At Optima®, we believe in creating spaces that not only captivate with their design but also bring people together. Amidst our vibrant communities, the classic game of billiards stands as a perfect blend of strategy, skill, and social interaction. Let’s delve into this fascinating world, exploring its storied history, cultural significance, and how it enhances the communal experience.

Tracing its roots back to 15th-century Europe, billiards began as an outdoor lawn game. It soon moved indoors, evolving into the table sport we know today. The introduction of the cue stick transformed the game, adding a new dimension of skill and precision. Over the centuries, billiards has been a pastime of nobility and laypeople alike, making its mark in taverns, royal courts, and now, modern community spaces.

Billiards’ journey through history is as diverse as it is long. From the aristocratic halls of Europe to the pool halls of America, the game has been a constant in social gatherings. Its ability to bridge societal gaps and bring people together for a bout of friendly competition is unparalleled.

Gameplay 

Billiards is more than just potting balls; it’s a strategic game that requires foresight, finesse, and a subtle touch. Whether it’s eight-ball or nine-ball, each variant offers a unique challenge and a different experience. Eight-ball tests players’ ability to think several shots ahead, while nine-ball is a faster-paced game that requires both precision and strategy.

Players must not only aim to pocket the balls but also position the cue ball strategically for the next shot. This interplay of offense and defense, planning and execution, makes every turn at the table a compelling exercise in tactical thinking. The game’s accessibility to players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, adds to its universal appeal.

Fostering Community and Relationships

At Optima, billiards is not just a game; it’s a cornerstone of our community-building philosophy. We create environments that encourage interaction, relaxation, and a sense of belonging. By including billiards in our community spaces, we offer a place where residents can unwind, connect, and enjoy a timeless game that has been bringing people together for centuries.

So, chalk up your cue, line up your shot, and experience the joy of billiards at Optima. It’s where every game is an opportunity to build lasting connections and create unforgettable memories.

Welcome to our latest series,  “Discover Optima’s Commercial Tenants,” where we explore the vibrant businesses that enhance the Optima® experience. From unique boutiques to essential services, our commercial tenants play a crucial role in enriching the lives of our residents. Join us as we explore these ventures, uncover their stories, and celebrate their contributions to the dynamic atmosphere of Optima communities.

Today, we’re chatting with Lily Liou, the owner of Bedazzled, a popular nail salon in Optima Signature®.

Could you tell us about Bedazzled and the services you offer?

We’re a neighborhood nail salon that caters to both men and women of all ages. We’ve been in business for almost a decade, and we’ve had the pleasure of being at Optima Signature for nearly five years.

How does being located at Optima Signature align with Bedazzled’s business values and goals?

The architecture of Optima Signature really drew us in. The sleek glass design sets our salon apart from those situated in more traditional buildings nearby, giving us great street visibility. Our previous location was just around the corner on St. Clair, but here on Grand Avenue, the foot traffic is significantly higher, and the views into the salon from the street are amazing. Moving to Optima Signature has also allowed us to significantly expand our space, hire more technicians, and add new services.

What value do you think Bedazzled brings to the Optima Signature community?

Our main offerings are convenience and personalized service. The residents appreciate the ease of accessing our salon without leaving the building, especially during the harsh Chicago winters. We’re always ready to serve them, and over the years, we’ve built wonderful relationships with many regulars in the building.

Any memorable experiences or interactions with residents or other commercial tenants here at Optima Signature?

We have regular customers who visit weekly, including one who also runs a tarot card reading business in the building. We once collaborated for a pop-up event here at Bedazzled, where she offered free readings to our clients. It’s this sense of community and mutual support that makes our experience here so unique.

And with all of our regular customers from the building, we get to know them by name and always make them feel especially at home when they are here. We also appreciate the fact that the Optima Signature residents who are regulars go out of their way to refer their friends who live in the neighborhood to our salon. This incredible loyalty means the world to us and really helps drive our growth.

How has being a tenant at Optima Signature impacted the growth and development of Bedazzled?

Being here at Optima Signature truly helps our business grow. We’re achieving our ambitious goals to grow the business every day, and would never have the same opportunities in another building. We couldn’t be happier!

At Optima®, we embrace wellness traditions that combine timeless practices with modern living. Cold plunges, with their rich historical roots and restorative benefits, perfectly embody this mission. From the ancient Roman frigidarium to the Nordic ice baths, this practice has been a staple in wellness routines for centuries. As part of our commitment to holistic health, we’ve incorporated cold plunges into our communities, offering a refreshing escape that renews both mind and body.

Ancient civilizations, from the Greeks and Romans to spiritual rituals in Hinduism and Jewish cultures, have long embraced the practice of cold water immersion. While Roman baths were renowned for their elaborate hot and cold plunge pools, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, first documented the therapeutic use of cold water. In Scandinavia, the tradition of pairing saunas with cold plunges became a cultural staple, embodying a lifestyle of balance and rejuvenation.

Today, cold plunges have evolved into a cornerstone of athletic recovery, known for reducing muscle inflammation and accelerating healing. But it’s not just athletes who benefit; anyone can experience the effects. These icy dips enhance blood circulation, bolster the immune system, and offer a mental clarity that can feel akin to hitting a reset button on your brain. The mental health benefits are particularly noteworthy – a quick plunge can significantly reduce stress and elevate mood, making it a powerful tool in our fast-paced lives.

In the modern wellness landscape, cold plunges have found their way into sports therapy, luxury spas, and personal wellness routines. They represent a commitment to holistic health, blending the wisdom of the ancients with contemporary science.

At Optima, we recognize the timeless value of these practices. Integrating cold plunges into our community spaces is more than just offering an amenity; it’s about fostering a holistic approach to health and well-being. These pools are not just spots to restore but also places where community members gather, sharing experiences and fostering connections.

Whether you’re an athlete looking for recovery, a wellness enthusiast, or someone curious about this ancient yet modern practice, the cold plunge pool at Optima awaits. It’s a small part of our commitment to creating spaces that not only inspire but also actively contribute to the well-being of our community.

At Optima®, we are passionate about fostering a vibrant community where businesses thrive alongside our residents, creating a dynamic living experience. In this installment of “Discover Optima’s Commercial Tenants,” we sat down with David Saginur, Co-founder and COO at GoodVets, to share how their presence at Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview® enhances the lives of our residents and their furry companions.

David explains, “GoodVets is a state-of-the-art animal hospital group committed to an unparalleled level of patient care and client service. We began our journey in Chicago with our first hospital at Optima Signature in Streeterville in March 2018 and added GoodVets Lakeview in Optima Lakeview in 2024. Over that time, GoodVets has expanded to 32 hospitals nationwide, but our early history with Optima reflects an amazing partnership based on shared values of quality, community, and design.

“We chose Optima Signature and Optima Lakeview because of the buildings’ standout architecture and the heavy foot traffic in the surrounding neighborhoods. The sleek, modern design of Optima buildings aligns with GoodVets’ emphasis on visual experience, which allows us to attract pet owners who seek the best care for their pets. As an animal hospital organization, we know that this synergy between our ethos and our clients’ personal values has allowed us to thrive.”

David continues, “We were also drawn to Optima as a landlord because they offer refined urban living in environments that truly embrace and celebrate pet ownership. This welcoming culture, which is a joy to see, allows us to connect with pet owners who share our values and prioritize their pet’s health and wellbeing.”

We also learn that engagement with the Optima communities is a cornerstone of GoodVets’ operations. From hosting events to offering convenient, top-tier pet care, GoodVets has become an integral part of the resident experience for pet owners in Optima Signature and Optima Lakeview. At the same time GoodVets enjoys unique opportunities to reach a diverse demographic, from young professionals to empty nesters, all of whom prioritize their pets’ wellbeing.

“Feedback from the Optima communities has been overwhelmingly positive,” David shares, “reflecting a deep appreciation for GoodVets’ services and the convenience it brings. This feedback has been instrumental in evolving our offerings to meet the wide range of needs of our Optima residents, ensuring that both pets and their owners receive the care and attention they deserve.”

What’s on the horizon? As David lays out, “At GoodVets, we envision continued growth and evolution within Optima communities. We see how strengthening the bond between pet owners and their community is such a powerful force, and are proud for GoodVets to be part of that equation.”

Without a doubt, GoodVets embodies the essence of Optima’s commitment to providing an enriching lifestyle for residents and their beloved pets. And as we continue to cultivate vibrant communities, partners like GoodVets play a crucial role in bringing our vision to life, ensuring our residents and their furry loved ones enjoy the most enriching quality of life right at their doorstep.

In the world of wellness and self-care, massage therapy stands out as a practice steeped in rich history and cultural significance. At Optima®, we recognize the profound health benefits of massage therapy, which aligns completely with our commitment to holistic well-being. From the focus on energy flow and balance in ancient China to luxurious Roman baths, massage has always been part of human wellness rituals.

Like yoga and saunas, one of the most celebrated benefits of massage is its remarkable ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The therapy soothes the nervous system, leading to a decrease in cortisol levels and an increase in feelings of calmness. But its advantages extend far beyond just relaxation. Massage therapy is also known for its effectiveness in pain relief, particularly in managing chronic conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches. By improving blood flow and easing muscle tension, massage offers a natural and therapeutic approach to pain management.

Massage therapy is known to boost circulation, ensuring that more oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles. This enhanced circulation aids in recovery and contributes to overall health. Regular massage sessions can even fortify the immune system by stimulating the lymphatic system, responsible for expelling waste from body tissues.

Mental health also significantly benefits from massage therapy. It can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation. By reducing stress and promoting physical relaxation, massage therapy can improve sleep quality, a crucial factor for overall health and well-being.

At Optima, our philosophy is that true wellness encompasses both the mind and body. Integrating massage therapy into our wellness offerings provides our residents with an opportunity to enjoy the timeless benefits of this ancient practice, ensuring they can relax, rejuvenate, and live their best lives.