Aston Chicago

The Aston Chicago sits at 200 E Illinois, directly next to its flashier sibling Optima Signature. Built in 2013, it was the first phase of Optima's Streeterville development — 42 floors, 325 units, and a more understated take on luxury rental living.

Here's what most people miss about the Aston: the amenity package is more substantial than it looks from the outside. The building has a large indoor pool — genuinely rare in Chicago's residential high-rise market, where most buildings offer outdoor-only pools that are useless for eight months of the year. There's also an indoor hot tub, a rooftop hot tub, a large co-working space, a resident lounge, and The Retreat — a dedicated rentable event and gathering space for private functions. EV charging is available in the garage. This is a full-service building.

And then there are the views. The south-facing units have some of the most expansive, unobstructed views in the entire city — the full Loop skyline, the Chicago River, and miles of city beyond. For renters who want both a serious amenity package and a WOW view, the Aston is a genuine contender that often gets overlooked in favor of its shinier neighbor.

The building is showing some age at this point — over a decade old, and the finishes reflect that. Management is adequate but not exceptional. The value proposition is strong for Streeterville when you factor in the views and the indoor pool: you're getting a genuinely spectacular package at a price below the neighborhood's newest towers.

Prime Streeterville — the Mag Mile is a 5-minute walk, the lakefront is close, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital is nearby. Illinois Street is quieter than Grand or Ohio, which is a plus for street noise.