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The Arrive LEX apartment complex consists of a 35-story, 297-unit tower connected to a 7-story, 36-unit loft building by a 6-story 367-space parking garage. The complex also has ground-level retail space which includes a South Loop Market.
The South Loop building was completed in 2010 and is currently the tallest building in Chicago south of 13th St. Arrive LEX, originally named Lexington Park, was built as a condominium on the site of the former Lexington Hotel, once the headquarters of Al Capone. ST Residential acquired the project from its lender after the condo development failed, and converted it to rental apartments in 2012.
Limerick, Ireland-based Chieftain Group was the developer. The architecture firm for the project was VOA Associates and Kenny Construction was the general contractor.
The apartments
Arrive LEX offers 12 different one-, and two-bedroom, two-bath floor plans. One of the 1-bedroom plans has a separate den. Two-bedroom units have either one or two baths and several plans include a den.
Floor plans and near real-time rent and availability information can be accessed online.
The apartments have open floor plans with 9- or 10-foot ceiling heights, floor-to-ceiling windows and generously-sized balconies. All of the apartments have in-unit washer / dryers. Living areas have hardwood floors and bedrooms are carpeted. Closet space is good.
Kitchens have quartz or granite counter tops and upgraded appliance packages with gas ranges and built-in microwaves.
A number of the floor plans have large baths with dual-bowl vanities and separate tubs and stall showers.
Most of the two-bedroom plans have the split-bedroom layout that’s preferred by roommates and people who office from home.
Views. Arrive LEX has nearly-unobstructed views in every direction.
The building’s siting on an east – west axis and its floor-to-ceiling windows take maximum advantage of the views.
Amenities, services, policies
Arrive LEX is a full-amenity building.
There’s a large landscaped deck above the garage with a pool, hot tub, grills, lounge seating, a fire pit and panoramic views. The deck has exposure to the sun throughout the day.
Arrive LEX has a fitness room with up-to-date equipment adjacent to the pool deck.
There’s a business center and a party lounge with billiards, fireplace and TV. Arrive LEX has a bike storage area and additional storage for residents. A furnished suite is available for overnight guests. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in common areas.
Arrive LEX has on-site leasing and management staff and 24/7 door staff. Arrive LEX is a smoke-free building.
The building is pet-friendly, subject to limits, and has a private dog run. The building has a 367-space on-site heated garage.
The location
Arrive LEX is near the southern boundary of the South Loop neighborhood.
The location has excellent proximity to McCormick Place, Chinatown and Mercy Hospital.
Shopping. Access to shopping is not one of the location’s strengths.
The nearest full-service grocery is a new Mariano’s, nearly a mile north and west of Arrive LEX. South Loop Market, which recently opened in the building, is a family-run convenience store with a terrific selection of wines and craft beers.
There’s little to no retail development within a short walk of Arrive LEX. The Shops at Roosevelt Collection and the large and growing cluster of big-box shops just west of the river along Roosevelt Rd are the most viable retail destinations.
Dining, nightlife.
Dining and nightlife options in the immediate area of Arrive LEX are limited.
Arrive LEX is adjacent to the Motor Row District, which is slated to become a music, entertainment and dining hub, taking advantage of its proximity to McCormick Place. Plans for the district have thus far resulted in little visible progress.
There are several restaurant choices at the nearby Hyatt McCormick Place, but residents of Arrive LEX are likely to opt for some of the more casual local venues. Papa John’s Pizza, Pizzeria Brandi, Chef Luciano and the Velvet Lounge are on the block west of the building.
There’s a fun restaurant and nightlife strip just north of Cermak along State St, two short blocks from Arrive LEX. Venues include Big Mike’s and Reggies.
Chinatown’s dining scene is a half-mile west of Arrive LEX. There’s also a lively restaurant and bar cluster along Michigan Ave and Wabash Ave a mile north of the building.
Parks, recreation. The nearest public parks are several blocks from Arrive LEX.
Chicago Women’s Park, two blocks north of Arrive LEX, is a tranquil spot for relaxing or helping tend the community gardens.
Grant Park, Soldier Field and Northerly Island’s 12th Street Beach are an easy bike ride from Arrive LEX.
Ping Tom Memorial Park, eight-tenths of a mile north and west of Arrive LEX, is a neighborhood jewel. The park has great vistas along the Chicago River, kayak rentals, play areas, ball fields, an indoor swimming pool and a great deal more to offer.
Transportation. Public transportation from Arrive LEX’s location is good.
CTA bus routes criss-cross the area, with stops outside the building.
A new Green Line station is located on Cermak Rd, a block-and-a-half west of Arrive LEX. The nearest CTA train stop is the Chinatown station on the Red Line.
Metra Electric train stops at 18th St and at McCormick Place provide transit to Millennium Park to the north and the University of Chicago and suburbs to the south.
The location doesn’t have the same near-instant taxi service that you’ll find at other South Loop apartment buildings. Zipcar car-sharing locations are nearby.
The location has good access to Lake Shore Drive and to the city’s expressway grid via the nearby Stevenson Expressway (I-55).
The competition
Rentals are typically available in a number of nearby condo buildings, sometimes at lower rents than in the managed apartment buildings.
You’ll find additional options at YoChicago’s comprehensive South Loop apartment guide.