|
|
Chicago
Sun-Times, Real Estate and Homelife
December 9, 2005
"Newlyweds do 'urban planning' on Printers Row" |
|
Ryan Siegel understands the principles of successful city
projects—he's about to receive a master's degree
in urban planning from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Ryan got married last August, and he and wife Tiffani
realized they needed to do some urban planning of their
own.
|
|
The newlyweds (and their pet beagle, Jack) were feeling
cramped in their 1-bedroom condo.
|
|
After an extensive search of the South Loop, Ryan, Tiffani
(and Jack) are now planning to move to Printers Corner,
a mid-rise development in Printers Row.
|
|
Eighty-eight condominiums—all with corner views—are
planned in a new-construction building at the corner of
Polk and Wells. Pre-construction base prices range from
$230,000s to the $760,000s. Sizes range from 743 to 2,290
square feet. Units have 1 to 3 bedroom and 1 to 3 baths.
Deeded garage parking is $32,000.
|
|
The Siegels have a real affinity for the South Loop and
Printers Row, in particular since Ryan moved there two
years ago. The neighborhood's history dates to the 19th
century—when Printers Row was the site for many printing
companies.
|
|
In a relatively short amount of time, the couple has witnessed
a major building boom in the neighborhood—with a
wave of condominium developments, public infrastructure
improvements and, most recently, retail development.
|
|
"We think our timing is good for buying new construction,"
Tiffani said. "We're buying at today's prices. But
by the time our home is built, the neighborhood will have
evolved even more, and we think we'll have some equity
built up."
|
|
Ryan, a former Department of Housing intern, also feels
confident in their purchase. He knows that the city is
investing heavily in the South Loop as it plans for an
influx of thousands of new residents in the next few years.
|
|
"T eh neighborhood will be more densely populated
in two or three years, but the city is doing a great job
of balancing residential development with retail services,
while maintaining a pedestrian-friendly feel," he
said.
|
|
Another thing the Siegels like about Printers Row is the
neighborhood's character.
|
|
"We have friends who visit from new York, and when
they walk down Dearborn Street, they say it looks just
like Soho with all the lofts," Ryan said.
|
|
While most of the historic loft buildings that defined
Printers Row in the early years of its redevelopment have
already been converted to condos, Printers Corner offers
loft-style floor plans with modern conveniences of new
construction.
|
|
Amenities include 10-foot ceilings, stainless steel kitchen
appliances, 1-1/4-inch granite countertops, 42-inch designer
Italian cabinetry, hardwood flooring, marble-tile master
baths and Grohe plumbing fixtures.
|
|
There were also some nice touches the Siegels weren't
expecting. For example, a 42-inch plasma TV is included
with each home. A tech center and full-size washers and
dryers are provided as well.
|
|
The Siegels chose a 1,168 square-foot floor plan, with
2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The corner of floor-to-ceiling
windows in the living room face south and west.
|
|
"We really like the concept of all corner units—for
a lot of natural light," Tiffani said. "Plus,
our dog loves to look out the window," she said with
a laugh.
|
|
Like many people in Printers Row, the Siegels don't own
a car. They say the neighborhood is so convenient, they
don't need one. However, they did purchase a parking space
in the building's garage in case they do buy a car one
day. The space will also be good for the eventual resale,
Ryan said.
|
|
The couple said they could see themselves living in the
neighborhood for a long time, and maybe even raising a
family there.
|
|
"Printers Row has everything we would want our children
to have," Ryan said.
|
|
Printers Corner, 47 W. Polk, Chicago. Winthrop Properties,
(312)880-1800.
|
