September 26, 2007 - Lennar Homes just launched sales on a new condo named Parc Huron that they intend to build on 469 West Huron Street in River North. If all goes according to plan, they estimate a completion date of 2010.

Lennar has over fifty years of combined experience in the construction of luxury homes and Parc Huron should showcase that talent. The developer’s website describes the future tower as being 21 stories tall and having 221 condo units. The square footage will range from 614 to 1,443 per condo. Floor plans will include one to three bedrooms, the standard floor to ceiling windows, balcony or terrace per plan and red oak hardwood floors in the common areas. GE appliances, including a 21 cubic foot refrigerator, will deck out the kitchens and baths will have marble counter tops and floor tile with maple cabinets, soaker tub and separate shower.

Building and site amenities planned include a landscaped green space for residents, internet cafe, theater, fitness center and deeded parking.

Park Huron is one we’ll keep an eye on and see how sales progress over the next few weeks. Lennar’s experience and full service building company may be enough to push sales past the midway point needed to make this high-rise a reality. You can check out other Condo Builders in Chicago to see what new developments are in the pipe line for the remainder of the year.

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September 25, 2007 - Since the furnished model on Carpenter Street is ready for potential buyers to tour, the building dubbed CA23 is creating a fair amount of attention in the West Loop on 23 North Aberdeen Street. The Brixton Group wanted to balance this project with both modern design architecturally along with ample amounts of green space, touching both ends of the spectrum. If all goes according to plan, the end product looks promising.

CA23 will be comprised of two 5 story buildings that will house a total of 48 condos. Half of those are expected to be delivered in early to mid 2008 with the others to follow soon after. Only two residences are located on each floor and are accessed by private elevator.

A unique feature from historic design that builders incorporated into this project is a central atrium that provides every condo with natural light and exposure. The extra two bedrooms and part of the hallway in each unit will be partially flush against the atrium, making for some fascinating views during both rain and shine. In addition to that, there is some 9,000 square feet of landscaped courtyard between the two buildings that is visible to all residents.

Following in the new trend of maximizing space, CA23 has subtle nooks in the larger than normal hallways that can be used as a computer work place or window seat for relaxing with a good book. It seems as though every space has been thoughtfully utilized here, but in such a way as to retain the open feel of the units. CA23 is another example of innovative Downtown Chicago Condos being built this year.

Technorati Tags: CA23, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale

September 24, 2007 - Unless something spectacular happens during the remainder of the building process, this should be the last post dedicated to the Trump International Hotel and Tower until the actual grand opening next February. A couple of days ago we passed on a report that the so called soft opening set for this December was being pushed back eight weeks, but Trump himself has stepped forward to rebuke that statement made by a company public relations employee.

In an article published in Crain’s, Donald Trump went on to say that not only was the December 3rd date still on track but that construction work was moving along two weeks ahead of schedule. He does admit that they previously discussed the possibility of a later date because of concerns over how smoothly the bar and lounge facilities would operate at first, but that plan was scrapped once faster progress was made.

Rumors of slower than expected sales have dogged this project even though there has been a huge amount of publicity about it. Trump also made headlines after he decided to cancel discounted “family” contracts given to professionals working on the project, reasoning that he was entitled to full profit from each sale.

So we’re back to the holiday hotel opening in a couple of months for Trump and early spring for the other 486 condos. Pencil or ink it in on your calendar, depending on how daring you are. Or you can check out other Chicago New Construction Condos that are ready for occupancy right now.

Technorati Tags: Trump Tower, Chicago Illinois, Chicago Condos for Sale