• Tiny apartments are making it big in Chicago.
  • CEDARst developers are increasing their portfolio of little apartments.
  • The trend appeals to a wide variety of renters, especially millennials.

Call it the urban, apartment-dwelling version of the tiny house trend: Little spaces for living in Chicago are making it big.

Big players in this arena are developers like Jay Michael and Alex Samoylovich, co-founders and partners of CEDARst.  

The Chicago-based concern is the holding company for a range of businesses, including hospitality, entertainment, and several venture start-ups. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, CEDARst owns more than 2.5 million square feet in Chicago, with about a third of that owing to the micro apartment Flats Chicago brand.

Flats Chicago is responsible for buying and rehabilitating several Chicago apartment buildings that had been called on the brink of uninhabitable. Properties include the 12-story 1325 West Wilson, with lake and skyline views, and Lawrence House, at 1020 West Lawrence, with six stories. Flats Chicago drove millions into extensive renovations in each building.

Early criticism of the developer centered around the fact that several properties were still occupied. To the developer’s credit, they hired caseworkers before beginning work on Lawrence House to help resettle individuals who lived there.

5411 Winthrop, Smart Living Space (PRNewsFoto/CEDARst)

5411 Winthrop, Smart Living Space (PRNewsFoto/CEDARst)

Flats Chicago then took the older properties, now referred to as “vintage,” and used the best of the existing features — views, high ceilings and of course limited, yet efficient, space to create small living units, some of which are between 300 and 600 square feet, for spare, yet elegant living.

They also offer one and two-bedroom units with similar space savings. Rents in Lawrence House, for example, are about $1,125, but residents get rooftop patios, WiFi and other high-end amenities seen at much larger buildings.

The company boasts that model apartments often are decorated with CB2 furnishings, a CEDARst partner. CB2, a suburban Chicago-based retailer and subsidiary of Crate&Barrel, sells spare and simple furnishings with meticulous attention to detail. Finishes in the apartments include stainless steel appliances, high-end bathroom fixtures and a washer and dryer in each unit.

“We’re seeing millennials eschewing ‘stuff’ to focus on personal development and experience; people who have lost or downsized a job and need to do with less; families who are opting to live more simply so they can save for their children’s college tuition or their own retirement,” said Michael in a prepared statement.

“Our priority at CEDARst is to provide beautiful, smart apartments that suit people’s specific needs—whether it’s a studio, one- or two-bedroom unit, and then show our residents ways to maximize the space.”

Email Kimberley Sirk.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×