Model profile: Prairie Park

A spectacular entrance of granite boulders, cascading waterfalls, evergreens and aquatic plants welcomes you to Prairie Park, a luxury condominium community in Wheeling.

Set on 18 acres of lush landscaped grounds, the community features five mid-rise buildings around the centerpiece lake with fountains, a tree-lined walkway and sitting areas.

Prairie Park is unique in that it's somewhat self-contained in its location, and you've got the clubhouse with a workout facility and indoor swimming pool, said Mark Smith, founder, with his wife Vivian, of Smith Family Construction Inc.

“The atmosphere is soothing and calm. You can't put a price tag on that,” Smith said.

“It's a peaceful way of life in a stressful time, not only economically, but with all the pressures of today. It's a place to rest and rejuvenate.”

Each building features a luxurious common entrance with stone fireplace, original art pieces and stained glass, plus two high-speed elevators. Buyers can select from 11 different designs, all open floor plans with one-, two- or three bedrooms and private outside balconies.

The newest model is the Waterford, priced from $319,000 with 1,709 square feet, two bedrooms plus den and two full baths.

This design won a gold key award, Vivian Smith said. “It's very contemporary with a Michigan Avenue look. It's a jaw dropper. It's very nice.”

With a spacious open feel, this condo showcases a neutral color scheme of creams and chocolate with a whisper of teal and red accents. Cherry wood flooring flows throughout the residence while almost every room features a hand-painted faux finish.

The living area and kitchen feature crown molding while top-of-the-line appliances, fixtures, counter tops and cabinetry are all offered as standards

The living room shows a stunning tray ceiling with a faux finish, more formal and nicer than a vaulted ceiling, while a cream leather sectional provides plenty of seating.

A wall of cherry wood built-ins topped with granite houses the entertainment system and holds decorative accessories while artwork adorns the walls. Owners can access the outdoor balcony from the living area and master suite.

Although this space can well accommodate a large dining table, the model shows the den as a cozy four-person dining room with a wood table and woven chairs. Faux finish walls complement the dark ceiling.

The beautiful and functional kitchen showcases cherry cabinets topped with granite, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and decorative tile backsplash.

The luxury master suite also features a tray ceiling with faux finish, luxurious silk draperies, chocolate bed cover and walk-in closet. The private bath shows raised double vanities, tub and separate walk-in shower. Attractive 9-inch tiles cover the floor.

The second bedroom is outfitted as a home office for the model and features a desk, bookcase and putting green.

A second full bath and laundry room with side-by-side washer and dryer hookups complete this plan.

Other community amenities include heated underground and above ground enclosed parking, heated sidewalks at the entrance to each building and heated ramps going into the parking garage.

With nearly three feet of insulation space and concrete between floors, each condo is as quiet as a single-family home.

Prairie Park sits in a convenient location two miles from I-294 and three miles from Route 53. The Metra station is five minutes west on Dundee Road.

The Milwaukee Avenue corridor offers a variety of shopping and restaurants. The Wheeling Recreation Park and Aquatic Center is only a mile away while the Chevy Chase Golf Club sits five minutes to the north, both operated by the Wheeling Park District.

To tour the models, visit the Prairie Park sales center at 700 N. Wolf Road across from the Westin Hotel near Lake Cook Road and Milwaukee Avenue. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

For more information, call (847) 229-0100 or visit prairieparkatWheeling.com.

Listing sheet

<b>Price range: </b>$229,000 to $429,000

<b>Square footage: </b>1,289 to 2,254

<b>Schools: </b>Eugene Field Elementary and Jack London Middle schools in Wheeling Township Elementary District 21 and Wheeling High School in Northwest Suburban High School District 214

<b>Parks: </b>Wheeling Park District