Front Street Lofts in the News

Sales Start at The Front Street Lofts,
Kicking Off First Phase of Downtown Lemont Revitalization

Naperville-based Marquette Companies has announced sales will officially start in February 2007 for The Front Street Lofts, a new loft-style development that marks the first step toward the complete revitalization of downtown Lemont. Pre-sales have already begun, with 12 residences reserved to date.

Located on the newly created Front Street along the I&M Canal in downtown Lemont, The Front Street Lofts will consist of four five-story buildings with 82 loft residences, 24,000 square feet of retail space and a 262-car parking structure. Construction has begun on the first three buildings, with first move-ins expected in fall 2007. Lofts measure 723 to 2,232 square feet and include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom designs with one to two baths. Base-prices range from the $180,000s to the upper $400,000s, and include one parking space.

"The Front Street Lofts is just the beginning of a groundbreaking mixed-use master planned development that will breathe new life into downtown Lemont," said Bruno Bottarelli, managing director of Marquette Companies. "The urban loft lifestyle is something Lemont residents have not been able to experience until now, and we're thrilled to offer this option that perfectly complements the charming and vibrant town center we're developing."

The Front Street Lofts is the first of four phases of the Lemont Downtown Redevelopment Project, one of the first comprehensive "town building" projects in Illinois. Through a public/private partnership between Marquette Companies and the Village of Lemont, the $250 million mixed-use development will bring retail, residential and office space to a historic location along the I&M Canal.

It will be located in the Fry's Landing District, a multi-block area that will anchor the entire redevelopment project. The new loft community puts homeowners within walking distance of planned retail shops and the Lemont Metra station, so buyers can rely less on their cars and easily commute into the city, Bottarelli noted.

Each loft building will also include first-floor retail space, which will put residents close to conveniences such as coffee shops, restaurants and other shopping venues.

Loft buyers can also take advantage of a rare opportunity in the area to live along a vibrant waterfront, as the community overlooks the I&M Canal and its future Canal Walk.

"Residents will eventually be able to enjoy the Canal Walk that is planned along the water, which will be similar to the famous Riverwalk in San Antonio. It will have walking paths, a linear park, and easy access to restaurants and boutiques that front the water," said Bottarelli.

In addition, The Front Street Lofts will also preserve the distinct and historic flavor of downtown Lemont, thanks in part to the village's zoning guidelines governing the development, said Bottarelli. Specifically, The Front Street Lofts' facades are designed to look like a series of individual buildings constructed over time. Similar building materials found in Lemont's existing architecture will be used on the loft buildings, such as yellow limestone and brick.

"For buyers, this means they can enjoy a more interesting and charming exterior design that fits into and complements the existing historic buildings, many of which will remain as part of the redevelopment," said Bottarelli.

Special care also was given to the interior layouts of the community's loft-style floor plans. According to Bottarelli, new-construction lofts are rare in the suburbs, but cater to a wide range of buyers seeking a modern home in a suburban downtown setting.

"We're expecting to see a lot of younger buyers who want an alternative to city living, especially if they work or have family in the southwest suburbs," said Bottarelli. "Also, empty-nesters will find The Front Street Lofts offers a dynamic 'in-town' lifestyle while allowing them to remain close to grandchildren and friends in the area, as well as familiar surroundings."

The Front Street Lofts offers both one- and two-story loft floor plans. Homes feature either combined or separate living/dining rooms. Kitchens offer preparation islands or peninsulas, per plan. Several floor plans have a study or a den. All residences have at least one terrace or balcony.

"Some of the two-story plans even have a separate multi-purpose room off the main living area in addition to a living room, which is ideal for setting up a home theater or office," said Bottarelli.

Master bedrooms have walk-in or wardrobe closets and many offer a master bath. For a truly open loft home, buyers can choose from seven floor plans that have a second-story sleeping loft overlooking the main living area below.

The homes also come with a deluxe package of sleek interior finishes, similar to what one would find in a city loft, Bottarelli said. All lofts have stainless steel appliances; granite countertops in the kitchen and master bath; maple cabinetry; stained concrete or hardwood floors; in-unit washer/dryer hookups; and high-speed Internet access.

"Buyers also can add a fireplace to their home, or enhance their living room with interior brick walls to truly capture the essence of a loft-style home," he said.

Located less than 30 miles southwest of Chicago along Interstate 55, Lemont has a population of 15,000 residents. The community is home to several well-known attractions, including Cog Hill Golf Club, home of the PGA Tour's Western Open, and the Hindu Temple of Chicago. Commuters are a 50-minute ride from downtown Chicago via the Lemont stop on Metra's Heritage Corridor line.

To reach the Lemont Information Center and the sales center for The Front Street Lofts, take Interstate 55 south to exit 271A/South Lemont Road. (Lemont Road becomes State Street.) Turn left onto Illinois Street, then turn left onto Stephen Street. The sales center is located at 102 Stephen Street, and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from Noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit www.lemontlofts.com or call (630) 243-6162.

Marquette Companies is a Chicago-based real estate consortium engaged in the acquisition, management and development of specialized real estate assets. Since 1983, Marquette Companies has managed and developed more than 25,000 multi-family homes throughout the Midwest, while perfecting a brand of "advanced management" that has gained national recognition. The company's gross annual revenues total approximately $84 million.