550 St Clair, the condo tower planned in Streeterville, should consider changing its slogan from “Form. Art. Function. Location.” to “Big. Bathroom. In. Studio.” While most of us aren’t performing cartwheels after our morning shower, it’s nice to have a little breathing room as we go about our routines. Perhaps architect Brininstool + Lynch were thinking the same thing when they designed the 500-square-foot model unit we checked out yesterday at the sales center, 201 E Ohio St.
The bathroom features ceramic tile, a large vanity, a full-width mirror and Grohe fixtures. There’s no bathtub but honestly, how often do you take an actual sit-down bath anyway? Instead the unit has an enclosed shower (also spacious) with glass doors.
The contemporary living room / bedroom seemed serviceable enough – big enough for one person. The kitchen is located along the wall of the entryway and has been smartly designed to conceal the Sub-Zero refrigerator and full-sized, front-loading washer and dryer by Bosch within the cabinets. The kitchen also houses a built-in oven with a Gaggenau cook top and a multi-cycle dishwasher, both by Bosch. Buyers also have their choice of Brazilian, maple or cherry floors.
Only three studios are left, starting at $328,500, according to sales advisor Charlsie Hylick of First Chicago Realty Corp. More than 80 percent of the 112 units are sold as Sutherland Pearsall Development Corp. continues to bang away at the 26-story project that’s set to deliver in late 2007.
