Model profile: Gateway Estates
Gateway Estates, a new upscale row house community in Park Ridge, welcomes prospective home buyers to tour a designer-decorated model that recently debuted at the development's grand opening.
The Pulte Homes' community offers five different three-story floor plans, each with three bedrooms, two full and two half baths, two-car attached garage, patio and spacious balcony.
Standard features are granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring on the main level and luxury master suites. And available options include iPod docking station, home theater package, in-home elevator and fireplace.
“The community's new floor plans are attracting the most discerning homebuyers who demand smart, thoughtful design and appreciate quality workmanship,” said David Balcerzak, vice president of sales for Pulte Homes in Illinois.
“What has made the community so successful is its good value. New construction priced in the mid-$400,000s with 2,500 square feet and a two-car garage in Park Ridge is pretty amazing. A lot of local people and those from the city see its value, especially if they work in the suburbs or fly often because it's so close to O'Hare.”
Gateway Estates sits in a prestigious area amid urban amenities that draw people who support the arts and enjoy casual and fine dining, local theater and shopping at distinctive boutiques. The historic Pickwick Theater and the Shops of Uptown Park Ridge are popular nearby destinations.
The featured Ballard model, priced from $484,990, features 2,643 square feet, three bedrooms, two full and two half baths, balcony and oversized 2½-car garage.
Although people often refer to the home's interior as a Restoration Hardware look, Jennifer Rivero, designer with Pulte Homes, describes it as “vintage industrial chic.”
“Done in yellows, black and gray, we call it the honeycomb scheme,” Rivero said. “It's more of the gray mixed with warm tones because the industrial look can be very cold otherwise.”
Inspired by the early 1900s industrial progress, the industrial look is distinguished by repurposed industrial items like glass and metal, vintage signs and clocks and anything with time worn patina and hardware.
The combined living room and dining room offers a wide-open space, perfect for a casual gathering or an elegant soiree. Showing a fireplace with granite surround and gray sectional and chair, the look is less traditional with a contemporary flair.
The space also includes a separate sitting area while a mix of benches and upholstered chairs provide seating at the zinc-topped dining table. The room also features crown molding and graphite oak floors that flow throughout the main level.
Contemporary artwork and vintage signs decorate the space while area rugs bring color and texture into the design.
In the kitchen, gleaming granite countertops and stainless steel appliances give a rich look to the room that is both beautiful and functional, while a mosaic backsplash adds interest. Also, a massive island has an overhang where family and guests can sit and converse with the cook. The room also features an oversized walk-in pantry, breakfast nook and an open display shelf that shows dishes, cookbooks, cooking oils and an assortment of glasses.
Upstairs, the owners' suite features a tray ceiling with crown molding, large walk-in closet and luxury bath with dual vanities, soaking tub and walk-in shower.
The second bedroom shows an architect's table and a Frank Lloyd Wright theme with a book showing Chicago's Robie House.
The guest room features a retro look and shows places to visit and dine in Chicago to get people excited about being close to the city.
Now set up as the community's sales office, the lower level offers flex space with many possibilities for the owners.
Other designs include Summit from $469,990 with 2,573 square feet; Harrison from $464,990 with 2,527 square feet; Malone from $469,990 with 2,574 square feet; and the end position Ashbury from $483,990 with 2,630 square feet.
Gateway Estates sits near expressways and within walking distance of Metra.
Sales hours for Gateway Estates are noon to 6 p.m. on Monday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday; closed Thursday and Friday.
The community is located on Northwest Highway between Washington Avenue and Berry Parkway.
For more information, call (847) 692-6001 or visit www.pulte.com/illinois.
Listing sheet
<b>Price range:</b> $464,990 to $484,990
<b>Square footage:</b> 2,527 to 2,643
<b>Schools:</b> Eugene Field Elementary and Emerson Middle schools in Park Ridge Elementary District 64 and Maine South High School in Maine Township High School District 207
<b>Parks:</b> Park Ridge Park District