CityPads Fremont

Nestled in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, this 132-unit multifamily development looks to change the conversation around what home means in a multifamily residence.

Developed in collaboration with NY interior design firm By The Studio, the project announces its intentions immediately upon entry. The lobby isn't an empty room with a few pieces of furniture acting as lounge seating, instead, it feels like an aspirational extension of home. A corner to read, a spot to grab coffee with a friend, a table to collaborate, a small room for heads-down work, and even a place to throw on a record and listen to music. The intentional curation of placemaking, balancing openness with privacy and grounding expansive spaces through vertical intervention, creates a dynamic experience that feels warm and inviting.

The room is layered to appeal to the senses. Warm neutral tones are complemented by rich, darker accents. Patterned carpets, textured pillows, and metal and stone surfaces make the space feel aspirational yet approachable. Equally important, the space doesn't feel too precious — it's meant to be used, not just admired on your way to the elevator.

The unit interiors explore a typology akin to NYC living, providing the essentials while creating a sequencing of space that feels intentional. Taupe cabinets open to reveal a green interior, offering hints of the "Inside Info" concept developed by NoWalls Studio, a brand idea that echoes the lobby's philosophy: that the space, and all it has to offer, is meant to unfold over time.