It's perks plus at new downtown condo developments

Whether home buyers are working longer and harder than ever before or simply just wish to be pampered, they are increasingly attracted to condominium communities with a full range of extras.

Several Chicago-area builders are rolling out the red carpet by offering extraordinary services and amenities that take the idea of customer service to a whole new level.

For builders of these developments, it's not just about how these services impact the bottom line, it's about providing a differentiated product with the best service possible. These service-oriented communities also seem to be selling well, even in a slow market.

"There definitely is a trend for lifestyle communities," said Michael W. Reschke, CEO and chairman of The Prime Group Inc., the developer of Ten East Delaware, being constructed at the northeast corner of Delaware Place and State Street, next to the Talbott Hotel in the Gold Coast.

"Having housekeeping on call also is a big selling point for buyers, especially those who plan to use this as a second home. After spending the weekend in the city, they want to be able to leave Monday morning and know that everything will be taken care of."

Homeowners can use the hotel's 24-hour room service, housekeeping and catering services. Residents will also have access to The Ten Club, a rooftop-level amenity deck that includes a private dining room for large dinner parties and social gatherings; a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool, sun deck and gardens.

More than 60 percent of the 121 condominiums priced from $550,000 are sold, Reschke said. For information, call (312) 397-1010 or visit www.teneastdelaware.com.

X/O, a "lifestyle" condominium development planned at 18th Street and Prairie Avenue, is one of the South Loop's hottest properties. Some 200 units already have been sold, according to sales and marketing agent Frankel & Giles Real Estate.

Residences at X/O Condominiums range in price from the $300,000s.

While location and an edgy design also are contributing to buyer interest, so are the development's plans for a 13,000-square-foot "lifestyle center" crowned with a sun deck, said Brian Giles of Kargil Development, the developer.

Spa X/O, the separate lifestyle-center building managed by American Leisure Corp., will feature a swimming pool, aqua grotto with cascading waterfalls, misting park and social sauna. The center will have a state-of-the-art fitness spa and sunbathing deck and provide massage therapy, classes and personal training sessions. There will be a screening and performance theater, social lounge, game room, private café, wine bistro for social tasting and mixers.

"X/O's refreshing architectural design along with lifestyle amenities such as a professionally managed spa, an aqua grotto and a green building nestled in a green park has created a buzz among prospective condominium buyers in Chicago who are seeking something different in an in-city home," Giles said.

X/O also will feature the latest technology, including an e-concierge service that will allow residents to have access to concierge services, such as purchasing tickets, through the Internet or their television.

For details, call (312) 986-0008 or visit www.XOcondominiums.com.

All the service that you would expect as a guest at a five-star hotel is what you'll find at Mandarin Oriental Tower, Chicago, the first Mandarin Oriental property in the Midwest.

Located at 210 N. Stetson St., one block east of Michigan Avenue and one block north of Millennium Park, the building will include a 250-room Mandarin Oriental hotel with rooms sold as hotel condominiums; 250 residential condominiums, 100 of which will offer full hotel services; two on-site restaurants; Mandarin Oriental's signature MObar lounge and Cake Shop, and an advanced spa with pool and fitness center.

Condominiums are priced from $600,000.

Services meant to cater to residents' every need will be offered: a 24-hour concierge and doorman, limousine and valet service and on-site IT concierge.

"Mandarin Oriental is often rated the top hotel group in the world, so as the five-star brand's first venture in the Midwest, this building will usher in a new era for sophisticated and gracious city living. As far as its level of service and amenities, Mandarin Oriental Tower, Chicago is poised to be the only building of its kind not just in Chicago, but throughout the entire Midwest," said Chris Kenny, chief financial officer for Palladian Development.

For information, call (312) 540-1515 or log onto www.mandarinorientaltower.com.

The $100-million Catalyst condominium is planned at the northeast corner of Washington and Des Plaines in Chicago's West Loop. Thirty percent of the 217 condominiums priced from $221,000 are sold, said developer Gary Rosenberg, president and CEO of Urban R2 Development Company, LLC.

Catalyst will feature a 3,800-square-foot spa, private to the building with a sauna, steam room, yoga room, massage room, meditation room, men's and women's locker rooms and a common terrace. The building also will have a doorman, receiving room and storage lockers.

For information, visit www.chicagocatalyst.com or call (312) 775-0000.