Marina City Apartments

Moving in or out of Marina Towers is fairly miserable. I'm posting this review to save people some grief. It is a mess in the Marina level area of Marina City so it's a must for you to go down and see for yourself how to drive the truck in, where to park it(no designated place) and how far it is to move your stuff. Neither condo management or Alto realty took me downstairs and showed me where to park the truck or other tips.
Plan on being interrupted at least twice for workmen to use the... elevator. They are rude and think they should have priority over your move. If you want to be nice then empty the elevator load into the hallway so they can move their tools and materials. It's a 50 year old building and seems to have work going on all day. They could at least limit work around month end when people are moving in and out.
You will probably have to move the truck a couple of times to let other trucks get by.
They have hotel cart available but you have to know to ask for it and also leave an ID. They could have it ready and provide more carts.
Be aware of the clearance height downstairs. I hired 2 Men and a Truck and they brought this massive truck for 4 bedroom house and it didn't fit under the clearance so they had to park far away and lug my stuff farther which cost me more money because it took longer. Read More

I just moved to a studio apartment at Marina City and so far it has been a pretty fantastic experience. Living in the corncobs is a dream. The location cannot be beat and I have a balcony that is almost half the size of my boyfriend's old place (I'm not kidding!) I have a clear view of the Sear's Tower and the River and can even see the Lake on the other side! Waking up to my view takes my breath away every single day--I can't believe I live here!

I do the reverse commute and the walk to the... Metra is not terrible (~20 mins), but when it gets colder I will have a plethora of other options due to the high-demand River North location. I can access every L line in under 10 minutes, and several buses pick up just outside the apartment. My place is near anything and everything you might need (grocery stores, home stores, restaurants, bars, you name it) and there is even a dryer cleaner and market that carries everything from deli meat to Ben & Jerry's in the lobby of the place!

Security guards are stationed at the entrances 24/7 and I have felt completely safe living here. I was concerned about closet space but after moving in I realized how silly it was--my closets (there are THREE of them!!) are probably less than 50% occupied.

Bottom line is, for what you get here (amazing location, breath-taking views, a balcony of its size, safety, and many conveniences most places simply do not have), Marina City is the most affordable option there is. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the building is a landmark in Chicago (it's pretty cool to be watching a movie from the 80's, 90's or present and see your building featured..it's truly an icon)! Read More

I adore my apartment in Marina City, a two tower complex affectionately referred to as "the corn cobs." These are iconic buildings I have known and admired since childhood, and I sometimes can't believe how lucky I am to be living in such an architectural gem.

My unit is on one of the highest floors (of 60 total) and I face directly north, providing me a majestic overview of the city, with the river streaming by on my left, and glimpses of the lake to my right. The balcony is gigantic,... fitting a large patio table with seating for six, plus several large flower pots, and still plenty of room to walk around. And that's just the main balcony off the living room. There's also a half-balcony off the bedroom affording me even more outdoor space. They don't build them like this anymore!

Inside the unit, there's a spacious living room/dining room, a super fun retro kitchen (retro in that it has barely been updated since it was built in the early 60s, and I wouldn't have it any other way), a great sized bedroom with room enough for a queen bed and large dresser with tons of space remaining, a nice shower/tub bathroom with separate vanity/sink area, and a walk-in closet! There are also huge closets in the entry hallway, plus each unit has a storage locker on the 20th floor. The 20th floor also houses a small gym with some basic equipment and a laundry room.

The location is right in the heart of the city. River North bars, restaurants, and shopping surround me, and I can easily walk or take public transportation to any other neighborhood.

I have never been so thrilled with an apartment, and I hope to enjoy Marina City for many more years to come. Read More

Fantastic river front, 1 bedroom apartment off of a 250 square-foot covered balcony. This apartment is located on the 37th floor directly across the river from Chicago's new riverfront development. I watch sightseeing boats, private vessels of many sizes, kayakers, and rental boats directly off my balcony. The apartment has been recently renovated with hardwood floors and GE appliances. Unit is located in the iconic, round, Marina City development. I am steps away from restaurants, bars,... downtown shopping, and Chicago's
Magnificent Mile! Spectacular views day and night! I Love my apartment! Read More

Beautiful views and big patio! Nice building and friendly neighbors. The gym is a bit small, but never too crowded. The little market downstairs has a great beer and wine selection.