The Habitat Company, a leading U.S. multifamily developer and property manager, has completed a planned two-year renovation of Hubbard Place, a 43-story luxury rental tower in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Developed by Habitat in 2013, Hubbard Place features 450 studio, convertible, one- and two-bedroom residences and a robust amenity package, which was the focus of the recent renovation. Executed by award-winning commercial interiors firm Loren Stanton, the updates to Hubbard Place were concentrated on elevating the building’s amenities to suit the changing needs of today’s renters.
“When Hubbard Place first opened, the building’s extensive common spaces led the charge among Chicago’s Class-A buildings in what many began calling the ‘amenity race,’” said Matt Fiascone, president of The Habitat Company. “Since day one, the amenity spaces have proven to be so popular among our residents that it made for a fairly easy decision in 2019 to give these common areas a refreshing with new furniture and updated interiors. Little did we know our timing would coincide with a pandemic, but that actually worked to the advantage of our residents and allowed us to adapt the spaces to address lifestyle changes that emerged due to the pandemic.”
While renovations began in 2019, much of the work took place in 2020 when amenity spaces were forced to close. The timing allowed Habitat to adapt some of its plans to accommodate the new needs of its residents, most of whom were working remotely from their apartments. With that vision, transforming the building’s coworking spaces on the ninth floor of the building was a top priority of the renovation.
“The past year really magnified the importance of home and what our residents need within the four walls of their building,” said Fiascone. “We were fortunate to be able to use our renovation timeline to give residents multiple areas throughout Hubbard Place that respond to the new demands and definition of home and provide functional and stunning spaces they can enjoy for work or play.”
To satisfy the needs of Hubbard Place’s residents, Habitat created an elite work-from-home space that features booths where residents can work independently. The booths surround a conference table where small groups can collaborate. The space is equipped with USB ports, a big screen television and phone chargers at the conference table to ensure residents can work efficiently.
Another major component of the renovation was the creation of a new, inviting entertainment lounge on the building’s ninth floor. This expansive space originally housed a movie theatre in one room and a business center in another area. Habitat took down the wall that separated these two rooms to create one cohesive and engaging venue where residents can work, gather, dine and play games. The space is now appointed with a large, wall-mounted Scrabble board; pool table; communal gourmet kitchen with an island and dining tables; large screen TV and viewing area; multiple seating areas; and an abundance of natural light – making it an ideal oasis for working or enjoying community events.
With residents’ renewed emphasis on health and wellness, Habitat also enhanced Hubbard Place’s fitness facilities. The building’s Zen studio was refreshed and exercise equipment was replaced with the latest machines for an optimum workout. The new equipment was selected based on feedback from a survey where residents offered suggestions on what they would like offered within the community. The building’s indoor spa, sauna and steam room also received a facelift with new furniture and a green wall topped by beautiful succulents.
Additional building amenities include a pet walk area and dog wash station; package delivery/retrieval service; and a 24-hour lobby concierge. Indoor garage parking, including EV charging stalls, is also available.
Hubbard Place apartments come complete with grand bay windows offering sweeping views of the city, balconies, oak flooring, Snaidero designer kitchen cabinetry, stainless steel and Energy Star appliances, full-sized washer and dryer, walk-in closets, LED energy efficient lighting and solar window shades.