Optima gives buyers what they want

With condominium living enjoying more popularity than ever before, builders are continually refining their products to give condominium buyers what they want.

The success of Optima Old Orchard Woods is based on a comprehensive collection of the most popular amenities with today's buyers as well as some other bonuses that are exceptional in condominium living.

Being developed by condominium specialist Optima, Inc. and designed by nationally known architect, David Hovey and his expert team, Optima Old Orchard Woods offers greater flexibility in the size and design of the residences than is typically available. In addition, the unique architecture of the building and the location that blends both urban convenience and the North Woods atmosphere of Harms Woods across the street ensures spectacular views and an extraordinary environment.

"Optima, Inc. continually strives to broaden the appeal of urban living for the many people who choose the streamlined lifestyle afforded by condominium living," Hovey said. "Optima, Inc. has pioneered in the use of green roof sky gardens and other green technology to give residents a closer connection with nature and a more comfortable living environment. With terraces, balconies, The Grove, a community park, and the Harms Woods forest preserve, Optima Old Orchard Woods is surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, yet the community is close to world-class shopping and every type of transportation. These factors set the community apart."

Optima Old Orchard Woods features 665 condominiums in three 20-story towers. with floor plans ranging from one to four bedrooms plus combination units of as much as 5,000 square feet. The building accommodates the desire of today's condominium buyers for greater flexibility in sizes and the ability to modify and customize floor plans.

"Whether buyers request a nursery adjacent to the master bedroom, a larger kitchen or some other design changes, Optima can make them," said Andy Zajac, vice president of sales and marketing for Optima Old Orchard Woods. "In addition, the variety of sizes and floor plans enable buyers to choose and craft a residence exactly suited to their needs."

According to Zajac, other attributes today's buyers desire are:

Storage. "This is number one with many of our buyers because, for most of us, there is no such thing as too much storage. The condominiums at Optima Old Orchard Woods include ample closets including walk-in varieties as well as storage closets in the secure indoor heated garage and separate storage for bicycles. Closet organizer units are available to maximize the use of closet space."

Open, flexible floor plans. "Buyers moving from older homes or townhouses and apartments often are leaving the smaller, separate rooms characteristic of part architectural styles," Zajac said. "They are delighted with the open floor plans with the kitchen and breakfast area open to a great room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering plentiful natural light and beautiful views of the forest preserve and Chicago skyline. Of course, they can have formal dining rooms, libraries and studies and other more private spaces, but the general atmosphere is light, airy and spacious."

Showers in master baths. Professional buyers with busy lifestyles and active adults are leading to the increased popularity of showers rather than tubs in the master bath.

In-unit laundries. "Our buyers definitely desire an in-the-home laundry and these rooms can also be used for storage of related items."

Outdoor living space. Green roof sky gardens, terraces and balconies provide access to nature's beauty, and The Grove is an-acre park on the east side of the building. Three sparkling ponds, a bridge leading to a regional bike path, tennis court, grills and picnic benches as well as seating and lavish landscaping make The Grove a secluded area for outdoor enjoyment. In addition, Harms Woods offers hiking and bicycling trails, horseback riding and a public golf course.

Indoor recreation. "Optima Old Orchard Woods offers a full complement of recreational attractions for residents," Zajac said. "The building is really a vertical integration of three neighborhoods, and each tower has its separate entry and separate fitness center on the penthouse floor, yet the towers are interconnected so residents can easily access the two retail areas with conveniences such as a gourmet grocery and dry cleaner; the indoor pool and two spas with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the woods; plus an adjoining sun deck and party room."

Optima Old Orchard Woods is located three blocks south of Old Orchard Road, a block north of Golf Road, six blocks from the four-way interchange onto the Edens Expressway, a mile from the Skokie Swift Station and three blocks west of Old Orchard Shopping Center.

Five models are open for viewing, and a selection of condominiums is offered for quick delivery.

Special close-out incentives are now available on condominiums in Oak and Elm Towers for buyers who can close in 60 to 90 days. Prices for two-bedroom units in Oak Tower start in the upper-$300,000s and three-bedroom condos from the high-$400,000s.

Elm Tower, the second phase, offers plans with two bedroom units from $365,300 and three-bedroom plans from $505,000. Deliveries are taking place through the summer and fall.

Maple Tower, the last tower to be opened for sales, offers one- two-, three- and four-bedroom residences as well as combination residences with 2,324 to 2,879 square feet. Prices range from $281,400 for one-bedroom plans; from $348,400 for two-bedroom designs; and from $578,000 for three-bedroom condominiums; and from $521,300 to more than a million for penthouses ranging from 1,458 to 3,109 square feet. Combination units ranging from 3,000 to approximately 5,000 square feet are priced at more than $1 million. Move-in dates in Maple tower begin in November of 2007 and extend through summer of 2008.

Sales are taking place at the Optima, inc. Skokie sales center at 9645 Woods Drive. To visit, take the Edens Expressway and exit at Old Orchard Road, west to Harms Road, south to Golf Road (Route 58), east to Woods Drive, north one block to sales center. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For information, call (847) 583-4700 for voice mail at any time, or visit www.optimaweb.com.