Front Street Lofts in the News

Lofts Lure Homebuyers to Downtown Lemont

Lofts, once strictly the hallmark of artists living in gritty industrial neighborhoods, have grown to epitomize city living and all its advantages. Now these urban-style homes are starting to emerge in downtown suburbs, as well. That certainly is evident in southwest-suburban Lemont, where Naperville-based Marquette Companies is building The Front Street Lofts in conjunction with the Lemont Downtown Redevelopment Project.

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. First move-ins are expected in fall 2007. Lofts measure 863 to 2,232 square feet and include studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom designs with one to 2½ baths. Base prices range from the low $200,000s to the upper $400,000s, and include one parking space.

Plan C2 Loft Unit at The Front Street Lofts of Lemont.

"These lofts are the antithesis to the typical single-family home or condo you would expect to find in the suburbs," said Jeff Prosapio, partner of Marquette Companies. "This housing style makes perfect sense for downtown Lemont, as the buyers we expect to attract are looking for an edgier, more urban type of home that matches the lifestyle they will enjoy here. Lofts fit with the fun, maintenance-free and hip style of the new downtown Lemont."

"These homes carry an unmistakable 'wow' factor that's inherent to loft living," continued Prosapio. "The open airy feel and abundant light give them unique character and present endless options for creative decorating. Rooms that open to the second floor and the exposed brick option are just a few of the distinguishing characteristics. Also, our lofts bring that romanticism associated with urban living to Lemont."

The Front Street Lofts feature other authentic loft details, including 10-foot ceilings, exposed steel or painted ductwork, track lighting, and concrete or hardwood floors, per plan.

In fact, there are distinct advantages inherent to the concrete construction of the lofts. "Concrete sound proofs the homes to a great extent, certainly as compared to traditional timber lofts," said Prosapio. "And, depending on personal preferences, buyers wanting a true loft experience can choose a two-story plan where sleeping lofts overlook the first floor via a half wall."

The Front Street Lofts offer a variety of loft designs that are attracting a diverse mix of residents to Lemont's new village center. Young professionals and first-time buyers are drawn to the six different one-story designs featuring one bedroom and one bath, while empty-nesters and move-up buyers seem to prefer the larger two-story plans with as many as three bedrooms and 2½ baths. All homes include balconies or large outdoor terraces.

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

Buyers can choose lofts that feature either combined or separate living/dining rooms, depending on their lifestyles. In kitchens, all homes offer preparation islands or peninsula bars. Some of the two-story plans have a den or multi-purpose room, which serves as a great room. And with as many as three bedrooms and more than 2,200 square feet of living space, some two-story plans are large enough for young families who are looking for an urban lifestyle.

One of the larger homes available at The Front Street Lofts is Plan C4, a 1,706-square-foot, two-story loft with one bedroom and two baths. Base-priced at $395,900, this home features a large multi-purpose room that opens into the centrally located kitchen with preparation island. On the other side of the kitchen is a separate living room, which opens onto a balcony. A full bath and washer-dryer are also on the main level.

Upstairs, Prosapio pointed out the spacious sleeping loft measures almost 15 feet by 19 feet, and includes a walk-in closet and master bath with a walk-in shower and double-bowl vanity. A loft office is located in the opposite corner of the second floor.

"Buyers are sure to appreciate the large office space located on the second level as it provides privacy from the main living areas," Prosapio added. "At the same time, both the office and bedroom are open to below, creating a sense of openness that's innate to traditional loft living."

There are also six plans for buyers desiring single-story living, such as Plan A6, a one-bedroom, one-bath home base-priced at $265,900. Measuring 1,043 square feet, it is the largest single-level loft and offers a master bedroom walk-in closet, plus both living and dining areas.

"This design features living and dining rooms that can be separated by an optional three-sided fireplace," said Prosapio. "Not only does the fireplace add ambiance and charm, but it's a clever way to help define rooms without inhibiting the open feel of the loft."

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.

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 Friday, 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.