Doorperson of the Month: Khari Jones, The Millie, 88 E. Wacker Pl

It takes a while to properly interview Khari Jones because the petite, upscale lobby buzzes with activity. Khari’s the leader of the concierge team at The Millie on Michigan Avenue, just steps away from its namesake, Millennium Park.

“I’m sorry we keep getting interrupted,” Khari says with a twinkle in his eye that says he really doesn’t mind his busy post. “Sometimes there are periods of time when it gets quiet, but mostly it’s like what you see here today.”

Technically, the entrance to the Millie on Michigan is on Wacker Place, and it’s one of Chicago’s newest multipurpose buildings. It boasts 289 luxury apartments, retail space, and sits atop the citizenM boutique hotel.

“The Millie opened in 2022 at the end of the pandemic, and I’ve been here for a year and a half.” Khari pauses periodically to meticulously look up each tenant for every delivery. “There are two floors of amenities including a pool, offices, soundproof booths, and a grilling area on the fifth floor.”

“There are a lot of young residents, but this building’s tenants don’t cause what I call the ‘dorm’ effect. The tenants are quiet and respectful.”

Assistant Property Manager Paris Ratliff stops by briefly to say, “Khari’s known here as ‘KJ’, and deserves doorperson of the year!”

Although born and raised in Chicago, Khari also considers Ann Arbor, Mich., a home. “There’s so much family in Ann Arbor on my mother’s side, and we went there for every holiday and vacation as kids.”

A concern for Khari is the location of the loading dock on Lower Wacker Drive, “where there are homeless people who are mentally ill and both need and deserve more help.” He also expresses concern for the kids and the elderly residents and pays special attention to their needs.

Khari met his wife, Renee, hosting a Bulls-themed party as a deejay in 1992. “We have two kids and have been married 14 years. We both went to Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge. I played football there, and met Renee through mutual friends.”

“My wife and I attend the Bayou Classic each year right near where we met, and we’re looking forward to it at the end of November.” 

Khari and Renee live in South Shore and appreciate both the beauty and the landmarks in the area. Clearly, Khari is appreciated by both the residents and management at The Millie.

To nominate your favorite doorperson, Email info@chicagostarmedia.com with their name and why they should be doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.