An inside job: Interior work begins at R+D659 in West Loop

Excitement is mounting as the final floor of the 237-unit R+D659 condominium building in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood is topped out. Dominic Adducci, managing director at Mesirow Financial Real Estate, describes topping out as the completion of the structural phase of the building.

"We placed the last slab of concrete on the top floor of the building on June 11," he says, "Disassembling of the tower crane will follow and workers are already transitioning to interior work.

"We fought through really tough winter conditions, so the fact that we completed the structural work ahead of schedule is a great achievement," Adducci says. "We're looking forward to continued progress toward the delivery of this quality building."

R+D659, a 17-story building at the northeast corner of Randolph and Des Plaines streets, will offer condominiums and penthouses ranging from 655 square feet to more than 1,600 square feet. Sales are moving quickly, but a good selection of floor plans remains. Prices on unsold units range from the upper $200,000s to the $700,000s.

"We'll now focus on completing some of the highlights of the building, including the swimming pool, sun deck, resident-only lounge and fitness center," Adducci adds. The lounge will feature a flat-screen TV with surround sound, a bar, pool table, kitchen and dining area. Besides the swimming pool and landscaped sun deck, other outdoor amenities will include a Japanese-style garden and a grill area. The building's environmentally friendly green deck will provide an al fresco option to residents.

The residences themselves are starting to take shape as well, Adducci says, "Drywall and cabinet installation is under way, so we're expecting rapid interior progress."

Once completed, the unique open floor plans will be evident and installation of the finishes will begin. Those include sleek European-style cabinetry in the kitchen and bath, granite kitchen countertops, stainless-steel appliances and wood flooring in the living spaces. Condo plans feature 9-foot ceilings; penthouses have 12-foot ceilings.

The surrounding West Loop neighborhood is home to several art galleries, renowned restaurants and ample nightlife. The building is also only a few blocks from expressways, the Ogilvie Transportation Center and CTA buses and the Green Line, providing easy access to downtown and the rest of the city.

The R+D659 sales center and decorated model are now open at 626 W. Randolph. Sales hours are noon to 6 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends. For more information, call (312) 474-0659 or visit www.RD659.com.