Exploring Chicago’s Neighborhood Theatres
Chicago is a city of skyscrapers and deep-dish, along with its vibrant pockets of performance—neighborhood theatres that quietly anchor community, creativity, and connection.
Get Crafty: Exploring The WasteShed, Chicago’s Creative Reuse Studio
Nestled in Humboldt Park, with a sister location in Evanston, The WasteShed is a lively crossroads of sustainability …
Walking Chicago: Discovering the City, One Block at a Time
Chicago is a walking city—not just along the lakefront or river, but through the layers of its architecture, neighbor…
Chicago Fashion Week 2025: A Citywide Style Story Begins Oct. 9
For residents of Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, Chicago Fashion Week is a front-row invitation to experience…
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool: A Prairie-Style Sanctuary for City Living
For residents of Optima® communities in Chicago, the city offers countless opportunities to immerse in architecture, …
Paws on the River: A Chicago “Canine Cruise” Perfect for Pet Families
At Optima®, we believe great city living includes our four-legged family members. That’s why we’re always scouting ex…
Riding the Rails of Time: A Brief History of the Chicago “L”
In 1893, the first train was operated on the Lake Street Elevated. All of the coal-burning steam locomotives were giv…
Furniture Spotlight: Eames Lounge Chair
What can we possibly say about the Eames Lounge Chair that hasn’t already been said before?
Color Stories in Architecture: How Palettes Shape Our Perceptions
Color has always been one of architecture’s most powerful tools—not just for visual delight, but for emotional and ps…
Designing with Daylight: The Importance of Natural Light in Architecture
AtOptima®, the interplay of light and space is never an afterthought—it’s a foundation. From the shimmering desert of…
The Rise of ‘Blue Space’ Living: How Water Features Support Mental Wellness at Optima®
In an increasingly urbanized world, our craving for serenity, balance, and wellness has never been more urgent. While…
Lakeside Cafés: Savoring Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood, One Sip at a Time
Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, home toOptima Lakeview®,is a community that lives up to its name—bordered by Lake Mi…
Making a Splash: The Joys of Learning to Swim as an Adult
Learning to swim as an adult can be a transformative experience—equal parts physical fitness, personal triumph, and s…
Mahjong Meetups in Chicago: Building Community One Tile at a Time
Within Optima® communities, meaningful social engagement is part of everyday life. Whether it’s an impromptu gatherin…
Discovering Chicago’s Icons with CityPASS®
For many residents atOptima Lakeview®andOptima Signature®, living in Chicago comes with a deep appreciation for the c…