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name like The Sterling and a prime River North location at the southeast
corner of Kinzie and LaSalle Streets in downtown Chicago, you'd
think the units on the upper levels of this new- construction, 50-story
condominium might be in that lofty million dollar category.
Actually, only one condo--a combination of two units on a penthouse
level--has sold for $1.25 million.
All 388 other units are lower priced--but that doesn't make this
a bargain-basement building.
Base prices range from $166,000 to $208,000 for "in town"
units, the term developer American Invsco euphemistically uses for
560- and 570-square-foot studios on floors 2 to 31.
Then, starting at $240,000 there's the "junior one-bed, 1-bath,"
a cute little thing at 760 square feet with a 12-by-9-foot bedroom.
Its layout gives it a tiny balcony (possibly large enough for two
chairs--with people in them), plus a wall of windows facing west
and one looking north.
For a well-paid single who likes the convenient location and admires
the building for its modern design combining curves and angles,
this is a cool choice. Ditto for those--singles or couples-- shopping
around for a pied-a-terre, a second home in the city. Even an "in
town" unit might suffice.
There are variations of the "deluxe one-bed, 1-bath" with
its 840 square feet and starting at $230,000 (on low floors). Two
such floor plans have good north or southwest exposures, but units
on lower floors of any building don't come with a warranty for a
forever- view.
All of the above units have more than adequate kitchens with all
appliances (including a stackable washer and dryer) in place, decent
counter space and granite pass-through bar tops. Bathrooms have
the essentials but they're not show-off places with whirlpool baths
and walk-in showers big enough for four. Storage space is pretty
minimal.
Prices get a bit more rarefied at the "skydeck" and penthouse
levels--32 to 48--but, then, so do the views and the standard amenities
move into upgrade mode. These upper level units will have granite
counter tops, stainless appliances, hardwood floors, larger cabinets.
There are two models but, because the building is still under construction,
appointments are required for viewing. Both models are two-bedroom,
2-bath and are totally different in size, shape and dramatic effect.
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The
larger, a No. 7 unit at 1,310 square feet and available on floors
32 to 45, is an efficient box. Walk into a small foyer (with closet),
turn left and face the kitchen. Ahead is a long, narrow living room
with one of those two-seater balconies.
Down the hall (from the kitchen) are two bathrooms and bedrooms; all
three line up next to each other. The unit faces west though the living
area; it has a wraparound west and north window, providing more light
and a desirable northern view.
I'll take the No. 1 model that's on floors 3 to 42. It has 1,160 square
feet but felt larger, probably because it's located right at the northwest
curve of the building, the curve that gives the front of The Sterling
its distinctive signature.
The living room is only 16 by 17 feet but it sure has drama with the
entire curved floor-to-ceiling window wall bringing a rather sensational
view right in (cunningly reflected on a mirrored wall).
The main bedroom looks north, again through a wall of windows and
there are even floor-to-ceiling windows in the galley kitchen. Of
course, the second bedroom (11 by 13 feet) also has windows. Another
plus for this layout: The bedrooms are at opposite ends of the unit.
Storage space is limited
Closets are nothing to brag about and storage space (within the
unit) leaves a lot to be desired. But, this is about the sleekest
1,160 square-feet of space I've seen. Base-priced at $455,000--I
guess it should be.
Now--not that I'm trying to justify nearly a half-million for a
two-bed, two-bath space in the sky--but for people hell-bent on
city living at a newly posh address and with pool and tennis courts
just an elevator ride away, well, beauty and price are in the eye
and wallet of the beholders.
Besides, buyers needn't be concerned about buying a parking space;
there'll be assigned and unassigned rental parking--only.
And, anyone fortunate enough to take a hard-hat walk-through with
project manager Charles Brahos will be impressed with his engineering
and structural data, as well as details prospects love to hear:
10- inch concrete walls, sound-deadening construction and materials
and, in response to more recent queries, information on sprinkler
systems, alarms and security. |
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Address: 345 N. LaSalle St., Chicago Developer: American
Invsco, Chicago Phone: 312-494-9872
Description: A 50-story condominium with 389 units;
studios to three bedrooms with 560 to 1,710 square feet, including
balconies.
Amenities: Outdoor pool, two tennis courts, fitness
center, 24- hour doorman. Carpeting, ceramic tile floors in kitchens
and bathrooms. Side-by-side refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher,
washer and dryer.
Prices: Base priced from $166,000 to $208,000 for
studios; From $224,000 to $348,500 for one-bedroom, 1-bath units.
From $353,000 to $589,000 for two-bedroom, 2-bath units. From $617,000
to $716,000 for three-bedroom, 2-bath units. Assessments from $215
to $700. Reserved garage space for rental parking.
Neighborhood: Just north of the Chicago River in
walking distance to shopping restaurants, the Loop, Michigan Avenue
and the Merchandise Mart.
Contact Genevieve Buck at Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan
Ave., Chicago, Il. 60611 or gbuck@tribune.com.
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