Design and value have been the watchwords of CMK Development ever since Colin Kihnke formed the company in 1995. While CMK fast became known for pushing the envelope of contemporary design, the company’s sensitivity to price point and value has been equally responsible for the success of its many projects. 1720 South Michigan, a contemporary tower of glass and concrete at 1720 S Michigan Ave in the South Loop, is a prime example.
“When you look at the design of this building, you think you would be paying a premium,” says Kihnke, whose passion for architecture is evident in all of his developments. “In fact, it has the best price points in town. Now, stick it in the South Loop, the hottest market around, and you have an absolutely unbeatable combination.”
The design of the building by the prominent architectural firm Brininstool & Lynch has features that synthesize form and function in ways that seem to enhance both.
“Michigan Avenue is an important street, perhaps the most important in the city,” says architect David Brininstool. “That demanded that we design a building that maintained the street façade and the context of the neighborhood.”
The result is a striking three-part structure that begins with a seven-story, all-glass base, delineated by a fin that rises from the south corner and crosses over the seventh floor.
“That fin gives the base sensibility,” says Brininstool, adding that the shape is in keeping with many of the surrounding buildings in the neighborhood.
The combination of design, price and location resulted in a very successful sales program, according to Scott Hoskins, managing broker of CMK Realty, the exclusive sales agent for the building.
“The building has everything going for it,” says Hoskins, who points out that the South Loop has gone from a decaying commercial area of primarily low-rise housing to a vibrant community with new high-rises sprouting on block after block. “And that’s why we only have 35 residences remaining for sale out of the total of 498.”
Hoskins notes that CMK has used an innovative sales approach at 1720, creating a model for virtually each type of unit.
“We have had as many as 15 models available for viewing at one time,” he says. “And that lets our prospective buyers see exactly what they are buying, instead of having to look at floor plans or mockups.”
The ground floor contains the lobby and 10,000 square feet of retail space. The unusual depth of the site accommodates a seven-story parking structure behind the residences on the Wabash Avenue side of the property, allowing the condos to begin on the second floor. The overall tower is 33 stories high, which, according to Hoskins, provides great downtown views.
The residences range from 625 to 1,393 square feet. They include one bedroom/one-bath units and two-bedroom units with up to two baths. Some of the one- and two-bedrooms feature computer alcoves, and some two-bedrooms have dens. Three-bedroom/two bath homes with dining areas are also available.
Residences features include 10-foot ceiling heights, floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies and terraces, multimedia wiring, European kitchens and baths, ceramic-tiled bathroom floors, cultured marble vanities and designer lighting.
Prices range from the $190s to the $480s, and deeded parking is priced at $36,900. Deeded storage closets are available for $3,500.
The 1720 South Michigan sales center is located in the building. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
1720 South Michigan
South Loop
One to three bedrooms
$190s to $480s
www.1720smichigan.com
312-922-1555