June 7 grand opening event unveils iconic Lincoln Park property, reimagined for modern rental living through restoration that coincides with its 100^th anniversary year

The Belden-Stratford, the iconic Beaux-Arts apartment property in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, has reopened its doors following a top-to-bottom renovation that blends the grandeur of the 100-year-old building’s original architecture and detailing with lifestyle amenities and residences designed for today’s renters.

Located at 2300 N. Lincoln Park W., overlooking the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, the 16-story property was constructed in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by architect Meyer Fridstein, it originally opened as a residential hotel before eventually transitioning entirely to rental apartments. The Belden-Stratford was purchased in 2018 by Mansueto Office – the investment firm of Joe Mansueto, who was a resident of the property during the 1980s – and renovation work began in late 2020. Today, it comprises 209 luxury apartments, including studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences as well as a selection of penthouses with double-height living space, with monthly rents ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Leasing and move-ins are underway, and the building is expected to be fully occupied by year-end.

“The Belden-Stratford has been a prominent property in Lincoln Park for the last century, from its earliest days as a hotel drawing the likes of Gloria Swanson and Louis Armstrong as guests, to more recently being regarded as a neighborhood landmark appreciated by the many Chicagoans who’ve rented here over the years as well as those who simply pass by and admire its architecture every day,” said Ari Glass, head of real estate for Mansueto Office. “This restoration has been a labor of love for everyone involved, and we’re incredibly proud to reintroduce the building as a graceful mix of old and new that ensures The Belden-Stratford will be a one-of-a-kind residential building in Chicago for many years to come.”

The completed renovation was unveiled during a June 7 grand opening celebration attended by current and future residents as well as representatives from Mansueto Office and project partners including architect of record Solomon Cordwell Buenz, historic architect Vinci Hamp Architects, general contractor Bulley & Andrews and property management firm Waterton. Guests toured common areas and amenity spaces that showcase the building’s original architectural detailing and craftsmanship, including an ornate double-height lobby where gilded plaster molding and gold-leaf detailing were fully refurbished, and a mezzanine level that was returned to its original open configuration.

“In many cases, our work involved ‘undoing’ changes made in the building as part of previous renovations, ultimately revealing its original bones and uncovering special finishes that had been hidden for years, like marble paneling and entryways adorned with mirrored windows and walnut trim,” said Ted Fahey, vice president of real estate for Mansueto Office. “It was especially rewarding to bring those elements – many of which would be cost prohibitive in a new, ground-up development – back into the light, as well as recreate key elements such as a series of hand-painted canvases commissioned for the lobby and a new steel-and-glass exterior entry canopy that the architectural team designed based on historic photos.”

The team also created new amenities housed in the property’s original common spaces, including an elegant mezzanine-level lounge with an original arched picture window overlooking the Lincoln Park Conservatory; a double-height fitness center in what was once the building’s ballroom; a billiards and media lounge; wine tasting room; private wine storage room; and reservable conference rooms and meeting space. Residents also have access to a rooftop sundeck featuring grilling stations and seating areas with unmatched skyline, Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan views.

“The residential experience at The Belden-Stratford offers a taste of both worlds for those who appreciate the history and architectural significance of the building as a point of differentiation, but also want many of the same conveniences and amenity offerings you would find in a new-construction rental property,” said Scott Ferguson, senior vice president at Waterton. “In fact, one of the most significant aspects of the renovation was completely reimagining the residential floors to create new unit layouts that align with the lifestyle of today’s renters. The result is contemporary apartments with features you don’t expect in a century-old building, like island kitchens that are open to living space, generous storage including walk-in closets, and full-size in-unit laundry.”

All residences also have 9-foot ceilings and are appointed with an elegant finish package including quartz countertops, GE Profile™ stainless steel appliances and full-size, front-loading washers and dryers. The apartments measure between 483 and 1,689 square feet.

Rounding out the residential experience at The Belden-Stratford is a variety of service-focused offerings, such as 24/7 valet parking, concierge and door staff, Luxer One package service and on-site Tesla rentals. The Belden-Stratford is also home to Mon Ami Gabi, a popular French bistro with a direct connection to the building’s lobby, giving residents an elegant on-site dining option in addition to the variety of restaurants found in the surrounding neighborhood.

“One of the most impressive amenities at The Belden-Stratford, which has contributed to its longtime appeal as a residential destination, is its neighborhood,” said Kevin Shukis, property manager at The Belden-Stratford. “The best of Lincoln Park is literally right outside the front door, whether residents want to step across the street to visit the zoo or conservatory, walk along the lakefront, or take advantage of the vast array of shops and eateries lining nearby streets. It’s simply something you can’t recreate.”

For leasing information or to schedule a tour, visit www.BeldenStratford.com or call (844) 326-5908. An on-site leasing office is open daily by appointment only.

About The Belden-Stratford:

The Belden-Stratford is a 209-unit luxury rental property located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood overlooking the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory. Originally constructed in 1923, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is known for its Beaux-Arts architecture. The 16-story building is owned by Mansueto Office, Inc. and managed by Waterton. Solomon Cordwell Buenz is the architect-of-record for the building’s recent restoration and renovation, Vinci Hamp Architects, Inc. is the building’s historic architect, and Bulley & Andrews served as the general contractor for the renovation project. For more information, visit www.beldenstratford.com.

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