August 31, 2007 – Chess Lofts, the loft conversion project that pays homage to The Chess Record Company once housed in the former warehouse back in the 1950s, is just about ready for residents to begin moving in. Interior work, including buyer’s customization choices, started on the lowest floors in July and will move on up until all the units are finished sometime in late October.

These lofts on South Prairie Avenue have the typical features you would associate with true loft design and construction. The high eleven foot ceilings, open and unobstructed floor plans plus exposed timber beams give them a vintage feel. But don’t think that you’ll have to rough it there. You still get plenty of modern perks like completely new windows, private balconies, custom made maple cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and a large soaker tub in the bath.

A bit of the history of the building was preserved by restoring the lobby and keeping the original vaulted ceiling. The exterior of Chess Lofts was also restored and the two high speed elevators have been added along with a roof deck and dog run.

The lofts come in one to two bedroom and bath plans with a price tag that varies from the high $100,000 to mid $500,000 range. The developer didn’t use the cliché about getting something great for a song, but in this case it might have been fitting.

If lofts aren’t your style, there are some great Townhouses in Chicago available right now that might be perfect for you.

[tags]Chess Lofts, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 30, 2007 – The sales center for Glas Haus Condominiums opened in February and construction has recently started. Developer Piedmont Group advertised the project as quote, “a modern, contemporary glass box.” That may be an unusual description, but from the renderings it seems pretty accurate.

The twenty-five story building was designed by architect Brininstool and Lynch who came up with the concept of incorporating three completely different but complimentary types of glass for the outside walls of the building. This use of sheets of opaque, reflective and translucent glass types is intended to create the sensation of a floating, undulating pattern across the building.

If construction goes according to plan , the 262 condos are set for occupancy by summer of 2008. Most of the units are one and two bedrooms with some two bedroom plus den condos and one penthouse suite that has three bedrooms. The unit size varies from a more modest 676 square feet on up to 1,796 square feet. Prices run comparatively from $230,000 to $810,000 per condo. Glas Haus has the standard list of interior finishes like floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and spacious balconies. The building is topped with a landscaped park area complete with pool, BBQ grill space plus kitchen, lounge and dog run as well as fitness center and media room. And one of the unique features that is sure to be popular among residents is the car wash bay in the garage.

Glas Haus condos plan to open a whole new window, so to speak, on construction style. If more traditional condos appeal to you, there are plenty of Chicago Condo Lofts either already built or going up right now.

[tags]Glas Haus, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 29, 2007 – MoMo, that shortened moniker for Modern Momentum, has quite a lead ahead of its cousin, SoNo, which we mentioned in an earlier post was just getting started. With glass going in the windows on the upper portion of the tower on Randolph Street, it looks like developer Smithfield Properties won’t be too far off their original estimate of mid to late 2007 for construction end on the project.

MoMo’s design is interesting in that it almost looks as though it’s standing on two legs. In reality, those legs frame a void that was created to elevate the residential condos another four stories past the already four story tall base. This gives the condos on the lower floors a raised view that they otherwise wouldn’t have had due to a parking garage located close by.

If residents aren’t overly fond of the name MoMo for their building, they don’t have long to wait for a change. If all goes according to plan, the Joffrey Ballet Company of Chicago has made plans to buy the entire space on floors three and four. They will relocate there and install offices, a theater and studios. Along with the purchase of the two floors, they also bought the rights to change the name of MoMo to the Joffrey Tower after they assume occupancy in December.

With so many building projects about to wrap up in time for move in before the holidays, there may be a new supply of Rent to own condos in Chicago available soon. If you’re not ready to buy right now, it could be a good time to look into renting.

[tags]MoMo, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 29, 2007 – One Museum Park, going up on South Indiana Avenue, set a record as the fastest selling residential project in the city of Chicago with 80 percent of its units sold shortly after marketing began back in early 2005. Now the building is nearly sold out and developer Enterprise Companies says that first deliveries of condos should start sometime late this September with final move in scheduled for early 2008.

Glass is being applied to the upper half of the tower, with less than 20 of the 61 floors left to go. The website has the banner statement that residents will be guaranteed views of Museum Campus, Grant Park and Navy Pier indefinitely and that factor alone was a major selling point for many buyers. The usual luxury building amenities of pool, 24 hour door staff, concierge service and heated indoor parking are certainly attractive, but the location and permanent views were the tipping point according to the developer.

The condos range in price from $525,000 to just over $2 million. The homes could be customized with everything from gourmet style kitchen upgrades to master baths that are more like a spa with Italian marble finishes. The views inside the condos aren’t as stunning as those outside, but they certainly don’t leave you wanting, either.

After seeing some of the pretty amazing towers going up, you might be thinking that you’d like to Sell your Chicago Condo and go new home shopping. From the sales figures at One Museum Park, evidentially a lot of people did just that.

[tags]One Museum Park, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 27, 2007 – Prism Development Company announced in July that 33 out of the 86 condos available for purchase in the Ritz-Carlton Residences had been sold. That being said, Prism confirmed that construction on the tower would begin in September, which is right around the corner. The building site at 664 North Michigan Avenue should have activity picking up soon.

The Ritz name has almost been immortalized in everything from songs to its reputation for luxury service and accommodations. This tower will be another example of the high standards Ritz sets for itself and its residents. The 86 one and two bedroom units in this 40 story building will not only have incredible interior finishes, but the level of services provided pretty much have all areas of your life covered.

Once you’re through admiring the view from the recessed balcony, done cooking a meal with the Wolf and Sub Zero appliances and finished with your soaking bath, you might want to plan your next vacation because The Ritz staff can take care of things while you’re gone. They’ll look after your plants, feed and walk your pets and clean your home. And when you are home, you can utilize the building spa, movie room and even schedule the chef on duty to prepare a gourmet meal.

The Ritz really is taking reservations to provide some of the finest Chicago Luxury Condos available for future residents.

[tags]Ritz Carlton Residences, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 25, 2007 – Many Lakeshore East towers have names that obviously reflect a nautical theme. There is The Regatta, The Tides and The Shoreham, but the one creating the biggest waves is Aqua. The 82 story development began construction in March with foundation work laid in July and the core of the building starting to take shape this month. Just to give an idea of the size of this project, McHugh Construction used over 300 caissons for foundation support.

Aqua was designed by architect Jeanne Gang and is believed to be the tallest high-rise ever designed by a woman. The building will appear to ripple like water, an effect created by the varied positions of the balconies along the exterior as well as the blue-green glass that will be installed. To get that curving effect just right, the builder plans on using a global positioning device for reference.

Aqua will house a hotel in its lower levels, followed by apartments in the next 34 floors and then condos from floor 53 up. The sales center claims that nearly 90 percent of the condos have been sold and the ones left have a starting price tag of $600,000. An interesting feature of the building design is that because the condos don’t start until floor 53, even the smaller units at Aqua will have enough height to have penthouse views, so to speak.

The rental units at Aqua are bound to be some of the most sought after Chicago Apartments in the city, following in the wake of the condo’s popularity.

[tags]Aqua Lakeshore East, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 24, 2007 – Late last year ground was broken on 730 South Clark Street in the Printer’s Row section of the South Loop, marking the start of construction for The Residences at Burnham Pointe. Back on January 29th, Corus Bank announced that they were financing the $83.5 million dollar project loan to Clark Development, which is a subsidiary of Terrapin Group. The lower retail space plus the first six or seven residential stories are up now, and work is moving along at a good pace.

“Over 50 percent sold and climbing,” is the headline in red on the Terrapin Properties website. Burnham Pointe will have a total of 298 one and two bedroom condos when finished in early to mid 2008 and more than 16,000 square feet of lower level retail space. No firm word yet on any shops committed to locating there, but with the prime spot so close to the financial district and all that is the South Loop, it shouldn’t remain vacant for long.

The building will also feature a large open air terrace furnished with BBQ grills and outdoor furniture, always a popular addition to any high-rise. Three high speed elevators, fitness center plus whirlpool swimming pool and spa, business center and club room are a few more of the amenities planned.

Burnham Pointe is one of the Downtown Chicago Condos scheduled for completion in 2008. You can read about other projects under construction by following the link.

[tags]Residences at Burnham Pointe, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 23, 2007 – The number of floors up on Library Tower reached the double digit stage last month and the 17 story building should have no problem moving residents in by mid 2008 as promised. Construction on this project has progressed rapidly, and Lennar Homes has even offered buyers a $10,000 drop on the $371,900 to $884,900 condo price tag if their in-house lender is used. That’s a decent deal, especially since the most recent sales figure puts the 184 units at more than 70 percent sold already.

In contrast to the strong sales approval factor, Lennar had to cut the height of the project nearly in half from the original 32 floors down to the present 17 because of neighborhood opposition to the size of the building. Library Tower had been going to house 227 units but that has since been reduced to the current 184 condos that are primarily two bedrooms but also have a mix of one and three bedroom units and penthouses. The three bedroom, two bath corner condos have been the most popular with buyers.

The exterior of the Tower is traditional red brick masonry and the recessed oversized balconies are roomy. Luxury interior finishes and building amenities including exercise and business centers, party room plus common roof top terrace with dog run make these condos an even better buy than many in the area.

With its State Street and Congers Parkway address, which is across from Harold Washington Library, the name Library Tower is fitting. Buyers won’t have to do a lot of research to figure out that these homes are a pretty good deal in Chicago New Construction Condos.

[tags]Library Tower, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 22, 2007 – 1600 Museum Park was the first condominium tower in Chicago out of the gate to kick off the construction race for 2007. The building foundation work officially began January third and appears close to being completed. Once the base is finished, work on the 30 stories of the tower is estimated to be wrapped up sometime in 2008.

This high-rise joins a growing number of towers that are part of the Museum Park residential development in the Central Station neighborhood. The 274 condos that will be housed in the 1600 building have experienced strong sales during the pre-construction phase, with close to 50 percent of the units sold already. The luxury features as well as fantastic views and perks associated with living near Grant and Museum Parks, Museum Campus and the Lake all combine to create an attractive package in the 1600 tower.

The one to three bedroom units are listed in price from $270,000 to $525,000. Standard high end interior finishes like hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, lavish baths and amazing views from the floor to ceiling windows, glassed-in balcony or terrace are part of the deal. Building amenities ranging from heated swimming pool, sauna, indoor parking, clubroom with full service kitchen and modern fitness center have enticed buyers to this project and will continue to do so as construction progresses.

If you’re interested in purchasing a new home, 1600 Museum Park may be the perfect place for you. Or you can continue your search by checking out All Condos for Sale in Chicago.

[tags]1600 Museum Park, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]

August 21, 2007 – The Chieftain Group, one of Ireland’s major developers, is entering the Chicago condo market with their Lexington Park Condominiums project. Kenny Construction started work on the development back in January, with the foundation piles standing by April and steady progress since then. The company estimates construction cost in the neighborhood of $88 million.

At Properties is marketing Lexington on the Park and released sales figures of well over 50 percent for the condos. The selling point that the Chieftain Group and At Properties want to make is that these condos offer more space for your money as compared to similar luxury developments in Chicago. In the 37 story tower there will be 297 condo units with between 785 to 1,345 square feet of living space and a price range of $224,000 to $522,000. The 7 story building will house 36 lofts that have 745 to 1,162 square feet of living space and cost between $238,000 to $351,000.

Lexington on the Park was granted LEED certification for its environmentally responsible construction methods, thus speeding up the permit process and timetable for completion. Original move in dates of mid 2009 have been rolled back to late 2008 and could be even sooner.

For more information on The Chieftain Group or other high-rise developers, Condo Builders in Chicago has a detailed list of the major companies active in the area.

[tags]Lexington on the Park, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale[/tags]