhoods to choose from, Chicago renters have the ability to experience life in different parts of the city without the long-term commitment of homeownership. For some, it’s an opportunity to try out a particular neighborhood before establishing more permanent roots there. Others simply appreciate seeing and doing new things, taking full advantage of the flexibility provided by the rental lifestyle.

How can one make the “right” choice – or at least know which neighborhood to try next? Because Kass Management oversees a large portfolio of rental communities diverse in location, size and price, we are intimately familiar with Chicago’s neighborhoods and the buildings they house. Below is an overview of two neighborhoods that have proven especially popular with renters in 2017, along with details on available rental properties in each one. Whether you are looking to live in the middle of the action or on a quiet, leafy street, these two neighborhoods have you covered.

West Town

Comprising popular areas such as Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village and Noble Square, West Town is brimming with trendy restaurants, boutiques, galleries and music venues, making it one of the most walkable areas in the city. It’s also one of the most popular neighborhoods among renters, including single professionals and young families, offering both newly constructed communities and smaller rehabbed buildings with vintage charm.

Luxe on Chicago

Located in the heart of West Town at 1838 W. Chicago Ave, Luxe on Chicago is one of the first amenity-rich rental communities to be developed in the neighborhood. The new 59-unit boutique community offers a variety of floor plans, including studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

Residents at Luxe on Chicago enjoy upscale finishes, including wood plank-style flooring; oversized windows; programmable Nest thermostats; in-unit laundry; and modern kitchens with quartz countertops, premium cabinets and stainless-steel appliances. Select units also feature private balconies, movable kitchen islands and full master bedroom suites with double-bowl sinks and walk-in closets.

Shared amenities include a rooftop deck with grilling stations as well as adjacent dining and lounging areas. Adding a level of convenience for pet owners, particularly during the winter months, is a rooftop dog run. Inside, 24-hour fitness center provides residents with a full gym experience, while a lounge and business center make working from home easy.

Rents range from $1575 to $3250.

1021-23 N Leavitt

Recently renovated,1021-23 N Leavitt includes upgraded, custom features with vintage charm. Consisting of six two-bedroom, one-bath units, each apartment features technological features such as Bluetooth speakers in the bathrooms, touchless sensor faucets and fiber cable tv and internet capabilities. The property has hardwood floors throughout, an ample amount of closet space in each bedroom and upgraded kitchens and bathrooms.

The open floor plans at 1021-23 N Leavitt lead out onto brand new decks, offering the perfect layout for entertaining. Additionally, in-unit washer and dryers, extra storage space and garage parking offer an added level of convenience for residents.

Nestled in the heart of Ukrainian Village on a quiet street between Division St. and Chicago Ave., the building is within proximity to popular restaurants and shops.

Rents range from $2,000 to $2,200.

1475 W Huron St.

A newly rehabbed three-story vintage walk-up apartment building, 1475 W. Huron is located on a quiet residential street only minutes from entertainment, transportation and shopping.

Consisting of six two-bedroom, one-bath units, apartments at 1475 West Huron include exposed brick accent walls, high ceilings, hardwood floors, updated baths, and kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Shared amenities include an on-site laundry room and outdoor deck and yard.

Beyond the upgraded units, another advantage of living at 1475 West Huron Street is that rents won’t break the bank. Additionally, the property is within walking distance of the Chicago Blue Line station, several bus routes, and popular restaurants and retail along Chicago Avenue.

Rents range from $1600 to $1700.

Old Town

Old Town’s appeal is enhanced by its tree-lined streets and local landmarks such as the revered Second City comedy club, old-school pubs, award-winning eateries and artisanal coffee shops. Already a desirable area to live in, Old Town is getting even hotter with its recent construction boom. Today, the historic neighborhood offers a broad range of housing options – everything from walk-ups to newly constructed high-rises – catering to renters at all ages and stages of life.

The Northland

Already 60 percent pre-leased despite not opening until October 2017, The Northland is Old Town’s newest transit-oriented development (TOD). Located at 1550 N. Wieland, just across the street from Chicago’s famed Second City improv theatre, the 60-unit luxury rental building includes a mix of studio, convertible, one- and two-bedroom units. Apartments at The Northland showcase high-end light fixtures, Italian cabinetry, Sonos sound systems and Nest thermostats, among other features.

The community will also offer a shared rooftop deck with stunning city views, on-site parking and bike storage, and 2,000 square feet of retail that will serve as an additional amenity for residents.

Rents range from $1,700 to $3.100.

1716 N. North Park Ave.

Nestled on a quiet street, the four-unit walk-up at 1716 N. North Park Ave. is a short walk from the Sedgwick Brown Line station and various attractions, including Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach, the Chicago History Museum and popular shops and restaurants throughout Old Town.

The recently rehabbed community includes two- and three-bedroom apartments, each with an open floor plan, hardwood floors throughout, upgraded kitchen and baths and in unit washer and dryer. Shared amenities include outdoor decks and yard space.

Rents range from $2,550 to $3,500.

For more information on the above neighborhoods and available properties, call Kass Management at 773-975-7234.