The Grand Central

The Grand Central

221 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607

4.0
Excellent

"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."

Ratings Breakdown

Amen.4.1Loc.4.0Value4.1Mgmt3.9Views3.7Cond.4.3Winter3.9
Amenities4.1
Location4.0
Value4.1
Mgmt3.9
Views3.7
Condition4.3
Winter ❄️3.9
Winter Score: 3.9/5

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

The Rundown

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.

Who Lives Here

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.

The Neighborhood

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.

What You Get

Outdoor pool and sundeckFitness centerYoga studioDoorman/ConciergeResident loungeCo-working spacesDog runBike storageAttached parkingPackage room

Elevator Experience

More WaitLess Wait
Moderate Wait87 units/elevator
4
Passenger Elevators
2
Service Elevators
346
Total Units
87
Units/Elevator

Upper Level Intel

🟢 Win

Twin-Tower Campus Feel Is Genuinely Distinctive

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.

💡 Pro Tip

Waterton Acquisition Adds Management Quality

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 Good & The Not-So-Good

Wins

  • 2020 vintage — newer construction quality at South Loop prices
  • Twin-tower campus design with shared courtyard — unique in Chicago
  • Outdoor pool and full amenity package
  • Printer's Row location — one of the South Loop's most walkable pockets
  • Waterton acquisition (2023) — professional institutional management

Watch Out

  • 14 stories — not a high-rise; views are limited compared to taller towers
  • Harrison Red Line is the nearest CTA — less convenient than Loop buildings
  • No pedway access
  • South Loop street-level retail is still developing

The Verdict

4.0
Excellent — The Grand Central

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.

Getting Out of Chicago

Nearest CTA Station
Harrison (Red) — 0.3mi
🚂
Union Station
Amtrak · Metra BNSF, Heritage Corridor, SWS
🚶20 minwalk
8 minbike
8 mindrive
🚂
Ogilvie Transportation Center
Metra UP-NW, UP-N, UP-W
🚶22 minwalk
9 minbike
9 mindrive
🚂
Millennium Station
Metra Electric, South Shore Line
🚶12 minwalk
5 minbike
5 mindrive
🚂
LaSalle Street Station
Metra Rock Island District
🚶14 minwalk
6 minbike
6 mindrive
✈️
O'Hare International
Red Line north to Blue Line
55 minRed Line north to Blue Line
30 mindrive
Check live traffic
✈️
Midway Airport
Orange Line (Roosevelt)
35 minOrange Line (Roosevelt)
20 mindrive
Check live traffic

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Quick Facts4.0 ★
Year Built
2020
Floors
14
Total Units
346
Type
Rental
Architect
Pappageorge Haymes Partners
Developer
CMK Companies
Management
Waterton
Rent Range
$2,100–$5,200/mo
Unit Sizes
Studios–3BR
Avg $/sq ft
$3.20/sq ft
Pets
Allowed (2 pets, weight limit applies)
Parking
Attached garage (additional cost)
EV Charging
Available
Nearest CTA
Harrison (Red) — 0.3mi
Pedway
No
Bike Storage
Yes
Short-Term Rental
Not permitted

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