New Home Notebook

Echelon at K Station in Chicago’s Fulton River District offers studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes that comes complete with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, in unit washer and dryer, floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and garbage disposal.

Throughout the year, the residents of  Echelon at K Station can enjoy a variety of social outings such as the three most recent events: an after-work happy hour at Bull & Bear, a doggie dip the day before the pool closed for the season, and Halloween breakfast treats in Echelon’s lobby.

Within walking distance from this luxury apartment tower is Jewel-Osco grocery, the Park at K Station, East Bank Club, Ogilvie Transportation Center, the CTA Green, Blue and Pink train lines. Many restaurants, shopping, art galleries and entertainment options are also close by.

Events such as ‘Movie In The Park’ is an outstanding way to reach out and get acquainted with your local apartment community. This Movie At The Park event was held at the park at K Station in Chicago’s Fulton River District, a lively community packed with restaurants, nightlife and neighborhood activities.

One of the sponsors of this event is Echelon at K Station, a luxury rental high-rise that is located adjacent to the park.

Echelon at K Station offers studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartment homes. Each apartment features elegant living with top quality finishes, in unit washer and dryer, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.

Visit KStationChicago.com for more information.

From those in the know, Chicago’s River North neighborhood is where it’s at. While living in the Loop provides the best known assets  - the lakefront parks, theaters and museums, those living downtown are also apt to cross the river for their entertainment and more.

In the above video tour, residents of Oakwood 200 Squared, 210 N Wells St, discuss the vibrant bar, nightlife, gallery and restaurant venues in River North and the endless nearby shopping options.  Life in the building itself is full of incentive; great views and extensive amenities, including an indoor pool, fitness room, dog run and a sprawling sun deck with a fire pit and grills.

Just one unit remains to be rented at Library Place. Unit 470 is a 3 bedroom, 3+1 bath townhome with new high-end finishes,a full-sized laundry, garage space and a private yard.

Located close to downtown Winnetka and it’s shops, restaurants, schools and parks.  There is also a Metra station serves the area and all are within walking  distance to the best North Shore beaches.

Originally named Library Plaza, Library Place was built in 1965 and includes eight townhomes. In 2007, a developer purchased and renovated all the units and offered them for sale with prices ranging from the mid-$500s to the mid $700s. Sales were slow, until Chicago home builder J. Lawrence Homes acquired the properties earlier this year and immediately began renovating the units for lease – capitalizing on the current rental trend and the fast-moving market of North Shore luxury rentals.

Kathryn and Kelly Mangel from @properties are the listing agents.

According to the Senior VP and Branch Manager at Koenig & Strey’s Glenview and Northbrook offices, Michael Mazzei, demand for housing in these two north suburban suburbs is hot. The inventory of available homes is down 35% from a year ago at this time, which translates to a tighter supply, increased demand, and homes moving at closer to list price. While perhaps not quite yet a ‘seller’s market,’ there is still a greatly improved home marketing opportunity in a low-inventory environment.

With home prices down across the metropolitan area, we’re seeing sellers who have adjusted to the ‘new normal,’ pricing their homes for the market, and ultimately seeing better activity, as well as a better end result. Any of our real estate professionals will tell you that a good home, staged well and priced for the market will bring a seller faster results and more often than not a better price – and we’re seeing more of it here in Northbrook and Glenview.

We also get many requests for rentals, though the inventory is as low as it’s ever been. Although purchasing a home is the better economic option at this point, many are still not ready to make the move, and we’re happy to help them find the right rental.

For any questions regarding north suburban real estate, please contact Michael Mazzei.

Location, views, in-unit and common area amenities and services are all part of the compelling package at the residences at Echelon at K Station. Apartments at Echelon contain thoughtful layouts with excellent separation of living spaces, balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, in-unit washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and more.

Echelon also features a large pool and sun deck, fully-equipped fitness room, guest suites, stylish lounge areas, business center and party rooms, as well as easy access to the Kennedy Expressway, the CTA Blue Line, the Grand Avenue CTA bus and Metra’s Ogilvie Transportation Center.

From the Jefferson Tap, a popular neighborhood hangout, to the glitzy Carnivale, Echelon’s Fulton River District location has a wide range of dining options nearby. A Jewel-Osco that rivals the selection of a Whole Foods is also across thre street, as well as an adjacent park with dog run.

Did we mention the views? The views alone are worth a visit to Echelon.

Please join us for a brief overview of Echelon at K Station in the above video.

For renters looking to a transit-friendly location close to the action, Belmont Lofts is an attractive option. This building at 4131 W Belmont Ave is at the nexus of three Chicago neighborhoods: Avondale, Irving Park and Belmont Gardens. For getting around, the 77 Belmont Avenue bus at the building’s front door. The CTA Blue Line and Kennedy Expressway are close by.

Take a video tour of a bright, stylish 1-bedroom loft in the building with Jeff Kerr of @properties. The unit showcases hardwood floors, 12-foot ceilings, a sleek bath and kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops and an in-unit washer/dryer. 

The $1,175 monthly rent includes parking. An additional space is available for $50 a month if desired.

Engineering News Record recently granted top honors in its Best Projects 2011 regional competition to Oakwood 200 Squared, a new luxury high-rise in the heart of downtown Chicago’s Loop. With design quality, construction quality, innovation, safety, and teamwork used as criteria, Oakwood 200 Squared will move on to compete nationally in the Best of the Best Projects 2011.

Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz, this 42-story luxury apartment building offers a variety of floor plans ranging from spacious studios, convertibles, 1-bedrooms, 1-bedrooms plus den and 2-bedroom/2-bath units.

Amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool and steam room, as well as a private pet walk, whirlpool on an outdoor garden deck complete with a fire pit and gas grills, party room, lobby café, storage lockers and more. Every in-unit amenity you’d expect in a luxury community, including in-unit washers and dryers, is also present in these apartments.

A smoke-free building, services such as 24-hour door staff, concierge, package reception, bike storage, and Zipcar availability are also offered at Oakwood 200 Squared.

For information regarding pricing, rental options and availability, e-mail or call 877-388-9116.