1500 Lake Shore Drive was constructed between 1927 and 1929 by the architectural firm of McNally & Quinn, in conjunction with Rosario Candela, a renowned architect who designed many of New York’s luxury apartment buildings with storied addresses on Fifth and Park Avenues. Ours is one of the most prestigious buildings in Chicago and one of the most luxurious cooperative apartment buildings built during this period. The limestone-clad exterior of the building is imposing and stately yet restrained. Inside, the public spaces, overseen by a dedicated and gracious staff, are charming and tastefully appointed.
One of the most remarkable features of the building is the porte-cochère, providing residents attended arrival to and departure from the building, and protection from the elements. The magnificent lobbies feature original woodwork, marble floors, and bronze on thresholds and elevator doors. And the elevators, although recently updated mechanically, retain the original hand-car controls operated by our doormen—a nod to history, but also an added measure of security for the residents.
Rosario Candela was known for creating a variety of floorplans within one building—allowing each apartment to become a unique expression of its owner—and paying careful attention to the interior architecture. The result of his visionary approach is a rare living experience; the unique apartment layouts at 1500 offer luxurious proportions, high ceilings, large windows with sweeping views of the lakefront and the city, wood-burning fireplaces, and elegant detailing.
1500 Lake Shore Drive provides incomparable scale. Each of the 57 apartments feels like a spacious private home, attended by round-the-clock staff to provide personalized care.
“What a wonderful place for families to create lasting memories. I remember how much I loved visiting 1500 as a young girl, and always wanted my own children to experience it. Best decision I ever made.”
“The relationships I’ve established at 1500 are lasting. My friendships and my childrens’ friendships began here and have endured.”
THE ART OF SERVICE AND AMENITY
Our dedicated staff has mastered the art of service—it is our pleasure to respectfully attend to your wishes and ensure that your every need is met. Beyond measures of security, we offer you freedom from worry.
“How may we help you?” is the cornerstone of our service philosophy. At 1500 Lake Shore Drive, extraordinary service is ubiquitous. Our staff members are adept and earnest in their desire to provide careful attention and assistance, and that distinction is our hallmark.
Our shareholders say it best:
“The moment you walk in, there is a welcoming atmosphere and the warmth of the staff is phenomenal.”
“The staff is unique—helpful beyond belief. What they do is almost like magic.”
“The terrific long-serving generational staff makes life easy and incredibly cheerful.”
Caring for our shareholders and guests in a manner of decorum and refinement is intrinsic to our history and the traditions of a noble lifestyle. We are dedicated to your comfort and contentment, and our goal is to uphold the highest standards of privacy and social propriety commensurate with the prevailing customs.
Not only do we understand the importance of service, we understand YOU. Our service is unrivaled, and we make it personal to exceed your expectations. Each of you is unique, and our service is personalized to meet your specific needs. You deserve the privilege of the 1500 Lake Shore Drive experience.
PRUDENT GOVERNANCE FOR SHAREHOLDER BENEFIT
1500 Lake Shore Drive is owned and operated as a cooperative apartment enterprise. A private residence in a cooperative differs from a condominium in a number of ways. Our residents are shareholders in a nonprofit corporation, and our building is prudently governed for the benefit of our shareholders by an elected board of directors—many of whom have extensive experience in the practices of business management, finance, real estate, architecture, and law.
There are organizational and financial benefits to the cooperative structure, which provides judicious administration of household matters such as amenities, maintenance, utilities, security, mortgage and property taxes. Building expenses are paid by the corporation and apportioned among the owners based upon the number of shares. Property taxes are often lower for cooperatives and, considering the tremendous advantages, the resulting cost per square foot is generally less overall.
COMPREHENSIVE OVERSIGHT TO SAFEGUARD THE PROPERTY
We take great pride in the quality and breadth of our management and staff. 1500 has a full-time onsite property manager and chief building engineer, janitors and assistant engineers, lobby attendants (doormen), garage attendants, receiving room personnel, and other employees, as needed. This arrangement provides comprehensive oversight of day-to-day operations to safeguard and maintain the property and ensure the comfort and well-being of shareholders and guests.
Additionally, our highly engaged board of directors and management team develop and administer short-and long-term strategic plans to make certain that all building functions are optimal, and that any capital improvements are projected and accounted for in the operating budget, while minimizing financial impact to shareholders. The sound management of the 1500 Lake Shore corporate entity allows shareholders to enjoy peace of mind, knowing that all concerns will be anticipated and addressed as proactively and efficaciously as possible.
Most importantly, at 1500 we do live cooperatively. Our building comprises individuals with a shared interest in developing and fostering a supportive community for all of our families to enjoy.
