RMK Management Corp. has been hired to oversee leasing and property management for The Bellwether, a 14-story, 117-unit rental community in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood that is the office-to-residential conversion of former office building 79 W. Monroe. The community is already 57% leased and first move-ins are expected to begin in late August/early September.
Originally built in 1905, the property went through a major expansion in 1924, and over the years has served as office space and a major bank headquarters. In 2025, R2 Companies began the redevelopment of the landmark structure. It is the first office-to-residential conversion to be completed as part of the city of Chicago’s LaSalle Street revitalization initiative, which invests in the Loop’s LaSalle Street corridor with private funding and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance for mixed-income residential projects and other neighborhood-oriented amenities.
Located at 79 W. Monroe St., between Clark and Dearborn streets, The Bellwether is situated in the heart of the city’s financial district and near top dining venues, public transportation options, the Chicago Riverwalk and Lake Michigan. “Residents will enjoy both picturesque views of and easy access to landmarks like Millennium Park, Grant Park and the Art Institute of Chicago, plus they’ll easily be able to enjoy the theater district and all that the lakefront offers, from beaches to walking trails.”
The Bellwether features studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with one to two baths. Residences measure 425 to 1,178 square feet, with rents ranging from $1,996 to $4,887 per month. The property includes 41 Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO) units.
Units showcase upscale finishes and features such as hardwood flooring; quartz countertops, tile backsplashes and stainless steel appliances in kitchens; in-unit laundry; walk-in closets; and kitchen islands in select units.
On-site amenities include a variety of remote workspaces on the 14th floor, such as private work rooms with acoustic detailing that provide focus when needed as well as open coworking-style lounge areas. Additional amenities on this level include a fireplace, bar area, dining space and gaming features, including a pool table.
Also on the 14th floor is a fully equipped fitness center with dedicated areas for cardio, strength training and stretching, as well as two cedar-finished sauna rooms.
An additional game room and lounge, as well as a dog spa, are located on the basement level. Outdoor amenities include a rooftop deck with lounge seating, a kitchen and pergola-covered gathering space, and an outdoor fitness area.
