Penthouse Condos in Chicago for Every Budget
Starting around $400,000 and going upwards of $5 million, penthouse units and condos in Chicago are available in a wide budget range, going from top-floor homes in unique vintage buildings to the ultra-luxury condos high above the city.
In my nearly 25 years working in Chicago real estate, I’ve come across countless buyers who are interested in what many consider to be the crème de la crème of condo living: the penthouse unit.
But not all penthouses are created equal, especially in Chicago where the type of unit, price and layout can vary greatly from building to building. But some of the city’s best neighborhoods are ideal locations to find a penthouse unit, including Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Downtwn, Streeterville, Gold Coast and Bucktown. These coveted neighborhoods can have penthouse units that range anywhere from $550,000 to more than $5 million.*
THE TOP TEN LUXURY PENTHOUSES IN CHICAGO:
1. LINCOLN PARK 2550 PENTHOUSES: 2550 N LAKEVIEW AVENUE
- Pristine Views of the City
- Private Park & Luxurious Amenities
- Top Floor Penthouse Units
View Additional Properties at 2550 Lincoln Park
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about Lincoln Park 2550's Penthouses.
2. 840 N. LAKE SHORE DRIVE PENTHOUSES
- Located Directly Across Lake Shore Park
- Luxury Building Designed by Lucien Lagrange
- Top Floor Penthouse Units
View Additional Properties at 840 N. Lake Shore Drive
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about 840 North Lake Shore Drive's Penthouses.
3. ONE BENNETT PARK PENTHOUSES: 451 E. GRAND AVE
- New Construction Condo Building
- Designed by Architect Robert A.M. Stern
- Private Park, Greenhouses & Open Deck on the 44th Floor
View Additional Properties at 840 N. Lake Shore Drive
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about One Bennett Park's Penthouses.
4. TRUMP TOWER PENTHOUSES: 401 N. WABASH
- Prime Downtown Location Along the Chicago River
- Penthouse Units On Floors 86-89
- Luxurious Amenities, Fitness Center & More
View Additional Properties at Trump Tower
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about Trump Tower's Penthouses.
5. 1000M PENTHOUSES: 1000 S. MICHIGAN AVE
- New Construction Condo Building
- Designed by German Architect Helmut Jahn
- Located In Chicago's Grant Park
View Additional Properties at 1000M
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about 1000M's Penthouses.
6. THE PARK MONROE: 65 E MONROE
- Premiere Luxury Living in Downtown Chicago
- Fitness Center, Spa & Additional Amenities
- Features a Penthouse Collection of Top Floor Units
View Additional Properties at the Park Monroe
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about the Park Monroe's Penthouses.
7. THE PALMOLIVE: 159 E WALTON
- A Vintage Building Built in 1929
- Beautiful Art Deco Style from Floor to Ceiling
- Top Floor Penthouse Units
View Additional Properties at the Palmolive
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about the Palmolive's Penthouses.
8. THE PINNACLE: 21 E HURON
- Floor to Ceiling Windows Allow for Unmatched Views
- Designed by Renowned Architect Lucien Lagrange
- 8 Penthouse Units On the 45th Floor
View Additional Properties at the Pinnacle
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about the Pinnacle's Penthouses.
9. THE VISTA: 363 E. WACKER
- Designed by Architect Jeanne Gang
- Floor-to-Ceiling Windows for Panoramic Views
- Luxury Top-Floor Penthouse Units
View Additional Properties at the Vista
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about the Vista's Penthouses.
10. RENELLE ON THE RIVER: 403 N WABASH AVE
- Designed by The Belgravia Group
- Yoga Room, Fitness Center & Other Amenities
- Top Floor Penthouse Units
View Additional Properties at Renelle On the River
Contact Sheldon today for more exclusive details about the Renelle On the River's Penthouses.
Considerations for Chicago Penthouses
Typical square footage: 1,300 to 1,600 square feet
Lot size: 25 x 125 feet
A three- or four-flat building typically offer the standard penthouse, and its usually the most expensive in the building. It might come with roof rights or a private roofdeck that can be accessed throught the penthouse or a common hallway.
Wide-lot 3- or 4-FlatTypical square footage: 1,600 square feet
Typical lot size: 37.5 feet wide
A wide lot means more horizontal space. Condos—and penthouses—in these buildings feel bigger and typically have the highest resale value when compared to other types of Chicago condos. These units also often boast features like high ceilings and outdoor space.
6- to 8-FlatTypical square footage: 1,600 to 1,800 square feet
Typical lot size: 50 feet x 125 feet
The position of a building like this allows for lavish space and often a private roof deck, making it one of the most coveted condo types. Penthouses in a 6- to 8-flat might expand the entire floor of a building. The expansive horizontal space in a penthouse often equals better resale value than properties located on the lower floors of the same building.
Typical square footage: 1,600 to 1,800 square feet
Typical lot size: 50 feet x 125 feet
There are a number of things that set duplex penthouses apart from the rest: dramatically high ceilings in the living space, a small private deck instead of a roof deck, etc. These condos are usually found in a 3-flat or 6-flat but may also be in wide-lot 8-flats as well.
Mid Rise Building PenthousesIn smaller buildings, the price range for penthouse units can vary. Masonry buildings, for example, tend to be more expensive than those built with block. Higher priced penthouses usually include ceilings of 9-plus feet, high-end millwork, brand-name appliances and hardwood floors throughout.
High-Rise Penthouses in ChicagoA penthouse unit in large, high-rise buildings are everything a luxury buyer wants. Ceilings at least 9 feet tall (though I would recommend 10-feet or higher), brand-name luxury appliances, generous square footage and coveted outdoor space. This type of condo usually has higher monthly assessments due to increased services and amenities. The units here are often ideal for showcasing artwork, thanks to tall ceilings and ample wall space; they are also the best way to get a spectacular panoramic view of the lake and city, since most high-rise penthouses offer incredible views of the city below.