Today's News Homes/Pioneer Press
February 14-15, 2007

For modern kitchens, fashion meets function

It wasn't that long ago that the kitchen was mostly utilitarian, functioning as a place for food preparation. Today, that has all changed, and the kitchen has become the focal point of the home for buyers and builders alike. From cozy to contemporary, four Chicago-area builders weigh in on what's cooking in today's kitchen designs.

At R+D659, a contemporary 15-story glass and concrete high-rise located in the heart of the vibrant West Loop, kitchens also are defined by European-style finishes and functional design.

"One goal with R+D659 was to deliver stylish finishes and features at a price affordable to entry-level buyers," said Gavin Stein, vice president of Mesirow Financial Real Estate, Inc. "This is particularly evident in the kitchen, which integrates sleek 42-inch cabinetry and absolute black, honed granite countertops. Buyers also have the option to add a contemporary glass tile backsplash. From a functional standpoint, many of the residences include a kitchen island with extra storage space and a breakfast bar."

Additional standard features in the kitchen include stainless steel appliances, a Grohe Eurodisc faucet with built-in-spray; a heavy-gauge, stainless steel under-mount sink; and bathroom finishes include slate, white Carrara marble and subway tile.

R+D659 includes 237 condominiums with one-, one-plus-den, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. Condominiums measure from 608 to 1,230 square feet, and base prices range from the low $200,000s to the mid-$400,000s, with deeded parking available for $35,000 per space.