As any Chicagoan knows, if you’re looking for a condo in or near the Loop, the skyline is ever-changing: a unit that offered great views one year might be blocked by new construction the next year. Even some of the best downtown Chicago condos suffer from this problem.
So how can you be assured of keeping a great view? Find a condo with a protected view. Protection may come via a park, street or landmarked building, where you know that there won’t be new construction in your line of sight. It’s called a “forever view.” While many buildings have a few units here and there that are protected, here are a few of my favorites.
340 East Randolph Street
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Buildings along East Randolph, east of Columbus Drive, offer spectacular views of the new Maggie Daley Park and of Millennium Park, provided you can find a south-facing unit. The parks aren’t going anywhere and because they’re so low-slung, you only need to be on the 10th floor or so to get an awe-inspiring view of the Lakeshore Drive, Lake Michigan and the parks.
This unit on the 12th Floor is a great example. It’s currently on the market for $1.397 million. Other units in the building have their own private balconies, like unit #1905, which is listed for $2.479 million.”
One of the newest in the area, 340 East Randolph was built in 2007. It’s an amenity-rich building for those looking for a condo lifestyle on-par with the Trump Tower. Yet it has private balconies and great views starting on much lower floors. The slideshow above is from unit 903, a 9th-floor, 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit asking $1.3M. It just went under contract.
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345 North LaSalle Boulevard
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South-facing units in this building overlook the Reid Murdoch Center, which is landmarked and several stories high, and just beyond that is the Chicago River. So if you can get a place on about the fifteenth floor or higher, you’ll be able to easily see over the Murdoch Center and have a view of the Chicago River and the new Riverwalk without any worry about a developer blocking you. Couple that with on-site tennis courts and a prime River North location, and you’ve found yourself a deal!
For example, this 41st floor unit has southeast views and is currently contingent, with an asking price of $467,900. The slideshow above shows shots from unit #3705, which is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom property asking $320,000; it’s contingent.
400 East Randolph Street
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This is the first residential high-rise built in the Lakeshore East community. The views are spectacular, as you can see from this 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit asking $429,000. Though the building was constructed in 1963, the spacious and modern amenities were built in 2006: you can enjoy an indoor pool under a geodesic dome, as well as a spectacularly large gym and health club. Because units are classic in their size and finishes, you can find a great deal here without skimping on building amenities. The slideshow above features unit 3711, a studio asking $353,000.
780 South Federal Street
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Originally a factory (built in 1920), this building on Printer’s Row was converted to condos in 2006. To the southeast of the building is Dearborn Station, a landmarked property only a few stories high. Just beyond it sits Dearborn Park, meaning that unit owners with south-facing views have gorgeous views of green and the skyline. Unit 1007 is highlighted above. It’s a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom place on the tenth floor.
If you’re interested in buying a condo with a view, a Redfin agent can help. For more information on the pros and cons of condo ownership, check out this guide to residential building types.
About Jenn Kim
Jenn Kim is a Redfin real estate agent with a focus on the downtown neighborhoods of Chicago. She is a Certified Negotiation Expert® who prides herself on giving impeccable service to her clients, whether it means helping them navigate school applications for their children, or creating video tours for her out-of-town clients. If you would like her to help you find your forever view, you can contact her here.
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