"CMK's twin-tower South Loop statement — 346 units across two 14-story buildings with a resort-style amenity deck and strong Printer's Row location."
Upper Level's exclusive rating for Chicago winter survivability — indoor parking, pedway access, CTA proximity, and wind exposure.
The Grand Central is CMK Companies' signature South Loop project — two 14-story residential towers at 221 W Harrison Street, completed in 2020 and designed by Pappageorge Haymes Partners. The twin-tower configuration creates a shared courtyard and amenity deck between the buildings, giving the development a campus-like feel that's unusual in Chicago's high-rise market.
CMK Companies, the Chicago developer behind several South Loop projects, brought institutional quality to a neighborhood that was still maturing. The 346 units span both towers with a full amenity package: outdoor pool, fitness center, yoga studio, co-working spaces, and a dog run. Waterton acquired the property in 2023 for an undisclosed sum, reflecting the South Loop's continued appreciation.
At 14 stories, the Grand Central is not a high-rise in the traditional sense — but the twin-tower design and shared amenity deck create a more dynamic living environment than a single mid-rise building. The Harrison Street location puts residents in the heart of Printer's Row, one of the South Loop's most established and walkable sub-neighborhoods.
South Loop professionals and couples who want a 2020-vintage building at a competitive price. Residents who appreciate the twin-tower campus feel and the shared courtyard. People who want the South Loop's value proposition with newer construction quality. Printer's Row enthusiasts who want to be in one of the neighborhood's most walkable and established pockets.
Printer's Row / South Loop — Harrison Street is in the heart of Printer's Row, one of the South Loop's most established sub-neighborhoods. The Harrison Red Line is a 3-minute walk. The neighborhood has excellent walkability, with coffee shops, restaurants, and the lakefront all accessible on foot.
The Grand Central's two-building configuration creates a shared courtyard and amenity deck that feels more like a residential campus than a typical Chicago high-rise. The pool deck between the towers is sheltered from wind in a way that single-tower rooftop decks aren't. A genuinely different living experience for the South Loop.
Waterton acquired the Grand Central in 2023. Waterton is a Chicago-based real estate firm with a strong reputation for managing residential properties. The acquisition is a positive signal for building quality and management consistency going forward.
The Grand Central is a well-executed 2020-vintage South Loop rental with a distinctive twin-tower campus design, a full amenity package, and competitive pricing. The 14-story height limits views, but the Printer's Row location, shared courtyard, and Waterton management make it one of the better value propositions in the South Loop. A strong choice for renters who want newer construction without paying Streeterville prices.
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