Chicago's Coolest Cribs: A Look at Contemporary Apartment Living

Why Contemporary Apartments Chicago Are Redefining Urban Living

Contemporary apartments Chicago are changing how residents experience city life, offering a unique blend of modern design, cutting-edge technology, and luxury amenities that traditional rentals simply can't match. If you're exploring apartment styles in the Windy City, here's what defines contemporary living:

Key Elements of Contemporary Apartments:

• Design: Open-concept layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, clean lines, and high-quality finishes
• Amenities: Rooftop lounges, fitness centers, co-working spaces, and pet-friendly facilities
• Technology: Smart home features including keyless entry, app-controlled thermostats, and integrated building systems
• Location: Prime neighborhoods like River North, Gold Coast, West Loop, and Lincoln Park

Chicago's architectural legacy has always pushed boundaries. From the first skyscrapers to today's glass-and-steel towers, the city continues to innovate. Contemporary apartments represent the latest evolution—where historic charm meets modern convenience.

These residences aren't just places to sleep. They're lifestyle hubs designed for how people actually live today. Whether you're working from home at a built-in desk, hosting friends in a demonstration kitchen, or unwinding by a rooftop pool with skyline views, contemporary apartments adapt to your needs.

The buildings themselves often blend industrial-chic aesthetics with warm, residential touches. Think exposed brick paired with quartz countertops, or restored historic facades housing state-of-the-art fitness centers. This fusion creates spaces that feel both timeless and cutting-edge.

What makes contemporary different from standard rentals? It's the attention to detail. Premium plank flooring. Stainless steel appliances. Custom closets with modular shelving. In-unit washers and dryers. These aren't luxury upgrades—they're standard features in contemporary buildings.

Defining Contemporary: What Sets These Apartments Apart

A contemporary apartment in Chicago is more than just a place to reside; it is a carefully designed living space that reflects current architectural trends and lifestyle expectations. The definition often begins with a distinct design philosophy characterized by clean lines, open-concept layouts, and an emphasis on natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a hallmark feature, maximizing views of the city skyline, Lake Michigan, or vibrant neighborhood streets, while simultaneously flooding interiors with sunlight.

High-quality materials are foundational, including premium plank flooring, quartz or Caesarstone countertops, and sleek stainless steel appliances. A minimalist aesthetic often prevails, ensuring spaces feel uncluttered and sophisticated. Architectural innovation is evident in the thoughtful planning of layouts, which optimize space and functionality. These residences often blend an industrial-chic vibe with warm, residential touches, creating an atmosphere that is both modern and inviting. This blend is particularly noticeable in buildings that integrate with Chicago’s rich architectural history, offering modern living within a historically significant urban fabric. These elements collectively define what makes a contemporary apartment a truly modern choice for urban dwellers. For a deeper dive into modern living spaces, explore this Modern Apartments Chicago guide.

The Anatomy of Luxury: Key Features & Amenities

Contemporary apartments in Chicago are distinguished by a comprehensive suite of features and amenities, both within the individual units and throughout the community spaces. These offerings are designed to improve convenience, comfort, and a high-quality urban lifestyle.

In-Unit Features: The Personal Sanctuary

The private living space within a contemporary apartment is crafted as a personal sanctuary, equipped with upscale finishes and integrated technology.

• Gourmet Kitchens: Expect kitchens to be a focal point, often featuring quartz or Caesarstone countertops, high-gloss cabinetry with soft-close functions, and top-tier stainless steel appliances, including gas ranges and cabinet-front appliances for a seamless look. Islands are common, providing additional prep and dining space.
• Designer Fixtures: High-quality fixtures from brands like Grohe are typically found in both kitchens and bathrooms, contributing to a polished and luxurious feel.
• Plank Flooring: Premium plank flooring is a standard throughout living areas, offering durability and a modern aesthetic.
• In-Unit Laundry: The convenience of an in-home washer and dryer is a staple in contemporary apartments.
• Smart Home Technology: Technology plays a significant role in modern living. Apartments are often equipped with smart home features such as keyless entry systems, app-controlled thermostats, and integrated building access control. Roller shades with light filtering capabilities are also common, enhancing comfort and privacy.
• Custom Closets: Oversized closets often come fitted with built-in organizers and custom warm wood modular shelving, designed to maximize storage and efficiency.
• Thoughtful Layouts: Units are thoughtfully planned with smart layouts, optimizing space and maximizing exposure to natural light and desirable views. Some larger plans may even include built-in desks for dedicated workspaces or wet bars for entertaining.

For a closer look at these luxurious interiors, consider a Luxury Apartment Virtual Tour Guide.

Community Amenities: An Extension of Your Home

Beyond the individual apartment, contemporary buildings offer an impressive array of community amenities that function as extensions of the living space, fostering a vibrant and social environment.

• Rooftop Lounges and Pools: Rooftop spaces are highly sought after, featuring lounges with panoramic skyline views, outdoor theaters, grilling stations, and even resort-style pools and sun terraces. Some buildings boast observation decks, providing unparalleled city vistas.
• Fitness and Wellness Centers: State-of-the-art fitness centers, often open 24 hours, are standard. These may include private yoga studios, TechnoGym equipment, and in some unique cases, even boxing rings.
• Co-working and Business Spaces: Catering to the modern professional, co-working lounges, private meeting rooms, and business centers are common, offering flexible spaces for remote work or collaborations.
• Resident Lounges: Social lounges, clubhouses, and demonstration kitchens provide spaces for residents to gather, socialize, and entertain. Some even include coffee bars and arcade rooms.
• Pet-Friendly Facilities: With a maximum of two pets allowed per apartment, contemporary buildings often provide dedicated pet amenities such as indoor pet spas for grooming, outdoor dog runs, and even fenced-in pet parks.
• Convenience Services: Bike storage rooms with repair tools, package receiving services, and dedicated mailrooms are designed to simplify daily life.

These extensive offerings make contemporary apartments a comprehensive lifestyle choice, as detailed in this High Rise Apartments Chicago Ultimate Guide.

Hotspots for High-End Living: Top Neighborhoods for Contemporary Apartments Chicago

Chicago's urban landscape is dotted with neighborhoods that have accepted the contemporary apartment trend, each offering a unique blend of lifestyle and accessibility. These central Chicago locations are prized for their walkability, proximity to public transit, and vibrant community atmospheres.

River North & The Gold Coast

These two adjacent neighborhoods are prime destinations for contemporary apartments Chicago. River North, known for its dynamic energy, is a hub for art galleries, fine dining, and luxury shopping. It boasts a plethora of Zagat-rated restaurants, destination bars, and chic cafés. Buildings in River North emphasize luxury, modern design, and convenience, with easy access to the Brown and Blue lines for public transportation. For those seeking apartments in this busy area, explore River North Apartments for Rent.

The Gold Coast, on the other hand, offers a more classic, upscale ambiance with historic architecture and tree-lined streets. It combines luxury boutiques with a residential feel, offering a sophisticated living experience. The Bush Temple by FLATS®, located on the border of River North and the Gold Coast, exemplifies this blend, offering luxury apartments with modern amenities and historic charm. Find more about this neat area through Chicago Gold Coast Apartments.

West Loop & Fulton Market

Once an industrial area, the West Loop and Fulton Market District have transformed into one of Chicago's trendiest neighborhoods. This area is famous for its "Restaurant Row," boasting a concentration of renowned eateries. The vibe is industrial-chic, attracting a creative energy and serving as a growing tech hub with numerous boutique shops. Many contemporary buildings in Fulton Market draw inspiration from the district's history, integrating art and modern design for residents. This neighborhood is ideal for those seeking a dynamic, cutting-edge urban experience.

Lincoln Park & Streeterville

Lincoln Park offers a balance of urban living with expansive green spaces and lakefront access. It is highly rated, receiving an A+ from Niche.com, and is considered one of the best places to live in Illinois. The neighborhood is rich in cultural institutions, from theaters to music venues, and is conveniently located near public transportation like the Fullerton ‘L’ station. Some buildings in the area even highlight their health and safety standards with advanced air sanitization systems. Explore neighborhood ratings on Niche.com for more insights into this desirable area.

Streeterville, bordering Lake Michigan, provides direct access to the lakefront, cultural attractions, and luxury shopping along Michigan Avenue. It's a popular choice for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle with stunning views and immediate access to downtown amenities.

The Contemporary Lifestyle: More Than Just Four Walls

Living in contemporary apartments Chicago offers a lifestyle that extends far beyond the confines of a private unit. These residences are designed to cater to the multifaceted needs of today's urban dwellers, providing a blend of convenience, community, and personalized living experiences.

The Benefits of Contemporary Living

Choosing a contemporary apartment in Chicago comes with a myriad of advantages compared to other housing types.

• Best Convenience: Modern apartments are often situated in prime urban locations, offering easy access to public transportation, dining, shopping, and entertainment. This reduces commute times (the average commute time in Chicago is 34 minutes) and makes city exploration effortless.
• Low-Maintenance Lifestyle: With professional management and in-unit amenities like washers and dryers, residents can enjoy a hassle-free living experience, free from the burdens of homeownership upkeep.
• Access to Premium Amenities: The extensive list of community amenities—from state-of-the-art fitness centers to rooftop pools and co-working spaces—means residents have luxury facilities at their fingertips without additional membership costs.
• Built-in Community: Many buildings foster a sense of community through resident lounges, social events, and shared spaces, providing opportunities for connection and interaction.
• Improved Security: Contemporary buildings often feature advanced security systems, including keyless entry and controlled access, offering peace of mind to residents.

For a comprehensive understanding of these advantages, refer to this Modern Apartments for Rent Chicago Guide.

Custom for Your Life: How Contemporary Apartments Chicago Cater to Residents

Contemporary apartments are thoughtfully designed to accommodate diverse lifestyles, whether for young professionals, families, or pet owners.

• Young Professionals: With many Chicago residents being working professionals, many apartments integrate work-from-home spaces. Built-in desks and dedicated co-working lounges provide ideal environments for productivity. Proximity to downtown offices and public transit (like the Brown and Blue lines in River North) is a major draw.
• Families: Some contemporary buildings offer larger floor plans, including spacious two and three-bedroom units, catering to those seeking more space for urban living. Access to nearby parks and cultural institutions can also be a plus.
• Pet Owners: Recognizing the importance of furry companions, contemporary apartments are largely pet-friendly, allowing a maximum of two pets per apartment. Beyond just allowing pets, many buildings offer specialized amenities such as indoor pet spas for grooming, outdoor dog runs, and even fenced-in pet parks, making life easier and more enjoyable for pet owners.
• Social & Active Lifestyles: Social events organized by building management, coupled with impressive amenity spaces like rooftop lounges and fitness centers, encourage an active and engaged lifestyle. Residents can effortlessly meet up with friends or explore cultural attractions.

New Build vs. Historic Renovation: Choosing Your Style

When searching for contemporary apartments Chicago, prospective residents often weigh the options between brand-new construction and thoughtfully renovated older buildings. Both offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences and priorities.

The Allure of New Construction

New construction contemporary apartments are designed from the ground up with modern living in mind. These buildings often boast the latest technology, including integrated smart home systems for climate control, lighting, and security. They are typically in pristine condition, offering residents a fresh, untouched living space. Cutting-edge amenities are a given, with developers incorporating the most sought-after features like expansive rooftop pools, high-tech fitness centers, and sophisticated co-working spaces. Some new buildings feature impressive amenities like high-floor rooftop observation decks and over 80,000 square feet of amenity space. These buildings represent the forefront of urban residential design. Find more about these modern residences through New River North Apartments.

The Charm of Renovated Contemporary Apartments Chicago

On the other hand, renovated older buildings offer a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary convenience. These apartments often retain original architectural details, such as ornate facades, grand lobbies, or unique layouts, providing a sense of character that new builds might lack. The design often involves a blended approach, where historic elements are preserved and highlighted, while interiors are completely modernized with high-end finishes and smart technology. 

Some renovated properties, for instance, were originally built in the 1920s and have been carefully restored, preserving original features like skylights and mosaic pool tiling while integrating modern amenities like a co-working lobby and a boxing ring in the fitness center. This approach allows residents to experience the rich history of Chicago while enjoying all the comforts of modern life. 

The Bush Temple by FLATS® perfectly embodies this, combining its historic charm with upscale, contemporary living. For more on these distinctive properties, explore Boutique Apartments Chicago. The evolution of contemporary design in Chicago has seen an interplay between preserving the city's architectural past and embracing innovative future-forward living, resulting in a diverse and captivating apartment landscape.

Finding Your Perfect Space: Popular Floor Plans

The most sought-after floor plans in contemporary apartments Chicago are designed to maximize space, light, and functionality, catering to a wide range of lifestyles. The average apartment size in Chicago is 850 square feet, and popular types include studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.

• Studios: These efficient spaces are ideal for those seeking a minimalist lifestyle. Contemporary studios often feature smart layouts with built-in dividers or custom shelving to delineate living and sleeping areas, ensuring distinct zones within a compact footprint. For a visual experience, take a virtual tour of a studio apartment.
• Convertibles: Offering a step up from a traditional studio, convertibles often include a designated alcove or flexible space that can be used as a sleeping area, home office, or dining nook, providing more versatility.
• One-Bedroom Units: These units are highly popular, offering a separate bedroom for privacy. Contemporary one-bedrooms are designed to feel larger than their square footage, often featuring open-concept living and kitchen areas. Explore a virtual tour of a one-bedroom apartment.
• Two-Bedroom Units: Ideal for roommates or those needing a dedicated office, two-bedroom units provide ample space and privacy. Layouts often include open living spaces and separated bedrooms for improved comfort. Experience a virtual tour of a two-bedroom apartment.
• Penthouses: At the pinnacle of luxury, penthouses offer expansive layouts, often spanning multiple bedrooms (up to four-bedroom units are available) and boasting unparalleled views. These residences provide the space and feel of a single-family home combined with the convenience and services of a luxury apartment building.

Many properties offer Apartments with Virtual Tours, allowing prospective residents to explore these diverse floor plans from anywhere.

Conclusion

Contemporary apartments Chicago represent the pinnacle of urban living, blending sophisticated design with unparalleled amenities and cutting-edge technology. These homes are more than just places to live; they are lifestyle destinations designed for convenience, comfort, and community. From the vibrant streets of River North and the Gold Coast to the dynamic West Loop and serene Lincoln Park, Chicago offers a diverse array of neighborhoods, each providing unique experiences within a contemporary setting.

Whether drawn to the pristine allure of new construction or the rich character of a renovated historic building, residents can find spaces perfectly custom to their needs, complete with smart home features, gourmet kitchens, and extensive community amenities like rooftop lounges and fitness centers. This commitment to design excellence and resident well-being defines the contemporary apartment experience, elevating daily life in one of the world's most iconic cities.

The Bush Temple by FLATS® embodies this elevated lifestyle, offering luxury apartments in River North, Chicago, that combine modern amenities with historic charm.

Explore available floorplans and find your perfect contemporary home in Chicago.