In the boom of new construction throughout the West Loop, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. But one development has found a way to make its mark. C/A 23 is making a splash by offering full-floor 1,900 to 4,000 square-foot condos.
“If you’re looking for this kind of square footage, you’d usually have to buy a townhouse, which is very vertical,” says Geoff Ruttenberg, CEO of The Brixton Group, which is developing the property.
“From a practical standpoint, having this amount of square footage on one floor means a convenient, enjoyable lifestyle. It’s a unique option in a very urban, hot neighborhood.”
C/A 23 combines a downtown look with access to the outdoors. (The name refers to the development’s location, between Carpenter and Aberdeen streets.) A spacious courtyard, subdivided into 12 private yards, connects two five-story buildings, each with 24 units. Penthouse buyers get roof rights, allowing them to build custom decks. Most West Loop properties have little (if any) outdoor space, so buyers at C/A 23 have a rare opportunity to enjoy both a contemporary downtown lifestyle and a garden.
The two- to four-bedroom units are far larger than other properties in the area, and ceiling heights of 11 and 18 feet add to the drama, giving each residence a loft-like feel and filling the space with natural light.
Further brightening the space is an interior atrium, which brings light and air into the interior of each unit. That means every room gets natural light, no matter which way it faces. “I designed the units so all the exposures are either to the street or the courtyard,” says Ruttenberg. “Our lot is in the middle of the block, but even if there’s a building eventually on either side, it won’t matter. Our sightlines will stay the same.”
Inside, all the units were given exclusive touches to create the look and feel of a far more expensive building. Each residence has its own private elevator access. There are also two private balconies in each apartment, one off the living room and the other off the master bedroom.
When it comes to the decorative details, high-end amenities were chosen to give the units an upscale, sophisticated feel. Kitchens were designed with custom limestone countertops. Stainless-steel appliances from Fisher & Paykel add to the sleek look, and Pedini cabinets from Italy – designed specifically for C/A 23 – add a dash of European style.
The private living areas include ample storage space, including spacious walk-in closets in the master bedroom suites. The master bath features two floating vanities, a linen closet and a soaking tub. The oversized shower, surrounded by natural stone tiles, includes several body sprayers for a spa-like experience. And in the kitchens, the decorative details are top-of-the-line, including plumbing fixtures by Grohe, Hansgrohe and Toto.
“The West Loop is a very dynamic neighborhood,” says Ruttenberg. “It was calling out for a different kind of product.” At C/A 23, residents can enjoy city life – including the many great restaurants within walking distance – without sacrificing comfort, sunlight and fresh air.
For more information about C/A 23, visit the sales center at 20 N Carpenter St. Prices range from the $660s to $1.6 million, and the first residences are scheduled to be completed in late September.