Chicago Agent Magazine (Online) - March 31, 2008

European-styled kitchen highlights R+D659's new model

Acclaimed Chicago architects Brininstool + Lynch, Ltd. are the force behind the contemporary glass and concrete design of R+D659, a condominium building in the West Loop under construction. Co-owner David Brininstool was intrigued with the project from the start, especially because the developer of the property, Mesirow Financial Real Estate, also asked them to design the building's sales center and model home, which was recently unveiled.

"Most developers don't ask us to work on the model home, the fact that Mesirow did is a testimony of how serious they are about the architectural integrity of the building," says Brininstool, "The architecture wasn't just an afterthought, it actually drove the project."

The newly designed full-scale model represents a two-bedroom, two-bath corner floorplan with an inset balcony. Brininstool carefully choose the orientation of the model to allow its floor-to-ceiling windows to infuse the entire space with natural light. Studio H Designs, Inc., a well-known Chicago-area design firm, provided the new urban-styled furnishings and accessories for the home.

President Tracy Holmes says, "The mix of textures and flow of light exhibited in the model home make it very architecturally driven, and we chose a color scheme to complement those features."

"You'll first notice the bold colors in the guest bath. Dark natural slate floors and similarly colored walls are broken up by pops of lime green and sharp aqua. In the kitchen, the sea-green 1-inch glass tile backsplash is particularly eye-catching, as it contrasts with the black 1 1/4inch granite countertops," she added.

Brininstool is especially pleased with the kitchen design. "The space is very well executed, it's a true European kitchen," he says, referring to the open layout and the clean lines of the cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, Grohe® Eurodisc faucet and stainless steel under-mount sink. The kitchen and living room share one large, functional space with wood flooring and expansive windows lining two sides. There is a dining room table, center island that doubles as a breakfast bar, and still plenty of room for a sitting area and entertainment center.

"The open design of the home really lends itself to be multi-functional - it's a great place to call home and to host a party," says Holmes. "Walking into the master bedroom, you'll see a sizeable walk-in closet ahead and a luxurious master bath to your left. The bathroom's sleek cabinetry and white Carrara marble top with under-mount sink lead your eye to the soaking tub and shower, all with Grohe® Eurodisc fixtures," she added.

The bedroom features plush carpet and ample space for a queen size bed plus furniture. The 17-story glass and concrete high-rise features 237 condominiums and penthouses ranging from 655 square feet to over 1,600 square feet, priced from the $200,000s to the $700,000s. Building amenities include a residents-only lounge featuring a flat-screen TV with surround sound, a wet bar, pool table, full kitchen, and dining area. Adjacent to this will be a fully equipped exercise room, and a completely connected business center. The outdoor building amenities will include a swimming pool with landscaped sun deck, a Japanese-style garden, and an outdoor grill area. The building's environmentally friendly green roof will provide an al fresco option to residents.

The surrounding West Loop neighborhood is home to several art galleries, renowned restaurants, and ample nightlife. The building is also only a few blocks from the expressway, Ogilvie Transportation Center, and the CTA buses and Green Line, providing easy access to downtown and the rest of the city.

Visitors can get a taste for the architecture and see the complete offerings of the building when they visit the sales center and decorated model home at 626 W. Randolph Street, at the northeast corner of Randolph and DesPlaines streets. The finishes shown throughout the model are a mixture of standard and upgrade options. The full array of finish choices are on display in the on-site selection center. Hours are 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call (312) 474-0659 or visit RD659.com.

Since its founding as Stein & Co. in 1971, Mesirow Financial Real Estate has developed over 12,000 residential units in the greater Chicago area, one of their most notable projects being the neighborhood revitalization of University Village at Halsted and Roosevelt streets. Mesirow Financial Real Estate is looking forward to adding R+D659 to their list of successful development enterprises.