Metropolitan Tower Chicago

One of the best things about the revitalizing of Chicago’s South Loop district is the fact that many of the area’s landmark buildings are getting a second chance at returning to their former glories. The Metropolitan Tower is one such structure and is leaving it’s office building past behind for a new life filled with upscale condos. The location was built in 1924 and was originally known as the Straus Building. Its opulence was designed to reflect its financial prominence, and was an immediate hit with Chicagoans of the day. The building was later sold and became known as the CNA Building and was once the headquarters of Encyclopedia Britannica. Located at 310 S. Michigan Avenue, the 30-floor structure is being converted to house approximately 250 residences that will range from 1200 to over 4000 square feet.

A model of the kitchen

Floor plans available at the Metropolitan Tower fall into the categories of Buckingham Townhomes, Burnham Residences, Avenue Residences, and Millennium Penthouses. The different styles give potential homebuyers many options to choose from and should allow many types of shoppers to find a home here. There are entry-level one-bed and one-bath units that will appeal to first-time buyers and the homes climb steadily up the luxury ladder from there, culminating in 4000 square foot penthouses that feature circular views of the lake and city and are served by private elevators. All units here feature the kind of amenities one would expect in a downtown building. There are 9- to 11-foot ceilings (per plan), large closets, hardwood floors, in-unit washers and dryers, and owner-controlled heating and air conditioning. Kitchens have granite counters, wood floors, 42” cabinets, GE stainless steel appliances, and built-in microwaves. The building proper features a 24-hour doorman, state-of-the-art fitness center, an event room for parties and meetings, a sun deck, and on-floor storage lockers. The best feature of the Metropolitan Tower, however, is the location itself. Residents will live in the heart of the Michigan Avenue Historic District and will be steps away from Chicago’s greatest cultural institutions, including Symphony Center, the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and the Auditorium Theater. The shopping and dining of North Michigan Avenue is a short cab ride from the front entrance, and the unbeatable views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan will never be obstructed. Other neighborhood attractions are Navy Pier, the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, and the Harold Washington Library.

The Metropolitan Tower is being developed by Metropolitan Properties of Chicago. The firm’s mission is to preserve the grandeur of historic city properties while adapting them to the needs of today’s city dwellers. Headed up by Louis D. D’Angelo, Metropolitan is known as a visionary company and has been involved in projects like the reuse of the McCormick Building and the University Center of Chicago. The company also manages over one million square feet of downtown space. Metropolitan will begin delivering homes during 2007 and buyers are urged to move quickly to best obtain their desired spot in the building.

Mike O'Cull

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