An estimated cost for the AMLI project was not disclosed. Similar projects include the 480-unit Streeter Pl., being developed by locally based Golub & Co. LLC, New York City-based BlackRock Realty Advisors Inc. and Boston-based AEW Capital Management LP at 355 E. Ohio St. for an estimated cost of $150 million, as previously reported by GlobeSt.com. Another 1,000-unit multi-phase apartment development, being developed by Alexandria, VA-based AvalonBay Communities Inc. at the 800 block of South Clark Street in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood, has an estimated cost of $280 million.

The 24-story is being constructed on a 2.2-acre site and will have a mixture of studio, convertible, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Approximately 70% of the units are studio, convertible or one-bedroom units, with 20% two-bedrooms and 10% three-bedroom units, Wolf says. Renters will have the choice between "soft loft" and traditional layouts, she says.

The average unit size will be 844 sf. Leasing is expected to begin in May with occupancy in June. Rental rates will range from $1,046 for some studio units, up to $3,062 for some of the three-bedroom units, Wolf tells GlobeSt.com. Amenities include a fitness center with yoga studio, Internet café, 274 parking spaces, party room on the top floor and a roof deck.

The company plans to prohibit smoking by residents and guests both inside and outside of the building, Wolf says. AMLI 900 will be part of the company's Breatheasy program, which is already in Seattle and Atlanta. The development will be one of the first smoke-free apartment complexes in the city and AMLI believes there will be demand for a smoke-free living environment, Wolf says. "It is something other people do not offer in the marketplace," she says.

The company decided to prohibit smoking because of the success of the other Breatheasy apartment communities in addition to help the building receive LEED certification from the US Green Building Council, she says. The building will also have bike storage, preferred parking for hybrid cars and low-emitting paint, adhesives, sealants and carpets, Wolf says. The building was designed by Solomon Cordwell Benz. AMLI currently owns and operates 12 properties with a total of 4,853 units in the Chicagoland area.