Soaring over the South Loop, you’ll find Chicago’s newest and tallest rental residence known as NEMA. The 76-story skyscraper towers over Grant Park at 896 feet with over 800 units and has been one of the most highly-anticipated developments in Chicago. Recently, I had the opportunity to take a peek inside the skyline-changing high-rise, and she’s dreamyyy.

While touring NEMA, it’s obvious they understand that “home” isn’t just the four walls you live in. It’s also the life you live. A place for everyone from the work-from-home creative to the family on the go, NEMA’s residences range from studios to four-bedroom apartments, each offering the ideal hub to one’s life. While studios start around $1,900/month and three-bedrooms at around $7,000/month, you can expect to pay more for their elite tier of residences—the Skyline Collection.

Walking through the space, it’s clear to see that current residents embody the idea of living your best life. To my surprise, almost every amenity was in use during my time there, which is almost unheard of (especially on a Monday afternoon)! With 70,000 square feet of luxury amenities, such as a coworking space, a world-class fitness center (featuring a spin studio, boxing ring & more), and both an indoor and outdoor pool, there are countless opportunities for entertainment, wellness, and productivity without ever leaving your home in the heart of Downtown.

I’m still slightly shocked at how well the building is thriving, especially since it just opened, but come on, look at this list! The amenities are in a league of their own.

• Outdoor Pool and Deck

• Chef’s Kitchen

• Urban Lounge

• CoWork

• Park Terrace

• Skyline Terrace

• Chicago Room

• Vista Lounge

• Boardrooms

• Skyline Gym

• Mailroom

• Skyline Lobby

• Signature Lobby

• Fitness Center

• Doghouse

• Yoga Studio

• Pilates Studio

• Spa Suite

• Salon

• Media Lounge

• The Station

• Squash Court

• Basketball Court

• Pet Spa

• Golf Simulator

• Spin Studio

• Indoor Lap Pool

• Wellness Studio

• Kids Club

• Boxing Ring

And taking it one step further, NEMA also has partnerships with leading specialists offering services such as housekeeping, salon and spa services, dog walking, and personal training, just to name a few.

The residences themselves are nothing to scoff at either. The perfect canvas to design one’s life, each apartment is constructed with neutral tones and even offers customizable Elfa closet organization. Signature Residences feature expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, nine-foot ceilings, six-inch-wide plank floors, acoustic solid wood core doors, blackout & sheer thermal shades, and a full-size in-unit washer & dryer. The sleek kitchen includes Caesarstone countertops with seamless backsplashes, Blomberg stainless steel appliances and Chicago-sourced custom cabinetry featuring soft closures and dimmable lights. Bathrooms boast polished chrome Hansgrohe fixtures and Duravit sinks & some units even have dual vanities. Select residences also showcase thirty-foot-long recessed balconies, an additional den or office space, and walk-in closets.

In addition to Signature Residences, NEMA’s Skyline Collection offers two- to four-bedroom residences on floors 49-76, featuring spacious floor plans, extended ten-foot ceiling heights, premium finishes, and exclusive access to a dedicated collection of amenities like the Vista Lounge, Skyline Gym and an exclusive, separate lobby. You’re really living the dream up here.

Plus, the lake, city & park views—10/10. I’m only a little jealous people have the pleasure of waking up to those views every day.

Aside from the views and amenities, my favorite part of the apartment building is the technology. Units are equipped with Lutron Caseta lighting, Ecobee3 thermostats, and keyless entry via a fob card or mobile app. Yes, they have a custom-built mobile app, which also offers the functionality to pay rent, submit maintenance requests, manage deliveries and guest access, add fitness classes to your calendar, and even receive community and event updates.

To learn more about the building, visit NEMA’s website, and if you’d like to tour the building, let me know! I’d love to show you around.

Our take on South Loop

South Loop Living

South Loop offers one of the most unique neighborhood experiences in Chicago. Filled with a diverse landscape, you’ll find sleek high-rise buildings juxtaposed with quintessential family-filled parks. The area continues to evolve and is in the midst of a major transformation with residential construction booming.

The vibrant neighborhood is known for its access to the lakefront, shops, restaurants, parks, Museum Campus and The Loop. Residents also enjoy being in close proximity to Northerly Island and public transportation including the CTA’s Roosevelt station.

The South Loop’s housing boom has brought with it an influx of retailers along with eateries and nightlife on South Michigan Avenue. The Roosevelt Collection is a popular destination featuring a movie theater and an assortment of retailers.