That’s a Chicago Transit Authority subway car sitting atop the second-floor amenity deck of the “L” apartments in the city’s Logan Square neighborhood. The six-story complex, designed by Brininstool + Lynch Architects, is two blocks from the CTA’s Blue Line, which can get you to the Loop or O’Hare International in 25-30 minutes.
Developer Property Markets Group wanted “a hub that would pull people together,” says Brian Koles, PMG’s Director of Residential Experience. The CTA car sits in a shallow pool in the 1,200-sf amenity deck, which sports a dog run, barbecue pit, lounge chairs, and space for yoga, mixology classes, and—coming soon!—a bocce tournament. “When the weather warms up, the deck is slammed” with singles, families, and extremely well-behaved canines, says Koles.
L opened a year ago and leased up in four months. In addition to the 110 one- and two-bedroom units, 10 three-bed units are devoted to co-living (average bedroom rental: $1,110/month), making it the largest such space in Chicago. Koles says L’s co-livers are older, make more money, and have better credit scores than other L renters.
The decommissioned CTA car was retrofitted by Chicago Salvage Works. ARCO/Murray Construction Company did the installation.
Catch the video at: vimeo.com/207575664.
Related Stories
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 21, 2024
Massachusetts launches program to spur office-to-residential conversions statewide
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently launched a program to help cities across the state identify underused office buildings that are best suited for residential conversions.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 19, 2024
Jim Chapman Construction Group completes its second college town BTR community
JCCG's 200-unit Cottages at Lexington, in Athens, Ga., is fully leased.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 19, 2024
Two senior housing properties renovated with 608 replacement windows
Renovation of the two properties, with 200 apartments for seniors, was financed through a special public/private arrangement.
MFPRO+ New Projects | Mar 18, 2024
Luxury apartments in New York restore and renovate a century-old residential building
COOKFOX Architects has completed a luxury apartment building at 378 West End Avenue in New York City. The project restored and renovated the original residence built in 1915, while extending a new structure east on West 78th Street.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 18, 2024
YWCA building in Boston’s Back Bay converted into 210 affordable rental apartments
Renovation of YWCA at 140 Clarendon Street will serve 111 previously unhoused families and individuals.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 15, 2024
San Francisco voters approve tax break for office-to-residential conversions
San Francisco voters recently approved a ballot measure to offer tax breaks to developers who convert commercial buildings to residential use. The tax break applies to conversions of up to 5 million sf of commercial space through 2030.
Apartments | Mar 13, 2024
A landscaped canyon runs through this luxury apartment development in Denver
Set to open in April, One River North is a 16-story, 187-unit luxury apartment building with private, open-air terraces located in Denver’s RiNo arts district. Biophilic design plays a central role throughout the building, allowing residents to connect with nature and providing a distinctive living experience.
Affordable Housing | Mar 12, 2024
An all-electric affordable housing project in Southern California offers 48 apartments plus community spaces
In Santa Monica, Calif., Brunson Terrace is an all-electric, 100% affordable housing project that’s over eight times more energy efficient than similar buildings, according to architect Brooks + Scarpa. Located across the street from Santa Monica College, the net zero building has been certified LEED Platinum.
MFPRO+ News | Mar 12, 2024
Multifamily housing starts and permitting activity drop 10% year-over-year
The past year saw over 1.4 million new homes added to the national housing inventory. Despite the 4% growth in units, both the number of new homes under construction and the number of permits dropped year-over-year.
