Exploring Artist Ellison Keomaka’s Soulful Journey

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.

Exploring the Health Benefits of Pilates: A Journey Towards a Stronger Self

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.

Backgammon Basics: A Classic Game at Optima® Communities

At Optima®, we celebrate not only innovative architecture and vibrant living spaces but also the timeless traditions that bring our communities together. Among these cherished traditions is the ancient game of backgammon—a pastime that transcends cultures and generations, fostering connections and friendly competition. As we delve into the basics of backgammon, we invite Optima® residents to explore the joys and strategies of this classic game, often a highlight in our communal areas

Chicago’s Inaugural NASCAR Street Race Experience

Chicago is a city of firsts. From constructing the inaugural skyscraper in 1885 to welcoming the first Ferris Wheel at the World’s Columbian Exposition, it now sets the stage for the country’s first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race. This highly anticipated spectacle promises more than just a 12-turn, 2.2-mile street race; it offers a weekend brimming with music, delectable local cuisines, and endless fun for attendees.

Billiards 101: A Timeless Blend of Strategy and Social Connection

At Optima®, we believe in creating spaces that not only captivate with their design but also bring people together. Amidst our vibrant communities, the classic game of billiards stands...

Exploring the Clarke-Ford House: A Journey Through Chicago’s Architectural Past

Imagine walking through the doors of a house that has seen Chicago transform from a small town into the bustling city it is today. Welcome to the Clarke-Ford House, Chicago’s oldest home. At Optima®, we’re passionate about uncovering the stories that shape our community’s unique character, and the Clarke-Ford House offers a fascinating chapter in the story of Chicago.

Exhibitions You Can’t Miss in 2024

Scottsdale and Chicago are both cities teeming with culture, arts and experiences, and with the new year comes an abundance of new exhibitions to explore. If you’re looking for a few w...

Shuffleboard 101: A Blend of History, Fun, and Community

Welcome to Shuffleboard 101! At Optima®, we’re not just about sleek designs and stunning architecture; we’re about creating vibrant communities where fun and engagement are part of dai...

A Guide to Chicago’s 2024 Restaurant Week

For the past seventeen years, Chicago Restaurant Week has celebrated the culinary feats and explorations of the city’s best and brightest restaurants, and the beloved event is back for...

Furniture Spotlight: Verner Panton Cloverleaf Sofa

As we continue our exploration of the carefully curated modernist furnishings at Optima communities, we’re excited to spotlight a distinctive piece gracing the lobby of Optima Lakeview : the Cloverleaf Sofa by Verner Panton.

The Benefits of Living Under Green Roofs

At Optima, our commitment to crafting vibrant communities extends beyond architecture — it embraces a vision of harmonious living with nature. In properties like Chicago Architecture Biennial offers a fresh, ...

Optima and the 2023 Chicago Marathon: A Neighborhood Affair

The 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has come and gone, but its legacy endures. It’s no longer about the antici...

Get Ready to Watch the Chicago Marathon

Autumn in Chicago isn’t just about the crisp air, colorful leaves, and pumpkin-spiced everything. It’s also about the thrilling sound of thousands of feet pounding the pavement, as the...

Great Chicago Writers: Jane Addams

It’s such a pleasure spotlighting legendary Chicagoans who have left a lasting impression on our local history and beyond, including the twentieth-century icon, Jane Addams.

Bo...

Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park

At Optima®, we relish the opportunity to immerse our residents in experiences enriched by cultural discovery and aesthetic delight…which is exactly what you can expect when you wander ...

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary – Where Magic Meets Feathers

What if we told you that a mesmerizing spectacle awaits when you step out from Optima Lakeview® and head up the...

Friday Morning Swim Club

At Optima®, we’re always eager to spotlight activities that delight our residents, and today, we have something quirky and uniquely Chicago to share…just up the lakefront from Optima Lakeview®, a unique gathering takes place every summer Friday morning in the waters of Montrose Harbor — the Friday Morning Swim Club.