SKY 55 AT CENTRAL STATION in Chicago, IL

Pros

• The leasing agent exceeded expectations during the tour, being professional and knowledgeable about the apartments within the price range.
• The staff are amazing and friendly, and the amenities are clean.
• Maria is fantastic - knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating.
• The maintenance team is amazing, always helpful and quick to fix issues.
• The building is beautiful with great views and a location convenient to parks and transit.
• The front desk staff and property managers are welcoming and professional.

Cons

• The management is described as lazy, unprofessional, and disorganized.
• Elevators are frequently out of order, making the building feel unsafe and unreliable.
• Maintenance requests are often unresolved, with issues like leaks, no hot water, sewer gas, and mold.
• Communication from management is poor and lacks transparency about updates and charges.
• Front desk staff are perceived as rude, distracted, and unhelpful.
• The building heavily smells of weed and has cleanliness issues in common areas and carpets.
• The property is viewed as overpriced and not matching the advertised luxury standards.
• Parking and package handling are poorly managed, with access issues and billing complications.

Review

Sky55 at Central Station is best suited for renters who prize a premium South Loop address with sweeping views, abundant on-site amenities, and a resort-like campus feel, but who can tolerate a management experience that can be inconsistent and occasionally frustrating. The community rents promise a stylish, well-equipped living environment, with notable strengths in maintenance responsiveness and a front-facing staff that many residents cite as genuine, service-minded, and capable of delivering a pleasant leasing or move-in experience when everything goes smoothly. For households that measure value in proximity to Grant Park, the lakefront, and rapid transit access, Sky55 delivers a compelling package - so long as the administrative side does not derail the day-to-day rhythm.

That said, seriously consider alternatives if reliability and predictable service matter most. A recurring thread in the reviews is a pattern of communication gaps, turnover at the leasing desk, and uneven responsiveness from management, especially after Brookfield Properties took over. Elevators frequently malfunction, the garage and parking systems prove difficult to navigate, and there are persistent concerns about security and odors seeping from neighboring units. If a resident cannot tolerate repeated maintenance delays, opaque billing, and a leasing office that seems slow to acknowledge or resolve issues, other Brookfield-run properties or competing buildings with steadier property management should be on the shortlist.

The strength of Sky55 rests on tangible positives that can offset lower-grade experiences under the right circumstances. Numerous residents praise updated units, generous views, a robust suite of amenities (gym, pool, game room, coworking spaces), and the overall feeling of care from certain staff members. Maintenance is repeatedly described as responsive, and several tenants credit specific team members - most notably Maria - with exceptional, proactive service that makes living there more manageable. The location remains hard to beat: walkable to parks, transit, sports venues, and a vibrant surrounding scene, with favorable access to the lake and downtown. When these elements align, Sky55 can feel like a premium lifestyle choice.

Yet the cons at Sky55 are not marginal. They frequently intersect daily living: ongoing elevator outages; confusing, fragmented billing (multiple portals for rent, utilities, energy services, packages, and more); aggressive, sometimes opaque rent setting and renewal practices; and a leasing experience that can oscillate between helpful and frustrating. Complaints about odors, mold or leaks in units, and noisy hallways remind potential renters that "luxury" in this building is contingent on the management's ability to keep the building running smoothly. Security and parking concerns further tip the balance toward a more cautionary recommendation for families or individuals seeking a seamless, non-disruptive urban living experience.

On balance, Sky55 can deliver a compelling value for the right renter - one who places a premium on location, views, and abundant amenities, and who is willing to navigate occasional administrative friction. The offsetting factor is the quality and reliability of the on-site team, particularly maintenance responsiveness and a few standout staff members who demonstrate genuine care. For residents who can tolerate or even ignore the management's inconsistencies, the community remains a strong option, especially if a tour reveals well-maintained units and a floor plan that truly fits the household's needs. However, for buyers prioritizing predictable move-ins, transparent communications, and a friction-free daily routine, Sky55's current management challenges argue strongly for careful comparison with alternatives.

Practical next steps for families or individuals evaluating Sky55: request a detailed, written explanation of all fees and what is included in rent to avoid unpleasant surprises; insist on a thorough tour of a representative unit and a live test of the elevators and common-area conditions; ask to meet multiple residents about their experience with the management team and maintenance responsiveness; and verify the status of the parking and package systems before signing. If possible, press for a clear commitment on communications cadence and the escalation path for delays or disputes. In short, Sky55 rewards those who can tolerate a few administrative headaches in exchange for unmatched views, abundant amenities, and a responsive maintenance crew - yet it will test the patience of renters who need steady, proactive, and transparent management every day.

This part of Chicago, Illinois, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple pharmacies within close proximity, accessing necessary medications is made easy. Additionally, there are several parks nearby where seniors can enjoy outdoor activities and stay active. A variety of restaurants cater to different tastes and provide options for dining out. The availability of public transportation options like Metra and CTA stations make it convenient for seniors to travel around the city. Coffee shops and cafes offer a cozy atmosphere for socializing or enjoying a quiet moment. Lastly, there are reputable hospitals and physicians in the vicinity to provide quality healthcare services when needed. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of convenience, entertainment, and essential services that would appeal to seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)

Parks

• Coliseum Park (0.3 miles)
• Burnham Park (0.6 miles)
• Grant Park (0.7 miles)
• Ping Tom Memorial Park (0.8 miles)
• Chicago Lakefront (0.8 miles)
• Northerly Island (0.9 miles)
• Grant Park - Butler Field (1.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (0.4 miles)
• Portillo's (0.9 miles)
• Miller's Pub (1 miles)
• The Dearborn (1.3 miles)
• Columbia Yacht Club (1.4 miles)
• Emerald Loop Bar and Grill (1.4 miles)
• RPM Seafood (1.6 miles)

Transportation

• Metra - LaSalle Street (0.7 miles)
• Van Buren Street Metra & South Shore Trains (0.7 miles)
• CTA - Cermak-Chinatown (0.9 miles)
• Cta (1 miles)
• CTA - Clinton (1.1 miles)
• Jamba Union Station / Chicago (1.2 miles)
• Ogilvie Transportation Center (1.4 miles)

Cafes

• Intelligentsia Coffee (1.3 miles)
• Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (1.3 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (1.4 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (1.9 miles)
• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (2.1 miles)
• Rush University Medical Center (2.4 miles)
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (2.4 miles)
• John H Stroger Jr Hospital (2.6 miles)

Physicians

• Illinois Eye Institute (2.1 miles)
• University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center: Near West Side (3 miles)
• Lincoln Park Dental Specialists (3.7 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Webster Place (4.4 miles)