Move-ins have begun at The Cooper at Southbank, the first project both built and developed by Lendlease in the Chicago market. Located at 720 S. Wells Street in the South Loop, the 29-story, 452-unit apartment tower is one of five residential buildings planned in Southbank, Lendlease’s seven-acre neighborhood development along the South Branch of the Chicago River.
“Lendlease is thrilled to welcome its first residents to The Cooper, the first of Lendlease’s Chicago development projects and the bold initial component of Southbank, envisioned as an urban oasis for all to experience and enjoy,” said Tom Weeks, executive general manager of development at Lendlease. “Integrating our development and construction expertise, we’ve brought to market a residential tower perfectly placed along the Chicago River and the future Southbank Park, with multiple floor plan options and lifestyle-enhancing amenities that meet the demand for luxury apartment living in the burgeoning South Loop.”
The Cooper offers a wide range of units, including studio, convertible, one- and two-bedroom plans ranging in size from 451 to 1,104 square feet. Each residence showcases high-end finishes including wide-plank flooring, environmentally friendly thermostats and modern kitchens and baths. There are also four two-bedroom and two three-bedroom penthouses available, located on floor 29, that range in size from 1,124 to 1,997 square feet.
Wrapping the base of the tower, with views of the future Southbank Park and Riverwalk, are 26 rental townhomes, many with private, direct-access parking in the building’s garage. These units include 11 three-story, ground-level residences with three bedrooms and three baths, as well as their own entrance to Southbank Park. Located above the three-story townhomes are 15 two-level plans offering two bedrooms and two baths. Both the townhome and penthouse residences are scheduled to deliver in January 2019.
“What distinguishes The Cooper from other new-construction offerings in the Chicago rental market is the broad spectrum of floor plans we have provided,” said Justin Patwin, project director for Southbank at Lendlease. “From studios to townhomes and everything in between, The Cooper features apartments at a wide variety of price points, adding to the tower’s appeal.”
Another differentiator, according to Patwin, is the building’s curated selection of indoor and outdoor amenities, spanning more than 35,000 square feet. The Cooper’s sixth floor, dedicated entirely to amenity space, features an expansive terrace overlooking the Chicago River and downtown skyline. It houses a pool and spa with adjacent cabanas, TV-equipped grilling stations, a pizza oven and dining areas, as well as a bocce ball court, outdoor screening room and fire pits with seating.
Indoor offerings include a state-of-the-art fitness center, game room, virtual sports simulator room, listening lounge with shared musical instruments, shop space with art and craft supplies, styling studio, reading room and several huddle rooms for group and individual work. Pet amenities, including a dog run and washing station, are located on the fifth floor. When complete in early 2019, the penthouse level will feature a chef’s kitchen and private dining room, as well as an adjacent rooftop event space.
Beginning next year, residents of The Cooper will also enjoy access to Southbank’s central amenity, the 2-acre Southbank Park. This publicly accessible parkland will activate the Chicago River’s South Branch with an extension of the Riverwalk, complete with a kayak launch and water taxi stop at the southern end of the property. Landscaped walkways will weave through the park, connecting the residential towers and retail space with the adjacent waterfront.
Enhancing the community’s walkable lifestyle is its proximity to multiple CTA train lines and bus routes. The Cooper is within walking distance of the central business district and across the river from Chicago’s Old Post Office, whose tenants will include Walgreens following the completion of an extensive renovation. The nearby West Loop neighborhood also features a number of newly opened offices, including the new McDonald’s headquarters and Google’s Midwest headquarters.
Artwork from local visual artists with ties to the South Loop and Printers Row is featured throughout the development. Nick Albertson is the featured artist for The Cooper, and a signature piece from his “White Light” series is on display in the first-floor lobby. David Wolske was commissioned to create original pieces for the entire Southbank development, beginning with the upper floors of The Cooper.
Global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will serves as the principal architect for Southbank, in partnership with landscape architect Hoerr Schaudt. Three model units designed by McGuire Architectural Interiors showcase The Cooper’s studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans.
