Desirable Dayton Street: the hot, hotter, hottest destination for new luxury homes

CHICAGO, Feb. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Dayton Street is doing blockbuster business. There are currently about fifteen projects going on right now, up and down its tree-lined blocks. Surprising? Not at all! Combine the ambiance of the architecture; the walkability of the neighborhood (and the walkability factor has become a big selling point); the vibrancy of the retail, restaurant and entertainment scene at Armitage, Halsted and beyond; the advantages of great school options; and the accessibility to the el. The desirability of this area keeps heating up!

The phrase "location, location, location" cannot be overstated. Lincoln Park and the DePaul community have a storied history. The eastern parkland began as Lake Park in the early 1860's, then was renamed Lincoln Park in 1865, after the late president. Cultural institutions such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago Academy of Sciences and the Chicago Historical Society saw opportunities to make this location their home. Cyrus McCormick, a prominent Chicagoan, sponsored the Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1863, now known as the McCormick Theological Seminary. Then, in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire swept as far north as Lincoln Park. Despite the destruction, residents quickly rebuilt. They definitely wanted to stay in this location, close to downtown. In 1898, St. Vincent's College opened and, in 1907, was renamed DePaul University. DePaul has meshed well within the urban fabric of the area, even absorbing land and buildings of McCormick Theological Seminary when it relocated to Hyde Park. DePaul University has remained an anchor of the DePaul community and, along with the other institutions in the area, helped it to stabilize after the Depression and during the post-WWII years of flight to the suburbs. The area didn't merely stabilize, it gentrified, starting from the late 60's to the early 70's, also thanks to the formation of many neighborhood associations. Today, Lincoln Park is one of the most coveted neighborhoods in the city and defines all that is best in urban living.

So it is no wonder that Foster Design Build worked tirelessly and relentlessly to acquire four parcels of prime real estate at these Dayton addresses: 2018, 2022, 2020 and 2121. It's not often that one company can make that kind of acquisition in Lincoln Park and offer an opportunity to get in on the ground floor. This puts Foster Design Build in a prime position to be the go-to company for luxury homes. As Bob Berg, Founder and President, likes to say, "We are really working hard to acquire properties throughout Lincoln Park and provide our clients with luxury homes that exceed their expectations."

Three of the four properties (2018, 2020 and 2121 Dayton) previously were condo buildings and have since been demolished. Foster Design Build has recently begun to construct three single-family luxury homes at these locations. Each magnificent home will be generously sized at around 5,200 square feet, with 1,500 square feet of exterior living space. While the selling prices have not been firmed up yet, they will be in the vicinity of $3,450,000. "At this price, a lot is expected. The goal is to exceed our customers' expectations in every way," says Bob Berg.

At 2022 North Dayton, Foster Design Build has plans to completely renovate the existing two story single family home.  "We are currently working with our clients and the FDB design team on the floor plans and final design and hope to begin construction on this project in May or June 2015," says Bob Berg.

The Dayton Street custom-designed homes are a collaborative effort. Foster Design Build is always looking to partner with like-minded companies and individuals that set the highest standards...and reach them. Foster Design Build will develop and construct these homes and has teamed with 360 Design Studio and its partner, Robert Link, on the plans. 360 Design Studio is a small architectural design firm with some mighty big clients. Their projects range from custom single-family homes, additions and renovations to multi-use residential, retail and commercial projects. They pride themselves on their client relationships that bring them repeat customers and referrals. Their size allows them to be nimble and innovative, paying special attention to our ever-evolving culture and technology that helps drive innovation. They design with a balanced combination of aesthetics and functionality. Robert Link also brings timeline and budget efficiencies (always welcome!) into the mix.  Working together, Foster Design Build and Robert Link gave a great deal of thought to every detail, to offer not only a marketable property, but a property that separates itself from others currently in the marketplace.  Link confidently feels "these three luxury homes will create new impact on the market for spec homes like no other. We are trying to create spec homes that are not the typical cookie-cutter but are unique, special and with architectural significance. The homes will be constructed out of solid masonry and limestone, with each home having its own distinctive facade and curb appeal." The homes will be three stories plus a lower garden level, with each level having soaring ceiling heights.  

Emily Healy, Senior Interior Designer at Foster Design Build describes these homes as having "a classic feel with clean lines, modern amenities and features. Each will be comfortable...yet very special." Large windows throughout the home will let in lots of natural light. Custom-built staircases will access each level. Plans for each luxury home place a large focus on the open floor plan for the kitchen and family room, featuring custom kitchen cabinetry combined with premium appliances by Viking, Fisher and Sub-Zero. A built-in banquette and large island are perfect for the day-to-day hub of activity. The open feeling is continued through the use of a folding glass door "NanaWall". This visionary use of glass redefines indoor-to-outdoor space, leading to the back yard with its fireplace and TV entertainment area. For extra convenience, there are two laundry rooms: one on the second floor and one on the garden level. The second level houses the master suite with his and hers walk-in closets and a sumptuous master bath, as well as two other bedrooms with their own two baths. A large family/entertainment room with wet bar, an additional two bedrooms, a full bathroom, storage and even a wine cellar are also in the garden level. The walk-in wine cellar has an inside window that allows a view as you enter and adds an inviting feeling to the space. The third floor will have another multi-purpose room and office. But the scene-stealer is the roof deck. It takes outdoor living to another level. It's a big deck that Robert Link calls "an oasis in the city". From indoors to outdoors, utilizing another "NanaWall", the multi-purpose room flows into a covered veranda and then to the open deck, creating a wonderful open space with the added architectural interest of a custom pergola and central see-through fireplace (one that Emily Healy calls "amazing"), plus a bar and TV. With the deck and the back yard – complete with another TV, the outdoor entertaining and relaxation space is equally as special as the indoor space. Robert Link adds, "We are trying to marry the outside space and inside space to accommodate the various living styles that come with the variety of seasons and Chicago's changing climate." While the homes' locations afford great walking and public transportation nearby, each home also comes with a two-car garage.

Foster Design Build has also included @properties in the collaboration. Established in Chicago in 2000, @properties has grown to become the largest independent real estate brokerage firm in Illinois and one of the top 25 residential brokers in the U.S.  They made this happen by offering the highest level of service, leading technology and experienced, innovative brokers. Foster Design Build is utilizing @properties' topnotch Danny Glick Group to market and sell these luxury properties. Brokers Danny Glick and Wendy Berg will be taking the lead. Their expertise has proved invaluable as they worked hand in hand with Foster Design Build and 360 Design Studio to identify all the requirements that buyers are looking for in homes at this price point. Thad Wong, co-founder of @properties, points out that excellent school options add to the desirability of these fabulous large homes. "Oscar Mayer School has switched to a Montessori program and Lincoln Park High School offers an International Baccalaureate program throughout the school. Both schools are in walking distance to the Dayton Street homes and provide excellent public school educations," according to Mr. Wong.

Speaking of the collaboration, architect Robert Link concludes by saying, "It has been a pleasure working with Foster Design Build because they are really passionate in what they do. It's nice to work with developers who care as much about architecture as we do."

Thad Wong also enjoys the partnership of @properties and Foster Design Build, noting that, "Bob Berg builds an excellent product. It's always spot-on in perfect finishes. Not many spec homes have been built in the past years and, recently, interiors have changed dramatically. These Dayton homes are perfectly suited to what buyers want now. This positions Foster Design Build as a sought-after builder for luxury single family homes."

About Foster Design Build

A leading construction management and general contracting authority in Chicago, Foster Design Build is a team-based practice of intensive construction management that prioritizes client service and satisfaction. Through a collaborative strategy, Foster Design Build assembles talented engineers, architects, interior designers and subcontractors necessary to complete each project, while managing and monitoring the entire process, from the initial meeting to the finished home. Whether it's a luxury custom home, extensive historical restoration, kitchen remodel or light commercial office building, Foster Design Build meticulously handles each and every detail in a timely, cost-effective and professional manner to produce results that always exceed expectations.

Foster Design Build is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, The American Institute of Architects, National Kitchen and Bath Association, and the U.S. Green Building Council. www.fosterdesignbuild.com  

Learn more about us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/FosterDesignBuild

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Connect with Foster Design Build SPD on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/pub/robert-berg/a/a6a/796

Contact: Wendy Berg – 312.656.5427 or [email protected].

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SOURCE Foster Design Build

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