If you’ve ever walked across the Wabash Avenue bridge and looked up, you’ve seen it. Tucked right next to the massive, silver-clad Trump International Hotel & Tower is a building that looks a bit like its cooler, quieter younger sibling. That’s Renelle on the River.
Most people just walk past it on their way to the Riverwalk or a reservation at RPM Steak. Honestly, that’s exactly how the residents like it.
Living at Renelle on the River Chicago isn’t about making a loud statement. It’s about having a three- or four-bedroom home that actually feels like a house, suspended over the water in the middle of River North. While the rest of the city is obsessed with "the next big thing" in the West Loop, this building has quietly become one of the most successful luxury developments of the last decade.
Why Renelle on the River Chicago Is a Structural Miracle
The history of 403 N. Wabash is actually kind of wild. It wasn’t a vacant lot. The developer, Belgravia Group, basically built an 18-story luxury glass tower on top of an existing, functional four-story parking garage.
Think about that for a second.
They couldn’t just tear the garage down because people owned those parking spots. The engineering team at Uzun + Case had to figure out how to weave new columns and a lateral system through a 1970s concrete structure without annoying the neighbors or collapsing the floor. They even used lightweight concrete for the upper floors—specifically floors 8 through 18—to make sure the whole thing didn't get too heavy for the original caissons.
It worked.
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The result is a boutique building designed by bKL Architecture that looks like it belongs on a postcard but functions like a private retreat. Because there are only 50 units (some sources say 45 or 51 depending on how they count the duplexes), you aren’t fighting 400 other people for the elevator. You’re not dealing with a lobby that feels like a hotel.
What the Floor Plans Get Right
Most downtown condos are tiny. You’ve seen them: the "luxury" one-bedroom that’s basically a hallway with a stove.
Renelle is different. They went big.
- Size Matters: Most units range from 2,249 to over 3,400 square feet.
- The Rare Four-Bedroom: Finding a four-bedroom condo in River North that isn't a $10 million penthouse is nearly impossible. Renelle was built specifically to fill that gap.
- The Duplex Factor: There are three-bedroom duplexes that start around 1,800 square feet, giving you that multi-level "single-family home" feel while you're staring at the Wrigley Building.
The Amenities You’ll Actually Use
We’ve all seen buildings with "amenities" that look great in a brochure but suck in real life. A tiny gym with one broken treadmill? No thanks.
At Renelle on the River Chicago, the 18th floor is the crown jewel. It’s a private rooftop lounge that has a serious "member's club" vibe. There’s an outdoor terrace with a fireplace where you can watch the tour boats go by on the river. Inside, you've got a game room and a screening room.
It feels personal.
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You’ve also got a 24-hour doorman who actually knows your name. There’s a dog run on-site, which is a massive win because let’s be real, walking your dog in River North during a Chicago winter is a nightmare.
Inside the units, the finishes aren't just "builder grade." We’re talking:
- Snaidero cabinetry (the Italian stuff that actually lasts).
- Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances (because if you're paying $2 million, you shouldn't have a microwave that rattles).
- Waterworks and Dornbracht fixtures in the bathrooms.
- Victoria & Albert freestanding soaking tubs.
The Reality of the Location
Look, I’ll be honest with you. 403 N. Wabash is in the middle of the action. You’re steps from the Magnificent Mile. You’re right by the Chicago Riverwalk.
This means it’s busy.
If you want total silence and zero tourists, go to Lincoln Park. But if you want to be able to walk to the Loop for work and hit Eataly for dinner without ever calling an Uber, this is it. The building is positioned so that even though you're in a high-traffic area, the glass curtain wall does a pretty incredible job of keeping the city noise outside.
The views are the real seller. Because of the "slight bend" in the tower's design—a clever move by bKL—the units are angled to catch the river as it winds toward the lake. You’re looking right at the architecture that made Chicago famous.
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Pricing and Market Value in 2026
Is it expensive? Yeah, sort of. But "expensive" is relative in Chicago.
While a penthouse at the St. Regis might set you back $8 million, a three-bedroom at Renelle on the River usually trades in the **$1.6 million to $2.5 million** range. You’re paying for the square footage and the "boutique" exclusivity.
The HOA fees are something to watch, though. High-end amenities and a 24-hour staff aren't cheap. But when you compare the price per square foot to other riverfront luxury buildings, Renelle often comes out as a smarter "value" play for people who actually intend to live in their units rather than just park money there.
Is Renelle on the River Chicago Right for You?
Choosing a home at this level isn't just about the number of bathrooms. It’s about the lifestyle.
Renelle is for you if:
- You need space for a family or a serious home office.
- You hate the "big building" feel of 500-unit towers.
- You love being at the intersection of River North and the Loop.
- You appreciate structural engineering (or just really like floor-to-ceiling glass).
Renelle might not be for you if:
- You want a massive pool (Renelle doesn't have one).
- You need a huge park right outside your door.
- You’re looking for a "starter" condo.
Real-World Next Steps
If you’re serious about looking at Renelle on the River Chicago, don't just trust the Zillow photos. The lighting in that building changes completely depending on the time of day because of the river reflection.
- Visit at Twilight: This is when the building shines. The city lights hitting the water and the glass facade is something you have to see in person.
- Check the Parking: Since the building is built on an existing garage, make sure you understand exactly where your spots are and how the deeded parking works.
- Compare the "B" and "C" Tiers: Depending on the floor, the views of the Wrigley Building vs. the Trump Tower vary wildly. One gives you historic limestone; the other gives you a wall of glass. Decide which you prefer.
The Chicago real estate market moves fast, but boutique buildings like Renelle tend to have very low turnover. When a unit hits the market, it’s usually because someone is downsizing or moving out of state. If you find a floor plan that works, you probably shouldn't wait around for a "better" one to pop up next month.