The Top New Apartment Buildings in Chicago to See in 2026

Chicago’s apartment market continues to evolve, and 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for new residential options across the city. From historic office-to-residential conversions in the Loop to modern luxury living in River North and Fulton Market, these upcoming developments reflect how Chicago is reimagining downtown living.

Whether you’re drawn to adaptive reuse, skyline views, or neighborhood-driven amenities, these are the top new apartment buildings in Chicago to watch in 2026.

111 Point — River North

Rising at 111 W Illinois Street, 111 Point brings new residential energy to the heart of River North through a thoughtful office-to-multifamily conversion. Formerly the Salesforce Midwest headquarters, the building is being transformed into 153 apartments spanning floors 5–10, offering a mix of studios, junior one-bedrooms, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. The building introduces modern layouts designed for urban Chicago living while taking advantage of the existing structure’s footprint and character.

Amenities at 111 Point are designed to support both wellness and flexibility. Residents will have access to a fitness center, resident lounge, and coworking spaces, along with a spa-inspired sauna and hot tub. Outdoor amenities include a terrace with exterior kitchens and fire pits, creating space to entertain and unwind above the city. The building is also pet-friendly, complete with an on-site pet spa.

Location is a defining feature of 111 Point. Situated in River North, residents will be steps from some of Chicago’s best dining, nightlife, galleries, and shopping, with easy access to the Magnificent Mile and downtown employment hubs. Multiple CTA lines and bus routes are nearby, making commuting seamless. While there is no on-site parking, nearby garages and long-term options through SpotHero support car-optional living in one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods.

Launch & Timeline: Leasing launches later this spring, with first move-ins expected in May 2026.

79 W Monroe — The Loop

79 W Monroe represents a milestone for Chicago development as the city’s first office-to-residential conversion of its kind. Led by Lagfin in partnership with Chicago-based R2 Companies, the project will add 117 new apartments to the Loop, further expanding the pipeline of new apartment buildings in Chicago while preserving the building’s historic architecture. The residential offering will primarily consist of studios and one-bedroom layouts, with a limited number of two-bedroom homes, designed for downtown professionals and renters seeking a central address.

Planned amenities reflect modern urban priorities while respecting the building’s historic framework. Residents will enjoy a rooftop deck with city views, a resident lounge, fitness room, dog run, and bike storage. The renovation also includes façade repairs and new exterior lighting, modernizing the building’s presence while maintaining its architectural integrity.

Located in the core of the Loop, 79 W Monroe offers unmatched access to Chicago’s transit network, including multiple CTA train lines and Metra stations. The surrounding area is home to major employers, theaters, restaurants, and cultural institutions, making it ideal for renters who want to live at the center of it all. The ground-floor Walgreens will remain, and Intrinsic Charter High School will continue occupying the lower floors, preserving the building’s mixed-use role in the neighborhood.

Launch & Timeline: Construction is underway, with leasing anticipated in 2026 and move-ins to follow as delivery approaches.

Wacker Place — The Loop

Wacker Place reintroduces residential living to one of downtown Chicago’s most architecturally iconic corridors. Located along the Chicago River at 65 E Wacker Place, the development adapts a historic art-deco office tower into a modern apartment community. The building will offer a collection of thoughtfully designed residences, emphasizing timeless architecture paired with contemporary interiors.

Amenities at Wacker Place are curated to complement its downtown setting. Residents can expect lifestyle-focused shared spaces designed for relaxation, productivity, and social connection, while honoring the building’s historic character. The project building preservation with modernization, delivering a residential experience that feels distinctly Chicago.

Its location along Wacker Drive places residents at the intersection of riverfront living and Loop convenience. With immediate access to transit, riverwalk paths, dining, and the city’s business district, Wacker Place appeals to renters who value connectivity and classic downtown surroundings. The riverfront setting adds a unique sense of openness rarely found in Loop living.

Launch & Timeline: Leasing is expected to begin in 2026, with initial occupancy anticipated later in the year.

Stead 220 — Fulton Market

Rising 29 stories in the heart of Fulton Market, Stead 220 introduces a striking new residential tower to one of Chicago’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. The building will deliver 308 apartments, offering a range of modern layouts designed to capture light, views, and flexible living. Ground-floor retail will activate the street level, further integrating the development into the surrounding neighborhood.

Amenities at Stead 220 are designed to reflect Fulton Market’s live-work-play lifestyle. Residents will enjoy elevated common spaces tailored to entertaining, fitness, and everyday convenience, with thoughtful design details throughout. The building’s scale allows for expansive amenity offerings that match the neighborhood’s energy and growth.

Fulton Market continues to be one of Chicago’s most desirable areas, known for its restaurant scene, nightlife, tech offices, and proximity to the West Loop. Situated at 220 N Ada St, Stead 220 places residents steps from award-winning dining, major employers, and transit, while still offering a residential retreat above the street-level buzz.

Launch & Timeline: Now leasing!

Why 2026 Is a Standout Year for New Chicago Apartment Buildings

From River North to the Loop and Fulton Market, these developments highlight how Chicago is redefining urban living through adaptive reuse, thoughtful design, and neighborhood-driven amenities. Each building offers a distinct take on modern city life, giving renters more choice across Chicago’s most sought-after locations.

Connect with our team to stay up to date on leasing timelines, floor plans, and availability as these new apartment buildings in Chicago prepare to launch in 2026. The Luxury Living team can also take you on a tour of these upcoming properties – and others throughout Chicago – to help you find the perfect fit when you’re ready to make your move.