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- Chicago, IL 60657
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Recent Posts
OPTIMA LAKEVIEW
Get Crafty: Discover the Art of Glass Blowing in Chicago
Chicago, a city renowned for its architecture and cultural vibrancy, also boasts an incredible craft scene that continues to captivate residents and visitors alike. At Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to engage our communities with unique artistic experiences, and glass blowing is a craft that offers just that—an opportunity to witness the transformation of molten glass into stunning works of art. If you’ve ever marveled at the intricate beauty of blown glass, Chicago’s thriving glass-blowing workshops provide the perfect opportunity to experience this extraordinary art form firsthand.
Experience the Magic of Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thanksgiving in Chicago isn’t just about gathering around the dinner table. It’s also about gathering along State Street to enjoy one of the city’s most cherished traditions – the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade. Every year, thousands of locals and visitors line the streets of downtown Chicago to kick off the holiday season with vibrant floats, festive marching bands, giant helium balloons, and more. This beloved event brings the city together and showcases the cultural diversity and holiday spirit that make Chicago so unique. For residents at Optima® communities in Chicago — Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview® — the parade is a perfect opportunity to experience the magic of the city right in the heart of downtown.
Get Crafty: Discovering Creativity at Lillstreet Art Center
As we continue our “Get Crafty” series, where we dive into the best local spots to unleash your inner artist and embrace hands-on creativity, we’re excited to introduce Lillstreet Art Center, a cherished Chicago institution that’s been nurturing creativity, community, and craftsmanship for nearly 50 years. Located in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood, convenient to residents at Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, Lillstreet is a haven for artists and makers of all skill levels, offering everything from pottery and painting to jewelry making and digital arts. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Lillstreet a perfect place for to get crafty and tap into your artistic potential.
Bringing Nature Home: Exploring Chicago’s Seed Library
At Optima®, we believe in the power of nature to enrich lives, even within urban settings. Our Chicago communities, including Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, are designed to provide residents with green spaces, natural light, and sustainable living options, fostering a connection to the environment. As the winter months approach, there’s no better time to begin planning ahead for springtime urban gardening, and the Chicago Public Library’s Seed Library offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that. For those passionate about sustainability and creating their own green oasis, this Seed Library program is available at select branches, where you can “check out” seeds, encouraging a culture of sustainability, community gardening, and urban greening.
“Get Crafty”: The Weaving Mill in Chicago
At and Optima®, because we believe that fostering creativity is essential to building vibrant, connected communities, we’ve launched a new blog series called “Get Crafty” — celebrating the rich creative resources in our local communities. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or a curious beginner, “Get Crafty” is your gateway to discovering hands-on workshops, art studios, and maker spaces that inspire creativity and connection. In this series, we’ll highlight unique opportunities for Optima® residents to engage with local makers, learn new skills, and explore the beauty of craftsmanship right in your neighborhood.
Chicago’s Historic Hull House: A Beacon of Social Reform
At Optima®, we remain committed to celebrating the rich history of the places where we build our communities. So for residents of Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview® in Chicago, we are delighted to shine a light on one of the city’s pivotal landmarks in American social reform: Hull House. Founded in 1889 by social reformers Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr, Hull House became a central hub for addressing the pressing social issues of the time, especially for the waves of immigrants arriving in Chicago’s bustling urban center.
Arts in the Dark Parade Lights Up Downtown Chicago
The Arts in the Dark Parade is returning to Chicago’s Loop for another magical and creative celebration, this time on October 19th, 2024. Celebrating the art of Halloween in a unique and extraordinary way, this annual parade brings together a broad spectrum of Chicago’s talented artists, performers, and cultural organizations. As one of the most anticipated events of the year, it showcases the city’s dynamic arts community, contributing to Chicago’s reputation as a cultural hub.
Origins: How Chicago’s The Second City Came to Be
For Optima® residents in and around Chicago, from Optima Signature® to Optima Lakeview® to Optima Verdana®, exploring the comedy world through The Second City’s performances — whether at its original theater in Old Town or via its digital media offerings — is a delightful way to connect with the city’s rich cultural history. The Second City serves as both a mirror and a guide, reflecting societal changes while shaping the future of comedy, making it an institution that truly represents the spirit of innovation, humor, and community.
Optima Lakeview® Recognized for Its Green Architecture
Optima Lakeview®, completed in 2022, received a 2024 Green GOOD DESIGN Sustainability Award.
Current Trends in Longevity: Embracing a Longer, Healthier Life
At Optima®, where we are passionate about fostering vibrant communities and promoting holistic wellness, we are consistently inspired by the growing movement toward healthier, longer lives. Longevity isn’t just about adding more years to our life; it’s about ensuring that those extra years are vibrant, fulfilling, and filled with well-being. Thanks to advancements in science, healthcare, and lifestyle awareness, people are living longer than ever before, and they are doing so with a higher quality of life. Below, we explore some of the most exciting trends in longevity that are shaping the way we think about aging and how we can live better, longer lives.
Celebrate Creativity at the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
Lakeview East is one of Chicago’s most vibrant and artistic neighborhoods, and each year, this energy comes to life at the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. For residents of Optima Lakeview®, this festival, taking place just steps away from our community, is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend filled with creativity, culture, and connection.
Bike the Drive 2024: Experience Chicago Like Never Before
At Optima®, we celebrate the vibrant, active lifestyles of our residents and the communities we serve. Whether it’s a morning workout in our state-of-the-art fitness centers, a serene walk through our beautifully landscaped courtyards, or participating in local events, we believe in the power of staying active and connected. That’s why we’re thrilled to share details about one of Chicago’s most anticipated events of the year: Bike the Drive 2024.
The Future of Sports: Northwestern University’s New Ryan Field
At Optima®, we’re deeply committed to fostering community, innovation, and sustainable living across all our properties. Part of what makes our communities so vibrant is the close connection we maintain with the local culture and institutions that enrich the lives of our residents. Northwestern University, located near our Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview® communities, is one of those institutions that brings a unique vibrancy to the area. As such, we’re excited to spotlight one of the most transformative projects currently underway in Evanston: the redevelopment of Ryan Field at Northwestern University.
Exploring the Lincoln Park Conservatory
For residents of Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview®, the Lincoln Park Conservatory offers an idyllic escape into nature, right in the heart of Chicago. This historic glass structure, nestled within the expanse of iconic Lincoln Park, is a lush haven that provides both educational and recreational opportunities, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon or an inspiring outing with family and friends.
How Diversity in Architectural Styles Lends Vibrancy to Communities
At Optima®, we’re passionate about design and architecture, not just as forms of artistic expression but as vital elements that contribute to the vibrancy of communities. Across the places where we build, our “forever modern” design philosophy enhances our neighborhoods with unique character, playing a critical role in enhancing the architectural mix, creating a rich tapestry for people to enjoy today…and tomorrow.
Driving Luxury Home: Golf Amenities in Optima® Communities
Golf enthusiasts often find themselves yearning for convenient, year-round access to their beloved sport. Recognizing this passion, we’re increasingly incorporating both indoor and outdoor golf amenities into our communities at Optima®. These facilities cater to our ardent golfer residents, but also encourage others to grab a club and exercise their curiosity!
Visiting the Illinois Holocaust Museum
At Optima®, our commitment to enriching lives extends beyond the luxurious confines of our communities to embrace the profound cultural institutions that surround them. One such place of deep historical significance and human connectivity is the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, located in the suburb of Skokie, just a stone’s throw from our communities in and near Chicago. This museum stands as a bastion of remembrance and education, encouraging visitors to reflect on the past’s harsh realities to foster a more compassionate and understanding future.
Health Benefits of Mindfulness & Meditation
At Optima®, we understand that wellness extends beyond physical fitness and into the realms of mental and emotional health. That’s why we encourage exploring practices like mindfulness...
Ellison Keomaka Art at Optima Lakeview
At Optima® communities, we believe in fostering a vibrant culture that encourages creativity and engagement. It is with great pleasure that we highlight the diverse talents within our communities, especially when it comes to special events that bring everyone together. Recently, we had the unique opportunity to host an extraordinary exhibition with Ellison Keomaka, a celebrated local artist and the hand behind the commissioned installations across Optima® buildings.
What Is Pilates? Health Benefits & Fitness Guide
At Optima®, we’re committed to nurturing aesthetically pleasing living spaces along with holistic lifestyles that elevate the well-being of our residents. Central to this philosophy is the incorporation of fitness modalities that cater to both body and mind. Pilates, a form of exercise that has gained widespread popularity for its myriad health benefits, is a perfect embodiment of this holistic approach to wellness. Let’s delve into the health benefits of Pilates and understand why it’s become a staple in our fitness offerings.