| If you're shopping for a new home and have | | | | Wellborn Forest vanity and cabinets. |
| about $350,000 in your budget, you might want | | | | |
| to consider that your dollar amount will | | | | Main Street Station is another development in |
| sometimes buy a little more condo in the | | | | Evanston where you can stretch your money a |
| suburbs than it will in downtown Chicago. Of | | | | little further. The nine story low-rise |
| course you have to weigh the pros and cons of | | | | building contains 71 condos that have from |
| suburban living as opposed to in town, and | | | | one to two bedrooms plus option den and 950 |
| that always varies depending on lifestyle, | | | | to 1,600 square feet. Pricing ranges from |
| work and personal preferences. | | | | $299,900 to $540,900. Delivery is expected |
| | | | late in 2008 for these units and again, all |
| Some people thrive on the energy and rush of | | | | the standard luxury perks apply. Hardwood |
| living in the heart of Chicago. There is | | | | flooring, granite counter tops in the |
| close proximity to everything; | | | | kitchens and top of the line energy efficient |
| transportation, often your job, world class | | | | appliances are included in the deal. The |
| entertainment, shopping and dining options. | | | | building also has a fully equipped fitness |
| Others prefer a slower pace, a little less | | | | center and gathering room. Buyers will also |
| rushed. Many of the suburbs also have | | | | get one parking space with their condo and |
| excellent entertainment and dining options as | | | | any additional spaces can be purchased for |
| well as access to quick and easy public | | | | about $25,000. |
| transportation. The smaller communities on | | | | |
| the North Shore have a lot to offer, | | | | Another Evanston development that is hot on |
| including some of the best schools and | | | | the market are the Winthrop Club Condos on |
| environments in which to raise a family. They | | | | 1567 Maple. At 15 stories and 110 units, this |
| also are fantastic places to settle once you | | | | tower is set to deliver in mid to late 2008 |
| are retired. | | | | and is a LEED certified green building. |
| | | | Parking is included in the price of a condo |
| So before you limit your search to condos or | | | | here, which starts at $329,000. |
| town homes on Michigan Avenue, why not take a | | | | |
| look at a few of the developments profiled in | | | | Nine foot ceilings, eco-friendly materials |
| this article. Just remember that while the | | | | like bamboo flooring and doors, energy |
| prices and specifics listed are current at | | | | efficient heating, cooling, and GE appliances |
| the time of this writing, the developer | | | | all add to the green theme. Wall to wall |
| always reserves the right to modify them at | | | | carpeting is installed in the bedrooms, |
| any time. | | | | marble counter tops, porcelain tile in the |
| | | | baths and Italian cabinets give the condos a |
| Grand Bend at Green Bay in Evanston has a lot | | | | European flair. The building also sports a 24 |
| to offer potential buyers. The one to three | | | | hour doorman and is close to both the CTA and |
| bedroom condos range in price from about | | | | Metra stations for quick transportation |
| $300,000 up to $700,000 with from 915 to | | | | options. |
| 2,055 square feet. The six story building has | | | | |
| 49 condos and indoor heating parking with | | | | Skokie is home to Optima at Old Orchard |
| guest parking also available. The building | | | | Woods. This large development is actually |
| has two high speed elevators, state of the | | | | three connected towers, Maple, Oak and Elm, |
| art security systems and a furnished lobby. | | | | and is the tallest structure in town |
| | | | currently. Each of the three buildings has |
| The individual condos come with some great | | | | its own two story lobby and fitness center |
| finishes. Most come with a private balcony or | | | | for residents to enjoy. A bridge-like |
| terrace, fireplace, 9 foot ceilings, hardwood | | | | structure connects each of the towers and |
| flooring and a choice of Berber or plush | | | | also houses condos. The units come with one |
| carpeting. The kitchens are equipped with GE | | | | to four bedrooms and have from 700 to 3,100 |
| stainless steel appliances and handsome | | | | square feet. Prices start at $280,000 and |
| Wellborn Forest cabinets with a choice of 6 | | | | move up from there. |
| different stain finishes. Granite counter | | | | |
| tops and hardwood floors complete the look. | | | | High-end kitchen appliances, plush carpeting |
| | | | and hardwood flooring, floor to ceiling |
| The bedrooms have ample closet space with | | | | windows and heated indoor parking come with |
| Vinyl Clad shelving and are pre-wired for | | | | each unit. The development showcases a sky |
| cable television. The baths are fitted with | | | | garden on the roof, reflecting pool with a |
| Moen and Kohler fixtures, ceramic tile shower | | | | fountain, party room and even a tennis court. |
| surround, 6 foot Seville soaking tub and | | | | |