Live the green life at Lexington Park Condos in South Loop
Lexington Park Condominiums, an innovative 35-story new-construction high-rise condominium and loft development, is in line to become one of the first LEED-certified condominiums in the South Loop, according to the Chieftain Group, the developers.
"With many new condominium buyers embracing the green-living concept, the Chieftain Group is meeting the challenge with Lexington Park, a development designed to be certified by the United States Green Building Council as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design project," noted developer Sean O'Sullivan, chief operations officer and director of Ireland-based Chieftain Group.
The high-rise, under construction on the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Cermak Road, features 297 residential units and the seven-story low-rise addition showcases 36 loft-style units. The two buildings are connected by a landscaped roof deck and parking.
Materials used throughout the building have low volatile organic composition to reduce the harmful effects of chemical off-gassing. Trash will be recycled easily using a new turn-style switch trash chute. Also, materials will contain high recycled content.
Day lighting throughout the building will give the occupants a direct connection between the outdoor environment and the indoor living spaces, also reducing the need for electrical lighting throughout most of the day. In addition, highly efficient heating and air conditioning systems will give all occupants lower energy usage.
The Lexington Park site also features environmental highlights such as convenient public transportation access, bicycle storage with changing rooms near the bicycle paths along Wabash Avenue and Roosevelt Street to the north.
Sales have surpassed the 50 percent mark and construction is moving at a fast pace at Lexington Park, said Britta Rivera, vice president of U.S. sales for Chieftain Group. "For a limited time a $10,000 incentive is being offered to be used toward the purchase price or upgrades," she said.
Buyers may choose from a selection of floor plans: one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den or bonus room and two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus-den layouts with one or two baths.
Lofts at Lexington Park feature 728 to 1,212 square feet of space and range in price from $250,900 to $375,900. Parking for loft units is currently priced at $17,450 - half off the regular price of $34,900.
Tower residences showcase 656 to 1,346 square feet of space and range in price from $237,900 to $551,900. Penthouses on floors 32 through 34 feature one-bedroom-plus-den and one bath, two-bedroom-plus-den and two baths and three bedrooms and two baths. Penthouse living area ranges from 1,068 to 1,645 square feet. Penthouses range from $488,900 to $727,900.
The development features an abundance of amenities including 18,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, a 640-square-foot fitness center, and a 1,300-square-foot party room with gourmet kitchen. There are 369 heated garage parking spaces.
A full-scale model of Tower Residence Plan 02 recently opened for viewing at Lexington Park. The professionally decorated Tower Residence model is located at 2138 S. Indiana and showcases a one-bedroom, one-bath residence with bonus room; it offers 898 square feet of living space.
"This popular residence features a bonus room, as well as an impressive island kitchen, which opens to a living/dining room with access to a balcony and a dramatic city view through floor-to-ceiling windows," said Rivera.
The home also features a spacious master bedroom with large walk-in closet and dramatic city views. The condominium is priced at $289,900, including the limited-time $10,000 price incentive to celebrate the opening of Phase II.
"Buyers from the city and suburbs seeking an urban lifestyle close to work, shopping, transportation, the lakefront and parks are driving sales," Rivera said. "There also has been strong demand from suburban empty-nesters seeking a pied-a-terre downtown.
"Buyers may choose from a great variety of lofts and condominiums and reserve a home with a 5 percent earnest money deposit, along with a 5 percent promissory note," Rivera said.
She said buyers seeking quick occupancy should tour the model and review plans this summer for a wonderful selection of one-bedroom loft units, which are expected to be ready in late 2008 in the seven-story building. Initial occupancy in the high-rise is scheduled for spring 2009.
"Modern architectural design both inside and out and the spectacular views of the Lake Michigan lakefront and city are driving strong sales at Lexington Park," said Rivera.
"Lexington Park Condominiums' architect, VOA Architects, designed the award-winning contemporary glass-and-aluminum high-rise and the interconnected seven-story loft addition with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize nature light," O'Sullivan said.
Work is progressing quickly on the tower section of the high-rise, with structural steel and glass curtain walls already rising to the 14th floor and window installation under way on the lower floors, according to Kenny Construction Co., the general contactor.
"Unlike many of its surrounding structures, Lexington Park's facade will feature a curtain-wall type system comprising aluminum and glass rather than exposed concrete," O'Sullivan said.
"The individual units are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plans to maximize interior space and natural light," he said.
The tower residences include 9-foot ceilings, while the lofts have ceiling heights of 10 feet 7 inches. Both feature bamboo flooring, granite kitchen countertops and stainless-steel appliances. All of the master baths have marble throughout.
Some of the other amenities included are kitchens with 42-inch contemporary cabinetry and upgraded Moen faucet fixtures with undermount sink; master baths with Carrara marble on vanity countertops, flooring and shower wall and tubs; and bamboo flooring and carpeting in bedrooms.
The lofts and tower condominiums feature natural bamboo hardwood flooring in main living areas and carpeting in bedrooms.
Kitchens are equipped with Frigidaire stainless-steel appliances, including refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, gas range, and microwave oven. Granite counters and island (per plan) are standard, along with 42-inch upper cabinets, and in-home washer/dryer hook-up.
Other building amenities include a 24-hour door man and bicycle racks and storage lockers. Monthly condominium assessments range from $233 to $674.
"No other neighborhood offers the convenience of living so close to downtown offices along with access to the lakefront and world-class cultural institutions," Rivera said.
"Living at Lexington Park means morning jogs along the lake, or evening strolls as the boats dock in Burnham Harbor," she added. "The ever-changing attractions of the Museum Campus are close by, as are the beach and beautiful nature paths of Northerly Island."
Another attraction is the fabulous restaurant scene in the South Loop and Printers Row, and Little Italy and Chinatown are just minutes away.
Shopping is convenient, including major shopping venues such as Jewel, Home Depot and Target.
Public transportation options include nearby Metra and Amtrak stations as well as stations for the CTA's Red and Orange lines. Access to Lake Shore Drive, Interstates 90/94 and Interstate 55 are nearby.
The Lexington Park sales center and model is at 2138 S. Indiana Ave. Sales center hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call (312) 842-2202 or visit www.lexingtonparkcondos.com. Chieftan Group