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Neighborhood Spotlight: Lakeview

We began the Optima story with our roots in Chicago, and we’re thrilled that our next exciting chapter is expanding our portfolio to include our latest project, Optima Lakeview. Like many others who call the neighborhood home, we were drawn to the community’s vibrancy, history and diversity. Today, we’re sharing just a few reasons why we love Lakeview.

Belmont Harbor in Lakeview
Belmont Harbor on the Chicago lakefront. Credit: Gerald Farinas on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

A Place to Play

In the early 1900s, Lakeview was actually considered a suburb of Chicago and acted as an escape from the bustle of the city. Its shopping and recreational scene attracted visitors back then, just as it attracts residents and visitors now. Whether it’s catching a game at Wrigley Field or enjoying a Chicago summer at the lakefront, the neighborhood is famous for its leisurely attitude and playful spirit. In a typical, non-pandemic year, expect summer street festivals, performances in the Belmont Theater District and the festive Lakeview Holiday Stroll; but despite COVID-19, the area still retains its charm and liveliness.  

Fantastic Food & Culinary Fare

No matter what you’re craving, Lakeview has a little bit of everything. Strings Ramen shop has some of the best noodles in the neighborhood, and the city. Ella Elli is known for its ambiance and curated cocktail list. The Chicago Diner offers an impressive take on vegan food (we promise you’ll love it even if you’re not vegan). If you need a few more ideas, The Infatuation has you covered. 

Something For Everyone

Lakeview itself encompasses many different sub-neighborhoods, including Sheridan Station Corridor, Northalsted, Southport Corridor, Lakeview East, Lakeview West, Wrigleyville and Northalsted. Residents range from young professionals to families who have been loyal to the neighborhood for generations, and with good reason. The neighborhood is a favorite of long-term residents and new transplants alike, even earning a top spot in Money Magazine’s Best Big Cities

We’ve already broken ground on Optima Lakeview, and we can’t wait for what’s to come as we become a part of the community!

A Deep Dive Into Hydrotherapy

Across our amenity spaces at our multi-family and condominium residences, we’ve incorporated 5-star spa-grade features to encourage wellness and relaxation. At 7180 Optima Kierland and Optima Kierland Apartments, our spa amenities include everything from our outdoor cold plunge pool to the hot spa, steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy area. Hydrotherapy refers to the medicinal use of waters, from hot tubs to immersive springs, infused with minerals and aromatic oils or herbs. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into hydrotherapy, from its history to its array of health benefits.

The History of Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy (also formerly referred to as hydropathy and water cure) dates all the way back to ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations. In Egypt, royalty bathed in essential oils and flowers, while in Rome, hydrotherapy was available to all in the form of communal public baths. China and Japan also have a recorded history of hydrotherapy techniques, with Japan most known for its hot springs, or onsen

In more modern history, hydrotherapy was the center of a spa tourism craze in 20th century UK and Europe. U.S. hydrotherapy centers have been around since the 1840s, when they were first introduced, and have since been involved into the modern iterations we know now. One modern form of hydrotherapy is cryotherapy, or cold water immersion, used by athletes and rehab clinics. 7180 Optima Kierland and Optima Kierland Apartments both feature cold plunge pools so residents can enjoy easy access to this treatment. There are countless other modern methods of hydrotherapy, used for both medicinal and recreational purposes, spanning from hot tubs to jet pools to mineral baths and beyond.

One of the spas and cold plunges in the 7140 Tower at Optima Kierland Apartments
One of the spas and cold plunges in the 7140 Tower at Optima Kierland Apartments

Health Benefits 

While hydrotherapy can be enjoyed recreationally, its medical origins mean that the treatment brings with it several health benefits. It’s known to increase blood circulation, which includes the important circulation of white blood cells in the body’s immune system. In addition to enhanced circulation, it also boosts endorphin production, resulting in strengthened immune systems, reduced inflammation, the healing of injured tissues and an overall boost in energy and wellbeing. The practice is also proven to reduce pain, inflammation and stress, and to improve sleep.

Wellness and health are important to us at Optima — and we know they’re important to our residents too. Whether you’re looking for a little healing power or a day of relaxation, we’re proud to offer spa amenities at each of our communities. Stay tuned for more spotlights on our other wellness-focused amenity spaces!

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Maintenance Supervisor

Glencoe, IL





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