Today's News Homes/Pioneer Press - May 17-18, 2006

Insider list forming for West Loop condos

In a little more than a decade, the West Loop has transformed itself from an aging industrial area to one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Chicago: Renowned dining. Eclectic nightlife. Avant-garde galleries. And now, it will become home to stylish, modern residential architecture in the form of R+D659, a new 15-story glass and concrete condominium high-rise developed by Mesirow Financial Real Estate, Inc.

Located at the corner of Randolph and Desplaines, R+D659 contains 237 condominiums including 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. Measuring 1,400 to 2,175 square feet, six pent-houses are base-priced from the mid-$500,000s to the mid-$800,000s, and they include adaptable floor plans, upgraded finishes, and expanded out-door space. The developer has made a financing program with below-market interest rates available to all qualified buyers.

"R+D659 integrates the modern, distinctive exterior architecture of Brininstool + Lynch with contemporary, high-quality interior finishes in each unit," said Gavin Stein, vice president at Mesirow Financial Real Estate, Inc."This is also a development focused on offering an ultra-convenient lifestyle. R+D659's location is right in the center of everything from Loop office buildings to transportation options such as the CTA and Metra to Randolph Street dining and nightlife."

Interested buyers can add their name to the development's "Insider List" by visiting www.rd659.com. By signing up, they will have the opportunity to receive advance information and to reserve a condominium before sales are opened to the general public in mid-May.

Each condominium at R+D659 will feature high-end finishes such as Cucine Copat Italian cabinetry in the kitchen and bath; absolute black, honed granite kitchen countertops; stainless steel appliances; Grohe faucets; slate flooring in the bath; a Terrazo shower base; and Eucalyptus wood flooring in all living areas besides bedrooms and bathrooms.

R+D659 will also include a heated, under-ground parking garage with 187 deeded spaces. Other building amenities include an outdoor sun-deck; and indoor lounge and entertaining area with media room and kitchenette; a fully equipped exercise room; bicycle-storage; and entry lobby with modern artwork and contemporary style.