Chicago Condo Directory

January 24, 2009 - After the Evanston Planning and Development Committee recently set a limit of between 27 and 35 stories for buildings in the downtown district, it’s probably no surprise that the proposed 38 story tower is no longer at the top of Focus Development’s agenda. Of course the condo market crash didn’t help matters any, and Tim Anderson of Focus was quoted in the Tribune as saying that, “It’s not something that would move forward in today’s finance environment. We’ll have to wait until the credit markets move forward.”

The tower was originally planned to be 49 stories tall, easily the tallest building in the Chicago suburbs. It was then scaled down to 38 in a concession to concerns that it would overpower the downtown area. The tallest suburban tower is currently the Helmut Jahn designed Oakbrook Terrace Tower and the 35 story limit would keep Evanston’s proposed high-rise in second place. Right now the tallest tower in Evanston is the Chase Building which was constructed in 1969, so anything topping that would be a definite change for the city.

But there is still hope for those of you who are fans of the “Evanston Spire.” Tim Anderson pointed out in the article that they could still work on getting the zoning approved and everything in place for marketing this suburban Chicago real estate project whenever the timing is better. Although he didn’t offer an exact date for when condo sales might improve, he did pointed out that, “I don’t think anyone can say right now,” Anderson said. “Our best guess is that we expect, in 2010, the residential market for areas like downtown Evanston to come around.”

Until then, anyone interested in purchasing new Condos In Chicago may have to be satisfied with the current inventory.

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January 23, 2009 - Branching out a little into Downers Grove, marketing is in progress for a new 60 unit development from Provential Builders. The 5100 on Forest is set to be a 60 condo building located in the downtown area at Gilbert and Forest Avenues, close to Main Street. This development will take advantage of the already established neighborhood and tree lined streets to offer some nice views from the condo balconies, according to a recent press release in the Tribune.

The first floor of the building will be devoted to retail space and heated underground parking for residents is also part of the plan. The condos will range in size from 1,200 to 2,400 square feet, with the smallest being the Merlot floor plan. This unit will come with one bedroom and two baths, with a starting price of $299,900 and going up to $359,900.

The biggest condo plan at 5100 on Forest will be the Champaign at 2,414 square feet. This unit will have two bedrooms, a den and 2.5 baths. The price will vary from $598,900 to $689,900.

And for those of you wanting to purchase a condo or town home from Belgravia Group but are needing a little help with the whole process of selling your existing condos in Chicago, the developer is launching a Total Buyer Program. This service will help the homeowner with consulting services, market analysis, promotion and advertising and any improvements that need to be made in order to sell your home.

Zev Salomon, VP of Belgravia, was quoted in the Tribune as saying that, ” In certain cases, we will lease or even buy the home.” Now that is a developer who is serious about making the most of Chicago Real Estate.

Technorati Tags: 5100 on Forest, Chicago Real Estate, Condos In Chicago

January 22, 2009 - The marketing strategies Chicago real estate developers use to sell condos tend to change with the times, and occasionally even the development names change. Usually it’s something subtle, like a change from Parkview West to Parkview Condominiums. The latest project to redefine itself is The Granville, now known as The Clarovista. This 160 unit tower in Edgewater will soon be completed and the developer is offering some new incentives to go along with the new name.

The first residents should be able to start moving into the condos before the end of this month. The building is about half sold, and the units that are still up for sale have from one to three bedrooms and 903 to 1,580 square feet of living space. The prices on these residences are running from the $250,000s to the $400,000s.

Some of the interior finishes on these condos include hardwood flooring, Grohe faucets, individual unit balconies, stackable washer and dryer, maple kitchen cabinets, granite counter tops, GE stainless steel appliances, under mount bath sinks and marble counter tops and flooring plus most condos have a separate tub and shower in the master bath.

Interest rates as low as 3.5% are being offered in an ad on the building website, and an open house is scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 3 pm. A grand opening is scheduled for this coming Wednesday as well.

Be sure to check back with us for all the latest news about Chicago real Estate.

Technorati Tags: The Granville, The Clarovista, Chicago Real Estate, Condos In Chicago