Updated, Modernized Laundry for Older Condo Buildings

In-Unit Laundry in Chicago

Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and Beyond

In-unit Laundry Technology

★ Chicago Condo Buildings Now Offering In-Unit Laundry

What to Know About

01

High Efficiency (HE) Low Water Usage

50 years ago, a washing machine meant a tub-style unit that used 30-45 gallons per load. Today’s HE front-load machines use only 7 to 15 gallons. Where condo drains previously couldn’t handle the water loads, today they can. Certain accommodations such as a suds zone may be necessary, which many condos add when replacing risers.

02

No Vent

Older buildings often did not incorporate a vent for heated dryers. Today’s all-in-on laundry units don’t need one. Many work with a heat pump instead and eliminate the need for any vent.

03

Low Power- 110v 15a

Dryers available at the time many older condos were built in the 1970s needed 240v electric to operate. Today only standard 110v and 15a supply is needed- the type of supply everyone already has.

Buildings Now Allowing In-Unit Laundry

01

2800 N. Lakeshore

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

02

2626 N. Lakeview

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

03

2500 N. Lakeview

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

04

1300 N. Lakeshore

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

07

Sandburg Terrace

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

10

850 N. Lakeshore

97 year old building converting to condos offers in-unit laundry.

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

13

2020 N. Lincoln Park West

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

05

1000 N. Lakeshore

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

08

Lake Point Tower 505 N. Lakeshore

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

11

860 N. Lakeshore

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

14

2400 N. Lakeview

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: NA

Uses original electrical supply: Y

06

1550 N. State

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

09

John Hancock

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

12

1313 N. Ritchie Court

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

15

330 W. Diversey

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: Y- Limited basis

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

Notable Buildings Still Not Offering In-Unit Laundry

01

345 Fullerton

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: N

Completed water risers replacement: N Scheduled for 2026

Added Suds Zones: NA

Uses original electrical supply: Y

Has sufficient electrical: NA

02

2650 N. Lakeview

Now allows at least some in-unit laundry: N

Completed water risers replacement: Y

Added Suds Zones: Y

Uses original electrical supply: Y

Has sufficient electrical: Y

03

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a benefit and value increase if my building begins to allow in-unit laundry even if I do not install laundry connections for a washer / dryer in my own condo?

Yes, your resale value will increase regardless if you install or a machine or not. Even if you do not want one the next owner likely will, and the option to add it will increase demand and value for your unit.

How much work is it to add a laundry box (plumbing connection) for in-unit laundry?

Many owners are already making the conversion. Naturally, each unit will vary, but a standard installation should be 1-2 days depending on finishes.

I live alone in a 2BR 2BA condo. Can I convert a tub in a rarely-used bathroom to a laundry unit?

Yes, you could. You could keep the toilet and sink as a 1/2 bath and add the laundry machine instead of the tub. A shower might also be retained without the tub.

Do mostly larger units opt for in-unit laundry first?

It is reasonable to expect larger units, which have more space, to opt in for washer/dryers first.

Does an in-unit washer increase risk of leaks and floods?

No, not any more than any other faucet in the apartment. A properly installed laundry box is a very secure plumbing connection. Additionally, there is a quick-close valve lever that can shut off the water to the machine if necessary.

Do buildings that now allow in-unit laundry remove their common-area laundry rooms and require everyone to install a washer?

There is no record of that in Chicago.

Have the condo buildings now allowing in-unit laundry needed to completely renovate their electrical supply in order to let owners begin installing washer/dryers?

No. None of the buildings now with real estate listings featuring in-unit laundry are known to be on record as having done any complete electrical replacement.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

If your condo building is failing to inform itself or take action to modernize to in-unit laundry facilities, contact your HOA board and management office to ask why not.

If you are shopping for a new condo, make sure to check whether your intended unit for purchase has or is updating to today’s technology for in-unit washer / dryer laundry.