Many definitions of luxury at Weiss Development
Like many intangibles, the word "luxury" is bandied about quite a bit when you're talking about housing. What, exactly, is "luxury"?
Helen Weiss, vice president of Weiss Development Corp., explains that, in her opinion, luxury cannot be simply a list of items, but rather a selling in which home buyers -- or condominium buyers -- can achieve what they want.
"One example of luxury is when the items they want are already a part of the home you're offering," said Weiss. "We are constantly upgrading our amenities to meet those demands, and very often our customers are bowled over by what we have already included. It's not just the name brands and top-quality materials, it's also knowing what's important to them and making it a part of their home."
The company's newest community is Lincolnshire Place on the Village Green, 62 residences in a four-story building situated in Lincolnshire's emerging downtown district. It boasts seven two- and three-bedroom floor plans, ranging from 1,784 to 2,810 square feet, as well as additional balcony or deck space, and prices range from $438,900 to $829,500 (prices and availability are subject to change without notice). Construction has just begun, with first residents taking occupancy in late Summer 2008.
The choices faced by condominium shoppers at Lincolnshire Place start at the ground level (several of the residences feature front porches allowing for private entries) and work their way up (some units have private rooftop decks). Penthouse units boast volume ceilings, wraparound balconies (per plan) and two parking spaces. "In such situations, it depends on the particular home buyer's tastes, and priorities," said Weiss. "Is this the sort of person who wants their own front door, or are the vistas from a penthouse terrace what they're looking for? It's different every time, so by maintaining a high level of quality, we are able to meet, or exceed, their definition of 'luxury'."
For example: kitchens at Lincolnshire Place feature open-view layouts with granite counter tops, 42-inch-high Shiloh maple wall cabinets in a variety of stain options, JennAir stainless steel gas ranges, dishwashers, built-in microwave ovens and side-by-side refrigerators with ice and water dispensers, Kitchenaid disposals and Kohler undermount double-bowl stainless steel sinks. All of the plans feature a pantry with roll-out shelves.
Master bedroom suites feature two walk-in closets and a luxury bath with 34-inch adult-height cabinetry, oversized ceramic tile flooring and separate Kohler soaking tubs and large showers, as well as Corian® vanity tops; mirrored medicine cabinets and full-length vanity mirrors. Many floor plans feature large laundry/utility rooms with laundry tubs and additional storage space.
Pre-construction options that can be easily accommodated include a gas fireplace with a slate or limestone surround, crown molding, Kohler whirlpool tub, a kitchen butler's pantry and kitchen terrace gas barbecue connection.
Lincolnshire Place features a sophisticated "uptown" architecture design by Myefski Cook Architects of Glencoe, and is situated on a tree-lined, landscaped boulevard known as "Village Green." Residents and visitors will experience the intimacy of the building's two separate entrances, each with its own elegantly furnished lobby, and three elevators (two passenger, one service), as well as a Resident's Club Room with a hospitality kitchen, large-screen television and surround sound. Other building amenities include closed-circuit security access, a fitness room, bicycle room, individual storage lockers, and 114 spaces in the heated indoor parking garage.
An Infinity Terrace, a new feature in Weiss' communities, is set adjacent to both the exercise area and the Resident's Club Room. The terrace environment will offer residents an outdoor fireplace (for milder evenings) and grill as well as a southeast view of ponds, wetlands, woods, and an infinity-edge reflecting pool.
Two rail stations for the Metra North Central Service line -- Vernon Hills and Prairie View -- are within minutes of the community and offer an hour's commute to downtown Chicago.
Weiss Development, now in its second generation, is a pioneering Chicago-area developer. The company is also currently offering condominiums at River's Edge on the Vernon Hills/Lincolnshine border. Past accomplishments in the area include Village Green Condominiums, Hidden Lakes Condominiums, and the final condominium community in the Rivershire neighborhood, all in Lincolnshire.
The sales center for Lincolnshire Place is now based at its sister community, River's Edge, situated on the east side of Milwaukee Avenue, 1.5 blocks north of Route 22; enter on Benjamin Drive. Office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For additional information, call (847) 821-8080 and visit the company's Web site at www.LincolnshirePlace.com.