Innovative Skokie condos not just a place to hang your hat
Location, location, location, a cliché that stresses its importance, has never been more critical for homebuyers than it is today.
Many buyers are choosing a lifestyle as well as a home these days, and they are drawn to Optima Old Orchard Woods, the striking contemporary condominium community overlooking the Harms Woods forest preserve. Optima Old Orchard Woods offers a combination of natural beauty and recreational amenities along with a strategic location, convenient to local and regional destinations as well as the city of Chicago.
“Lifestyle considerations are important in the decision-making process for many buyers today, and in this marketplace, they have many choices,” said David Hovey, FAIA, architect and president of Optima, Inc., the developer. “Optima Old Orchard Woods has been the preferred address for them because the community is so well-suited to their requirements. The location of the community is among the lifestyle factors that has made it the fastest-selling condominium community on the near North Shore.”
The 646-unit high-profile building was designed by Hovey and is being developed by Optima, Inc., his development company. The building has received various architectural awards, including the Distinguished Building Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects, Illinois, and a Merit Award for innovation from Buildings Magazine.
Buyers include empty-nesters who are seeking liberation from the large suburban family homestead, dual-home owners that travel between Chicago and the Sun Belt as well as other frequent travelers who desire an equally exciting home base. Fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers will find plentiful opportunities to indulge their interests. Busy career singles and couples, and first-time buyers who are looking for a walk-to-everything lifestyle all can find the ideal home at Optima Old Orchard Woods.
“Many buyers who may have considered living in Chicago are deciding that Optima Old Orchard Woods provides a less expensive, more peaceful environment than living in the city while being just 20 minutes away via public transportation,” said Eric Richards, sales and marketing manager. “In addition, the possibilities for recreation, culture and relaxation in and around the area are outstanding.”
The North Shore Center for Performing Arts includes the Centre East, the Northlight Theatre and the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is an area highlight, and the Skokie Festival of Cultures focuses on the cultural diversity in the area. The 240-acre Skokie Park District is a recent winner of a Gold Medal for excellence in parks and recreation. Other attractions include a sculpture garden, an award-winning library and the Illinois Science and Technology Park. Old Orchard Shopping Center is within walking distance, just three blocks away, and Optima Old Orchard Woods is convenient to public transportation, the Edens Expressway and O’Hare International Airport.
Residents at Optima Old Orchard Woods can find abundant opportunities for leisure activities within and around the building. The three interconnected towers boast their own fitness centers on the penthouse floors and the towers share a pool and two spas in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the woods. Other amenities are a party room, sun deck, private residents’ garden and the forest preserve across the street. Hiking, cross-country skiing, bicycling, horseback riding and golf are available in the forest preserve. The Grove, a private residents’ park, is equipped with picnic benches, grills, a tennis court, three ponds and a bridge that connects to the 20-mile long North Branch Trail that ends at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe. A designated dog park is available at this pet-friendly building.
“Residents also appreciate the creature comforts in the building,” Richards said. “An indoor, secure heated parking garage is a plus in wintry weather, and convenience shopping in the building includes a gourmet grocer, coffee shop and dry cleaner with delivery service. They also like the idea of living in a unique architectural structure with an impressive entrance and Optima’s beautiful signature green roof sky gardens.”
Each of the three towers features a two-story, glass-enclosed courtyard entry. The courtyard includes a 500-foot portico, paver driveway and landscaped quadrangle with lighted reflecting pond and fountains.
Sales at Optima Old Orchard Woods are in Maple Tower, the third and final phase of sales.
Buyers can choose from one, two, three bedroom or three-bedroom and a den plans as well as extra-large condominium designs and penthouses. The condominiums are distinctive for their floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the forest preserve, the downtown Chicago skyline or the tree-lined expanses of the North Shore. The building includes balconies, green roof sky gardens and landscaped terraces.
Interior appointments include hardwood flooring in the living areas, kitchens with stainless-steel appliances, designed cabinetry and granite countertops, luxury baths, stainless-steel washers and dryers plus window treatments. Fireplaces and other options are available.
Prices start at $174,640 for one-bedroom plans, from $268,320 for two-bedroom plans and from $409,240 for three-bedroom plans. Penthouse floor plans are available, priced from $665,000 to $1,375,000.
The Optima Old Orchard Woods sales center is located at 9739 Woods Drive. To visit, take the Edens Expressway and exit at Old Orchard Road, east to Woods Drive, south one block to sales center. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (847) 583-4700 for voice mail at any time, or visit optimaweb.com.