The Elizabeth Chicago — Local services in West Chicago Township

We toured The Elizabeth on a rapid series of tours before signing a new lease elsewhere. Below, I outline the key strengths and weaknesses that influenced our decision.

Strengths:

Architectural Appeal: The Elizabeth is a visually striking building featuring a blend of traditional amenities common in Chicago, including a well-equipped gym, a pool, and dedicated workstations. However, these are not uncommon in most other buildings in Chicago now.

Unique Offerings: The property includes an innovative "zen garden," a distinctive feature that enhances the overall living experience. Additionally, the well-maintained dog station demonstrates a commitment to resident convenience, contrasting with less well-kept and concerning dog station alternatives in the area (Mason).

Unit Quality: The individual units benefit from a modern design, reflecting the freshness of a new build. Thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports and built-in storage solutions, enhance functionality. Though it does feature an exceptionally small kitchen, but not a deal breaker for folks, especially with a prime location filled with exceptional restaurants in West Loop and Fulton Market.

Weaknesses:

Pricing Transparency: The most significant concern for us was the lack of transparency regarding their pricing structure. The Elizabeth advertises a two-bedroom unit at $3,800, but this figure is very misleading. It only reflects the rate after applying two months of free rent. In reality, the month-to-month rent to pay is closer to $4,200. This kind of bait-and-switch tactic is frustrating and feels very deceptive. If they’re willing to obscure the true cost upfront, we couldn't help but wonder how they might handle other aspects of the leasing process once a contract is signed. This approach not only raises red flags for us but also artificially inflates rent prices, which will surely impact future lease renewals.

Parking Costs: The parking fee of $425 per month is exorbitant, even for a luxury building. For context, we evaluated other premium properties in Lincoln Park where similar services were available for the same price structure but included mandatory valet. This raises questions about the value proposition offered by The Elizabeth compared to its competitors. The Elizabeth's pricing feels exploitative and is a significant misstep.

In summary, while The Elizabeth presents appealing amenities and unit features, its pricing strategies do not align with our expectations for transparency. Given the competitive landscape in the West Loop, there is no way The Elizabeth can continue to advertise themselves the way they are - especially when there are more up-front alternative two blocks down the road, and another a block from there, and another half a block...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Living at The Elizabeth has been an incredible experience! The building is beautiful, well-designed, and in a perfect location close to all your favorite spots in the West Loop, which makes city living even better.

The pool is a great size and depth, perfect for you and your family to relax and enjoy. The third-floor lounge is stunning; the décor is exquisite, and the vibe fits any occasion, whether you’re hanging out with friends, working, or just unwinding. It even has a ping pong and snooker table for some fun downtime.

The gym is well-equipped with everything you need for a complete workout. There’s also a business center that’s perfect for getting things done. You can print, focus, or even do a bit of creative work. The spa room and kitchenette, available for rent at a reasonable price, are perfect for hosting small events.

The 28th floor is my favorite with its elegant view of the city. It’s an inspiring place to work from home or just clear your head. It’s my personal sanctuary. Even the mailroom has a calming scent that greets you peacefully every time you come in.

My apartment itself is perfect, and the rent is fair for everything that comes with living here. Management is organized and responsive. They’ve handled the only two small issues I’ve had quickly and professionally. The front desk team is friendly and available 24/7, which adds to the overall comfort and convenience.

Overall, The Elizabeth is a gem, modern, peaceful, and ideally located in the heart of the West Loop. I couldn’t ask for a better place...

I had high hopes for The Elizabeth, given its bold claims of "luxury living" and "amenity-rich, inspired living." The amenities are indeed impressive, with stunning panoramic views, well-designed coworking spaces, and a top-notch fitness center. But all of that quickly loses its appeal when you realize how outdated some of their practices are.

It's 2024, and yet The Elizabeth insists on using archaic payment methods like money orders or cashier's checks for the initial deposit. For a place that prides itself on convenience and modern living, this requirement is a huge inconvenience. As someone with a busy schedule, the last thing I want to do is go out of my way to get a money order or cashier's check and physically drop it off at the building. Why isn't there an option to pay by debit card, wire transfer, or any other modern method?

This unnecessary hassle doesn't align with the luxury experience they promise. It’s frustrating that such an outdated policy is still in place, especially for a property that markets itself as forward-thinking and customer-focused. A truly luxury experience should prioritize the convenience of its residents in every aspect, including payments. Until they update their processes, The Elizabeth falls short...