850 Lake Shore Drive

Pros

• Residents describe the staff as helpful, capable, kind, and professional, a highlight of the building.
• The building is consistently clean, with prompt in-unit maintenance and exceptional garage, front desk, and door staff.
• Residents feel the community has a quiet, friendly neighborhood vibe.
• The property blends classic elegance with a modern twist, with amenities like a winter pool and magical rooftop views.
• The team at 850 is great, with friendly and supportive staff contributing to a wonderful community.
• The building is beautiful, elegant, and warm, with outstanding management and lovely front desk staff.
• Amenities are top-notch, including a Lakeview room, a well-equipped gym, guest apartments, an indoor pool, and a rooftop patio for fireworks viewing.
• The location on Lake Michigan is ideal, with a bus stop in front of the building.
• Residents consistently report happiness living at 850 N Lake Shore Drive, praising quick maintenance responses and overall service.
• Tours and interactions with staff (notably Dallas) are described as positive and engaging, influencing interest in making the building home.
• The community hosts frequent events and maintains well-kept common areas and decor.
• Individual staff members (e.g., Miguel, Nikolas, Corey, Dallas, La'Velle) are praised for their helpfulness and professionalism.
• Prospective and current residents would recommend the building and would consider moving back to 850NLS.
• The building is described by residents as pure perfection and absolutely amazing.

Cons

• Some residents described the new management team as awful.
• A reviewer found the concierge to be strange.
• The pool, touted by residents, was closed for repairs for five months.
• A leaking sink took a week to fix.
• Maintenance was criticized as not being at a level that justifies the cost to live there.
• It was noted that room service was advertised as free but was not.
• One resident noted a lack of natural light in the apartment.
• Remotes for the TVs were not clearly available; there were no signs at the front desk indicating where to obtain them.

Review

850 Lake Shore Drive stands out as a residence that quietly blends classic elegance with a modern sensibility, all wrapped in the warmth of a true lakefront community. From the moment you step inside, the building feels like a welcoming neighborhood rather than a tall glass tower. Residents repeatedly note that the hallways, lobby, and common spaces are meticulously kept, and the overall atmosphere is one of calm and friendly energy. After moving in in January, many have found it easy to say they're extremely happy to call 850 NLS home.

A standout thread throughout the feedback is the people who keep the place running. The staff across departments - parking, front desk, door staff, and management - consistently receive praise for their helpfulness, professionalism, and readiness to go the extra mile. Several residents highlight specific leaders and teams, with DJ Frey singled out as outstanding and a key part of the building's success. The front desk team is described as lovely and accommodating, while the garage staff are lauded for making cars readily accessible. It's common to hear that the atmosphere at 850 feels personal because the people are so engaged and supportive.

Maintenance and responsiveness are another pillar of satisfaction. The community frequently shares stories of quick, effective service: technicians who diagnose and fix issues the same day, and staff who are patient and thorough in answering questions. Individuals praise specific team members by name - Miguel, Nikolas, Dallas, Corey, La'Velle, and Eddie appear repeatedly as dependable, friendly, and professional. Not every note is perfectly rosy, but the overarching tone is one of confidence in a maintenance team that treats problems seriously and resolves them promptly. There are a few practical notes, such as a dimmer-bulb issue in bathrooms that the team addressed swiftly, and reminders that things like TV remotes or clock batteries get handled with care - even when a few practical hiccups arise, the response is generally swift and thorough.

The amenities at 850 Lake Shore Drive are described with a sense of pride and affection. Residents mention a well-appointed indoor pool and hot spa, a roof-top terrace with views that can feel magical, and a Lakeview lounge that can be reserved for private functions. The building also offers a guest apartment for visitors, a decent workout area, and additional storage space that's appreciated by families with more things than apartment space can easily hold. The lakefront location shines in everyday life: a lakefront stroll is easy, and the proximity to Navy Pier fireworks becomes a collective perk for residents who love the city's seasonal spectacles. Some units feature in-unit laundry and lake views, adding to the sense of modern convenience within a timeless, elegant shell.

Residents often describe life at 850 as not only beautiful but also neighborly. The combination of elegant d?cor, uniform styling, and quiet, well-lit corridors creates an environment that feels both refined and comfortable. Several reviews emphasize that the building exudes a historic charm while still delivering contemporary upgrades in key areas like the lake-view lounges and rooftop spaces. The location earns high marks for convenience: a bus stop right at the door, easy access to the lake, and a setting that many describe as serene and safe. And for dog lovers, the building's dog-friendly stance is frequently cited as an important plus, contributing to a lively, welcoming community.

Like any large, beloved building, there are a few caveats voiced by residents. One review notes a rumor of a new management team that didn't sit well with the writer, underscoring that expectations can differ and that change isn't universally welcome. There's also a candid critique from a past resident who recalls being sold on the pool only to see it closed for repairs for an extended period, along with a sink leak that took a week to fix. A handful of smaller comments point to moments of friction - perhaps a "strange" concierge or occasional delays in posting information about remotes - but these voices are outweighed by the consistent praise for the people, service, and overall quality of living. A resident also observed that, while the building is pricey, many still feel it's worth the cost for what it delivers in location, finishes, and community.

For many who have toured or chosen to move in, the experience with the team appears to be a defining factor. One prospective resident described a tour guided by Dallas as exceptional, noting an authentic, high-energy presentation and clear alignment with their values. That impression - of a property manager who communicates fluidly, listens, and advocates for prospective residents - proved influential in the decision to make 850 NLS home. Across the board, the sentiment is that the combination of a beautiful building, superb service, and a genuine, friendly community makes this a standout Chicago address. Several residents even remark that they'd gladly move back to 850 if Chicago were their home again, underscoring the strength of the community and the quality of life it affords.

Overall, 850 North Lake Shore Drive is celebrated as a rare blend of elegance, comfort, and community. The building's classic exterior and modern interiors, paired with exceptional staff, well-maintained facilities, and a vibrant set of amenities, create a living experience that many residents describe as truly special. If you're seeking a lakefront home in Chicago that feels like a neighborhood, where front desk smiles meet reliable maintenance, and where rooftop views and lake access are part of daily life, this is a place that residents consistently say is worth keeping and, for many, worth recommending to others.

This area of Chicago, Illinois, is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood with a variety of amenities within close proximity. There are several top-rated hospitals nearby, including Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Rush University Medical Center, ensuring quality healthcare services are readily accessible. In addition, there are numerous pharmacies, restaurants offering diverse cuisines, cozy cafes for socializing, and beautiful parks for leisurely walks or picnics. The convenient transportation options, such as the CTA stations and Metra stops, make it easy to navigate the city. For those in need of medical care, there are reputable physicians in the area like Lincoln Park Dental Specialists and University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center. With entertainment options like Regal Webster Place theater close by, there is always something to do in this vibrant neighborhood.

Hospitals

• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (0.2 miles)
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (0.4 miles)
• Rush University Medical Center (3 miles)
• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (3 miles)
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (3.3 miles)
• John H Stroger Jr Hospital (3.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Giordano's (0.4 miles)
• Eataly (0.6 miles)
• Tao Chicago Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• The Purple Pig (0.6 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (0.7 miles)
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (1 miles)
• Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (1 miles)
• Intelligentsia Coffee (1.1 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (1.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)

Parks

• Maggie Daley Park (1.1 miles)
• Grant Park - Butler Field (1.3 miles)
• Grant Park (1.6 miles)
• Mary Bartelme Park (2 miles)
• Chicago Lakefront (2.4 miles)
• Skinner Dog Park (2.5 miles)
• Skinner Bark Park (2.5 miles)

Transportation

• CTA - Clark/Lake (1.1 miles)
• Van Buren Street Metra & South Shore Trains (1.6 miles)
• Ogilvie Transportation Center (1.6 miles)
• Cta (1.6 miles)
• Jamba Union Station / Chicago (1.7 miles)
• Metra - LaSalle Street (1.9 miles)
• CTA - Clinton (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• Lincoln Park Dental Specialists (1.5 miles)
• University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center: Near West Side (3.2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Webster Place (2.8 miles)