Fisher Building Apartments: A Downtown Chicago Rental for City Lovers
Fisher Building Apartments sits at 343 S Dearborn St in the Loop, Chicago’s central business district. With a Google rating of 4.2 from 106 reviews, this mid-rise building offers studio to three-bedroom units. The monthly rent ranges from $1,690 to $3,670 (indicative — confirm with the operator), well above Chicago’s overall city from‑price of $600. That premium reflects the location, amenities, and building management, but also comes with trade‑offs like train noise. Below is a factual assessment of who fits this property and who might look elsewhere.
Location and First Impressions
The address places residents within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Millennium Park, and multiple CTA L lines. Charlie Sloan, a Google reviewer, noted: “A block away from the Chicago Union League, four blocks from the Chicago Symphony and Art Institut” (source: Google). The building also sits near major bus routes and the Metra Electric district. For students, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and Illinois Institute of Technology are accessible by transit; University of Chicago is a longer commute via the 6 bus or Metra.
The property provides a fitness center, laundry facility, and is pet‑friendly. These features, combined with the central location, make the building attractive to professionals and graduate students who prioritize walkability and city life. However, the area is bustling during business hours and can feel crowded on weekends. The nearest grocery store (a Target Express at State and Washington) is a 10‑minute walk, and full‑size supermarkets require a bus or train ride.
Who This Residence Suits (and Who It Doesn’t)
Suits:
- Downtown‑centric professionals or students who want to be steps away from transit, cultural venues, and restaurants. The building is ideal for someone who values a short commute to the Loop or Near South Side.
- Pet owners – the pet‑friendly policy is a clear plus in a city where many buildings restrict pets.
- Residents who prefer managed service – multiple reviews highlight responsive property management. Daniel Jarvis wrote: “The building management is fantastic. They are easy to reach and respond quickly to mainte” (source: Google).
- Groups/roommates – the availability of two‑ and three‑bedroom units allows splitting the relatively high rent. A shared 2‑bedroom at the lower end (~$1,690) would be about $845 per person, which is competitive when compared to many Loop studios.
Does not suit:
- Budget‑conscious renters – the starting rent of $1,690 is nearly three times Chicago’s city from‑price. Studio options start at the low end of the range, but even those are far from the cheapest housing in the city.
- Light sleepers or noise‑sensitive people – the building is near elevated L tracks. Daniel Jarvis explicitly stated: “The trains can be quite loud, depending on which side of the building you are on.” Units facing Dearborn or the tracks will experience more noise; rear‑facing units may be quieter.
- Those who need a car – parking in the Loop is expensive and limited. The building does not list a dedicated garage (no parking tag noted in the data). Street parking is metered and scarce.
- Anyone looking for a short‑term lease shorter than 6 months – the minimum lease term is 6 months, so a semester‑only stay (e.g., 4 months) would not be possible without a sublet, which the building may not allow.
What Residents Actually Say
The three Google reviews captured in the data give a consistent picture of strong management and location, with noise as the main drawback. Here are verbatim excerpts:
- Adrianne Long (5 stars): “Living at the Fisher Building Apartments has truly been such a positive experience from day one. Nicole, the property manager, is incredibly kind and genuinely goes out of her way to help residents — she makes you feel valued and heard. The leasing agent, Don, has been the same, consistently positive, welcoming, and pr” (source: Google).
- Daniel Jarvis (5 stars): “I lived here for two years and absolutely loved it! The location is incredibly convenient, in the heart of downtown and so close to public transit. … The building management is fantastic. They are easy to reach and respond quickly to mainte” (source: Google).
- Charlie Sloan (5 stars): “The Fisher Building, where do I start. I recently moved to Chicago last year in October and moved into this building. If you are someone that loves to be in the hustle and bustle of a busy city then this is your building. A block away from the Chicago Union League, four blocks from the Chicago Symphony and Art Institut” (source: Google).
All three reviewers gave the highest rating, which aligns with the 4.2 aggregate. The recurring themes: responsive staff (Nicole and Don get personal mentions), unbeatable downtown location, and the trade‑off of train noise. No negative reviews are included in the dataset, so it is worth noting that the sample is positively biased — prospective renters should read additional online reviews for a fuller picture.
Price Positioning and Room Types
Chicago’s city from‑price (the lowest available rental across all properties) is $600 per month. Fisher Building’s lowest rent of $1,690 (indicative — confirm with the operator) is 2.8 times that benchmark. This is typical for a full‑service building in the Loop with a fitness centre and on‑site laundry. For comparison, many older walk‑up apartments in nearby South Loop or Bronzeville start below $1,200, but lack amenities and management responsiveness.
Available unit types:
- Studio – smallest and most affordable option, ideal for a single resident.
- 1‑bedroom – mid‑range price, suitable for a couple or a professional.
- 2‑bedroom – costs $1,690 at the low end (indicative — confirm with the operator). When split, per‑person rent can be competitive.
- 3‑bedroom – the most expensive, suitable for a group of three.
- Apartment – this likely refers to larger layouts not otherwise categorised; confirm with the operator.
The actual unit price within each category depends on floor plan, floor level, and side of the building (quieter vs. train‑facing). When touring, ask specifically about window glazing and which units have the best noise insulation.
Booking Timing and Practical Tips
Since the building’s minimum lease is 6 months, and no specific “available from” date is provided in the data, it likely rents on a rolling basis. For a move‑in during the peak season (August–September), when many students and professionals relocate, start searching 3–4 months in advance. Off‑peak months (November–February) may offer more leverage for negotiating rent or securing a quieter unit.
If you plan to stay longer than a year, ask about renewal terms — some downtown buildings increase rent significantly after the first lease. Also verify the deposit amount (not listed in the data) before signing.
For those who commute to UIC or IIT, check the CTA Blue, Red, or elevated Orange Line schedules; the building is within a 5‑minute walk of the Library stop on the Blue and Red lines (via the subway) and the Harold Washington Library stop on the Brown, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines. University of Chicago students will need a bus or Metra ride of about 25–30 minutes.
FAQ
Is the Fisher Building Apartments pet‑friendly?
Yes. The building is listed with a “pet_friendly” tag. Always confirm breed and weight restrictions with the property manager before signing a lease.
How loud are the trains? Can I get a quiet unit?
The CTA elevated tracks run along Wabash Avenue, one block east of the building. Daniel Jarvis noted trains can be loud depending on which side you are on. Units facing west (toward Dearborn) are typically quieter. When touring, ask to see a unit on the Dearborn side and, if possible, visit during rush hour to assess the noise level. The building may also offer units with upgraded windows.
What is the monthly rent range for a studio?
The overall price range is $1,690 to $3,670 (indicative — confirm with the operator). Studios generally fall at the lower end of that range, but the exact studio price is not broken out in the data. Contact the operator for a current rate sheet.
Sources & data date
This article uses property data from 2026-07, provided by a global student‑housing platform. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Resident reviews are sourced from Google and quoted verbatim.
For current availability, lease terms, and to schedule a tour, ask the on‑site assistant.
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