At Optima®, we believe great city living includes our four-legged family members. That’s why we’re always scouting experiences that make life with pets richer, easier and more fun—especially for residents of Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature® in Chicago. If you’ve been looking for a low-stress, high-delight outing with your pup, the Canine Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady is a joyful way to see (and sniff) the city from a fresh perspective.

What makes it such a hit? For starters, the cruise runs July through October on Saturdays and Sundays, and lasts a relaxed 90 minutes—plenty of time to take in skyline views without testing your dog’s attention span. Tickets start at $45 for general boarding, making it an easy add to your weekend plans. 

The experience is thoughtfully pet-forward. Your leashed companion is welcome from the moment you step on the Riverwalk dock, where you’ll find water bowls on board and open-air seating that guarantees everyone fresh breezes and unobstructed views. There’s also a full-service bar and snack bar for humans, plus well-appointed restrooms. (Pet parents with little ones in strollers will appreciate the free folded-stroller storage, too.) 

Once underway, the route highlights Chicago from river to lake with a lively narration that weaves together architecture, history and dog-friendly tidbits—a playful nod to the city’s storied built environment and lakefront culture. A special treat: you’ll pass through the Chicago Harbor Lock, feeling the vessel gently rise toward Lake Michigan and lower on the return—an engineering mini-thrill that’s as fascinating for first-timers as it is for lifelong Chicagoans. 

And because Chicago does seasonal joy so well, the cruise leans into autumn with a festive Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruise on the first two weekends of October. Expect pumpkin dog treats, a doggie costume contest and plenty of camera-ready moments (humans are encouraged to dress up, too). 

A few practical tips make the day seamless. Arrive 30 minutes before departure so your whole party—pups included—can board without a rush. Cruises sail rain or shine, and kids under 4 ride free, which turns this into a multi-generational outing when friends or family are in town. Sunglasses and a cap keep the sun off as you gaze up at the skyline; outdoor seating is general admission and guaranteed. 

For Optima Signature® residents in Streeterville, the Riverwalk boarding location is an easy neighborhood adventure; Optima Lakeview® residents can hop on the CTA or a quick rideshare and be on deck in no time. Either way, it’s the kind of city day we love—design, community and the great outdoors converging in one effortless experience. The ticket office and boarding are along the Chicago Riverwalk near Michigan Avenue, with clear wayfinding and ADA guidance provided online if you need a ramped route. 

Why this pairs so well with Optima’s pet-friendly culture: our communities are designed to support the rhythm of everyday life with dogs—from easy in-and-out to neighborhood walks and playtime. The Canine Cruise adds a celebratory layer to that routine: a chance to connect with your dog, your city and fellow pet lovers, all while soaking in Chicago’s epic skyline.

Ready to make a memory with your best friend? Grab a leash, pack a few treats and set sail—your dog just found their new favorite way to do architecture and lake views. Visit the First Lady website for details and tickets.

An Inspired Layout for Modern Living
One of the most sought-after apartment residence configurations in the 7220 Optima McDowell Mountain® rental building is the 2 Bedroom + Den—a floor plan that strikes the perfect balance between open-concept design and defined, purposeful spaces. Ideal for those working from home, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply craving flexibility, this layout offers over 1,600 square feet of beautifully designed interior living.

Key Features:

• Expansive great room with direct access to a private terrace, ideal for entertaining or relaxing against a desert sunset
• Spacious kitchen with a large island, quartz countertops, and high-end stainless steel appliances
• Primary suite with a walk-in closet and spa-like bath featuring a glass-enclosed shower
• Secondary bedroom tucked away for added privacy, perfect for guests or family
• A versatile den that easily functions as a home office, library, yoga nook, or creative studio
• Full-size washer and dryer, ample closet space, and smart home-ready tech throughout

This floor plan is the embodiment of Optima®’s design ethos: efficient yet expansive, modern yet warm, private yet connected. Whether you’re a couple, a young family, or a remote professional seeking serenity and space, the 2 Bedroom + Den delivers a flexible, elegant foundation for desert living.

The Optima McDowell Mountain® Lifestyle—In Every Apartment Layout
No matter which apartment residence layout you choose at 7220 Optima McDowell Mountain®, you’re embraced by the same extraordinary community experience. From thoughtfully curated amenities and beautifully landscaped indoor-outdoor spaces to resident programming that brings neighbors together, life at Optima McDowell Mountain® is defined by ease, connection, and well-being. Add to that signature Optima® service—responsive, professional, and detail-oriented—and you’ll find that every rental home here is more than a floor plan; it’s a seamless lifestyle where everyday living feels elevated.

This floor plan is the embodiment of Optima®’s design ethos: efficient yet expansive, modern yet warm, private yet connected. Whether you’re a couple, a young family, or a remote professional seeking serenity and space, the 2 Bedroom + Den delivers a flexible, elegant foundation for desert living.

Interested in renting? For availability, pricing, and virtual tours, visit our floor plans page.

To know Chicago is to know the “L”—a beloved, bustling fixture of city life that rumbles overhead and snakes underground, connecting neighborhoods and stories across more than a century. Short for “elevated,” the “L” isn’t just a transit system. It’s an enduring emblem of Chicago’s ingenuity, resilience, and urban identity.

At Optima®, we understand how essential great transportation is to vibrant city living. That’s why communities like Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature® are conveniently located near key “L” lines, giving residents seamless access to everything the city has to offer—whether it’s a quick ride downtown to work or a weekend trip to the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Born from Innovation—and Necessity
The origins of the “L” date back to the late 19th century, when Chicago was growing at breakneck speed. After the Great Fire of 1871, the city underwent a massive rebuilding and expansion effort. But with growth came congestion: horse-drawn streetcars and cable cars clogged the streets, and pedestrians competed with carts, carriages, and early automobiles. The city needed a new way to move people quickly and efficiently—without taking up precious surface space.

Enter the elevated train.

On June 6, 1892, the first “L” train made its inaugural run along the South Side Rapid Transit line, carrying passengers from 39th Street to Congress Street in wooden cars powered by steam locomotives. Though the ride was loud, dirty, and a bit jarring, it offered an exciting new alternative: a bird’s-eye commute through the city.

By the turn of the century, electric power had replaced steam, and the “L” had begun to form its now-familiar loop downtown. In 1897, a series of elevated lines were linked by a rectangular circuit known as the “Union Loop,” giving the central business district its nickname and the system a structural heart.

The Loop: More Than a Track
The creation of the Loop helped define downtown Chicago itself, transforming transit in the process. Architecturally and socially, the Loop became a boundary and a bridge. It concentrated commerce, created a gravitational pull for development, and gave the city its skyline rhythm—steel girders and train cars cutting across sun-drenched streets.

Over time, the “L” evolved into a system of color-coded lines that stretch from Evanston to the South Side, from Oak Park to O’Hare. The system remains one of only a few in the U.S. that still includes elevated tracks in the urban core.

For residents of Optima Lakeview®, nestled in a neighborhood rich with character on Chicago’s North Side, the nearby Brown Line offers a direct route to the Loop—perfect for daily commutes or weekend adventures. Meanwhile, Optima Signature®, located in the heart of Streeterville, puts residents just steps away from multiple “L” stops and transit hubs, making it easy to explore every corner of the city.

Moments of Modernization
The 20th century brought dramatic change to the “L.” Wooden cars gave way to streamlined steel ones. Manual controls were replaced by automatic signals. The system expanded, integrating suburban commuter services and adopting new lines to meet the needs of a shifting population.

Notably, the 1950s saw the launch of the Congress Line, which ran down the median of the newly built Eisenhower Expressway—a pioneering combination of rail and highway planning. The 1980s and 1990s ushered in renovations to aging stations, and the naming system changed to colors in 1993, simplifying what had become a complex array of named lines.

Today’s “L” is a 24/7 operation—one of the few major urban rail systems in the world to run all day, every day.

Cultural Icon, Civic Backbone
More than just infrastructure, the “L” is a character in the story of Chicago. It’s been immortalized in films like The Fugitive and While You Were Sleeping, and it’s a regular presence in television shows like Chicago P.D. and Shameless. Its stations and cars have hosted jazz musicians, protestors, lovers, tourists, and tired workers heading home.

It’s a place of overheard conversations, lost gloves, spontaneous poetry, and democratic density—where millionaires and minimum-wage workers share space and time, bound by steel rails and a common destination.

Looking Forward
In recent years, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has invested heavily in modernization. Projects like the Red & Purple Modernization Program aim to replace century-old infrastructure and increase capacity. Plans are also underway to extend the Red Line further south, connecting communities that have historically been underserved by public transit.

And while challenges remain—aging infrastructure, funding gaps, and fluctuating ridership—the “L” continues to adapt. It has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, the rise of the automobile, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each time, it has emerged with new relevance.

A Ride Worth Taking
For newcomers, the “L” can feel like a puzzle: clattering tracks, cryptic transfers, platforms suspended above intersections. But to longtime Chicagoans, it’s second nature—a steady, familiar hum in the background of daily life. It’s not just how they get from place to place. It’s part of where they’re from, ensuring the city’s culture, commerce, and creativity are always within reach.

With remote work reshaping how—and where—we live, the “workcation” has emerged as a compelling new model. As a lifestyle shift, it’s a way to blend productivity and leisure in a setting that supports both the hustle and the exhale. And in Scottsdale, where the sun shines more than 300 days a year and the desert landscape fuels inspiration, there’s no better place to make work feel like a privilege than within an Optima® community.

Whether it’s Optima Sonoran Village®, Optima Kierland Apartments®, or Optima McDowell Mountain®, each Optima community is uniquely designed for those who crave a seamless work-life blend, offering a powerful alternative to the standard office—or the standard vacation.

Where Desert Beauty Meets Digital Productivity
Scottsdale has long been known for its natural splendor, award-winning dining, and cultural vibrancy. Now, it’s becoming a destination of choice for professionals looking to recharge without stepping away from their careers. The city’s infrastructure—from high-speed connectivity to world-class access to nature—makes it easy to plug in by morning and power down by sunset.

But while hotels and co-working spaces offer short-term convenience, Optima® communities provide something far more valuable: a place where remote work becomes a lifestyle. Picture a Zoom call with Camelback Mountain as your backdrop, a brainstorming session poolside under the Arizona sun, or a post-meeting hike just minutes from your front door.

Optima® Living: Built for the Workcation Life
Each Optima® community in Scottsdale is thoughtfully designed with the remote professional in mind. Spacious, light-filled residences come equipped with high-speed internet, flexible floor plans, and floor-to-ceiling windows that transform everyday work into something extraordinary. Whether you’re immersed in a project from a sunlit balcony or catching up on emails from a sleek kitchen island, your workspace never feels routine.

At Optima Sonoran Village®, you’re steps from Old Town’s art galleries, wine bars, and walkable charm. Optima Kierland Apartments® puts you in the heart of North Scottsdale, surrounded by upscale shopping and dining—with a sky deck that rivals any resort. Optima McDowell Mountain®, nestled at the edge of the preserve, offers serene mountain views, lush landscaping, and a peaceful setting that makes focus feel effortless.

Wherever you land, you’ll find an environment curated for both calm and clarity—making it easier to hit deadlines without sacrificing your sense of place.

Amenities That Inspire and Restore
The workcation model means access to experiences that recharge the mind and body. At Optima®, it’s all right outside your door. Break up your workday with a rooftop swim, a steam in the sauna, or a workout in a state-of-the-art fitness center. Take meetings from the lounge, sketch ideas in a sun-drenched courtyard, or unwind with yoga as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Need a reset between back-to-back video calls? Step into a landscaped oasis designed with biophilic principles that bring the natural world closer. These are not amenities for the sake of luxury—they’re tools for staying grounded, focused, and creatively engaged.

Connection Without Commute
One of the great challenges of remote work is isolation—but Optima® communities offer the opposite: connection. From resident events and on-site clubs to casually crossing paths in shared green spaces, you’ll find opportunities to meet neighbors, spark new friendships, and even build collaborative networks.

With flexible leasing and furnished residences available, these communities offer a smooth landing whether you’re staying for a season or finding your next long-term home.

The Ultimate Work-Life Balance, Just Outside Your Door
Optima®’s Scottsdale communities place you in close proximity to everything that makes the city ideal for a workcation: canal paths for early-morning runs, desert trails for evening reflection, and a cultural calendar that includes world-class art, music, and cuisine. From sunrise yoga to rooftop happy hours, the rhythm of life here is naturally restorative.

Your Desert Office Awaits
Choosing a workcation in Scottsdale doesn’t mean pausing your ambition—it means supporting it with space, beauty, and balance. And in an Optima® residence, those values aren’t aspirational—they’re built into every square foot.

So go ahead: bring your laptop, bring your goals, bring your appetite for sunshine and spacious living.