LMC, a leader in apartment development and operations, today announced the start of preleasing at The Emerson, a mixed-use apartment community located in the heart of downtown Oak Park.

The Emerson, which features 270 apartment homes amongst a five-story low-rise building and 20-story high-rise, opened a temporary leasing office this week. LMC will conduct community tours at the low-rise and hard-hat tours of the high-rise. The buildings are connected via a pedestrian bridge over Westgate Street with a new public parking garage at the base of the high-rise.  

The combined 25,000 square feet of retail space will be anchored by a flex format Target store featuring a Starbucks and CVS Pharmacy. Firecakes Donuts will occupy the space closest to the transit station and Wheel & Sprocket plans to open this summer in the adjacent 1118 Westgate building. First move-ins are anticipated for Aug. 1 with construction completing in October.  

“We’re very excited to open our doors in downtown Oak Park,” said Ryan McBride, vice president of development for LMC, “This community has been a long time coming and we’re thrilled to begin building our resident base. Oak Park provides a one-of-a-kind living experience with its vibrant restaurant, retail and cultural scene. We look forward to being a part of it.”

Situated at 1135 Westgate Street, The Emerson is a 15-minute ride from Downtown Chicago via the adjacent Metra commuter line and ‘L’ Station. Interstate 290 is two miles from the community, providing access to the key attractions and employment centers in both the city and suburbs. The community is adjacent to Lake Street and Marion retail corridor and within walking distance of a Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Lake Street Theater and several other local and national dining, entertainment and shopping destinations. 

The Emerson consists of studio, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments with a top-of-the-line community amenities package. Included are a heated outdoor swimming pool, private cabanas with resort-quality outdoor furniture, high-end outdoor grills, landscaped outdoor deck with city views, state-of-the-art fitness center, spacious multi-sport training studio and a business center with private offices. Residents also will have access to a digital-package and dry-cleaning locker system. 

Apartment interiors feature quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, European-style custom cabinetry with under-cabinet lighting in select units, glass tile backsplashes, tile shower surrounds with frameless glass doors, in-unit washers and dryers and luxury vinyl-plank flooring. 

Including The Emerson, LMC has more than 1,000 apartment homes in operation, planned or under construction in the Chicago area.