When conversations turn to Chicago, most people immediately think of hot dogs, softball, or Al Capone. Architecture buffs, however, tend to recall the unique townhouse designs that dominated the city’s residential neighborhoods in the middle of the last century. Although many new residential developments try to nod to the Chicago architectural aesthetic, few have hit the nail on the head the way S&S Home Builders has with a 30-unit townhouse development at 6320 N Sacramento Ave in West Ridge on the Far North Side.
Located in the middle of a solid residential neighborhood, the Sacramento Square homes have all of the classical characteristics of true Chicago-style architecture: warm brick blended with stone appointments, the familiar elevated stoop protecting the front entrance, the perfectly-pitched rooftops, and yes, the wrought-iron fencing that defines and separates each townhouse from the street.
Located on a picturesque tree-lined street between Devon and Peterson avenues, west of California Avenue and east of the Chicago River, Sacramento Square is steps away from world-class cultural, educational, shopping and dining amenities and is readily accessible to public transportation, Lake Shore Drive and the expressway system.
Location and appearance are critical factors in the eyes of a prospective buyer, but Sacramento Square offers much more.
“With prices from $389,000, we are offering 2,400 square feet of townhome living at condominium prices,” says Michael Schwartz, a principal at S&S. “We are unique in that we are the only new-construction townhome project in the entire area, and we are offering a level of value that cannot be matched by the masses of condominium units that are so prevalent on the North Side.”
The experienced developer is right on the money on both counts. From a price-point perspective, Sacramento Square will definitely turn heads, and with respect to style and type, the development is the only one of its kind in the area.
Although Sacramento Square pays considerable homage to the historical architectural heritage of the neighborhood and the city, the unit design and amenities accommodate the desires and tastes of today’s forward-thinking buyers.
The upper floor contains a master bedroom with cathedral ceiling, private master bath and walk-in closet. The second and third bedrooms share a hallway bath and large linen closet.
The lower level has a two-car garage, as well as a family room that can be converted easily into a fourth bedroom or in-law suite.
The bedrooms and the lower level include high-quality, wall-to-wall carpeting. The luxurious master bath has marble tile flooring and a separate walk-in shower with glass door. Crème Marfil marble countertops with over-mount sink and surface mounted mirrors are standard. Canac cabinets are available in either oak or maple finishes.
Secondary baths will also feature a tub/shower combination and chrome lever faucets.
The first floor contains a spacious kitchen and dining area with sliding doors leading to a balcony. The kitchen overlooks a living room with a 14-foot ceiling. A powder room is centrally located between the living room and kitchen.
Kitchen finishes includes a breakfast bar, standard 42-inch oak or maple cabinets, a Whirlpool stainless-steel appliance package, granite countertops, and stainless-steel double-bowl sinks. A focal point of the adjacent first floor living room is a ventless fireplace with marble-tile surround.
Red oak flooring is standard on the first floor, including the stairway between the living room and dining room.
Each residence is wired for telephone, cable and alarm. The front door also features a phone-based intercom system.
Delivery of initial units is expected in the fall of 2008. The project is being marketed by Barbara O’Connor at Baird & Warner. The sales office, complete with a fully furnished model and showroom materials, is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.