RDM’s Trio sets new tone for West Loop living

Trio, 670 W Fulton St, Chicago

Three years ago, RDM Development announced that Trio would change the tenor of the West Loop, particularly in the Fulton River District where the project is located.

That seemed to be a given at the time, since Trio introduced an ultra-contemporary 209-unit condo complex into the heart of a former industrial area where new residential developments including many loft conversions were popping up on quiet streets between Halsted Street and the Chicago River.

“I think of Trio as a small Millennium Park,” says Jim Plunkard, whose architectural firm, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, designed the project. “I mean that in the sense that it repairs the site and the neighborhood both structurally and functionally, and I would hope that others will continue this trend.”

The development, as its name implies, has three parts: two seven-story mid-rises and a 22-story tower, all separated by landscaped courtyards with water features and reflecting pools. A four-story structure to the north has three levels of parking and one level containing 10,000 square feet of retail space. The landscaped roof of this supports a fitness facility and community center.

The architects designed the three buildings that form Trio almost completely of glass and steel, with floor-to-ceiling windows all around. The look is distinctly urban, and all that glass makes for terrific views and light. The buildings’ clean lines and simple geometry beautifully integrate these structures, which as the development name suggests, are three harmonious components of one project. But Hartshorne Plunkard’s careful proportions and friendly touches break up the scale and keep the complex from seeming overwhelming.

“Trio is not a gated community. The intent was to build it out there for all to see, yet give the residents the feeling that they are leaving the city behind when they enter their building,” says RDM President Robert Mosky. “That’s why we put most of the parking and all of the commercial off to the side, so to speak, keeping the main buildings strictly residential, yet still providing the convenience of easy access to the parking and commercial space.”

Condos at Trio have one or two bedrooms and one to two baths, and some have dens. Features include hardwood floors in living areas, bedroom carpeting, 10-foot ceiling heights, floor-to-ceiling windows, state-of-the-art kitchen and bath appliances, granite countertops, multimedia wiring, and large terraces.

The project’s prices have been a big draw, according to Matt Garrison of Coldwell Banker, exclusive marketing agent for Trio. One-bedrooms are priced from the $270s, and two-bedrooms from the $280s. Penthouses are still available in the tower, beginning at $699,900.

The tower was recently topped off and will be available for occupancy in the spring of 2009, but there are still some terrific buys available in the two mid-rises, according to Garrison.
“Our price points can’t be matched,” he says. “There just is not another project as diverse and unique as Trio anywhere around. And don’t forget the location: Trio is simply right in the middle of everything.”

Minutes from the Loop, mass transit, Lake Shore Drive, and the expressways, it is hard to imagine a more convenient location. Along with a new Jewel / Osco grocery store, this trendy area also features boutique shopping, Randolph Street’s “restaurant row,” the East Bank Club, and of course, the West Loop gallery district.

Trio’s on-site sales center is open appointment, or on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m.

Trio
Fulton River District
One and two bedrooms
From the $270s
312-876-9010
www.triocondominiums.com

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