Chicago Apartment Rental Leasing Office: 312.939.3033

Imagine living in Chicago at the turn of the 20th century, when as the "city with big shoulders" and "America's breadbasket," the area was growing in prominence as a center for commerce, manufacturing, distribution, transportation and food processing. As the growing industries were well-served by the proximity of Dearborn Station and the mighty Chicago River, neighborhoods began to sprout close by to house the various cultures and classes that were coming to work in downtown Chicago.

Along a stretch of Wells Street, in the prestigious Burnham Park neighborhood of Chicago's South Loop, the area was becoming known as "Printers Row," as an industry of printers and publishers sprang up overnight, establishing Chicago as the country's major communications mecca by the early 1900's. In 1910, an imposing commercial building was constructed at 651 Wells Street to house a large commercial printing plant, by now the type of company that was a common fixture in the area. 651 Wells was built in the classic industrial architectural style of the day, combining solid brick construction and ornate detailing on the outside with thick timbered beams and generous space on the inside. As electricity was a precious commodity in those days, the building was designed with oversized windows and high ceilings to maximize the availability of natural light for its original occupant. By the early 1950's, the publishing center of Chicago shifted towards Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile and the South Loop section became a commercial district and 651 Wells was home to a prominent pharmaceutical business.

651 Wells ultimately became a bit rundown over the years, but in 1987 the building was given new life when prominent rehabber, Historic Landmarks For Living, spent millions to transform it into a majestic luxury apartment building, The Regal. Great care was taken to restore the significant architectural details and complement them with a host of contemporary amenities. Today, The Regal stands as a perfect blending of the past and the present. Almost a century-old brick and thick timbered beams have been exposed to add style and texture, from the impressive main entrance lobby to most every apartment. The original industrial windows and high ceilings became prominent features, inviting plenty of natural light into airy, open interiors. Living spaces were creatively designed for uncommon comfort with unique one-bedroom floor plans, ranging from spacious lofts to generously-sized one-bedroom/den residences. And all were enhanced with an endless array of such quality features as gourmet kitchens, unique built-ins and custom lighting, plush wall-to-wall carpeting and so much more.

While the building is rich in history, from its original purpose as a printing plant to its status as a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, today The Regal is well-known for being one of the most preferred residential buildings in Burnham Park. And for good reason. It offers an artful blend of classic architecture, a quality restoration, creative design and contemporary styling-everything you'd expect in a landmark building!

Chicago Apartment Rental Leasing Office: 312.939.3033