Andrew Benz, 40, is a non-smoker who recently rented a a studio apartment at AMLI 900. Renters who abhor cigarette smoking can head to the South Loop to sign a lease at the new AMLI 900, Chicago's first smoke-free apartment building.
The developer, AMLI Residential, says the 24-story highrise at 900 S. Clark was designed for those who want to live in a smoke-free environment. The building's Breatheasy program strictly prohibits smoking by residents and guests inside and outside the building. Residents who do not follow the rules will be fined, and all fines will be donated to charity.
Brian Jackson / Sun-Times
"The feedback from prospective and current residents has been overwhelmingly positive," said Jennifer Wolf, senior vice president of development for AMLI Residential.
Rents at AMLI 900 start at $1,338 for studios, $1,551 for convertibles, $1,674 for 1-bedroom apartments, $2,243 for 2-bedroom layouts and $2,817 for spacious 3-bedroom floor plans. Currently, renters who sign a 14-month lease will receive a prorated discount of two months rent.
Wolf said one of the reasons for the smoke-free requirement is its green theme.
"The rental building will be the first new construction rental apartment building in Chicago to receive LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certification by the United States Green Building Council due to its efforts to improve, among other things, internal air quality," Wolf said.
"As part of our LEED certification, we chose to prohibit smoking and to comply with an Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control prerequisite, as well as offer a healthier living environment for our residents and their guests," Wolf said. "We've also used green-friendly materials for construction, such as low-emitting paint, adhesives, sealants and carpets."
The development's South Loop location also makes it green.
"We have easy access to public transportation and preferred parking for I-Go car sharing and hybrid cars to maximize energy efficiency and embrace a cleaner, healthier living environment," Wolf said.
Smoking inside your home is legal but not if you sign a no-smoking lease or your condo bylaws restrict cigarettes.
Although the AMLI900 is the first major development to go smoke-free, many small apartment and condo buildings have already put the butts outs, said Maurice Ortiz, marketing director for the Apartment People. The apartment finding service represents as many as 8,000 rental units in the Chicago area.
"A lot of apartment building and condo owners renting their unit are putting no-smoking clauses into their leases," Ortiz said. "Right now, no smoking is very common in the rental marketplace. We're mostly seeing no-smoking leases in small walk-up buildings or from owners of 2- to 3-flats.
"They just don't want to deal with smokers. Some of the landlords live in the building and don't want smoke. Plus, when a smoker moves out there is generally more work involved to clean up the apartment. They have to repaint and replace or steam clean the carpet to get the smell out.
"Right now, no smoking for renters is very prevalent and more and more people don't like cigarette smoke," Ortiz said.
Andrew Benz, 40, is a non-smoker who recently rented a a studio apartment at AMLI 900.
"I don't smoke, so I love the smoke-free building," said Benz, a professional filmmaker and student at Columbia College.
"I've gotten used to going to places that don't smell like smoke. The loft I lived in before this really smelled bad, cigar and what have you," Benz said. "What I like most about AMLI 900 is that it smells fresh and clean. There are no weird odors."
Benz said AMLI 900 has one of the nicest staff around. "They're just wonderful and genuine, but when it comes to no smoking they're not joking. They mean it. And, the fines are pretty stout."
Renters who violate the no-smoking rule are fined $250 for the first offense and $500 for the second offense. After five offenses, eviction could result.
AMLI 900 was designed by the architectural firm of Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates and features spectacular downtown views. Walsh Construction Co., the general contractor, topped out the high-rise in October of 2008.
"Lease-up of the 440-unit building is under way, with 50 percent of the apartments already leased to a broad mix of people, many of who walk to work in the Loop," said Darlene Egan, AMLI regional manager.
Building amenities include an approximately 1,600-square-foot fitness center with private yoga studio, an executive business center and private conference room with high-speed Internet access, an Internet cafe with complimentary Starbucks coffee bar, Wi-Fi throughout amenity areas, a rooftop resident lounge and sundeck with outdoor fireplace, a private park and a dog run. Private indoor parking is also provided for 270 cars along with bicycle storage.
Apartment interiors feature a choice of two design plans. "Shaken" interiors offer a classic style with maple shaker-style cabinets and plush carpeting. The "Stirred" package provides a soft-loft setting with exposed concrete ceilings, spiral duct work, flat panel cherry cabinets, faux wood floors and cut-Berber carpeting.
All residences have floor-to-ceiling windows, 9-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens equipped with center island, pendant lighting, upscale stainless-steel or black appliances, 42-inch maple or cherry cabinetry and granite countertops.
Apartments also feature contemporary lighting, walk-in closets, in-unit washers and dryers, private balconies, individual heat and cooling system controls and extra insulation between residences.
For more information on AMLI 900, call
