Lexington Park's glass curtain walls let the sun shine in
Lexington Park's glass curtain walls let the sun shine in
Loft condominium buyers seeking quick occupancy on a selection of swank one-bedroom loft units should tour Lexington Park, a seven-story loft building adjoined by a 35-story new-construction high-rise condominium development in the South Loop.
"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 natural light," said Sean O'Sullivan, chief operations officer and director of Ireland-based Chieftain Group, the developer.
"The lofts at Lexington Park feature glassy floor-to-ceiling window walls, ceiling heights of 10 feet 7 inches and a prestigious Michigan Avenue address," said Britta Rivera, vice president of U.S. Sales for Chieftain Group.
A professionally furnished and decorated loft model is scheduled for completion in late November.
Plan L5, one of the most popular one-bedroom, one-bath loft floor plans, features 745 square feet of living area and two balconies. It is base-priced from $244,900, which includes the current $10,000 incentive.
A flowing gallery entry foyer leads past a full bath, guest closet and laundry center and a spacious master bedroom with private balcony to the living room and kitchen.
Initial occupancy in Lexington Park's 36-unit loft building is scheduled for the winter 2008. The 297-unit high-rise is expected to be ready for move-ins in spring 2009. The two buildings, now under construction on the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Cermak Road, are connected by a landscaped roof deck and parking.
Sales have passed the 50 percent mark and construction is moving at a fast pace at Lexington Park. Prices range from $227,900 for the most affordable one-bedroom unit to $727,900 for the top-of-the-line three-bedroom penthouse.
During the grand opening of phase II at Lexington Park, the developer is offering a $10,000 incentive toward price of a home or upgrades. In addition, loft purchasers may buy a parking space for $17,450 - a 50 percent discount - for a very limited time.
Lofts feature 728 to 1,212 square feet of space and range in price from $250,900 to $365,900.
"We think first-time buyers may be drawn to the lofts at Lexington Park, especially with the attractive incentives that offer savings on price and parking that total $27,450," Rivera said.
"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," she said.
"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.
Work is progressing quickly on the tower section of the high-rise, with structural steel and glass curtain walls already rising to the 20th 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."
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.
Tower residences showcase 656 to 1,346 square feet and range in price from $327,900 to $417,900. 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.
A full-scale model of Tower Residence Plan 02 recently opened for viewing at Lexington Park. The professionally decorated model is located at 2138 S. Indiana and showcases a one-bedroom, one-bath residence with bonus room with 898 square feet of living space.
The development features an abundance of amenities including: 18,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, a 640-square-foot fitness center, a 1,300-square-foot party room with gourmet kitchen and a landscaped deck encompassing 15,000 square feet, plus a 1,000-square-foot grilling area and a dog run. There also are 369 heated garage parking spaces. Parking is optional at $34,900.
Another attraction of Lexington Park Condominiums is its upcoming Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design designation. "Lexington Park will be the first LEED-certified condominium in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago," O'Sullivan said.
"As a LEED building, Lexington Park will also showcase a sixth-floor 15,000-square-foot green roof terrace featuring native plantings that is accessible by all residents of the development," O'Sullivan said. Tower residences on the sixth floor also feature large private patios and all units feature balconies.
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 shoot. Also, materials will contain high recycled content.
Day lighting throughout the building will give the occupants a direct connection between the outdoors and the indoor living spaces, 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.
Lexington Park also features environmental highlights such as convenient public transportation access, bicycle storage with changing rooms with bicycle paths along Wabash Avenue and Roosevelt Street to the north.
The tower residences include 9-foot ceilings. Both tower and loft units 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 under-mount sink; master baths with Carrara marble on vanity countertops, flooring and shower wall and tubs; 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 said. "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 restaurant scene in the South Loop and Printers Row, and Little Italy and Chinatown are just minutes away.
Shopping is extraordinarily convenient, including such major shopping venues such as Jewel, Home Depot and Target.
"Although Lexington Park features five levels of secured parking, our convenient Michigan Avenue location can provide a car-free urban lifestyle if you so choose," Rivera said. "Cabs are plentiful, and CTA trains and buses can deliver you to the Loop in minutes."
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. For more information, call (312) 842-2202 or visit www.lexingtonparkcondos.com.