Construction continues on the apartment tower at 2111 S. Wabash Ave. Credit: Draper and Kramer Inc.

CHICAGO—Construction on the largest residential project built in the South Loop McCormick Square area since 2010 is progressing toward completion next summer.

Draper and Kramer Inc. celebrated the topping off last week of its new 24-story, 275-unit apartment tower at 2111 S. Wabash Ave.

The transit-oriented development called Aspire Residences is located less than a block from the CTA's Cermak/McCormick Place Green Line station.

"Aspire continues the transformation of this corner of the South Loop into a vibrant mixed-use district that is close to downtown while enjoying its own distinct identity," says Ed Polich, EVP of real estate with Draper and Kramer. "This area looks very different today than it did a decade ago, with a number of new entertainment and recreation offerings coming online, so we saw an opportunity to introduce a new yet attainable level of housing that reflects the evolution of the neighborhood."

When completed, Aspire will offer a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom plans ranging in size from 529 square feet to 1,411 square feet and priced from $1,800 per month.

Residences will feature open layouts, plank flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows and virtually unobstructed views in all directions. Modern kitchens boast European-style cabinets, stone countertops and stainless-steel appliances.

The tower's fourth floor will house 25,000 square feet of amenity space, including a pub lounge, arcade, fitness center and work-from-home spaces. Outdoor amenities include a pool and landscaped roof terrace.

Polich compares this section of South Loop to the Fulton Market area of five years ago or Wicker Park in the 1990s where the respective districts benefit from their rich history but embrace growth and investment.

"Here, that growth is especially evident in a pipeline of new entertainment offerings that continue to shape this area as a destination in and of itself, making it all the more attractive for new residential development," he notes.

Aspire is convenient to a number of restaurant and nightlife offerings, some of which are housed in historic buildings along Motor Row. It is also central to several new hotels, the Wintrust Arena and McCormick Place. Other cultural, recreational and entertainment destinations along the lakefront, including Soldier Field, the Museum Campus, Lakefront Trail and Northerly Island, are also nearby.

Instant Insights /

South Loop Apartment Tower Topped Off

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