Downtown Chicago Condos

The downtown Chicago condo market is one of the hottest in the country, encompassing the latest and greatest construction trends, architectural innovations and models for green design. Practically everywhere you turn there are glass-covered high-rises reflecting the image of each other in their tinted low-e, double-layered window panes. Wild plant life and self-sustaining vegetation sprout from the rooftops and storm-water cisterns proudly collect rain runoff by the gallon. Chicago’s new condos are a sign of the times. We are gradually conforming to a new standard of living that is sweeping the globe. In conjunction with the demand for high-tech features and automated everything (an inevitable outcome of twenty-first century life), the new millennium is defined by an outpouring of interest in energy saving advancements and environmentally safe practices.

From Chicago luxury condos to loft spaces, there are examples of sustainable homes throughout the downtown neighborhoods and beyond. Whether it’s unit by unit or building by building, the real estate industry is making an effort to reduce the carbon footprint left by an endless cycle of residential development. Old apartment buildings are rehabbed into new Chicago condos, abandoned warehouses are converted into urban lofts, vacant lots are filled with high-rise towers… all the while aspiring to construct bigger and better homes – and now, greener homes, too.

Eco 18 is a new Chicago condo in the works that has a penchant for the ecological (as you may have guessed by its name). Located in the South Loop, which has become a fast-growing extension of the downtown Chicago condos scene, this 12-story structure will be LEED-certified when it is finished in 2009. LEED certification, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is awarded to residences that demonstrate an appropriate level of sustainability as defined by the U.S. Green Building Council. Also in the South Loop, Lexington Park Condominiums have the same idea as Eco 18 and are going for LEED certification as well. Both condo developments have taken the heed of today’s consumers and strive to provide housing that does not impose upon the ecosystem the way conventional urban dwellings have. From greenroof terraces to thermal-powered heating and cooling systems to water-conserving appliances, Chicago residents can benefit from a healthier lifestyle for themselves and the planet.

Even with such a focus on green design elements, many downtown Chicago condos are still focused on going taller and offering more amenities than the next guy. The Trump International Tower and Hotel wasn’t allowed to build as high as The Donald wanted, but this lavish 92-story palatial residence and accommodations definitely includes some of the best perks around: deluxe health club/spa, 75-foot indoor pool, grand ballroom, five-star restaurant, around-the-clock room service, unobstructed views of the city and lake, and a prime location right on the Chicago River.

Another new luxury condo in Chicago is the Mandarin Oriental Tower, which will offer purchasable condominium/guest rooms that are managed by the world-class Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. This development is currently under construction (as are the upper floors of the Trump Tower), but when it is complete local residents and out-of-town visitors alike will enjoy the premium services, state-of-the-art fitness center, award-winning spa treatments and incredible culinary arts this uber extravagant new Chicago condo/hotel has to offer.

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