The living room of an apartment with big windows facing a skyline. the room has a couch facing a TV with tan chairs on the side.
A guest suite at Optima Signature. Photo: Courtesy of Optima, Inc.

If you want your mother-in-law close when she visits, but not actually in your house, a new apartment building guest suite may be the answer.

The big picture: On top of amenities like multiple pools, pickleball courts and planned events, some high-end apartment buildings in Chicago are luring in renters by offering on-site, fully furnished apartments that residents can rent for visiting friends and family.

State of play: Optima apartments in Streeterville, Wrigleyville and Wilmette have one- and two-bedroom apartments that are fully furnished with cooking supplies, cutlery, dishwashers and washers and dryers, making it more like an Airbnb.

  • Plus the building has multiple pools, hot tubs, gyms, saunas, pickleball courts and recreation areas.
  • And parking is included.
An indoor hot tub with an assisted chair machine above it next to an indoor pool.
The hot tub and indoor pool are available to guests. Photo: Carrie Shepherd/Axios

Between the lines: The arrangement could be especially appealing for international renters who have family visiting for long periods or new parents who want grandparents nearby (but don’t want to share a wall).

By the numbers: A two-bedroom is $375 on weeknights and $400 on weekends.

  • A one-bedroom is $325 on weeknights and $375 on weekends.

Reality check: Suites at the Fairmont from Thursday to Sunday range from about $285–$350 before taxes and parking, according to the hotel website.

The bottom line: On-site guest apartments may become another amenity buildings offer as the rental market heats up.

 

Read the full feature at Axios Chicago

Visit Optima Signature for more details