Atwater Apartments unveiled its newly remodeled amenities and common areas last night and Bisnow was there to take pictures and get details on the renovations. When the former Streeter Place at 355 E Ohio St was renamed Atwater Apartments in February, the management team immediately implemented a four-year renovation plan to update the 54-story apartment tower. Atwater revealed its updated common areas last night. Why is a six-year-old building undergoing renovations? Atwater leasing supervisor Emily Carnes (pictured, left, with Luxury Living Chicago listing manager Tamara Hirsch, Atwater Apartments assistant property manager Rebecca Roerig, Luxury Living Chicago owner/managing broker Aaron Galvin and Luxury Living Chicago VP of Marketing Amy Galvin) says it was to compete with new Class-A properties such as 500 Lake Shore Drive and 75 East Lake. Tamara adds another goal is to establish a greater sense of community for Atwater's residents. "It's like getting a brand-new building," Tamara says.

Interior designer Loren Stanton, who’s left his mark on buildings such as Trump Tower, Madison on Racine and EnV, was tapped to handle the renovations. Loren transformed a former 12th floor business center into an open library area/club room (shown), allowing for more natural light to enter the room, and added hip touches like incandescent chandeliers and a fireplace.

The club room also features an updated screening room with staggered theater seating and an improved kitchen area (pictured) that can better handle catered events. The floor in the billiards room is laid out in Italian mosaic tile. A soundproof curtain can be used for privacy and separating events in the room.

Atwater’s lobby makeover (pictured) included improved lighting in Edison chandeliers and a cyber café, while an inner lobby out of view of the main entrance is now a residents lounge. Emily says the common area renovations cost around $1M. Atwater also plans on renovating 110 apartments this year and expects the new units to lease for $3/SF.  Exterior renovations to the rooftop pool deck will happen next year.