Although available space for new construction in the Printers Row landmark district is as rare as a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, developer University Partners opted to build four-story townhomes topped by a duplex penthouse on its site at the corner of Dearborn and Polk streets.
The site had been approved for a condominium mid-rise, but Sudler Sotheby’s sales agent Lauren Schreyer said both she and the developer decided to take things in an entirely different direction with The Row Homes of Printers Row.
“We reached the conclusion that having more of a townhouse or a rowhome this close into the city would be a really viable concept,” Schreyer said. “People want to be able to walk out their front door and walk to parks and walk through the neighborhood and walk to coffee.” Indeed, with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade nearby, Schreyer said many professionals could also walk to work.
Rather than try to imitate the vintage charm of Dearborn’s historic streetwall, Chicago-based Funke Architects chose to bring Printers Row into the 21st century with a contemporary building of creamy white stone, glass and steel. “The Commission on Chicago Landmarks liked the contemporary against the traditional brick,” said Schreyer. “They felt it was an interesting juxtaposition.” The developer also found community support for the design at town hall meetings, she said.
To keep the development unique inside as well as out, buyers at The Row Homes of Printers Row can custom design their own floor plans and finishes. With four floors in most homes, Schreyer said buyers can decide for themselves on which level they want their kitchen, living spaces, bedrooms and entertainment areas. The duplex penthouse is being sold as raw space.
“The developers are amenable to customizing finishes however the client wants,” she said. “If someone wants to put in dark paneled wood, then they’re free to do that. It’s basically, ‘bring your ideas and we’ll build them for you.’" Schreyer, also owner of Lauren Schreyer Interior Design, will be on hand to help clients through the design process.
Each rowhome has a rooftop terrace and access to a common elevator. The ground floor of the building will have a lift parking system, allowing each unit two parking spaces, and three commercial spaces. Schreyer said she hopes to find professional buyers who would want to open offices on the street level below their homes.
Prices at The Row Homes range from $1.9 million to $2.5 million for the raw space penthouse. A second phase, with full-floor condos, is being planned across the street at 776 S Dearborn St. We’ll let you know more about that as details become available.