Lakeshore EastRental

Coast

345 E. Wacker Dr.

4.0

Excellent

"The nautical-themed rental that brought a new energy to Lakeshore East."

Ratings Breakdown

Amenities4.3

Location4.6

Value3.8

Mgmt3.9

Condition4.3

Winter ❄️4.0

Winter Score: 4.0/5

Upper Level's exclusive rating for Chicago winter survivability — indoor parking, pedway access, CTA proximity, and wind exposure.

The Rundown

Coast brought a different energy to Lakeshore East when it opened in 2013 — a nautical-themed rental building with a rooftop pool, yoga studio, and a social amenity stack designed for a younger renter demographic. At 499 units across 47 floors, it's one of the larger buildings in the neighborhood.

The building is well-maintained and the amenities are genuinely good. The rooftop pool is a highlight. The coworking space and yoga studio reflect a more modern amenity philosophy than the older condo buildings nearby. Management is Magellan Residential, which gets solid reviews for responsiveness.

Coast is the rental option for people who want Lakeshore East's location and park access without the commitment of buying. The price point is competitive for the neighborhood, though not cheap. The nautical theme is a design choice that some love and others find gimmicky.

Who Lives Here

Young professionals in their late 20s and 30s who want Lakeshore East's quality of life without buying. Tech, finance, consulting. Some couples. A building that attracts people who've done their research and specifically chose Lakeshore East over River North or the West Loop.

The Neighborhood

Wacker Drive puts you at the edge of the neighborhood with easy access to the Loop and the Riverwalk. The park is a 3-minute walk. Pedway access. Close to Millennium Station for Metra commuters.

What You Get

Rooftop pool + sundeckFitness centerYoga studioDog run + pet spaResident loungeCoworking spaceDoorman/Concierge 24/7Bike storagePackage room

Elevator Experience

More WaitLess Wait

Moderate Wait100 units/elevator

4

Passenger Elevators

1

Service Elevators

499

Total Units

100

Units/Elevator

Upper Level Intel

💡 Pro Tip

Negotiate on Lease Length

Magellan Residential is known to offer concessions on longer leases — free months, reduced deposits, or parking deals. Never take the first offer, especially in winter.

🟢 Win

Rooftop Pool Views

The rooftop pool has some of the best views in Lakeshore East — Millennium Park, the lake, and the full skyline. In summer it's one of the better amenity experiences in the neighborhood.

The Good & The Not-So-Good

Wins

✓Rooftop pool is a genuine amenity
✓Pedway access to the Loop
✓Modern amenity stack (yoga, coworking, pet spa)
✓Well-maintained and responsive management
✓Close to Millennium Station

Watch Out

✗Rental pricing is at the top of the neighborhood
✗Nautical theme is polarizing
✗Wacker Drive noise on lower floors
✗High unit count (499) means less intimate community

The Verdict

4.0

Excellent — Coast

Coast is the best rental option in Lakeshore East for young professionals who want the neighborhood's quality of life without buying. The amenities are modern, the management is solid, and the location is excellent. The price reflects it — this isn't a value play. But for what you get, it delivers.