St. Regis Chicago Condos: A Buyer's Guide
Jeanne Gang's Blue-Glass Tower on the Chicago River
363 E. Wacker Drive | Lakeshore East
For buyers evaluating Chicago's luxury residential market, few buildings generate more questions than the St. Regis Chicago. Its scale, hotel-residence model, Jeanne Gang architecture, and position at the top of the market all deserve a closer look before making an informed purchase decision. The insights below address the questions buyers ask most often, drawing on the perspective I've gained from representing clients in one of Chicago's most distinctive luxury residential buildings.
For current listings and pricing, please visit my St. Regis Chicago residences page.
The Building at a Glance
Located at 363 E Wacker Drive in the Lakeshore East neighborhood, the St. Regis Chicago opened in 2020 as one of the most striking hotel-condominium towers in Chicago - a city renowned for its architecture. At roughly 1,191 feet, or 101 stories, it stands as Chicago's third tallest building: a striking landmark, and that matters for long-term value.
The lower floors house the five-star St Regis Hotel. The residential condominiums occupy floors 13 through 91, totaling approximately 393-406 residences. The building is organized into three distinct residential tiers: the River & Park Residences, the Lake Residences, and the 360 Sky Residences and each offering a different floor count, density, and living experience.
Architecture & Design
Jeanne Gang: An Architect's Vision
Designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects—the acclaimed firm behind Chicago's celebrated Aqua Tower—the St. Regis Chicago is widely regarded as her most ambitious residential work. Its sculptural, crystalline form is far more than an architectural statement. The building's faceted glass façade was engineered to optimize panoramic views while helping reduce wind loads at this extraordinary height. Clad in six shades of blue-green glass, the exterior captures and reflects the ever-changing colors of Lake Michigan, giving the tower a fluid presence that transforms with the light throughout the day.
Who designed the interiors?
Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), a globally recognized hospitality interior design firm, created four distinct finish palettes for the residences. The design language draws from gemstone tones: sapphire, amethyst, topaz, and fluorite translated into material selections throughout the kitchens, baths, and living spaces. The result is a seamless integration of architecture, materials, and finishes that carries Jeanne Gang's vision from the exterior through the residences and amenity spaces.
Is the St. Regis one building or three towers?
At first glance, the St. Regis appears to be three separate towers stacked side by side. In reality, it is a single, interconnected building. Jeanne Gang designed the tower as three tiers that step upward, a sculptural solution that creates its distinctive silhouette while improving structural performance and maximizing views
The St. Regis Luxury Condo Collection in Three Distinctive Tiers
River & Park Residences (Floors 13-46):
The River & Park Collection offers a diverse selection of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, all with exceptional views and many with private balconies. Open-concept kitchens flow seamlessly into the living and dining areas, with some thoughtfully positioned at the center of the home and others tucked discreetly to one side, creating distinctly different living experiences. Among the most sought-after floor plans are the north-east corner 06 and 08 residences. Both are generously proportioned three-bedroom layouts, while the 08 further distinguishes itself with a private balcony and a separate den.
Lake Residences (Floors 48-70):
A more intimate residential collection, the Lake Residences feature just four or five residences per floor, compared to eight residences in the River & Park Collection.. Many of the three-bedroom homes include three full bathrooms—a desirable feature not commonly found in the residences below. Positioned higher in the tower, these homes enjoy breathtaking, largely unobstructed views, while the reduced number of residences per floor creates a quieter, more private living environment. At the pinnacle of the Lake Residence Collection are spectacular half-floor residences offering four bedrooms plus a family room, expansive 5-foot, 7-inch by 32-foot terraces, and approximately 4,565 to 5,212 square feet of living space. With exposures to the north, south, and east, these exceptional homes capture sweeping panoramas of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the city skyline.
Sky 360 Full Floor Penthouses (Floors 71 -91)
Beginning on the 71st floor, the full-floor penthouses at the St. Regis Chicago range from 5,500 to 6,542 square feet — the pinnacle of vertical living in the city. Each residence commands sweeping, near-360-degree views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the skyline beyond. Eleven-foot ceilings lend a generous sense of scale, and two private balconies extend the living space from the primary bedroom and great room. Unusual among new-construction penthouses, these residences arrive fully built-out and ready for occupancy
What size residences are offered throughout the building?
Floor plans range from approximately 1,000 square feet for a one-bedroom to approximately 6,800 square feet for full-floor penthouses in the Sky Residences.
The Elevated Standard of Finishes
All of the condominiums present the best in curated designs and finishes featuring wide-plank hardwood flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchens with European-style cabinetry and professional-grade appliances, and spa-inspired primary bathrooms
Kitchens with inspiring views
Kitchens with inspiring views
Bathrooms that pamper
How does view orientation affect value?
All residences at St. Regis Chicago enjoy captivating views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, or both, while framing either the downtown skyline to the north or Millennium park to the south. Select corner residences capture sweeping western views of the city's iconic grid.
East-and-north-facing residences enjoy unobstructed panoramas of Lake Michigan and a front-row seat to Navy Pier's summer fireworks. From their north-facing homes, residents can watch the colorful procession of kayaks and tour boats along the Chicago River, set against the backdrop of Chicago's iconic skyline. South-facing views present a picture-postcard perspective of Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Museum Campus stretching toward the horizon. Corner rooms with west-facing windows reveal Chicago's architectural landscape by day and a dazzling display of city lights after dark.
Linda's Take.....
I have represented buyers of large three-bedroom residences at the St. Regis and continue to introduce clients there regularly, working closely with the development team. Here is what I find myself telling buyers when they are looking for......
A pied-a-terre.....St. Regis is the only new development building with one bedroom residences, approximately 1,000 square feet, offering million-dollar views. Found in the River & Park Residences, the two one-bedroom tiers 05 and 07 each have unobstructed stunning vistas over Millennium Park to the south and Lake Michigan to the east. Each unit has a powder room.
A balcony.....When buyers begin their search convinced that a private balcony is essential, I encourage them to first tour the building and then consider all residences that otherwise meet their criteria. Inevitably, many reconsider after experiencing the expansive sundeck and terraces on the 47th-floor amenity level. While there are some residences with balconies, their focus quickly shifts from private outdoor space to what matters most inside the home: views, layout, and functionality.
A summer residence....When out-of-town buyers ask about a luxury summer residence, I tell them that when they summer at the St. Regis, they can leave their car at home. The building offers a private resort lifestyle with personalized service, bespoke amenities, a five-star hotel for guests, and exceptional dining. Just outside the front door are architectural boat tours, Millennium Park, concerts and picnics on the lawn, the Harris Theatre, and the best of Chicago's lakefront living.
The Hotel Relationship: What It Means for Residents
How does living above a five-star hotel actually work?
The hotel and residential condominiums are operationally distinct. Residents have a separate lobby entrance, dedicated elevators, and their own concierge and door staff. You are not sharing an elevator bank with hotel guests. What you share and benefit from is indoor access to the Hotel's indoor pool, sundeck, and state-of-the-art fitness center, which are included in your monthly assessments, and in-residence dining. Spa services are offered to residents at a discount rate Monday through Thursday. An outdoor pool and fitness center for residents-only are on a full amenity floor in the condominium tower.
Do residents have access to Butler Service?
Yes. The Butler serves as each owner's personal point of contact, seamlessly coordinating the details of daily life and private events with discretion and ease. From deliveries, housekeeping, and pet care to personal chefs, spa treatments, guest hospitality, and special requests, the Butler provides a level of attentive, personalized service unique to the St. Regis Residents.
Is the hotel brand a long-term asset for resale value?
I believe it is. Global brand recognition, particularly the St. Regis flag under Marriott International, matters to the international and executive buyer that drives demand at this price point. The brand also sets a service standard the building is committed to maintaining, which protects the ownership experience over time.
Amenities
The building amenity floor occupies the entire 47th floor and includes:
Parking
Residents purchase a valet right-to-park space in the on-site garage that has EV chargers.
HOA Assessments: What to Expect
Monthly assessments at the St. Regis reflect the building's exceptional level of service and five-star amenities. They are in-line with those of other luxury developments introduced over the past six years and, in some instances, are even lower. Because operating costs are shared among 406 residences, owners benefit from efficiencies not always possible in newer buildings with substantially fewer units.
Assessments cover heat, air conditioning, gas, water, common insurance, door staff, an on-site property manager, a professional management company, an engineer, maintenance staff, TV/Cable, Internet access, all amenities on the 47th floor, and the St. Regis Hotel indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center. The monthly parking assessment is $65.
Property Taxes
Property Taxes: Guesstimated at 2% of sale price
Lakeshore East Special District Tax
All residents of Lakeshore East are subject to a Lakeshore East Special District Tax through 2032. The City of Chicago pursuant to a certain Bond Ordinance, authorized the issuance of municipal bonds to pay for the communitiy's Public Improvements, including parks, streets, a storm and sanitary sewer, a portable water system, etc., financing and other costs. The fee is billed and payable semi-annually. As an example, the annual Special District Tax of a 2,500 square foot 3bedroom is $1,273.
Holding Value in a Shifting Market
Despite opening in 2020 and marketing through the pandemic, the St. Regis posted steady sales, and prime units sold out quickly - particularly the two-bedrooms and the three-bedroom 06 and 08 layouts. As of June 2026, inventory is ample: resale and investor units are on the market at competitive prices, making this a strong moment to be a buyer. As inventory tightens over the next year, pricing will follow rising demand. The St. Regis has no real competition in the market: unparalleled views, a direct connection to the St. Regis Hotel, exceptional amenities, and a Lakeshore East location.
Are Off-Market Opportunities Available?
Occasionally, as some sellers prefer to test their pricing privately before listing publicly. As an advisor with long-standing relationships with the agents who sell within the building and with the original development team, I have access to inventory before it reaches the open market. That said, when inventory is abundant in a high-rise, motivated sellers typically prefer to list publicly to reach the broadest pool of buyers.
Your Trusted Advisor
Purchasing at the St. Regis requires more than finding a unit or view that you love. You should understand how this building's lifestyle differs from other prime luxury options - Tribune Tower, One Bennett Park, and the Waldorf Astoria Residences. It means knowing how tiers are priced relative to views and floor height, and which units have distinctive features that will add value in a competitive resale market. As a trusted Global Advisor representing buyers in Chicago's luxury market, I am dedicated to serving your best interests.