We define Chicago’s “near west” neighborhoods to include the West Loop, Fulton River District and River West. You’ll find all of your major apartment options in these neighborhoods on our at-a-glance list of downtown apartments.
Our goal is to help you find the apartment that best fits your needs. Renters simply have so many differing priorities – and budget constraints – that singling out an overall best building would be a pointless exercise, so we’re spotlighting the best choices on 18 different criteria.
Our first posts in this series focused on location. We spotlighted the buildings with the best views, most convenient grocery shopping, and the best access to public transit, parks, the expressway grid, the Loop, dining and nightlife and retail shopping.
We turned our attention to aspects of the buildings, starting with affordability, building amenities, boutique ambiance and pet-friendliness.
Our final group of selections focuses on the apartments, starting with finishes and features, private outdoor space, studio / convertible and one-bedroom floor plans.
We think there’s a clear winner in the 2-bedroom floor plan category: the 01 tier at the new K2 Apartments in the Fulton River District.
These corner apartments have high ceilings, span about 1,250 square feet, and have the split-bedroom layout that’s popular with roommates and people who work from home.
The layout has a well-defined dining area and a living area with two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows that serve up sweeping views of the skyline to the east and south.
The kitchen has ample cabinet and counter space and is open to the dining and living area. There’s a large balcony off the living area.
The unit has good closet space, including two closets in the master suite. The large master bath has a double bowl vanity and a separate tub and stall shower.
Photos are courtesy of Jim Tschetter.
Chime in with a comment if you disagree with our selection.
You’ll find links to our objective, visually-rich apartment reviews of near west buildings, and links to near real-time availability checks for most of the buildings, at our downtown apartments at-a-glance list, and some tips and advice at our Guide to renting in Chicago’s near west neighborhoods.
We’ve also spotlighted the best apartments in River North, Streeterville and the South Loop.
Final topic: Three-bedroom floor plan.
Note: K2 is a YoChicago advertiser.