April 30, 2009 - Magellan Development was right on the money when a few weeks ago they announced that their Aqua apartments would be ready for move-in by May 1st. Sure enough, the Chicago real estate developer announced yesterday that Aqua has a green light in the form of a Certificate of Occupancy through floor 32. That should mean the Chicago apartments located on floors 19 through 32 should be ready for renters. The 82 story tower has 474 apartments located on floors 19 through 52, and Magellan stated that they have about 100 rental leases signed at this point.

As far as other construction work on the 225 North Columbus Drive high-rise, the developer also said that windows are already installed up to the 74th floor, drywall hung up to floor 56 and framing done through floor 68. Other construction that is complete at this point is the spiral staircase that connects the tower to the Park at Lakeshore East.

Aqua’s apartments come in floor plans ranging from studios, convertibles, and one and two bedroom units. Rents are anywhere from $1,375 to $3,111 per month, and pets (up to two cats or dogs per apartment, depending on breed and weight) are allowed for an additional fee.

The apartments come with GE stainless steel kitchen appliances, wood cabinets, oversized vanity in the baths, hardwood flooring and wall-to-wall carpeting, curved balconies with stunning views, pendant lighting and full size washer and dryer. Building amenities are the same for condo owners and apartment residents. Perks include a one of a kind 80,000 square foot fully landscaped outdoor deck complete with gazebos, gardens, pools, hot tubs, running track, fire pit and BBQ area. Inside, a 35,000 square foot common area houses a pool, spa, sauna, massage rooms, basketball court, fitness center, party rooms with kitchens, movie room, lounge business center and pool and game room.

With such a fantastic location and amenities package, Aqua will most likely be home to some of the most popular new Chicago apartments and Chicago New Construction Condos.

Technorati Tags: Aqua, Chicago Apartments, Chicago Real Estate

April 29, 2009 - In case you didn’t get to go to the first “Wisdom Of Q” event, Chicago real estate developer Belgravia Group is having another one tomorrow night, April 30th, from 6p.m. to 9p.m. at their new 565 Quincy building. According to the development website, you can attend the Q event and quote, “Indulge in cocktails and comfort food while testing your bowling, billiard, putting skills and more. Win one of many prizes being raffled by your friendly neighborhood shops and restaurants. And of course, stop by our model and sales center while at the party!” So if you can fill out the VIP registration in time, you might be able to score a last minute reservation to attend.

565 Quincy’s Q Room has a better than average selection of entertainment, as far as building recreation rooms go. Not only is there the expected fitness center, but you can also practice your putting on an indoor green, knock down a strike at the bowling alley or check out the screening room or lounge.

The condos at 565 Quincy come in 35 different floor plans, with prices on the remaining units ranging from the mid $200,000s to mid $400,000s for the one to two bedroom lofts. The price guarantee from Belgravia is still in effect, too. That means that if the price drops on a similar condo loft in the building before you close on yours, you will receive the same reduction on your unit.

Finishes include hardwood flooring, stainless steel kitchen appliance package, granite counter tops, marble vanity tops, Kohler fixtures, 11 foot ceilings and large terraces. 565 Quincy certainly offers a lot of perks to residents, so you may want to check out the Wisdom of Q, model unit and sales center and compare them to other Chicago Lofts before you make a purchase.

Technorati Tags: 565 Quincy, Chicago Condos, Chicago Real Estate

April 28, 2009 - More Chicago real estate developers are warming up to the idea of renting unsold units rather than letting them sit empty, generating no income. The latest to join the ranks of the rentals is The Marquee, the new construction 25 story tower located on 1464 South Michigan Avenue. Developer Sedgwick Properties is now renting some of the Chicago condos at the Marquee. You can of course find several of the units for rent from investors, but a pretty diverse selection is listed on a Koenig & Strey GMAC Real Estate site devoted to the Marquee rentals.

The prices, sizes and floor locating are pretty varied on the rentals. Everything from a one bedroom condo to a three bedroom penthouse is on the table, with monthly rents running anywhere from around $1,495 to $4,695. Parking is an additional $195 per month. You won’t be hit with a security deposit, but you will have to pay what they are calling a $500 move-in fee plus another $250 if you have a pet. Gas is also included in the rental fee.

Finishes on the condos include stainless steel kitchen appliances and wood cabinetry and hardwood flooring. The units have private terraces and a laundry. Building amenities include a theater room, fitness room, bike storage, doorman and dog run.

Units currently listed for rent by the developer are as follows.
601 is a two bedroom / two bath for $2,825 per month.
1306 is a one bedroom / one bath for $1,495 per month.
1202 is a two bedroom / two bath for $2,250 per month.
1003 is a two bedroom / two bath for $2,200 per month.
1704 is a three bedroom / two bath for $2,995 per month.
2405 is a three bedroom / 2.5 bath for $4,695 per month.
2407 is a three bedroom / 2.5 bath for $3,995 per month.
611 is a one bedroom / 1.5 bath for $1,495 per month.
1508 is a one bedroom / one bath for $1,550 per month.
1805 is a two bedroom / two bath for $1,750 per month.
2002 is a two bedroom / two bath for $2,450 per month.
2004 is a three bedroom / two bath for $3,195 per month.
1607 is a two bedroom / two bath for $1,850 per month.

And remember there are many more Rent to own condos in Chicago if the Marquee doesn’t fit your needs.

Technorati Tags: Marquee Michigan Avenue, Chicago Condos, Chicago Real Estate