Lofts, condos transform busy Lake View junction

LV Lofts

The intersection of Belmont, Lincoln and Ashland avenues, three major arteries, might not seem like an appealing spot for a new condo. Although a Whole Foods, at 3300 N. Ashland Ave., is a bona fide amenity, several big bank buildings make the corner feel solidly commercial.

But head a block in any direction, and the once-dead retail pocket in the heart of the neighborhood now hosts a variety of trendy bars, restaurants and shops with names like Fizz, Belly’s, Waterhouse and Bungalow. A trio of developments aiming for a hip, lofty vibe – some of them replacing banks – likely will draw some of that energy to the busy but anonymous intersection in the center of Lake View.

Centrum PropertiesLofts at Lakeview Collection will combine high-end retail, including a David Barton Gym, with 131 one- and two-bedroom loft-style condos. Hirsch Associates, LLC’s design – a six-story building fronted almost entirely with glass – will be a marked change from the imposing concrete wall of the LaSalle Bank branch that currently occupies the site, at 3201 N Ashland Ave. The bank will be knocked down in the fall, according to Michelle Potvin, a sales associate with Centrum.

The condo interiors are full of contemporary touches. Toronto-based Cecconi Simone, Inc. designed the interiors with unusual features like sliding glass doors and rectangular Corian bathroom sinks. So far 27 units have sold, and prices range from the low $300s to the mid-$700s, according to Carrie McCormick, sales manager for the project.

Directly north of Lofts at Lakeview Collection, at 3245 N Ashland Ave, New Haven Homes is nearing completion on LV Lofts. Architects Sullivan, Goulette & Wilson designed the five-story condo building in the style of an old Chicago department store, according to New Haven Managing Partner Keith Esses.

The one- and two-bedroom loft-style units have exposed concrete ceilings more than 10 feet high, hanging spiral ductwork, modern cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Esses describes the condos as “very airy and bright. It’s something really popular with younger buyers who like open spaces.”

In addition to a common rooftop deck, each condo has a balcony or a terrace – some as large as 1,000 square feet. Currently, 17 of the 24 units are available, and prices range from the $320s to the $460s.

Around the corner from LV Lofts, at 1623 W Melrose St, Citizens State Bank Lofts is the genuine article, a former bank (then shoe store, dance studio and pawn shop) now being converted to six lofts. An additional floor with three new-construction condos is being added to the top of the existing four-story building.

Developer Gary Solomon & Co. is incorporating a glass façade and angled glass bays, which overlook Lincoln Avenue, into the existing neoclassical building. The lofts have one to two bedrooms and one to 2.5 bathrooms, and range from 1,244 to 1,988 square feet. Prices range from the $440s to the $680s, according to Jill Solomon, vice president of Gary Solomon & Co. Three units are under contract.

Citizens State Bank Lofts

Lofts at Lakeview Collection

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