"A pre-Magellan Illinois Center condo with Grant Park views and real value."
Ratings Breakdown
Upper Level's exclusive rating for Chicago winter survivability — indoor parking, pedway access, CTA proximity, and wind exposure.
The Rundown
The Buckingham is a 44-floor condo building completed in 1982 as part of the Illinois Center development — built nearly two decades before Magellan Development Group's Lakeshore East master plan was approved in 2002. Like 400 East Randolph, it predates the planned community around it and has a different character as a result.
The building sits just north of Grant Park, with south-facing units getting unobstructed Grant Park and lake views that are genuinely excellent. At 302 units, it's smaller than most of the other pre-Magellan buildings, which gives it a slightly more intimate feel.
The Buckingham is a 40+ year old building and the condition reflects that. Common areas are dated, and unit finishes vary widely. The price-per-square-foot is significantly below the Magellan-era buildings. For buyers who want Grant Park views and the Lakeshore East-adjacent location at a value price, it's worth a serious look.
Who Lives Here
Long-term owners who've been here since the 1980s and 1990s, value-oriented buyers attracted by the price-per-square-foot, and some investors. The building has a quieter, more established demographic than the newer rental buildings nearby.
The Neighborhood
Randolph Street puts you at the western edge of the Lakeshore East area, close to Millennium Park and the Loop. The building predates the Lakeshore East master plan — it was part of the Illinois Center development that preceded it.
What You Get
Elevator Experience
Upper Level Intel
Grant Park Views Are Underrated
South-facing units in The Buckingham have unobstructed Grant Park and lake views that rival buildings charging twice the price. If views are a priority and budget is a constraint, these units are worth a serious look.
Pre-Magellan Building — Different Context
The Buckingham was built in 1982 as part of the Illinois Center development, not the Lakeshore East master plan. It has a different HOA culture and management structure. Do your due diligence on the financials.
Value Buy for Buyers
The Buckingham offers some of the best price-per-square-foot in the Lakeshore East area. A renovated unit with Grant Park views at this price point is a compelling value play for buyers who understand what they're getting.
The Good & The Not-So-Good
Wins
- ✓Grant Park views from south-facing units are excellent
- ✓Competitive price-per-square-foot
- ✓Close to Millennium Station
- ✓Smaller building (302 units) means better elevator ratios
- ✓Strong value play for buyers
Watch Out
- ✗40+ year old building — common areas and unrenov units show age
- ✗HOA fees have had assessments
- ✗No pedway access
- ✗No EV charging
- ✗Management reviews are mixed
The Verdict
The Buckingham is a pre-Magellan Illinois Center condo that predates the planned community around it. The age shows, the HOA fees are real, and the common areas need attention. But the Grant Park views from south-facing units are excellent, the price-per-square-foot is competitive, and a renovated unit at this location is a genuine value play. Best for buyers who want the Lakeshore East-adjacent location at a significant discount.
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