That’s a Chicago Transit Authority subway car sitting atop the second-floor amenity deck of the “L” apartments in the city’s Logan Square neighborhood. The six-story complex, designed by Brininstool + Lynch Architects, is two blocks from the CTA’s Blue Line, which can get you to the Loop or O’Hare International in 25-30 minutes.
Developer Property Markets Group wanted “a hub that would pull people together,” says Brian Koles, PMG’s Director of Residential Experience. The CTA car sits in a shallow pool in the 1,200-sf amenity deck, which sports a dog run, barbecue pit, lounge chairs, and space for yoga, mixology classes, and—coming soon!—a bocce tournament. “When the weather warms up, the deck is slammed” with singles, families, and extremely well-behaved canines, says Koles.
L opened a year ago and leased up in four months. In addition to the 110 one- and two-bedroom units, 10 three-bed units are devoted to co-living (average bedroom rental: $1,110/month), making it the largest such space in Chicago. Koles says L’s co-livers are older, make more money, and have better credit scores than other L renters.
The decommissioned CTA car was retrofitted by Chicago Salvage Works. ARCO/Murray Construction Company did the installation.
Catch the video at: vimeo.com/207575664.
Related Stories
| Mar 15, 2013
7 most endangered buildings in Chicago
The Chicago Preservation Society released its annual list of the buildings at high risk for demolition.
| Mar 14, 2013
25 cities with the most Energy Star certified buildings
Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Chicago top EPA's list of the U.S. cities with the greatest number of Energy Star certified buildings in 2012.
Building Enclosure Systems | Mar 13, 2013
5 novel architectural applications for metal mesh screen systems
From folding façades to colorful LED displays, these fantastical projects show off the architectural possibilities of wire mesh and perforated metal panel technology.
| Mar 6, 2013
Dual towers designed by SHoP create new affordable housing in NYC
With the construction of Hunters Point South, New York City will get its first large new housing development for middle-class families in more than 30 years. Related Companies is partnering with the nonprofit Phipps Houses in the project, designed by SHoP Architects with Ismael Leyva Architects.
| Mar 6, 2013
German demonstration building features algae-powered façade
Exterior of carbon-neutral demonstration building consists of hollow glass panels containing micro-algae "farms."
| Mar 4, 2013
Gehry unveils design for Santa Monica hotel-condo tower
If all goes as planned, Frank Gehry will design the first building in his hometown in some 25 years.
| Mar 3, 2013
Hines acquires Archstone's interest in $700 million CityCenterDC project
The Washington D.C. office of Hines, the international real estate firm, announced the acquisition of the ownership interest of their partner, Archstone, in the mixed-use CityCenterDC project that is currently under construction in downtown Washington, D.C.
| Mar 1, 2013
China mega developer enters U.S. market
China Vanke Co., Ltd., is making its debut in the U.S. property market with a joint venture high-rise condominium project at 201 Folsom St. in San Francisco, according to CoStar's Randyl Drummer.
| Feb 28, 2013
Novel multifamily solutions to be presented at New York Modular Construction Summit
The New York Modular Construction Summit will be co-hosted by the Modular Building Institute and Pratt Institute School of Architecture on May 16, 2013, in Brooklyn, N.Y.
| Feb 28, 2013
Lend Lease builds world's tallest timber apartment building
Construction giant Lend Lease recently put the finishing touches on Forté, a 10-story apartment complex in Melbourne, Australia's Victoria Harbour that was built entirely with cross laminated timber (CTL) technology.