Wacker Place Begins Pre-Leasing for 252 Luxury Apartments in Downtown Chicago

CHICAGO — One of downtown Chicago’s most notable office-to-residential conversions is getting closer to welcoming residents. Wacker Place, the historic tower at 65 E. Wacker, has officially begun pre-leasing as the building prepares to reopen as 252 luxury apartments.

Originally built in 1928 as the Millinery Mart Building, the 25-story Art Deco tower sits near E. Wacker Place and N. Garland Court, placing future residents steps from the Chicago Riverwalk, The Loop, Michigan Avenue, and some of downtown’s best dining, transit, and cultural destinations.

A Historic Tower Reimagined for Modern Living

The Wacker Place conversion is turning a former office building into a residential address designed for today’s downtown renter.

The renovation will preserve the building’s historic character while introducing modern residences and amenity spaces. Exterior restoration includes work on the building’s historic façade, terra cotta ornamentation, tuckpointing, and other repairs meant to honor the tower’s original architectural details.

Inside, apartments will occupy floors 4 through 24, with a unit mix that includes:

105 studios
105 one-bedroom apartments
42 two-bedroom apartments
51 affordable units

The apartments are being designed with hybrid living in mind, including layouts that support in-unit workspace needs.

Amenities Focused on Downtown Lifestyle

Wacker Place will also include a new amenity package built around work, wellness, and skyline views.

Planned amenities include a third-floor coworking and fireside lounge, a fitness center, and an indoor-outdoor rooftop deck on the 25th floor with sweeping views of the skyline and river.

The building will also feature a reimagined lobby and upgraded resident services, while Morton’s The Steakhouse will remain at the base of the property.

Why This Matters for Downtown Chicago

Wacker Place is part of a larger shift happening across downtown Chicago as older office buildings are being reimagined for residential use.

With office demand changing, conversions like this can help bring more full-time residents into the heart of the city. That can support restaurants, retail, nightlife, public transit, and a stronger downtown environment outside the traditional 9-to-5 workday.

For buyers and renters watching The Loop, this project is also a signal that downtown living continues to evolve. More residential options near the river, theaters, restaurants, parks, and transit can make the area feel more complete as a true live-work-play neighborhood.

When Will Residents Move In?

Wacker Place is expected to welcome its first residents in August 2026.

Pre-leasing is now underway, giving renters an early opportunity to secure a home in one of Chicago’s most visible historic adaptive-reuse projects.

Looking to Live Near the Chicago Riverwalk and The Loop?

Browse available condos and homes near The Loop, River North, Streeterville, and the Chicago Riverwalk, or connect with the Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for expert guidance on downtown Chicago buildings, riverfront living, and neighborhoods shaped by major residential conversions.

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Ranked among the top 1% of real estate teams in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group are experts in helping buyers and sellers navigate today’s market across Downtown Chicago, the North Shore, and the Western Suburbs. Recognized for their neighborhood expertise in areas such as University Village, University Commons, South Loop, and Pilsen, the team helps clients stay one step ahead by understanding where the Chicago market is headed next.