Metropolitan Tower becomes irresistible draw for family

John and Annemarie Jodlowski have lived in Telluride, Colo., for the past several years, and while they enjoy living in a ski resort town, Chicago was pulling at their heartstrings.

When John, a native Chicagoan, learned that Metropolitan Tower on the Park in downtown Chicago was being converted to luxury condos, he suggested that they make it their second home. He visits Chicago monthly for his job, and the location, within walking distance of his workplace, was perfect.

"Chicago is a beautiful, manageable city," Annemarie said. "I got my MBA at Kellogg and John grew up here, so it remains a special place to both of us. Looking for a home here was natural. We we're both really drawn to the history of the 'beehive building.' The idea that it was being restored was extremely appealing."

Designed by architects Graham, Anderson, Probst & White, Metropolitan Tower is located at 310 S. Michigan Ave. Its neoclassical structure has a terraced pyramid crown topped by a glass "beehive" housing a blue light instantly recognizable on the historic South Michigan Avenue street wall.

Formerly an office building, it has been converted to 242 luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, as well as townhouses and full-floor penthouses. About 85 percent of the homes are sold with prices in the mid-$500,000s for a two-bedroom home. Deliveries began in December.

The Jodlowskis chose a three-bedroom, 2-bath residence with plenty of space for their three children - Ava, 8; Jonah, 6; and Declan, 4. Assisted by Metropolitan Tower's design team, they created a luxurious, modern home.

"Since we'd gone through the custom-building process before, with an inclination toward modern aesthetic, we had definite ideas about design," Annemarie said. "We wanted to make our Chicago home even more contemporary than our Telluride home, and the design team really went above and beyond in helping with our selections. They even sent us digital pictures of our work in progress."

In the kitchen and baths, the Jodlowskis chose cherry cabinets, granite countertops, a tile backsplash and slate tile floors to create sleek, clean lines. For the living areas, they selected Morado wood floors in a rich chocolate brown.

Now that they've moved in, the Jodlowskis appreciate the expansive lake views.

"They're really amazing, especially in a city of Chicago's caliber," Annemarie said.

They also appreciate having restaurants, clubs and theater nearby, as well as Grant and Millennium parks, Monroe Harbor and the Field Museum campus.

"We wanted our kids to benefit from the ying-yang effect of living in the city as well as in the country. In Chicago, they can enjoy so many things ­- the parks, beach, pier, planetarium and aquarium. As they grow up, we'll introduce them to more diversity and culture and take advantage of the Art Institute, Field Museum and Civic Opera House," Annemarie said. "It's all right outside our front door."

Metropolitan Tower offers amenities such as a professionally equipped fitness center, roof deck, furnished guest suites and an event room for private parties or meetings. It also provides a 24-hour uniformed door attendant as well as private, enclosed parking, available on site.

"While John will use (the condo) most often because he works here, the rest of our family looks forward to using it during the summer and holidays," Annemarie said.

The sales center for Metropolitan Tower on the Park is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For information, call (312) 922-1310, or visit www.themetropolitantower.com.