The Belden-Stratford, the iconic Beaux-Arts apartment property in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, has reopened its doors following a top-to-bottom renovation that blends the grandeur of the 100-year-old building’s original architecture and detailing with lifestyle amenities and residences designed for today’s renters.
Located at 2300 N. Lincoln Park W., overlooking the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, the 16-story property was constructed in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by architect Meyer Fridstein, it originally opened as a residential hotel before eventually transitioning entirely to rental apartments. The Belden-Stratford was purchased in 2018 by Mansueto Office, the investment firm of Joe Mansueto, who was a resident of the property during the 1980s, and renovation work began in late 2020. Today, it comprises 209 luxury apartments, including studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences as well as a selection of penthouses with double-height living space, with monthly rents ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Leasing and move-ins are underway, and the building is expected to be fully occupied by year-end.
The completed renovation was unveiled during a June 7 grand opening celebration attended by current and future residents as well as representatives from Mansueto Office and project partners including architect of record Solomon Cordwell Buenz, historic architect Vinci Hamp Architects, general contractor Bulley & Andrews and property management firm Waterton. Guests toured common areas and amenity spaces that showcase the building’s original architectural detailing and craftsmanship, including an ornate double-height lobby where gilded plaster molding and gold-leaf detailing were fully refurbished, and a mezzanine level that was returned to its original open configuration.
The team also created new amenities housed in the property’s original common spaces, including an elegant mezzanine-level lounge with an original arched picture window overlooking the Lincoln Park Conservatory; a double-height fitness center in what was once the building’s ballroom; a billiards and media lounge; wine tasting room; private wine storage room; and reservable conference rooms and meeting space. Residents also have access to a rooftop sundeck featuring grilling stations and seating areas with unmatched skyline, Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan views.
All residences also have nine-foot ceilings and are appointed with an elegant finish package including quartz countertops, GE Profile™ stainless steel appliances and full-size, front-loading washers and dryers. The apartments measure between 483 and 1,689 square feet.
Rounding out the residential experience at The Belden-Stratford is a variety of service-focused offerings, such as 24/7 valet parking, concierge and door staff, Luxer One package service and on-site Tesla rentals. The Belden-Stratford is also home to Mon Ami Gabi, a popular French bistro with a direct connection to the building’s lobby, giving residents an elegant on-site dining option in addition to the variety of restaurants found in the surrounding neighborhood.
