ButterflyMX is your complete property access and security platform, simplifying how buildings manage and grant access. From gates and garages to doors and elevators, ButterflyMX empowers residents and staff to open doors with their smartphones while controlling access for visitors, vendors, and delivery drivers. With over 20,000 buildings and 50,000 five-star reviews, we’re redefining property-wide access control and security.
Chicago’s historic apartment buildings and dense neighborhoods have always relied on intercoms to manage access. For landlords, these systems were once just a basic way to let residents buzz in guests. But as expectations for safety and convenience have grown, the intercom has become a critical part of building security and tenant satisfaction.
Today’s systems go far beyond a simple buzzer. Modern intercoms tie directly into the tenant experience, influencing how residents receive deliveries, welcome visitors, and feel secure in their homes. For property owners, this evolution from analog buzzers to smartphone-based platforms represents both a challenge and an opportunity: updating technology to meet renter expectations while adding long-term value to the building.
A Brief History of Apartment Intercoms in Chicago
In many of Chicago’s classic walk-ups and mid-rises, intercoms started as little more than door buzzers connected to an electric strike. These early systems gave tenants a way to let visitors in without heading downstairs, but they offered no way to verify who was at the door.
By the late 20th century, some properties began upgrading to wired video intercoms. These added a small monitor inside the unit, giving residents a limited view of the entryway. While a step forward, these systems were expensive to install, relied heavily on wiring throughout the building, and often required frequent maintenance.
For landlords, legacy intercoms introduced ongoing challenges. Each new tenant meant reprogramming or replacing equipment. Worn wiring in older buildings made reliability an issue, and servicing broken handsets or panels was costly. Most importantly, these systems didn’t align with today’s lifestyle — where residents expect to manage visitors and deliveries from their smartphones, even when they’re not at home.
The Demands of Modern Renters & Why Smart Intercoms are Taking Over Chicago Apartments
Today’s renters live very different lives than the tenants who first used buzzer systems decades ago. Remote work means more people are home throughout the day, relying on frequent package deliveries and service providers. At the same time, smartphones have become central to daily routines, setting new expectations for how residents interact with their homes.
For tenants, seamless access is no longer a perk — it’s an expectation. They want to open doors from anywhere, receive video calls when visitors arrive, and issue digital guest passes for friends, family, or even dog walkers. Just as important, they want these features to work without clunky in-unit hardware or complicated instructions.
Landlords and property managers are responding by modernizing access control. Smartphone-based video intercoms are quickly becoming the standard in Chicago apartments because they deliver clear benefits.
These benefits include:
- Cloud-based access logs and security. Owners gain a reliable record of who enters the building, improving safety while reducing liability concerns.
- Simpler management for staff. Remote access control allows leasing teams or maintenance crews to grant entry without being onsite.
- No more in-unit hardware. Eliminating wall-mounted devices reduces installation costs, minimizes maintenance, and makes unit turnovers faster.
By upgrading to smart intercoms, landlords not only keep pace with renter expectations but also add a valuable amenity that improves building appeal in Chicago’s competitive rental market.
Why Chicago Landlords Choose ButterflyMX
Across Chicago, landlords are turning to ButterflyMX to modernize their properties and meet the expectations of today’s renters. Trusted in more than 20,000 multifamily buildings nationwide — including dozens right here in the city — ButterflyMX has become the go-to solution for secure, convenient property access.
The ButterflyMX Video Intercom replaces outdated hardware with a smartphone-based system that simplifies life for both tenants and staff.
Key features include:
- Mobile access from anywhere. Residents can open doors with their phones — no more lost fobs or forgotten keycards.
- Video calling for visitor verification. Tenants see exactly who’s requesting access, adding peace of mind and security.
- Streamlined package deliveries. Delivery PINs and detailed access logs make managing couriers faster and safer.
- Cloud-based management dashboard. Landlords and property managers can configure settings, review access events, and oversee multiple properties remotely.
From vintage walk-ups in Lincoln Park to luxury high-rises downtown, ButterflyMX scales to fit every property type. For Chicago landlords, it’s a simple way to enhance tenant satisfaction, reduce management headaches, and add long-term value to their buildings.
What to Look for in a Modern Apartment Intercom
As intercom technology continues to evolve, landlords have more options than ever when choosing a system. To maximize long-term value and ensure tenant satisfaction, look for features that go beyond simple visitor entry.
These features include:
- Smartphone compatibility. Residents should be able to open doors and receive calls directly from their phones, even when they’re not at home.
- Video calling and delivery PINs. These features improve security by allowing tenants to see who’s at the door and simplify package management.
- Cloud-based management dashboard. Remote oversight reduces maintenance costs and gives property managers more control without being onsite.
- Integration with other access systems. The best solutions connect seamlessly with gates, garages, elevators, and even smart locks, creating a unified access experience.
Investing in these capabilities not only strengthens building security but also adds a modern amenity that appeals to Chicago renters seeking convenience and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: A Smarter Future for Chicago Buildings
The buzzer may still exist in some of Chicago’s older apartments, but its role as the standard for building access is fading fast. The next evolution — smartphone-based intercoms — is here to stay.
Modern systems aren’t just about opening doors; they streamline building operations, enhance safety, and create a living experience that resonates with today’s residents. For landlords, adopting this technology means more than keeping pace with the market — it’s an opportunity to future-proof properties, reduce management burdens, and stand out in Chicago’s highly competitive rental landscape.
By embracing smart intercoms, Chicago landlords can bridge the city’s architectural legacy with modern expectations, delivering the best of both worlds to tenants who value convenience and security.
