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Aspire is a 24-story, 275-unit tower with an 88-space resident-only parking garage. Aspire welcomed its first residents in 2020.
Chicago-based Draper & Kramer was the developer. The architecture firm for the project was Solomon Cordwell Buenz and Power Construction was the general contractor.
The apartments
Aspire offers a variety of one- to 3-bedroom, two-bath floor plans ranging in size from 529 to 1,411 square feet. Floor plans and near real-time rent and availability information can be accessed online.
The apartments have open layouts, wide-plank flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed concrete ceilings.
Kitchens have stone counter tops and a stainless-steel appliance package with dishwashers, electric ranges and built-in microwaves.
A number of the floor plans have large baths with dual-bowl vanities and separate tubs and stall showers. All of the apartments have in-unit washer / dryers.
Views. Aspire has nearly-unobstructed views in every direction.
Amenities, services, policies
Aspire is a full-amenity building.
Aspire has a landscaped terrace with a sun deck, cabanas, grilling stations, swimming pool, lounge seating and city views. There’s a dog park on the north end of the terrace.
The fourth-floor amenity suite has a pub lounge and adjacent game room with a sports simulator.
Aspire has a well-equipped fitness center and yoga studio.
Aspire has work areas for telecommuting.
Aspire has on-site leasing and management staff and 24/7 door staff. Aspire is a smoke-free building.
Aspire is pet-friendly, subject to limits, and has a private dog run. The building has an on-site parking garage.
The location
Aspire is near the southern boundary of the South Loop neighborhood.
The location has good 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 Mariano’s, six-tenths of a mile north and west of Aspire. South Loop Market, a short walk east, 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 Aspire. 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.
Aspire 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 Aspire 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, a short walk from Aspire. Venues include Big Mike’s and Reggies.
Chinatown’s dining scene is a half-mile west of Aspire. 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 Aspire.
Chicago Women’s Park, two blocks north of Aspire, 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 Aspire.
Ping Tom Memorial Park, a few blocks north and west of Aspire, 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 Aspire’s location is excellent.
A new Green Line station is located on Cermak Rd, a half-block from Aspire. The nearest stop on the Red Line is the Chinatown station.
CTA bus routes criss-cross the area, with stops near the building.
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.
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.