The amenities arms race was at a fever pitch at the start of 2020, as each new multifamily property tried to raise the bar of over-the-top enticements to lure prospects to their community.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Now, instead of touting gleaming gyms, demonstration kitchens, and group-focused event spaces, operators have had to pivot to help residents feel “alone together,” without actually bringing them within 6 feet of each other. The result has been a rethinking of the amenity calculus that operators had applied to their properties for years, and a shift in their engagement strategies they now say will last long after a majority of Americans are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Another extension of that outdoor theme is exactly that—balconies and outdoor spaces, both in common areas and apartments themselves, that let residents breathe easier while enjoying a connection to nature.

Just look at the ARO rental tower in Manhattan, where a multilevel podium with ample room for social distancing allows residents to relax, and balconies give space to spread out. That outward focus is already changing how multifamily communities look, another aspect that observers say is here to stay.

“Interest in balconies, terraces, courtyards, and roof decks has skyrocketed in the past year. It’s no longer an afterthought,” says architect Cetra. “It’s likely that from a design standpoint, we’ll start to see a more seamless integration of balcony spaces into the façades of multifamily projects.”

That draw to the outdoors is even strong in chillier climes. Look at Optima Signature, a 57-story luxury tower in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, where an expansive 1.5 acres of amenity space connects residents to the open air.

“People want to connect to the outdoors, even in winter,” says David Hovey Jr., president of developer Optima. “We just put in new heat lamps so residents can continue to enjoy the fresh air by spending time outside and cooking dinner on our grilling stations even as the thermometer drops.”

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THE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND STUDIO OFFERS SMART PILATES REFORMERS WITH ON- DEMAND CLASSES AND BRINGS OPTIMA SIGNATURE’S RETAIL SPACE TO 100% LEASED

 CHICAGO (May 30, 2024) — Integrated real estate firm Optima, Inc. today announced Reform Studios, Chicagoland’s only Pilates studio featuring the world’s first digitally connected reformer, will open at Optima Signature, a 57-story luxury apartment tower comprising 490 apartments and 58,000 square feet of commercial space in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, steps from Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile.

Offering both live and self-guided Pilates classes, Reform Studios will open Saturday, June 22, in a 4,000- square-foot ground-floor retail space. It joins Optima Signature’s roster of current commercial tenants, such as Guidepost Montessori School, Egg Harbor Café, Bedazzled and GoodVets Streeterville.

“Reform Studios is the latest example of Optima Signature attracting high-quality, lifestyle-focused retailers that are not only a convenient fit for the building but also contribute to its sense of community,” said David Hovey Jr., AIA, President of Optima, Inc. “Our residents are highly invested in their wellness, and Reform Studios will serve as an extension of Optima Signature’s 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, which include a fitness center, yoga studio, multiple pools, basketball, squash and bocce ball courts and a golf simulator.”

Founded by local Streeterville resident Jennifer Villamil, Reform Studios is the only studio in the Chicagoland area to offer Reform RX machines, the world’s first commercial-grade smart Pilates reformer. Equipped with high-definition touchscreen displays uploaded with an ever-growing library of on-demand classes, the machines can precisely track users’ movements and present real-time data on calories burned, heart rate and power output as well as post-session workout summaries.

“Every fitness journey is unique, and Reform Studios is proud to be the first in Chicago to offer smart reformer technology that allows for a wide range of flexible, accessible programming – ranging from our proprietary live class format set to music to more cost-effective, self-guided sessions,” said Villamil. “As someone who lives in Streeterville and has a child attending Guidepost Montessori School, I am very familiar with Optima Signature and excited to be opening the first Reform Studios here.”

The newly remodeled retail space at 228 E. Illinois St. features a custom Streeterville-inspired wall mural created by Chicago-based artist Eric Harold and pays homage to Chicago by only selling local athleisure brands such as Fox & Robin and Public Rec. Furthering its community-focused mission, Reform Studios will work with Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) to invest 1% of revenue back into the neighborhood.

Designed, developed and managed in-house by Optima, Inc., Optima Signature was completed in 2017. The LEED Silver® Certified luxury rental community features 1.5 acres of amenity space, including resort-style indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, a cutting-edge fitness center with a sauna and steam rooms, resident lounge with coffee bar, basketball, squash and bocce ball courts, golf simulator and putting green, dog park and children’s play area.

About Optima, Inc.:

Optima, Inc. is a privately held, design-driven real estate development firm with offices in Illinois and Arizona. For more than 40 years, Optima® has been developing, designing, building, marketing and managing striking urban and suburban luxury residential communities. From the beginning, Optima® aimed to reinvent housing by integrating the functions involved in new construction within one company. Optima® controls and executes every aspect of the process in-house – development, design, construction, sales and management – for a dynamic system that offers greater focus and fluidity. Optima® is committed to delivering extraordinary living through design, innovation, sustainability and management. The result has been the creation of over 40 communities in Arizona and Illinois, along with being nationally recognized with over 100 prestigious awards. In 2021, Optima® was named AIA Chicago Firm of the Year as well as a Crain’s Best Places to Work for the second year in a row. Learn more at Optima, Inc.

About Reform Studios:

Reform Studios, located at Optima Signature (228 E Illinois St), is Chicago’s premier Pilates studio, offering exclusive access to Reform RX, the world’s first smart reformer machine. Its innovative, musically-driven Pilates reformer workouts are designed to motivate and inspire through live and self-guided on-demand classes. For more information, visit www.reformstudiospilates.com

Read the full feature at Northern Illinois Real Estate Magazine

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Optima Signature, the mixed-use development at 220 East Illinois St. in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, will add an elementary school this fall. The Guidepost Montessori at Magnificent Mile school will lease 14K SF in the building, its last available retail space, and plans to serve first through fifth grades.

Read the full feature at Bisnow

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For parents and tutors looking for space outside their home for student e-learning, a 57-story rental high-rise in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood is offering a creative solution. Optima Signature has made a recent pivot due to the pandemic and started marketing its office suites for student learning pods.

The business suites are furnished with five to seven workstations, a mini-fridge, built-in cabinetry and window treatments. The space comes with Wi-Fi, is professionally cleaned and provides access to a curated selection of building amenities, such as outdoor lounge areas for al fresco studying. Plus, the suites are available to anyone, not just residents of Optima Signature.

Designed by award-winning architect David Hovey Sr., Optima Signature is a 490-unit, Class A tower at 220 E. Illinois Street. The mixed-use property was developed by Optima, Inc. and completed in 2017. Located on the building’s second and seventh floors, the study suites are available for $1,800 to $2,400 per month.

Read the full feature on RE Journals

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Proximity to good schools has long been a top consideration for house hunters.

Nationally, homes near top schools cost nearly 80% more on average, according to a recent Realtor.com report, and in the Midwest, 93% more.

Given that one-third of renters have school-age children living in the home, according to National Multifamily Housing Council, it makes sense that the rental sector is paying close attention to what kind of offerings appeal to families.

The good news for parents who currently rent — whether they’re waiting for home prices to fall, more housing inventory to hit the market, or because they need or prefer to rent — a number of rental communities throughout the Chicago area offer excellent proximity to great schools and on-site amenities that made the grade.

Take Home at Ashcroft, a new build-to-rent community with attached houses by Lynd in Oswego. Located next to Traughber Junior High school, a public school in Oswego Community Unit District 308 serving grades six to eight, Home at Ashcroft makes it easy for parents and students to get to class even on the busiest mornings.

Besides being close to schools, Ashcroft also offers other family-friendly benefits, including larger, three-bedroom floor plans, many with basements that can be finished as playrooms or homework rooms, two-car attached private garages to store bikes and sports equipment, and private fenced yards.

And, set to open later this year, Ashcroft’s $2 million clubhouse will include amenities intended for the enjoyment of adults and children. For example, an on-site fitness center and outdoor swimming pool will provide ample ways for kids to burn off energy or train for school sports. What’s more, the resident lounge and business center will offer pleasant spots to study, either independently or with groups, and make an ideal spot to host birthday parties, graduation celebrations and other events.

In nearby Naperville, The Ponds of Naperville, a 216-unit rental community managed by Marquette Management, provides another convenient rental option for parents with school-aged children. Its location, one of the community’s biggest draws, is less than 1 mile from Elmwood Elementary School and a short drive from the city’s many highly ranked private and public elementary, middle and high schools.

The many kid-friendly features within the Ponds community enhance family life, including a swimming pool and sundeck, and a picnic area with hammocks. The clubhouse not only serves as an extension of residents’ homes with space to host larger groups, including a kitchen and a billiards table, but also offers additional places to study, meet with a tutor or spread out to work on school projects.

Naturally, in the denser city neighborhoods, more people live within walking distance of a school or schools, but some communities are more convenient than others. For example, Guidepost Montessori at Magnificent Mile occupies the lower level of Optima Signature, a 57-story, 490-unit Certified LEED Silver luxury rental high-rise with large three-bedroom apartments designed, developed, built and managed by Optima, Inc. in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood.

The school, which opened in 2019 and more than doubled its footprint in 2020 due to demand from area residents, offers high-quality education for infants, toddlers, preschool, kindergarten and elementary-aged children, with Spanish immersion options available. For young residents of the building enrolled at Guidepost, class is only an elevator ride away.

Optima Signature also cleverly adapted its on-site business suites into academic e-learning pods, or group study-from-home areas, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to offer them as optional learning pods today. Providing parents and tutors with much-needed study space outside their homes, the suites each include five to seven workstations, Wi-Fi and a professional cleaning service.

Additionally, Optima Signature boasts a wide range of kid- and family-friendly activities and amenities, such as resort-style indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools; a dog park; dedicated indoor and outdoor children’s play areas; and basketball, squash and bocce courts.

And while it may not have a school located inside its building, 1000 South Clark, a 469-unit luxury rental community in downtown Chicago managed by RMK Management, is about a 3-minute drive or 10-minute walk to the British International School of Chicago, South Loop.

The community’s spacious apartments and rental townhouses, which offer more than 2,500 square feet, are a draw for families looking to enroll in the school. Offering a personalized learning approach, the private school is open to students from ages 3 to 18. It’s one of several schools and higher learning institutions located in the neighborhood, including Village Leadership Academy, South Loop Elementary School, South Loop Montessori School and Jones College Prep.

In addition to its proximity to a number of great schools, 1000 South Clark also offers a host of on-site amenities ideal for families and children — including a full-size indoor basketball court, outdoor activity courtyards, an indoor/outdoor pool, a large outdoor running track and a new indoor pickleball court.

And, for those days when school isn’t in session, the building is only about a 10-minute drive or 25-minute walk from Chicago’s famed Museum Campus, as well as Grant Park and Millennium Park, which makes the community a great option for families looking to rent in the city near a wide range of kid-friendly activities.

While not everyone needs or wants to buy a house, a growing number of communities like these are making it possible to find rental homes close to high-quality schools and with amenities that make the grade, whether kids are looking to study or play.

• Emily Johnson is president of Taylor Johnson, a Chicago-based public relations firm for the real estate industry.

Read the full feature on the Daily Herald

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The Guidepost Montessori at Magnificent Mile school is more than doubling in size to accommodate the addition of an elementary school at Optima Signature, a mixed-use development at 220 E. Illinois Street in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. Optima, Inc., developer of the building, announced the school will lease an additional 14,000 square feet—the building’s last available retail space—with plans to open this fall to serve first through fifth grades.

“Since the school’s opening just over a year ago, many of the families living at Optima Signature—or who live or work in the surrounding neighborhood—have embraced the school’s convenience factor and its quality Montessori early childhood education program,” said David Hovey Sr., CEO of Optima, Inc. “Whether you want to grab breakfast or lunch, take your pet in for a check-up or you’re in need of an elementary school, the retail line-up at Optima Signature is dynamic and truly fills a niche in the growing Streeterville neighborhood to make the building a destination for people in the area.”

This is the property’s second commercial leasing announcement in as many months, following the lease-up of all 22 furnished office suites at Optima Signature. In addition to Guidepost Montessori, retail tenants include Egg Harbor Café, a restaurant specializing in breakfast, brunch and lunch; GoodVets Streeterville, a full-service veterinarian redefining pet care; RUNAWAY fitness, a run conditioning fitness studio and Bedazzled Nails & Spa.

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A 57-story apartment tower in the Streeterville neighborhood plans to convert some of its office space to small classrooms, betting that frazzled families will seek space outside the home to conduct remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 490-unit Optima Signature, a skyscraper at 220 E. Illinois St. known for its bright red lower levels, is no ordinary schoolhouse.

Yet with many parents working from home since March 2019 amid COVID-19, and with many schools planning to conduct classes virtually this fall, the building’s owner believes there will be a demand for learning pods. So-called “pandemic pods” and “micro-schools” allow small groups of kids from close-knit families to study together in person with a teacher, tutor or parent.

Widespread closures of schools and day cares has left Chicago-area workers and employers scrambling for solutions.

Glencoe-based architecture and development firm Optima, which completed the Streeterville high-rise in 2017, in August 2020 began marketing four of its 25 office suites for educational purposes.

In an area of the city known for high-rises and lacking homes with yards, Optima believes parents are feeling the stress of homes also serving as offices and classrooms.

“For people who are living in the downtown environment, where they might be sharing a smaller space with two working parents and kids, those spaces can get small and loud and distracting,” Optima Marketing Director Ali Burnham said. “Here, you’re not fighting for space.

“We suspected there would be a need with schools going remote and families forming these pods.”

Optima expects interest to come from the immediate area, including from parents who typically send their kids to the Montessori school in the tower, Burnham said.

Optima Signature’s furnished suites typically are used as co-working spaces by Optima Signature residents and other nearby workers and businesses. All but four of the suites are now leased, on six-month and one-year contracts, Burnham said.

The suites are on the second and seventh floors of the tower and range from five to seven desks.

The spaces, or those in other co-working facilities, won’t be affordable for many families. They cost US$1,800 to US$2,400 per month.

Optima is offering space only and the firm is not providing teachers or tutors to conduct classes.

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