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EnV, 161 W Kinzie St in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, is a sleek 28-story, 249-unit full-amenity apartment tower. The building has 129 parking spaces and 27,000 square feet of retail space. EnV opened for occupancy in 2010. At the time, it commanded some of the highest rents in the city.
Lynd Development was the developer, McHugh Construction the general contractor, and Valerio Dewalt Train Associates the architecture firm.
The apartments
EnV offers studio 1-bedroom, 1-bedroom plus den and 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartments. The 27th-floor penthouse level has extra-large 2-bedroom layouts.
Most floor plans include a private balcony. Closet space in a number of the floor plans can best be described as skimpy. Interior columns complicate furniture layout in some of the floor plans. Floor plans and near real-time availability are accessible online.
Apartment features include 9-foot ceiling heights, floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood flooring, and in-unit washer / dryers. Kitchens have granite countertops and stainless-steel appliance packages that include a built-in microwave and refrigerator with ice-maker.
Furnished short-term rentals in the building are available through VIP Corporate Housing.
Views. EnV’s website invites you to “Envision the view out your stunning, seamless glass windows to the sparkling city skyline …” You’ll have to substitute “imagine” for “Envision” because you won’t see much of the city skyline from nearly any vantage point at EnV. EnV’s website has pictures of the views from each individual unit in the property.
EnV’s only unbroken views are to the northwest.
Amenities, services, policies
EnV’s rooftop amenities include an outdoor terrace with pool, cabanas and a grill area. Also on the roof are a bar and catering kitchen, a 24-hour fitness center, and private wine lockers.
The 7th floor has a fire pit lounge and garden, a media room, an “Internet lounge” and a dog run.
EnV has on-site management staff and 24/7 door staff. The building is smoke-free and pet-friendly, subject to limits. EnV has received US Green Building Council‘s lowest level of LEED certification.
The location
EnV is across the street from the Merchandise Mart, a few steps north of the Chicago River. It’s a walk-to-work location if your office is in the Loop or River North.
Walk Score gives the location a “Walker’s Paradise” score of 98 and a Transit Score of 100.
Shopping. The nearest full-service groceries are Jewel supermarkets half a mile northeast and southwest of EnV. Access to convenience stores is equally inconvenient compared to competing properties. A CVS Pharmacy is a block away on Kinzie St.
Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile is less than half a mile east of the property and State Street shops are a few blocks southeast.
Dining, nightlife. River North is a destination scene that draws tourists and visitors from throughout Chicagoland.
EnV residents have an indescribably wide variety of restaurants, bars and nightlife within a few short blocks. Moe’s Cantina, John Barleycorn, Kinzie Chop House and Starbucks are across the street and around the corner from EnV. The crowded Hubbard Street restaurant and bar scene is a short block north of EnV.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse, steps away from EnV, typically draws strongly positive reviews.
The lure of al fresco dining on the Chicago River becomes almost irresistible on a warm day, and there are more than a dozen options to choose among, including Fulton’s and Smith & Wollensky.
The Loop’s theatre district is a few minutes’ walk south of EnV.
Parks, recreation. EnV’s otherwise strong River North Location has no convenient access to park space.
The fun scene on the ever-expanding Chicago Riverwalk is just south of EnV.
Transportation. Public transportation is excellent.
The Merchandise Mart stop on the CTA’s Brown and Purple Lines is outside EnV’s front door. The Clark and Lake station, with access to 8 different train routes, including the Blue Line to O’Hare Airport, is a few minutes’ walk away.
Enterprise CarShare and Zipcar car sharing locations are nearby at the Merchandise Mart. Taxis are plentiful 24/7 in the area.
The location has quick access to I-90/94 via the Ontario St and Ohio St on / off ramps.
The competition
You’ll find additional options at YoChicago’s comprehensive River North apartment guide.