After months of anticipation, developer Related Midwest is opening the doors to 500 Lake Shore Drive, a new 47-story glass tower bringing 500 ultra-luxury apartments to the Streeterville neighborhood. 500 Lake Shore Drive marks the unveiling of the Related Rentals brand of five-star service and exclusive lifestyle features in Chicago’s downtown rental market.
“Our team could not be more excited to show off 500 Lake Shore Drive, as it truly ushers in a new era for Chicago’s downtown luxury rental market,” said Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest. “The minute renters walk in the building’s lobby it’s apparent they’re in for a new rental experience – from the level of service available to the thought process behind each design feature and finish. Everything in this building is meant to make a renter’s life easier. And it just gets better as they see each amenity, floor plan and view. There’s no doubt 500 Lake Shore Drive will be one of the city’s iconic residential towers.”
Located on one of the last remaining parcels of land on north Lake Shore Drive, 500 Lake Shore Drive offers a marquee address along Chicago’s lakefront, affording individual residences unmatched views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the city skyline.
“Every residence in this building has a breathtaking view, whether it's of the city or the lakefront," said Bailey. “And with the amount of glass we used, the design of the units, and the location of the building itself on Lake Shore Drive, the prime views aren’t just limited to the upper levels. Renters can get a spectacular view no matter what floor they live on."
Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz and with an anticipated LEED Silver certification, 500 Lake Shore Drive showcases Related’s continued commitment to excellence in architecture and design. The building’s modern, glass-sheathed form is oriented and designed to not only optimize its unsurpassed views, but also create a sense of openness and natural light in every unit. The architects coordinated with Robert Pope Interiors on the design of the building’s common areas, including a stunning glass, wood and stone two-story lobby.
Additionally, noted interior design firm Kara Mann Design, known for an edgy yet sophisticated aesthetic, created five decorated model residences. Individual residences at 500 Lake Shore Drive are well-appointed to match their exceptional setting, with distinctive modern finishes set against the backdrop of stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Custom gourmet kitchens showcase Snaidero cabinetry, quartz countertops with white marble mosaic backsplash, and professional built-in stainless steel appliances including stainless steel hoods. Baths feature polished natural stone, custom walnut vanities and custom lighting. All apartments feature nine-foot ceilings, custom-designed wide-plank flooring throughout, and closets with built-in organizers. Apartments currently available for lease and May 15 move-in include studios, convertibles and one- and two-bedroom residences located on floors 3 through 29. Residences in the remainder of the building will be available for lease beginning in Fall 2013, including three-bedroom penthouses on the top four floors.
Three premiere penthouse units on floor 47 will feature soaring 13-foot ceilings and a special package of exclusive designer finishes. Rents at 500 Lake Shore Drive begin at $1,795 a month. 500 Lake Shore Drive represents the first opportunity for Chicago renters to experience Related Rentals’ superior five-star service platform, which encompasses a commitment to every detail that makes a residence a home, beginning the moment renters sign their lease.
A Related Personal Assistant, on-hand to arrange everything from entertainment and home management services to move-in-coordination, and a Related Technology Concierge are both part of the building’s RelatedStyle Services, a suite of exclusive benefits specifically designed to help manage the details of residents’ lives. “We’re always thinking about tasks we can take on for our residents so they have time back to focus on the things that are most important to them,” said Bailey. “This means having an exceptional staff in place ready to anticipate our residents’ needs and exceed their expectations.” The highly trained staff at 500 Lake Shore Drive also includes an on-site Resident Service Specialist to address any resident request. This is in addition to the 24-hour concierge stationed in the building’s lobby, as well as a white glove doorman. Further contributing to the residential experience at 500 Lake Shore Drive is the building’s generous suite of thoughtfully selected amenities.
The 500 Club, which encompasses the entire 12th floor, features 27,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenity space including a residents-only fitness center by Equinox®; a fully equipped game room; a screening room with dual televisions and a wet bar; a lounge, library and coffee bar; tech center equipped with iMacs; and a reservable entertainment suite with catering kitchen and private terrace with grill. Additional amenity-level outdoor space on the south side of the building includes a lushly landscaped rooftop terrace with a pool, hot tub, private cabanas, fire pit and kitchens with grills. “This rooftop defines the phrase ‘million dollar view,’” said Bailey. “With its mesmerizing lake views to the east and south, and city views to the west, this is truly a one-of-a-kind outdoor venue – and not just in terms of a rental building, but in all of Chicago.” The building, which is 100 percent smoke-free, also features Chicago’s first Dog City, an on-site full-service pet care center, and a full suite of technology amenities.
500 Lake Shore Drive is one of the first rental buildings in Chicago to include a distributed antenna system (DAS) in each unit, which enhances cell phone service throughout the building. The building’s 11-story garage includes both private and public parking, a bike share program and on-site Zip Cars. For more information, visit www.500LakeShore.com, call (312) 850-0500, or visit the building’s on-site leasing center.
### About Related Midwest Related Midwest, the Chicago office of Related Companies, is the preeminent Chicago developer of luxury condominium and rental homes, affordable housing and unique mixed-use properties since 1988. Recognized for its innovative, market-defining developments, Related Midwest creates properties of enduring value such as 340 on the Park, the first LEED-Silver residential tower in the Midwest. Currently the most active player in Chicago development, Related Midwest has two ultra luxury rental developments totaling more than 1,000 residences in downtown Chicago: 500 North Lake Shore Drive (currently leasing) and 111 West Wacker Drive (opening Summer 2014). The firm is also marketing South Loop Luxury by Related, three marquee South Loop condominium properties, and One Evanston, one of Evanston’s fastest selling condo developments. Among Related Midwest’s successes in the downtown Chicago area are The Residences on Lake Shore Park (comprising 840 Lake Shore Drive, The Pearson, and The Belvedere), the Park Hyatt Hotel and Park Tower Condominiums at 800 N. Michigan Avenue, and 340 on the Park at 340 E. Randolph Street.
### Editors: For more information or to schedule an interview contact: Sarah Lyons slyons@taylorjohnson.com (312) 267-4520
Kim Manning kmanning@taylorjohnson.com (312) 267-4527
Photos: Related Midwest announces the grand opening of 500 Lake Shore Drive, a new 47-story glass tower bringing 500 ultra-luxury apartments to Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. Residences at 500 Lake Shore Drive feature modern upscale finishes, nine-foot ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that afford unmatched views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and the city skyline.
