Building a dream home for him and others

Looking for a new home seven years ago, Paul Stanley couldn't find what he wanted: a luxury home in downtown Chicago near the lake.

"I shopped all the competition and didn't see what I wanted, so I decided to build it myself," he said.

A principal in PS Promotions, Inc., a 23-year event and retail marketing firm, Stanley also had completed several condominium conversions in the Chicago area.

For the location of his new dream home, he looked no farther than where his corporate offices were located: the northeast corner of Huron and State streets overlooking Holy Name Cathedral.

The quiet, tree-lined street is within steps of everyday necessities, from groceries to fine restaurants and theater. It's also within walking distance of Michigan Avenue and all the shops, hotels and restaurants that the Magnificent Mile has to offer.

Stanley decided to share his vision with others looking for a new home and is developing The Huron, a 47-unit condominium high-rise at 4 E. Huron Street.

"This is my dream home and if 46 other people want to dream with me, that's great," he said. "While the other buildings in the vicinity are like mini cities with up to 400 units, residents of The Huron will know their neighbors, and the doorman will greet you by name."

The architectural firm of Solomon Cordwell Buenz designed the 28-story high-rise which features a contemporary, all-glass and limestone façade. There will be one, two or three residences per floor -- all with terraces. There also will be two penthouses, plus indoor parking for 74 cars.

The lobby, which will feature comfortable furniture and a 19th-century marble fireplace, will provide a cozy place for residents and guests to gather and greet each other. Off the lobby will be a covered garage with deeded parking spaces, secure indoor bicycle storage and a doggy run.

The top floor of the building will be devoted to a private health club complete with steam room, sauna, and changing rooms, plus an indoor pool and deck. On the roof, there will be additional amenities inspired by the Drifters' hit song "Up on the Roof," Stanley said. It also will provide a "ring side seat" for the lakefront fireworks and air and water shows.

"When you really want to get away from it all, you'll find a Zen contemplation garden on the rooftop, as well as grills for cooking out and a hot tub where you can relax and watch the sunset in amazing peace right in the heart of the city," Stanley said.

Base prices at The Huron range from $992,000 to $4.858 million for homes providing 1,623 to 5,819 square feet of living space. First move-ins are expected in early 2010.

"The Huron is a modern classic that offers unbeatable square footage of living area and floor-plan configuration flexibility," said Stanley, noting that about 20 percent of the units have sold since sales began earlier this year.

The Huron is being marketed by Realtor Tricia Fox of Keller Williams Gold Coast. For information, call (312) 475-0201 or visit www.TheHuron.com.