With a nickname like “The Windy City,” Chicago may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about communal apartment rooftops. But with surprisingly warm spring and summer seasons, having access to a pristine private perch within the urban jungle is one of the many ways to improve everyday apartment life.
Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot to sip on your morning cup of coffee, hoping to have access to the ideal hangout for Saturday night drinks with friends or just want someplace to soak up the Chicago sun (weather permitting, of course) you’ll find what you’re looking for on this list. Pick your favorite elevated oasis and fill out an application today.
Axis Apartments and Lofts
Source: Rent. / Axis Apartments and Lofts
Boasting a 360-degree sky park, Axis Apartments and Lofts has a rooftop that is truly second to none. Thanks to its Streeterville location, residents at this 615-unit community enjoy unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and the iconic Chicago skyline all from the comfort of home. With ample seating, residents here always have a place to relax and unwind outside.
Encircled by the sky park is the indoor rooftop resident lounge. This luxuriously adorned shared space features a pool table, a demonstration kitchen and stellar views of the city for when temperatures inevitably drop. Regardless of what the weather is like outside, there’s always somewhere beautiful to be when you call Axis Apartments and Lofts home.
Marquee at Block 37
Source: Rent. / Marquee at Block 37
The rooftop deck at Marquee at Block 37 boasts a plethora of seating options for the residents that call this 690-unit community home. Benefitting from a scenic Grant Park location, there isn’t a bad place to be on the entire floor. Not to mention the lush greenery lining the perimeter. To put it simply, stress won’t find you here.
Taking cues from the city’s nickname, this intelligently designed space has tall glass walls that block out the wind that often plagues elevated outdoor spaces. And there’s still more: Marquee at Block 37 also houses a rooftop pool and hot tub this simply has to be seen to be believed.
Lofts at River East
Source: Rent. / Lofts at River East
Another Streeterville stunner, Lofts at River East boasts a stellar outdoor kitchen, a long row of loungers and absolutely amazing views all from the beautifully designed and well-equipped rooftop deck.
Peppered with lush greenery and laid out to provide multiple pockets of social space, this is the ideal spot to kick back with friends around the fire table, prepare a professional-grade meal for someone you’re trying to impress or simply enjoy your morning cup of coffee with one-of-a-kind views of the city around you.
The Clark
Source: Rent. / The Clark
With lush greenery, pink and lavender flowers and a stellar outdoor kitchen with two grills, a sink, a mini fridge and plenty of prep space for even the most elaborate meals, this multi-purpose perch above the hustle and bustle of the city below is an undeniably pleasant place to find yourself on a pretty day in Chicago. That’s just a taste of what you have to look forward to when it comes to life at The Clark.
This cool Near North Side community hangout also boasts sizable circular hanging chairs (featured in the image at the top of this article) and large daybeds protected from the sun by oversized overhangs. The Clark rooftop is ready to help you live life to the fullest every time you step outside your apartment.
The Patricians
Source: Rent. / The Patricians
Boasting a huge, twelve-person dining table, an outdoor cooking station with two grills, a mini fridge and more than enough counter space to create culinary excellence, the rooftop deck at The Patricians might be the best place in Park West to host friendly get-togethers over delicious food.
Alongside the professional-grade outdoor kitchen, there is also an expansive sundeck filled with lounge chairs and surrounded by stunning views. There are also faux ivy walls and a flower garden that provide an undeniably calming ambiance from the moment you make your way up to the top floor.
Park Michigan Apartments
Source: Rent. / Park Michigan Apartments
The tagline for this 344-unit community is ” The Park. The Lake. The Life.” And they aren’t wrong. Park Michigan Apartments provides stunning views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan from its serene rooftop. All that combines to ensure you’re living “the life” to the highest degree possible.
Situated in Near South Side, this elevated hangout area boasts dueling fire pits with ample seating under Edison lighting, artificial turf and multiple grills alongside a couple of picnic tables. This versatile space really can handle it all.
The Residences at Addison and Clark
Source: Rent. / The Residences at Addison and Clark
Located literally right across the street from the legendary Wrigley Field, the rooftop at The Residences at Addison and Clark is designed to promote fun in the sun among neighbors. Encircling an indoor resident lounge, the outdoor terrace has the resources to support all types of outdoor enjoyment and is always available to the residents lucky enough to call this 148-unit Wrigleyville community home.
Boasting an oversized chess board, multiple fire pits, circular tables, plush furniture and so much more, there isn’t a bad seat in the house to enjoy the view from when you find yourself up here.
Alta at K Station
Source: Rent. / Alta at K Station
While not technically on the roof, the elevated outdoor pool area at Alta at K Station is so darn beautiful we just had to feature it on this list. With a sizable rectangular pool large enough for swimming laps on a Sunday morning or floating around aimlessly on a Friday afternoon, lounge chairs lining the water and a hot tub to boot, good luck finding a better place to beat the heat during the summer in Chicago than this stunning oasis.
Located in Fulton River District, this sun-kissed, serene space is filled with lush greenery and boasts an intimate secluded fire pit as well making it an undeniably calming place to be at the end of a long day or on a chilly Chicago night.
The Residences at NEWCITY
Source: Rent. / The Residences at NEWCITY
Located in the cool and coveted Old Town neighborhood, The Residences at NEWCITY boasts a large rooftop deck with plenty of plush furniture. The multiple outdoor seating areas are designed to facilitate lively conversation and encourage neighbors to get to know one another.
Beyond that, this 199-unit community also features a fire table on the roof deck. This circular setup is ideal for Friday happy hour with friends or a morning cup of coffee before a long day. Regardless of how you’re looking to spend your time outside in The Second City, The Residences at NEWCITY has what you need to do it all.
14 West Elm
Source: Rent. / 14 West Elm
A real gem in Chicago’s highly sought-after Gold Coast neighborhood, the rooftop at 14 West Elm makes the most of its smaller footprint by packing in picnic tables, lounge chairs and potted plants throughout. This all combines to create an undeniably calming environment and is a great spot to soak in the sites of one of the world’s most famous cities.
The rooftop deck also boasts multiple gas grills to go along with the picnic tables. This rooftop grilling area provides ample space for prep and is one of the more convenient apartment grill setups you’ll ever find. Not to mention the stunning views surrounding you while you cook up something special. The rooftop 14 West Elm really is a unique elevated oasis.
Unwind in style in The Windy City
As one of the largest and most iconic cities in the U.S., there’s no shortage of apartments within the Chicago city limits. That being said, if you’re looking for a stellar rooftop that provides scenic views of the stunning skyline, your options slim down a good bit. Start your apartment search with this list and find the place that’s perfect for you and provides the views looking for today.
