New Homes - May 2006

Brininstool designs modern West Loop tower: R+D659

You might have guessed from the unusual name of R+D659 that the planned condo tower would be contemporary, but if you had any doubt, the name of the architects should lay it to rest. The firm Brininstool + Lynch, which has designed a number of ultra-modern residential projects in recent years, produced plans for a 15-story glass and concrete building with clean lines and creative touches at 659 W. Randolph St.

The building's cantilevered balconies, for instance, will be constructed from perforated metal and opaque glass to let sunlight through.

"We are focused very much on having architecture that sets the development apart, and on good design," said Gavin Stein, senior manager at developer Mesirow Financial Real Estate. "When I was looking for a place I couldn't find anything in new construction that I wanted to live in that wasnÕt just a box."

The 237-unit building has condos with one to three bedrooms, as well as penthouse. At press time, prices ranged from the $220s to the $850s.

The units feature nine-foot ceilings, eucalyptus floors and carpeted bedrooms. Kitchens include stainless steel appliances, honed granite countertops and islands per plan. Copat Italian cabinets and Grohe fixtures feature in both the kitchens and bathrooms, and the bathrooms have charcoal-colored slate floors, Stein said.

The amenities list is similar to that at other downtown developments - fitness center, business center, media center, sundeck - but the "vibe" will be different, according to Stein.

"We are trying to make it more like a lounge, like a boutique hotel," he said.

The developer has already begun taking some reservations, and Stein said the project likely would attract young professionals and some empty nesters. He noted that R+D659 was located just east of the Kennedy Expressway, close to a Metra station and el stop.

At press time, sales for the project were slated to begin in May, with a groundbreaking scheduled for December.