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451 Wrightwood is a 14-story, 172-unit vintage high-rise at 451 W Wrightwood Ave in Lincoln Park.
The building was completed in 1928 as the Park Royale apartments. It was known for years as Wrightwood Court, from the interior courtyard shared with its sister building at 443 Wrightwood.
Both buildings were designed by architect Raymond Gregori in a medley of architectural styles, with eye-catching exteriors and impressive, richly detailed lobbies.
451 Wrightwood’s architecture has been called Moorish Revival, but its elements are far more eclectic than can be characterized by a single style.
The apartments
451 Wrightwood has a variety of studio, 1- and 2-bedroom, 1- and 2-bath floor plans. Floor plans are accessible online.
Apartments have wood-look flooring. Vintage touches include arches and crown moldings.
Kitchens have been updated with newer maple cabinets, gas ranges, dishwashers and built-in microwaves.
Closet space is generally good and some of the layouts have large walk-ins. Storage lockers are also available. All of the apartments, except for lower floors facing east, have a generous amount of natural light from multiple windows.
The apartments have updated baths. Window air-conditioners are included – a feature you can’t take for granted in vintage buildings.
Views. The building’s lower floors have limited view corridors in most directions. East-facing units look into the small courtyard between 443 and 451 Wrightwood.
Higher-floor apartments can have views to the southwest, and expansive views to the north.
Amenities, services, policies
Like most vintage buildings, 451 Wrightwood has a limited common-area amenities package.
The building has a fitness room and a laundry room.
Residents of 451 Wrightwood have access to a large rooftop sundeck at its sister building, 443 Wrightwood.
451 Wrightwood has on-site management next door, door staff and a receiving room for packages. Bicycle storage is available. Cats are welcome; dogs aren’t.
The building has no on-site parking, and parking in the area is scarce.
The location
451 Wrightwood is on a quiet residential street near the border of the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods. It’s an attractive, convenient location, close to the park and a wide selection of bars, restaurants and neighborhood shops.
Shopping. 451 Wrightwood has good proximity to grocery shopping.
There is a 7-Eleven a block north of the building.
Trader Joe’s on Diversey and Walmart Neighborhood Market on Broadway are a few short blocks from the building. The Walmart has a pharmacy and there’s also a Walgreens at Clark and Diversey.
Anyone setting up housekeeping for the first time will appreciate having Affordable Portables and Bed Bath & Beyond a short walk away.
Dining, nightlife, entertainment.
There’s a good selection of bars and restaurants along Clark, Broadway and Diversey, and nearby in the park.
Dunlay’s, The Edge and The Wiener’s Circle are a few of the many venues in a blocks-long strip along Clark St, two short blocks west of 451 Wrightwood.
Duffy’s Tavern, Pars Cove and Miss Asia are just a few of the venues you’ll find clustered along Diversey, a block north of 451 Wrightwood. The popular Yolk opened recently. Expect a wait for breakfast on weekends.
Chipotle, Starbucks, Potbelly and Panera are also on Diversey, just north of 451 Wrightwood.
Grill in the Park is a little-noticed spot to grab a quick bite when the weather’s good. The North Pond is a highly-rated restaurant in a tranquil, beautiful setting.
Century Centre Cinema is just north of Diversey on Clark St.
Parks, recreation.
Lincoln Park has too many attractions to list.
The Zoo, the Conservatory and its gardens, the landmark Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and other Lincoln Park draws are all within a half-dozen blocks of the building.
Active recreation opportunities are abundant, some of them unexpected. Fly fishing lessons, for example, are available at nearby North Pond in the park and the golf driving range at Diversey is open year-round. There are clay tennis courts and miniature golf adjacent to the driving range.
With a little bit of luck you might strike up a friendship with someone who has a boat in nearby Diversey Harbor.
The park also offers endless opportunities for quiet relaxation.
Transportation. 451 Wrightwood’s access to public transportation is good, but not great.
The #151 bus, a block east, is one of several routes that connect to the Loop via stops in the park east of 451 Wrightwood. The #22 Clark and #36 Broadway buses are two short blocks west, and also connect to the Loop.
The nearest CTA train stop, at Diversey, is nearly a 15-minute walk from 451 Wrightwood.
Taxi service is nearly always available near the building. Several Zipcar car-sharing locations are nearby.
Access to I-90/94 and the city’s expressway grid is inconvenient, and can be a source of major misery during peak hours.
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 Lincoln Park apartment guide.
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