Construction on Optima Lakeview development progresses

Just a few short blocks from where crews recently shifted the historic Vautravers Building out of the path of the CTA, work continues on the seven-story Optima Lakeview apartments at 3460 N. Broadway. The North Side development replaces the neighborhood's Treasure Island grocery store, which closed in 2018.

Developer Optima, Inc. broke ground on the luxury rental project in October of last year and topped off vertical construction this March. The Glencoe, Illinois-based company serves as general contractor and also plans to manage the property in-house. The building is designed by Optima CEO David Hovey Sr.

When complete, the upcoming complex will contain 198 rental units offered in one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. Residential amenities include an indoor basketball court, a fitness center, a dog park, a children's play area, a game room, a demonstration kitchen, a golf simulator and putting green, conference rooms, and a rooftop pool deck with lake and skyline views.

The transit-oriented development will also contain 14,000 square feet of commercial space, garage parking for 94 cars, and storage for 208 bicycles. The exterior features bronze-tinted glass and dark brickwork (added after neighbors pushed back on Optima's initial taller and glassier design). A series of deep recesses and setbacks create multiple opportunities for private decks and terraces with built-in grills and fire pits. A skylit atrium will run through the center of the building.

While the upcoming Lakeview project has really taken shape along North Broadway, there's still plenty of work left to complete. Move-ins aren't scheduled to take place until spring 2022, according to Optima. Check out the gallery at the top of the page for more construction photos.