As the first new skyscraper to grace the Chicago airspace in years, NEMA Chicago looks to reach new heights of luxury living. In a city where a potential new building is announced seemingly every day, one stands out from the rest—literally. NEMA, a 76-story building by internationally acclaimed architect Rafael Viñoly, is now the tallest residential building in Chicago and the first new skyscraper to be completed in years.
We first heard gossip about a new South Loop skyscraper back in 2015, and the building has gone through a few changes since then (from One Grant Park to NEMA, for example). But now the project is nearing completion—and it's pretty amazing. Let's break it down: Located at the south end of Grant Park, NEMA Chicago (the second NEMA building after NEMA San Francisco) offers unprecedented views of Lake Michigan, Grant Park and Chicago's iconic skyline. With interiors by David Rockwell (who was born in Chicago, but now lives in New York City), each of the 800 luxury units boasts 9-foot-ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, 6-inch plank floors and keyless entry. Some units have walk-in closets and balconies, but all have in-unit washers and dryers, plus custom Rockwell chandeliers. Residents have access to a 70,000-square-foot collection of amenities, including a spin studio, an indoor lap pool, a kids' club, coworking spaces, two boardrooms and a boxing ring— and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
The outdoor pool area is reason enough to be intrigued. The 10,000-square-foot resort-style deck includes a pool with lounge chairs and daybeds, plus private entertaining areas with 65-inch TVs and Viking grills, ice makers and refrigerators. A sports bar called The Station provides an inviting gathering space, as does the communal chef's kitchen. Even the gym offers the best of the best, with Woodway treadmills, Peloton bikes and Technogym Skillmills. If you want to play golf, there's a simulator for you to take a swing. Potential residents have been flocking to see what the building has to offer ahead of the slated May move-in date, says Bruce Menin, managing principal of NEMA Chicago developer Crescent Heights.
“The response overall has been overwhelming, and our pre-leasing gallery has been booked with tours, even in the dead of Chicago winter,” Menin says. “We've also received a significant amount of interest in NEMA's larger residences, so our premium options are proving to be very desirable already, months in advance of their release.” Studios from $1,850 per month, threebedroom units from $6,790 per month, pricing for four-bedroom units available upon request, 1200 S. Indiana Ave., rentnemachicago.com Custom Rockwell chandeliers and expansive views are two major draws to the luxury apartments at NEMA Chicago; the communal chef's kitchen features a built-in cooktop, a full-size wine fridge and an outdoor fireplace; with 76 stories, NEMA Chicago is the tallest residential building in the city.
