jameson in the news
February 1, 2007
Jameson Realty Group:
OLD AND NEW LOFT CONDOMINIUMS ARE STILL HOT COMMODITY IN THE CITY
CHICAGO-Whether it's a classic timber-beam loft, new construction soft-loft, or a hybrid residence mixing both old and new, there will be strong interest in the loft condominium market in 2007, according to Jameson Realty Group.
"Lofts in light and airy newly constructed buildings and rehabbed spaces in a solid vintage former warehouse will be in demand as buyers search for plenty of open space, contemporary designs and great locations," said Charles Huzenis, principal in Jameson Realty Group, which is marketing several loft condominium developments in Chicago.
"Many urban condominium buyers today are choosing soaring open space combined with a contemporary flare, and they typically find all of this in a loft-style condominium," said Huzenis, who noted that Jameson Realty Group recently launched sales at 154 West Hubbard, a new timber-loft conversion in the premiere River North neighborhood.
Plans for the 6-story adaptive-reuse brick elevator building call for 18 timber-beam lofts plus about 3,700 square feet of first-floor commercial space, said Charles Huzenis, president of the Jameson Realty Group, exclusive sales and marketing agents for the development.
The loft condos will feature 2 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms plus a media room. All of the residences will have 2 baths. Base prices range from $539,900 to $1.099 million.
"This is a rare chance to get first-quality renovation in one of the few remaining loft buildings available for conversion in the hot River North neighborhood," said Huzenis.
Plans for 154 West Hubbard call for such amenities as roof-top terraces, a video intercom system and attached garage parking. All of the lofts will feature a balcony, 12-foot to 14-foot ceilings, premium hardwood flooring and industrial steel windows.
"One of the most attractive features found in these lofts is the abundance of amenities included in the purchase price," Huzenis said. "For example, all of the lofts come with in-unit washer and dryer. Most developments charge extra."
Some of the other luxuries included in the purchase price include: gourmet kitchens with stone countertops, custom Italian cabinetry by Copat and a Jenn-Air stainless-steel appliance package with side-by-side refrigerator freezer with icemaker, self-cleaning gas range, microwave and dishwasher.
Master baths showcase stone countertops and tile, an oversized shower with body sprays, whirlpool tub, a Kohler elongated toilet and Copat cabinetry. Secondary baths also have stone countertops and tile, a soaking tub and Copat cabinetry.
The lofts also are pre-wired for Category-5 and RG-6 telephone and cable.
For more information on purchasing a loft at 154 West Hubbard, please call Jameson Realty Group at 312-751-0300, or visit: www.jameson.com.
Here are details on some of the other loft condominium developments being marketed by Jameson Realty Group:
- Broadway Village Lofts. Twenty-four affordable new lofts are under construction at Broadway Village Lofts located at 5427 N. Broadway in the heart of the Edgewater neighborhood.
"Broadway Village Lofts is the perfect choice for buyers who want plenty of open space, contemporary design and a great near-lakefront location in the rapidly appreciating Edgewater neighborhood," said Huzenis.
Prices in the elevator building range from $229,900 to $252,900 for the 1-bedroom, 1-bath lofts. Outdoor secured parking is available. Occupancy is scheduled for summer of 2007.
"The Edgewater neighborhood is undergoing a metamorphosis as young singles, couples and families flock to the lakefront district bounded by Foster, Devon, Ravenswood and Lake Michigan," said Huzenis.
"Today, Edgewater is a vibrant and picturesque community," Huzenis said. "Edgewater's growing population represents an eclectic and trendy sector of the city.
The 4-story Broadway Village Lofts features two commercial spaces and 26 parking spaces on the ground floor. The elevator building has eight 1-bedroom condominiums on each of the above floors. All of the residences feature a balcony.
The floor plans are wide open and loft-like at Broadway Village Lofts. A typical plan showcases an 18-by-22½-foot living room, which features a fireplace with stone hearth and wood mantle.
Natural oak hardwood floors are standard in the main living area. A door opens to a balcony from the living room. A U-shaped kitchen adjoins the living room. The work area is appointed with 42-inch custom cabinetry, 1¼-inch granite countertops, and stainless-steel Frigidaire appliance package, including refrigerator-freezer with icemaker, oven/range, microwave, dishwasher and disposal.
A double-bowl stainless-steel sink with single handle faucet and pullout sprayer also is standard in the kitchen.
Baths feature ceramic-tile floor and tub surround, 36-inch vanity with stone countertop, five-foot tub, mirror and lighting above. A washer/dryer hook-up is standard. All units are Internet ready and include pre-wiring for telephone and cable TV.
Gas forced-air heating and air conditioning with humidifier and programmable thermostat is standard. All units feature a private balcony.
The building also features an intercom entry system and gated parking area with remote control entry.
- Odyssey Lofts. Buyers are choosing a blend of old and new loft construction at Odyssey Lofts, a luxury adaptive-reuse loft development at 775 W. Jackson Blvd., just east of Halsted Ave. in the heart of Greek Town in the booming West Loop neighborhood.
"The West Loop continues to be one of the hottest residential neighborhoods in Chicago," Huzenis said. "It's new, alive and is just moments from downtown."
The 70-unit classic timber-beam loft building features six floors of fully restored condominiums topped with two floors of new construction 3-bedroom penthouse residences, said developer David T. Wallach, principal of W. Developments, LLC.
"This is a very unique building with its brick facade, exposed timber-beam construction and Old World architectural character," Wallach said. "The character and unique design elements of these lofts are hard to find in today's marketplace."
Odyssey Lofts features 1 to 3 bedrooms plans with 1 to 2½ baths. Prices range from $273,900 to $629,900. The development is 70 percent sold. The building will have a stunning lobby with furnished seating area, granite fireplace and two passenger elevators.
Floors 1 through 6 will feature exposed brick walls, timber ceilings with exposed steel spiral ducts as well as private patios, balconies or roof decks accessible from the living/dining room (per plan).
Some of the standard amenities at Odyssey Lofts include hardwood flooring in the foyer, living room, kitchen and hall, gas-burning ventless fireplaces in the living room, sound and fire-rated separation partitions between units and common areas, and a laundry room with washer/dryer hook-up.
Kitchens feature 42-inch maple cabinets with dovetail drawers, granite countertops and a stainless-steel appliance package. Master baths include a maple vanity with granite top and back splash plus shower and tub with Kohler bath faucets.
Other standard features include state-of-the-art wiring for the Internet, cable TV and telephones and individual heating and air-conditioning systems. Each unit also has a sprinkler system and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Occupancy is scheduled to begin later this spring.
- North Beach Lofts. This 5-story vintage elevator building being rehabbed into 43 condominiums at 1225 W. Morse in East Rogers Park by developer Bill Markle of Markle Development, Inc.
The unique loft project has a mix of new-construction homes and adaptive-reuse residences. "It's a really intriguing development because there will be two vintage levels and the top three floors will contain new construction residences," Markle said.
The hybrid development offers 12 floor plans with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, priced from $274,900 to $344,900. Garage spaces are priced at $19,900. The development is more than 80 percent sold, and immediate occupancy is available.
Standard features include hardwood flooring in the foyer, living and dining rooms and kitchens and wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedrooms. Kitchens feature stainless steel appliances and stone countertops with 4-inch backsplash, designer cabinets with choice of finishes and a double-bowl stainless steel sink with pullout faucet.
Master baths have stone counters with Kohler under mount sink, 5-inch walk-in shower with seat, vanity to ceiling mirrors and recessed medicine cabinet.
For more information on North Beach Lofts, a furnished model is open on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1225 W. Morse.
- 2105 West Concord. Co-developers Stillpoint Development and Castlebar Enterprises are building seven new loft-style condominiums at 2105 West Concord in the trendy Bucktown neighborhood.
"Bucktown is brimming with luxury new-construction condominium projects showcasing a variety of styles and prices," said Dan Boyd, president of Stillpoint Development.
The loft development offers new 2-bedrooms and 2-baths residences with ceiling heights of more than 12 feet. The lofts are priced from $429,000 to $529,000.
All units boast recessed lighting throughout and spacious floor plans. Finishes include premier white oak flooring throughout, security system and side-by-side washer/dryers. The units are wired in multiple locations for sound, plasma/LCD television and high-speed Internet.
Kitchens are appointed with Aiko by Arclinea custom cabinetry, stone countertops, Jenn-Aire stainless-steel appliances and Grohe fixtures.
Baths feature steam showers with body sprays, Zuma air-jet tubs with wave circulation, Phillipe Stark toilets and Grohe fixtures.
"These are well-appointed loft condominiums in the heart of Bucktown," said Huzenis. "Another added bonus is they are within walking distance to the CTA elevated at Damen, North Avenue and Milwaukee."
Jameson Realty Group currently is marketing more than 30 new-construction residential and condominium conversion developments in Chicago.
Established in 1982 by Charles and Harry Huzenis, Jameson Realty is a full-service real estate organization with offices in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. With more than 120 sales agents and support staff, the company has unparalleled experience in developer representation and has marketed more than 260 residential projects since 1991.
For more information, on purchasing a condominium, please call Jameson Realty Group at 312-751-0300, or visit the Jameson web site at www.jameson.com.
