Featuring sustainable condo living along the riverfront, The Reed in Southbank is an exciting, new, seven-acre, master-planned development that boasts dramatic views out every window and its own magnificent park.
The Reed is a highly ammenitized, 41-story, industrial-modern tower adjacent to the Chicago River and walkable to Union Station, the Loop and Fulton Market. All the shopping, dining, art and culture this world-class city has to offer, along with major employers, such as United, Walgreens, PepsiCo, Uber, Cisco, CBOE, Ferrara Candy, UChicago Medicine and Rush Hospital, are close by.
“The Reed is an easy walk to everything in an intimate riverfront setting that offers a connection to nature that most city dwellers don’t have the opportunity to enjoy,” said Jon Cordell, director of development management and operations for Lendlease in Chicago, developer of The Reed.
Catch a concert, toss a frisbee, have a picnic, walk your dog, relax in the amphitheater’s limestone seating or take in the glistening waters, colorful wildflowers, flitting butterflies and wide-open green spaces — all from downtown. Commuting to the suburbs is also easy. The property is one block from Congress Parkway/Ida B. Wells Drive, which leads to the I-290 expressway and connects with I-90 and I-94, especially convenient for residents who work outside the city.
The Reed’s 234 W. Polk St. location is the former site of Grand Central Station, a commercial central rail station from 1890 to 1969 that received transports of coal, Cordell said. It was later torn down to make way for commuter rails Ogilvie and Union Stations but was never forgotten. The developer incorporated limestone repurposed from the original Grand Central Station’s foundation for The Reed’s amphitheater, a salute to the past to enjoy in the present. It’s a special place to gather for concerts and other community events.
Lendlease completed construction of The Reed in late 2023. A focus on sustainability is evident throughout the property. Lendlease connected the soaring building to Chicago’s illustrious Riverwalk. “The Riverwalk goes from Harrison Street to the Polk Street Pier right outside our door, which we have restored to be a future water taxi stop that has bird houses and butterfly sanctuaries,” Cordell said. “It’s a serene, natural enclave just steps from the Old Post Office, Willis Tower and the center of the Loop.”
Lendlease partners with The Roof Crop to plant seasonal vegetables and oversee a beekeeping program on the green roof spaces, said Brad Brondyke, Vice President of Development Sales for Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty in Chicago, listing agent for The Reed. The seasonal harvests of produce and honey are available to residents and help create a sense of community.
Luxurious finishes
Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm of Perkins & Will, The Reed is LEED Gold, FIT Gold and Energy Star certified and sets the bar high for sustainability in Chicago, Cordell said. Its grand exterior hints at the opulence inside. Of 440 total units, 216 are available for purchase.
Condominiums feature open-concept floor plans with upscale finishes and range in price from the high $300,000s to $1.4 million and span from 630 to 1,700 square feet. Buyers can choose from one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, with an equal number of bathrooms. In addition, there’s a one-bedroom, one-bath option that includes a den.
Kitchens boast paneled appliances, sleek modern cabinetry and wide plank hardwood flooring — many have expansive islands with quartz countertops. All units have concrete ceilings and kitchens that open to a great room with breathtaking water views out dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Floor plans are expertly designed to take advantage of the incredible views surrounding the property,” Brondyke said. “There’s a water view from almost every unit. The north view is of the postcard skyline, park and river.” A majority of units come with spacious private balconies for intimate, alfresco dining.
Modern spa-like bathrooms showcase oversized walk-in showers, large-scale porcelain tile, custom vanities with architectural steel accents and custom medicine cabinets with intricate millwork. Sleek lighting and luxurious Kohler and Hansgrohe fixtures complete the sophisticated look.
Other highlights include in-unit washer and dryer, keyless entry, on-demand zoned heating and cooling, concierge service, package delivery to residents’ doors and daily valet dry cleaning services.
An abundance of amenities
Staying home is never boring. The Reed offers residents a huge outdoor pool, sunbathing deck with cabanas, sports lounge with interactive golf simulator, indoor study and co-working spaces and social lounge with comfortable sofas, TV, fireplace and pool table. The reservable River Lounge with kitchen and dining room is perfect for hosting events and dinner parties. Residents can also choose from multiple outdoor lounges with seating and fire pits perfect for watching boats coast along the river or catching beautiful sunsets. A media room, state of the art fitness center, salon and massage suite and outdoor pool with cabanas bring resort-style living home.
“From the moment you walk into the expansive lobby, it feels like you are in a trendy hotel, and that theme carries throughout the building, with a suite of full-service amenities and the lifestyle offered,” Brondyke said. “The developer has taken advantage of the views and outdoor spaces that become an extension of your living space. Buyers also appreciate the developer’s commitment to sustainability in design, construction and the property’s connection to the surrounding environment.”
A reason to buy now
Brondyke knows there are a number of buyers still on the sidelines due to the higher interest rate environment, but they have eliminated that hurdle. The seller will offer a 3-2-1 rate buy-down on interest rates to a more attractive level for new purchasers.
The level and scale of amenities, immediate access to nature, proximity to downtown, public transportation and attainable pricing make The Reed a must-see development.
“The Reed is our latest example in Chicago, where we have elevated really everything from amenities to sustainability features to the overall lifestyle offering,” Cordell said. “Additional residential towers are planned as part of the Southbank master plan, and we look forward to sharing those details as designs are finalized.”
To learn more or schedule a showing, visit thereedcondos.com.
