With the help of its loyal residents, Atwater Apartments (formally Streeter Place), a luxury apartment community in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, has announced its new name and look. The rebranding, which goes deeper than just a new name, also includes renovations to all 480 residential units, as well as the community’s common areas.
“Even though we are only a 6-year-young luxury apartment building, we wanted to make sure our amenities continue to match or exceed the rising supply of high-end apartments currently being built downtown,” said Emily Carnes, leasing supervisor at Atwater Apartments. “Because of our prime location and amenities, we have residents who have been with us since we opened in 2009, and we want to keep it that way. Our goal is to evolve and grow with the needs of our residents and we are doing that by making them a part of our rebranding process.”
Located at 355 East Ohio Street, a few blocks north of the Chicago River and midway between Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, Atwater Apartments is a 54-story luxury apartment tower with a full suite of amenities. According to Carnes, residences at Atwater are, on average, larger than those of other nearby rental properties, and include a mix of studio, convertible, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts.
To introduce the building’s planned unit renovations, a resident-only open house was held in early January where residents were encouraged to provide the Atwater management team with feedback on two renovated units. Updated apartments showcased wide vinyl plank flooring throughout the home, as well as new kitchens with Fairy White quartz countertops and undermount sinks, tile backsplashes, modern cabinet pulls and additional shelving to maximize storage space. In addition, kitchens were outfitted with USB charging stations – an added convenience for today’s tech-savvy renters. The renovated models also featured modern bathrooms with porcelain tile flooring, framed mirrors, updated cabinet pulls and Fairy White quartz vanity countertops with designer faucets.
“Being included in the rebranding and renovation process has been a very fun and educational experience,” said Madison Termini, a current Atwater resident. “The Atwater management team did a great job pulling the community together and zeroing in on what would make the apartments and the common areas more modern and livable.”
Currently Atwater is working on renovating 110 units in 2015. Each apartment upgrade will take approximately three weeks to complete and will be done as units become available. With a 95 percent occupancy rate, apartment updates are anticipated to take place over the next four years, with rents expected to be between $1,950 and $5,650 after renovations are complete.
“While upgrades to units will roll out in phases, residents can expect to see changes to the lobby and the 12th floor as soon as February and concluding in April,” said Carnes. “We want to make sure work being done to common areas is executed as quickly as possible to limit any inconvenience to residents.
“Our main goal is to create a home where residents can live, work and play, so it was important for us to give attention to the building’s common space, too. In addition to creating a more open lobby layout, we’re also adding a Cyber Cafe on the first floor where residents can work or check email. And on the 12th floor, residents will be able to unwind in the new media and game area, complete with a brand new pool table, fireplace, cozy reading nooks and an updated kitchen – the perfect space for hosting private gatherings.”
Included in the new lobby layout will be additional work stations and conference rooms where residents can meet with clients, family and friends. A sitting area by the elevator banks will showcase a fireplace, comfortable seating and local artwork, providing another convenient space for residents to work or relax. Additionally, the Atwater management team will be able to stay more connected with residents with the new leasing office that will feature a clear retractable wall that can be opened to expand the “hang out” areas. Even the mail room is getting a makeover with a much larger space to accommodate the increasing number of packages for residents placing orders online.
Changes to the interior design of the lobby and 12th-floor party room are being done by Stanton Interior Concepts, a local award-winning interior design firm.
