These Modern Chicago Apartments Have Main Character Energy

by Caroline Hetzel Holland

Apartment renters who are looking for a cool and modern aesthetic in their next Chicago apartment will want to pay attention. This curated list of Chicago apartments spotlights buildings that ensconce residents in cool industrial design and materials while paring back the obstacles to create clean lines and a very forward-thinking posture. Futurists and fans of modern architecture, one of these apartments could be the perfect place for you.

Chic Apartments Bring Modernity to Chicago's Gold Coast

open concept floor plan at 21 E. Chestnut Apartments for rent in Chicago

21 E. Chestnut Apartments

It’s out with the old and in with the new at 21 E. Chestnut Apartments. These sleek apartments for rent in the Gold Coast effortlessly blend timeless Chicago luxury with modern design. Design enthusiasts will love the clean lines and contemporary elements of the apartments. Ideal for entertaining, 21 E Chestnut Apartment boasts a furnished rooftop patio and pool, stunning views of Chicago, and a party room with a full chef’s kitchen.

Style Trends Meet Modern Design in Old Town Luxury Apartment Building

modern apartment for rent at Three Old Town Park with flat panel cabinetry and large windows

Three Old Town Park Apartments

Keep it fresh at Three Old Town Park Apartments, the third and final high-rise of a multiphase luxury community. The brand-new 41-story apartment building in Old Town Chicago opened in 2021. Located at 228 West Hill Street, Three Old Town Park Apartments feature high-end amenities like a two-lane bowling alley, stunning skyline views, a covered terrace on the 26th floor, a heated pool, and full spa. Each apartment includes European flat-panel cabinetry, granite slab waterfall countertops, wide-plank flooring, and expansive windows with roller shades.

Unique Design Extends to Amenity Space in Logan Square Coliving Apartments

outdoor space at L-Logan Square apartments with old L train car that's been modeled into a lounge in the center of a water feature

L - Logan Square Apartments

It’s hard to compete with a decommissioned CTA ‘L’ train as a functional resident amenity space. That’s the obvious game-changing asset for this Logan Square coliving apartment building, but there are design choices that renters will appreciate in the apartment interiors as well. Wide plank hardwood flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows lend the apartments a sense of warmth that nicely counterbalances the slick industrial look of the building.

Convenience Paired with Elevated Style in the South Loop

kitchen with contrasting cabinet design and tile back splash in apartment for rent in 1401 South State in Chicago

1401 South State

These trendy apartments for rent in the South Loop fully embrace the technology of tomorrow with all the style that renters come to expect from modern apartments. Apartment renters who live at 1401 South State can expect to do almost anything with help from a smartphone app, whether it’s paying their rent online or booking a personal concierge to help with grocery deliveries or dog walking. 

Thoughtful Design Contributes to Convenient Urban Living in Wicker Park Apartments

open concept floor plan in Wicker Park apartment for rent at 1611 West Division

1611 West Division

For renters who truly want to embrace the dynamism and mobility of urban life, this Wicker Park apartment building could be the ideal location — the CTA Blue line is mere steps away, offering renters a convenient way to access downtown or get whisked away to O’Hare International Airport. The I-90/94 expressway isn’t too far away either. But what really anchors this unique building is the patterned facade, which is designed to reduce solar heat gain and make the building more energy efficient. Giving renters more mobility and environmentally friendly living quarters is what 1611 West Division is all about.