Even a few years out, we all still feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another. Many people who transitioned into a “work-from-home,” or WFH, situation stayed remote for the longterm, especially after learning how much better their work-life balance could be without the commute. As a result, renters are spending much more time in their apartments than before the pandemic.
However, for people living in studios or 1-bedroom units, it can be tough to find room for a home office. Luckily, you don’t need to sacrifice your efficiency in a space not meant for work. You can achieve your peak productivity by moving to a complex that provides amazing apartment co-working spaces in Chicago for all of your WFH needs.
We researched and selected the best luxury apartment co-working spaces in Chicago, so you can work, live, and play in one convenient location! Your surroundings won’t impede your professional energy when you find yourself at home in one of these meccas of multi-use amenities.
If you’re looking for your new home (and office!), reach out to AptAmigo’s Chicago apartment locators. With our expert local knowledge, you’ll receive all of the information you need to make a confident decision when choosing your next home. Heading to Austin instead? Check out our guide to moving from Chicago to Austin.
Also Read: AptAmigo Picks the Best New Apartment Buildings in Chicago
Top Apartment Co-working Spaces in Chicago
NEMA
Neighborhood: South Loop
Soaring above the other high-rises in the South Loop neighborhood, NEMA is the tallest and grandest apartment building in Chicago. With 800 apartments designed to provide both breathtaking views and the most up-to-date technology, their luxurious WFH situation remains highly coveted.
Why we love WFH here:
Perhaps you ended up in a WFH situation at a moment’s notice, or maybe you developed a more streamlined set-up over time. Either way, access to certain necessities will lead to a more productive workday. With a fully stocked kitchenette, cold brew, and a Stockwell snack bar, NEMA will always provide exactly what you need to start your day off right.
Out of all of the great apartment co-working spaces in Chicago, you can’t beat this building’s work stations. The technological innovations and the stylish professionalism that NEMA’s conference rooms provide are next-level. We love that this space enables screen-sharing capabilities in all nine conference rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stunning views of Grant Park. The only thing you will ever have to settle on is which comfortable furniture piece you choose as the ideal spot to finish your day’s work.
Relax here after work:
NEMA is the best building for someone looking to make the office and home only an elevator ride apart. But, it is also so much more than that. Once the workday ends, NEMA offers an extensive list of amenities outside their workplace set-up that allow you to unwind and relax.
It boasts a 10,000-square-foot resort-style pool deck, loaded with lounge chairs, daybeds, a sunning pool, lap pool, and sauna. You can host a private party in one of their entertaining areas, equipped with refrigerators, ice makers, barbecue grills, and flat-screen TVs.
In your free time between working and relaxing, there’s no better way to unwind than hitting the gym, especially when you gain access to NEMA’s amazing fitness center. With Peloton bikes, Woodway treadmills, cutting-edge strength training & cardio equipment, a basketball court, and a boxing ring, you’ll never run out of new workouts to keep your routine interesting.
Additionally, check out NEMA’s sports bar, The Station, named after the railroad terminal that once stood where NEMA now looms tall. Always playing hometown sports games and serving cold brews, The Station offers old-school arcade games and an outdoor terrace with stunning views of South Loop.
Or, if you feel like venturing off into the city, there are several local favorites located right down the block. One of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Restaurants, The Purple Pig, showcases a fourth-generation restaurateur’s love for the flavors of Greece, Italy, and Spain. Over on S. Wabash, Flo & Santos is a prime example of Chicago’s melting pot culture. Part Polish-American restaurant, part pizzeria, you can swing through Flo & Santos for a thin crust pie or some freshly made pierogies. If you prefer a trendy cocktail with a view, check out Cindy’s, one of Chicago’s best rooftop bars.
Price:
For the quality and design that goes into NEMA’s apartments, the price of a one-bedroom unit will run between $2,100 – $2,800, depending on the square footage. However, included in this price is the extensive amenity list that makes this building so spectacular.
Search all available units at NEMA here.
The Mason
Neighborhood: West Loop
The Mason offers one of the best options for work and play in this trendy, thriving neighborhood. With new construction constantly underway in West Loop, you’ll work from home at the epicenter of one of the hottest areas in Chicago.
Why we love WFH here:
Named for the West Loop’s masonic craftsmanship, The Mason is nestled in the center of the historic district. Working from their gorgeous co-working spaces, you’ll feel motivated to crank out that daily to do list in no time.
You can start your day on a strong note at their unlimited coffee bar, then, simply decide where you want to set up for the day’s work. From the dedicated “flex working” rooms intended for solo grinders, to conference rooms with screen sharing capabilities, all of the common areas offer free premium wi-fi for residents to use.
Relax here after work:
Once you finish hustling the day away, it’s time to relax. There’s no better way to unwind than in a cabana by their resort-style pool, in an on-demand yoga class, or on the bocce court. Or, if you’re more of a sunbathing with a book type of person, they built a relaxing sun deck to recline on. You can also go up to their rooftop Sky Lounge, featuring a bar and game room, to catch stunning skyline views.
After you build up an appetite, head down to the renowned “Restaurant Row” in Fulton Market, located right outside your doorstep. Some of our favorites include Beatrix, The Publican, and Duck Duck Goat.
Price:
For a trendy living situation with the tools for productivity and creativity that The Mason provides, you can expect to pay between $2,300 – $2,600 for a one-bedroom unit.
Search all available units at The Mason here.
727 West Madison
Neighborhood: West Loop
If you love the West Loop neighborhood, but find yourself drawn to the new and innovative, look no further than 727 West Madison. With a unique cylindrical shape, this apartment complex boasts a glazed glass exterior that shines like a beacon over the neighborhood.
Taking advantage of its gorgeous views of Greektown, you can work from home alongside the breathtaking sights of these historic neighborhoods. You truly get the best of both worlds living here.
Why we love WFH here:
727 West Madison is the ideal place for those who want to work from home, but not in their home. Their co-working spaces offer conference rooms with presentation screens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Should any technical issues arise, 727 West Madison has an AT&T retail store on-site with any tools you might need. For anyone looking to do some extra research or take a quick reading break, they also have a quiet library in the building.
Relax here after work:
Feel free to unwind after a long day at work by using this building’s luxurious amenities. Enjoy the popular poolside cabanas, indoor yoga studio, and fitness center that many residents rave about. They also installed West Loop’s only indoor golf simulator that allows you to relax “on the green” any time of the year.
Living at the gateway between West Loop and Greektown come with its benefits — you can swing through the hip restaurants on Randolph, like the Girl & the Goat, or you can take a walk down the block to Greek Islands, one of Greektown’s shining jewels.
Price:
Living at 727 West Madison, you’ll get cutting-edge architecture and technology without losing out on the decadence of historic Chicago. With one-bedroom units typically ranging between $2,500 – $3,200, this apartment complex offers so much more than just a place to sleep at night.
Search all available units at 727 West Madison here.
The Paragon
Neighborhood: South Loop
Similar to NEMA, our number one pick for co-working spaces, this apartment complex also stands in the South Loop neighborhood. Designed and built in true contemporary fashion, The Paragon gives you the perfect WFH spaces without sacrificing style.
Why we love WFH here:
With stunning conference rooms, open workspaces for collaboration, and privacy booths, you will always find the perfect spot to hustle here. If you find yourself gazing out of their floor-to-ceiling windows, which overlook the gorgeous skyline, a bit too frequently, grab some caffeine from their coffee bar to help you stay focused.
As always, high-speed internet will keep you on track to achieve your professional goals. Plus, with co-working spaces that seat up to 60, if there was ever a space to work together while working from home, it’s here. Their website even boasts that their WFH amenities can “jumpstart any business from a startup to a Fortune 500.” Considering possibilities like that, why wouldn’t you want to live at The Paragon?
Relax here after work:
Once the workday is done, you can sweat it out in their state-of-the-art gym, or catch amazing views of the Chicago skyline from their rooftop Sky Lounge.
While they do provide great dining options on-site, this location is unbeatable for foodies looking to expand their current restaurant list. If you feel adventurous, you can take a walk down the block to Yolk for a phenomenal breakfast or Tapas Valencia for a delicious Spanish-style dinner.
Price:
Coming in on the lower end of the price range, but with all the luxury you could ask for, The Paragon’s one-bedrooms are a steal at $2,200 – $2,400.
Search all available units at The Paragon here.
Union West
Neighborhood: West Loop
The West Loop’s recent burst of activity and innovation makes this neighborhood a no-brainer for fantastic co-working spaces like Union West. With only 358 units, this exclusive apartment complex offers a more intimate environment for its tenants. One of our favorite features of Union West is the historic masonry and brickwork that the architects added into the design of this building to pay homage to the West Loop’s industrial beginnings.
Why we love WFH here:
Working from home at Union West feels like just that, home. The communal tables and televisions, co-working spaces intertwined with lounge seating, and computers and printers for resident use, will transform you into your most productive self. If you’re working on a deadline or focus better alone, private workspaces are available too. All this space dedicated to collaboration will make it easy to brainstorm and finalize projects all from the comfort of your new apartment building.
Relax here after work:
After a long day of working, you can meet fellow residents poolside at a private cabana, on the rooftop terrace, or around an outdoor fire pit. Union West prioritizes creating a cohesive sense of community and incorporating all of the services you need in-house. They even have a bike repair shop, so you won’t need to look any further than your front door for anything.
Price:
With one-bedroom units typically ranging from $2,400 – $2,600, the ability to feel at home in this collaborative space is priced just right.
Search all available units at Union West here.
Hubbard221
Neighborhood: River North
While a lot of the happening co-working spaces on this list are located a little further south, River North presents a great opportunity for WFH complexes. Known as a more established neighborhood, this area conveys a sense of prestige and professionalism unlike any other. If you want that kind of environment in a WFH situation, then definitely check out Hubbard221.
Why we love WFH here:
The opportunity to meet and mingle with other career-minded individuals significantly increases at Hubbard221 because their dedicated co-working spaces allow residents to create and innovate all without leaving their homes. Get work done efficiently with high-speed Wi-Fi and lounge areas that provide comfort and style for your refined taste. Take it from Hubbard221’s website: “You can work, play, and entertain without ever leaving home.”
Relax here after work:
After all your daily work goals have been met, you deserve a place to unwind, and this amenity-rich apartment complex allows you to do just that. A sprawling sun deck, poolside cabanas, and a 21st-floor rooftop terrace give you plenty of options when choosing the perfect spot to get cozy in the evening.
Or, if you’re in the mood to entertain, you can create the perfect dinner in their chef-grade kitchen. For a truly effortless evening, order out from Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza joint, Lou Malnati’s, located right down the block from your new home.
Price:
You can expect to pay around $2,500 – $2,900 for a one-bedroom unit at Hubbard221, but for the high-quality co-working space, we know it’s worth the price.
Search all available units at Hubbard221 here.
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How to Find Apartment Co-Working Spaces in Chicago
Now that you’ve seen the best apartment co-working spaces in Chicago, you’ll never want to return to your fold-up desk again. Reach out to AptAmigo to see all your options and schedule tours of the top luxury apartments. We’ll pair you up with one of our local experts, who know the buildings like the back of their hands. Let us know your preferences, favorite neighborhood, and any other relevant information, and we’ll compile a list of buildings we know you’ll love. Pick your favorites from the list, and we will schedule tours or gather videos of the units and amenity spaces for you. We’ll be here for any questions or concerns you have during the whole process — the best part? It’s completely free.
* The original version of this article was first published on July 6, 2020.
