Urban row houses available in suburbs

Dating back to colonial Philadelphia and Boston, the row house is a hallmark of traditional city living. But at developments like Port Clinton Place in Vernon Hills, even suburban residents can enjoy the urban flavor of this classic housing style.

Located on Route 45, ,just west of Milwaukee Avenue, Port Clinton Place (www.PortClintonPlace.com) includes 47 three-level row houses, as well as 132 single-level condominium residences. Row houses have three bedrooms, 2½ baths, finished lower levels and attached, rear-loaded, two-car garages. They range in size from 2,028 to 2,464 square feet and are base-priced from the mid $400,000s.

"Row houses were born out of practicality, since their shared walls made it possible to fit more homes in densely populated urban areas. But today, many suburban buyers are choosing these homes for their urban style and overall aesthetic appeal," said Matt Nix, senior real estate director for Opus North Corporation. "It's a housing style that's particularly appropriate at Port Clinton Place, which is part of a redevelopment plan to revitalize downtown Vernon Hills. Eventually this area will be a lively town center, much like the city neighborhoods where row houses first became popular."

Nix noted the four row house floor plans available at Port Clinton Place showcase exterior features typical of quintessential row house design, such as a front stoop reached via a short flight of stairs. Likewise, attached garages are rear-loading, keeping the visual focus on the front entry.

"The feel is very much like a residential city street," said Nix. "At the same time, Port Clinton Place is set back a bit from the Vernon Hills town center, in a quiet enclave with tree-lined walking paths and green spaces around a landscaped pond. It's a very peaceful setting."

While their exterior design recalls a more traditional neighborhood style, row houses at Port Clinton Place feature the floor plan elements today's buyers want most, said Jeanne Martini, director of sales and marketing for Edward R. James Homes, which Opus North has partnered with for the exclusive sales and marketing of Port Clinton Place.

"The four floor plans all offer lots of open living space, but in very distinct configurations to match a variety of lifestyles," said Martini. "A couple that entertains frequently can choose from plans with combined living and dining areas, or a separate, formal dining room. Likewise, families love our designs that have a family room open to the eat-in kitchen."

Every home also offers a second-floor laundry room; a master suite featuring a luxury master bath with separate shower and soaking tub, per plan; and a finished lower level with a den, storage space, and access to the attached two-car garage.

"These are raised lower levels with window wells that let in plenty of light," said Martini. "It makes the den a very inviting area. And having this finished space away from the main living areas gives buyers the flexibility to have a home office, playroom or rec room where they can put a big-screen television."

Both the row houses and condominiums at Port Clinton Place come complete with a high-end package of standard finishes and features, including 9- or 10-foot ceilings; kitchens with granite countertops, undermount sinks, Brookhaven by WoodMode® cabinetry and stainless steel appliances; and baths with Corian® countertops, Kohler faucets and fixture and ceramic tile floors and surround, per plan.

Additionally, buyers can personalize their home with upgrades such as a customized kitchen, stone or marble floors, or a fireplace. Buyers will work hand-in-hand with a team of expert designers at the Edward R. James Homes Design Center in Glenview to select from a range of upscale features and distinctive finishes for their home.

Port Clinton Place is a short drive from well-known North Shore attractions including the Chicago Botanic Gardens and Ravinia. Additionally, the community is in proximity to numerous golf courses, including Marriott Lincolnshire Golf Course, Arboretum Golf Course and Buffalo Grove Golf Center.

For commuters, the Vernon Hills Metra station provides service to and from Union Station in downtown Chicago throughout the day. Port Clinton Place is also in proximity to business centers in neighboring suburbs, such as Lincolnshire, Deerfield and Northbrook.

To visit Port Clinton Place, take Interstate 94 to the Half Day Road/Route 45 exit. Proceed west on Half Day Road/Route 45 to the sales center, which is located a quarter mile west of Milwaukee Avenue on the north side of Route 45. The sales center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (847) 634-7711 or visit the community online at www.PortClintonPlace.com.