Chicago — Chicago-based Jupiter Realty Company has broken ground for its new 50-story, 389-unit rental apartment building at 215 W. Washington Street in downtown Chicago. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a host of local dignitaries including Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Developed in response to the growing demand for downtown rental units, the $157 million building will combine the convenience and prestige of downtown living with the added appeal of an environmentally conscious design. It is expected to be the first apartment high-rise in Chicago to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The building — which was designed by the Chicago-based architecture firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz — will feature studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 550 to 1,850 square feet. All units will feature condominium-quality finishes including floor-to-ceiling windows, washers and dryers, and kitchens with hardwood floors, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.

Building amenities include a fully landscaped outdoor rooftop pool and garden area, a state-of-the-art fitness center, steam and massage therapy rooms, a library and business center, plentiful storage space and a 24-hour doorman in addition to a 12-story, 600-space parking garage. The building will also include roughly 14,000 square feet of street-level retail space. The first units are expected to be available by spring 2010 with the remaining units to follow by the end of the summer. Visit www.jupiterrealty.com for more information.