Loft lifestyle coming to Lemont
The Front Street Lofts is bringing the loft lifestyle to southwest suburban Lemont.
According to developer Marquette Companies, by combining the advantages of condo living with the added space of two levels, these homes have become popular with young professionals looking for modern homes in an emerging suburb.
Located along the historic I&M Canal, The Front Street Lofts' 82 residences are part of the Lemont Downtown Redevelopment District. The two-story lofts measure 1,383 to 1,706 square feet and have one bedroom or one bedroom plus den and two baths. Prices range from the upper $300,000s to the lower $400,000s and include one parking space.
"Our two-story lofts are appealing to younger buyers looking for a hip, urban residence in the suburbs," said Art Bettuzzi, general manager for Ryan Hill Realty, the sales and marketing agent for The Front Street Lofts.
"We're also seeing couples looking to move from Chicago who work near Lemont or have family members nearby and want to raise their own families here," he added.
Complementing the homes' appeal is the community's mixed-use design that evokes traditional downtown living. The Front Street Lofts comprises four five-story buildings with first-floor retail and a central parking structure.
"Another factor drawing buyers is the opportunity for a live/work lifestyle at The Front Street Lofts," Bettuzzi said.
In fact, numerous studies of Generation X have shown that today's thirtysomethings are more likely to work from home full- or part-time and more likely to be stay-at-home parents, said Bettuzzi.
"Our Gen X buyers are constantly reinventing their work/life balance by seeking new working options and home designs that make family life easier," he added. "At The Front Street Lofts, buyers can work out of their dens or open a retail store or professional office like a law firm or dental office on the first floor and live in a loft above."
Homes feature loft details such as 10-foot ceilings, exposed steel or painted ductwork, track lighting and concrete or hardwood floors, per plan. Buyers can also add interior brick walls and fireplaces.
One layout in particular, Plan C1, offers an open two-story design in which the second level with a sleeping loft and master bath overlooks the main level's living area, kitchen and dining space. Measuring 1,383 square feet, Plan C1 includes one bedroom and two baths and is priced at $381,300.
Upstairs, the master suite features a bath with granite countertops and ceramic tile flooring. And for couples who want to make the second floor cozier, they can add a fireplace.
The Front Street Lofts development also offers one-story lofts and traditional two-story condominiums in one-bedroom, two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus den and three-bedroom plus den floor plans.
Lofts start in the low $200,000, and two-story condominiums start in the upper $300,000s.
To reach the Lemont information and sales center, take Interstate 55 south to exit 271A/South Lemont Road. (Lemont Road becomes State Street.) Turn left onto Illinois Street, then turn left onto Stephen Street. The sales center is located at 102 Stephen St., and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For information, visit www.lemontlofts.com or call (630) 243-6162.