The Palmolive
159 E Walton Street
The Palmolive condos at 159 E Walton Street represent one of Chicago’s most storied and architecturally significant residential addresses.
Completed in 1929 and originally constructed as the headquarters of the Colgate-Palmolive Company, the Palmolive Building is a defining example of Art Deco design along North Michigan Avenue. Today, the meticulously restored limestone tower offers a boutique collection of luxury condominiums at the crossroads of the Gold Coast and Streeterville. For buyers researching Palmolive condos for sale, the appeal lies in heritage, elevation, and an ownership experience rooted in permanence.
This is landmark living, refined for modern use.
The Palmolive is one of Chicago’s most recognizable Art Deco towers.
Its limestone façade, pronounced setbacks, and vertical emphasis reflect the optimism and ambition of early 20th-century skyscraper design. Crowned by the illuminated Lindbergh Beacon, the building remains a nighttime fixture on the skyline and a symbol of Michigan Avenue’s architectural lineage.
Few residential buildings in Chicago carry this level of visual identity and historical continuity.
Beyond architecture, The Palmolive occupies a unique place in Chicago’s cultural narrative.
In the 1960s, the tower became home to the original Playboy Club, adding a distinct chapter to its legacy as a center of social life and entertainment. Combined with its corporate origins, the building’s history spans industry, culture, and design — layers that continue to define its character today.
This is a residence with a story, not just an address.
Palmolive residences are defined by scale, detail, and outlook.
Homes feature generous floor plans, high ceilings, and oversized windows framing views of Lake Michigan, Oak Street Beach, and the city skyline. Many residences incorporate preserved architectural elements alongside modern finishes, creating interiors that feel both classic and current.
Custom millwork, stone surfaces, gas fireplaces, and refined materials reinforce the building’s pre-war character while supporting contemporary living. Each residence reflects a balance between historical integrity and modern comfort.
Here, craftsmanship is the defining feature.
The Palmolive offers a discreet, full-service residential experience.
Residents benefit from 24-hour door staff, concierge service, valet parking, private garage access, a fitness center, spa and wellness facilities, and resident gathering spaces. Amenities are designed to support privacy, security, and convenience rather than volume or spectacle.
Service here is deliberate and personal.
Located at 159 E Walton Street, The Palmolive sits at the intersection of the Gold Coast, Streeterville, and North Michigan Avenue.
The setting offers immediate access to Oak Street Beach, Michigan Avenue shopping, cultural institutions, and some of the city’s most established residential streets. This positioning provides both walkable connectivity and long-term desirability.
Location is foundational to value at The Palmolive.
Palmolive condos trade on rarity, architectural pedigree, and view orientation.
With a limited number of residences and infrequent turnover, availability is constrained. Value is influenced by exposure, elevation, interior condition, and the degree to which historic elements are preserved or enhanced. Homes that respect the building’s character while offering thoughtful modernization tend to perform best.
This is a market shaped by uniqueness, not volume.
The Palmolive rewards informed, building-specific strategy.
Buyers are drawn to its architectural significance, boutique scale, and enduring prestige. Sellers benefit from precise positioning that highlights legacy, views, and interior execution rather than competing on price alone.
Mike Larson advises buyers and sellers across Chicago’s most architecturally significant residential buildings and provides confidential guidance tailored specifically to ownership at The Palmolive. Conversations are handled with discretion, accuracy, and care.
For those seeking a luxury residence that blends Art Deco heritage with modern refinement, Palmolive Chicago condosoffer an opportunity found in very few buildings citywide.
Whether drawn by its iconic silhouette, cultural history, or Gold Coast positioning, ownership at The Palmolive represents one of Chicago’s most enduring residential statements.
Contact Mike Larson to explore current and upcoming Palmolive condos for sale and experience one of the city’s most timeless addresses.
