The Lydian

I like the ambiance/upscale look and feel of my unit (and the building), the location as it's close to downtown without being downtown, and its close proximity to office (job in the west loop). My apartment is very lovely and has great views of downtown/Chicago skyline (it gives me life)! I have a spacious two bedroom. If I had a wish list for this property, I would wish for free parking in the garage (inclusive with the rent at least), I wish they would bring back the 24-hour security/service desk attendants (what I signed up in my lease; for now, it's changed to business hour coverage), and I wish that residents would obey the rule and not smoke in the building/their apartment (I cannot catch a break as the smoke lingers into my apt due to my neighbor smokes (weed) religiously!) Perhaps institute a "smoking floor" to settle that! I get it's legal in Chicago, but I am a "non-smoker." These would be the primary reasons I would break lease and leave if I could, w/o penalty. Otherwise, I recommend living here...(if you can afford it).

The building is wonderful with great units and spacious ceilings. The amenities are top notch and the floor to ceiling windows are wonderful! Despite these great aspects, the Lydian has significant downsides if you are a social person and/or living without a car. The most obvious issue is the location. Between the highway, Ogden, and Damen, The Lydian is fully encircled by extremely wide (60 - 120 ft) streets that cars regularly drive 45+ mph along. This contributes to an extremely hostile area for pedestrians where close calls with careless drivers are common place, even in the marked crosswalks. This hostile environment also means that foot traffic is low, and sidewalk snow and trash removal is seriously deficient beyond The Lydian property lines. The blue line station adjacent to the building seems positive but it is one of the least serviced portions of the blue line - as the CTA prioritizes the northern branch and turns several trains around at the UIC station. Do not be surprised about 25 minute headways even during rush hour and the middle of day on weekends. Additionally, the lack of businesses within a 20 minute walk is staggering. Do not expect typical urban walking access to a grocery store, hair or nail salon, liquor store, pet store, bar, and most other common shopping needs. If you are confident in riding a bike in shared and painted bike lanes, the location becomes manageable, but is unlikely to pleasant. (At least The Lydian has great bike storage) The unpleasant walking experience/lack of nearby businesses means that running into familiar faces is uncommon. This is exacerbated by the limited social areas on the ground floor due to the integrated parking garage. This social isolation is heightened by the extremely sound-proof walls between units. Normally, this would be great, but here it means the only external sounds you will ever hear are the highway roar and ambulance sirens. On the plus side, the pool/gym/rooftop are fantastic.