River North

What’s Best About Living In River North?

In a city renowned for its architecture, River North real estate does not disappoint. The area boasts many of Chicago’s iconic landmarks.

If height is your thing, Trump Tower holds the neighborhood’s title, though it falls just short of the Willis Tower’s (Sears Tower, for the old school among you) distinction as second-tallest in the country. However, what the Trump lacks in size is made up for in stature by heavyweights like the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Holy Name Cathedral.

The Iconic Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower

The Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building holds the unique honor of being the founding member of River North.

When they broke ground in 1920, there were no other major office buildings and the Michigan Avenue bridge was still under construction. The land was personally selected by William Wrigley Jr. to serve as his company’s headquarters. And it was designed by famous architecture firm Graham, Anderson, Probst, & White.

Fun trivia fact: the Wrigley Building was Chicago’s first air conditioned office building.

This Wrigley tradition of being would echo for years and include Wrigley Chewing Gum’s place in history as the first item scanned via UPC barcode in 1974.

Holy Name Cathedral

Likewise, Holy Name Cathedral is a place steeped in history and lore.

The seat of the Archdiocese of Chicago (among the largest Roman Catholic dioceses) opens its doors to all and ensures those living in the River North have a quiet place to reflect. Though the parish was founded in 1843, it was dedicated 1875 following the loss of the Cathedral of Saint Mary in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Ironically, Holy Name was almost lost to fire as well in February of 2009 when a fire broke out in its attic just before sunrise. Holy Name stands today because of the actions of a few brave Chicago Firefighters who broke protocol and entered the blazing attic without their helmets or oxygen tanks. By all accounts, their actions saved this icon of River North.

On the cusp between River North and the Gold Coast is Chicago’s famed Holy Name Cathedral.

Designer Buildings & Iconic Architecture

Of course, living in River North didn’t always equate to living in high-rise River North apartments for sale. It wasn’t always designer buildings and iconic architecture.

At the turn of the 20th Century, River North was previously known as Smokey Hollow after its dubious distinction as an industrial and transportation hub.

Marked by factories and forges, and scarred by train yards and rail ways, Smokey Hollow’s role connecting Chicago’s ports to the surrounding areas would make it so the smog was so thick it would often blot out the sun.

In lieu of the homes and shops those living in River North see today, a visitor to Smokey Hollow would’ve seen massive coal bins sprawling across the area.

Even the world famous Merchandise Mart has ignominious roots as a giant storage warehouse, its long unused railroad tracks slumbering beneath its footprint.

Elegant Style & Modern Convenience

Modern residents living in River North may find it difficult to visualize their home as the setting of some dystopian fiction. Today a signature characteristic of River North apartments for sale is a meshing of elegant style with modern convenience.

For example, The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is one of the few places remaining where you can enter to view firsthand the magnificence of the Gilded Age of River North. Housed in the restored mansion of wealthy 1883 banker Samuel Nickerson, the museum highlights the prevailing design of the age replete with marble, onyx, exotic wood, glazed tile, and stained glass. On top of the architecture and design, the museum is the permanent home of art work from the private Driehaus Collection of Fine and Decorative Arts.

Art On The Mart

Speaking of art, River North remains the ultimate Chicago neighborhood for artists, art collectors and generally anything artistic. And Art on theMART exemplifies this fact.

Art on theMART is the next-generation media extravaganza unlike anything else in the world. It builds on Chicago’s wonderful public art and culture legacy and is basically a real joy to observe. And yes, its yet another reason Chicago ranks as a world-class city and a wonderful place to live.

Ok now that you know we like it, what is it? Well, basically Art on theMART is a whole bunch of high-tech projectors beaming amazing artistic imagery onto the massive facade of the Chicago Merchandise Mart. It’s totally mesmerizing and a site like no other. Few other neighborhoods anywhere can boast such a dramatic display of creativity. And if you live in River North, it can enjoy this on the walk over to your favorite restaurant.

Foodie Central

This being Chicago, one would be forgiven for thinking living in River North means eating steak for most meals, most days.

While its true River North has its share of delicious steakhouses, such as Bavette’s and David Burke’s, there are many more equally tempting choices for foodies of all palettes.

The Boarding House offers unique, beautifully-executed fare like duck breast in black garlic sauce, cooked octopus tentacles, and even house-made pasta. For for a more casual, quirky feel, there’s the Bohemian House. From its back bar made entirely from wooden tables, to its impressive collection of grandma china, this Czech gem welcomes patrons with such delectable treats as chicken paprikas, pickled sweet peppers, and beef cheek pirogues.

Nightcap Anyone?

Got a full belly but not ready to call it a night yet? River North has its share of bars certain to cap your evening off right.

For those looking for scene with a view, look no further than Drumbar. This 18th-floor bar inside the Raffaello Hotel divides into uniquely impressive indoor/outdoor spaces and boasts pop-culture themed cocktails like the Stranger Things and the Orange is the New Black. Hmm, why not look at River North apartments for sale near your favorite bars and restaurants?

Afraid Of Heights?

Stick to ground level and check out the Berkshire Room. This old-world callback features a gorgeous main bar area that spiders off into side rooms that include barrel-staves paneling and whiskey lockers for those exceptionally rare spirits.

Equally tasteful and classic is the nearby bar, The Drifter. While many places claim the title “speakeasy”, The Drifter actually was one. Located in the basement of the Green Door Tavern, you can still spot the secret door amidst the virtually untouched classic decor adorning its walls.

Helpful Information About River North Real Estate

Bordered by the Chicago River on its west and south sides, River North real estate is synonymous with technology and progress.

The neighborhood contains one of the largest concentrations of corporate headquarters in the city, with giants such as Groupon, Twitter, Motorola calling it home. River North includes two zip codes: 60611 and 60654.

If you’re looking for a knowledgeable River North real estate broker, talk with us. We know the neighborhood well and will help you find and negotiate the purchase or rental of the River North condo or loft that best meets your needs.

After over a dozen years helping our River North condo and loft buyers, sellers and renters, we’ve earned some wonderful reviews and we’re ready to help you.