New models open at The Front Street Lofts

With the recent opening of three decorated models at The Front Street Lofts in downtown Lemont, residents of the South suburb can see for the first time in the village's 172-year history what it would be like to live in a new-construction loft in the suburb's downtown.

The Front Street Lofts is the first residential component of Lemont downtown redevelopment - a $250-million, four-phase initiative that will offer residences, retail and restaurants along the suburb's historic I&M Canal. The initiative is through a public/private partnership between Marquette Cos. and the village.

"From the very onset of this project everyone supported the idea of building lofts downtown, but they were also curious about the 'urban' housing style because there's nothing else like it in the area," said Bruno Bottarelli, managing director of Marquette Cos. and the visionary of the redevelopment project. "But now that the models are open, people say they can't image anything else here. The models, and all of The Front Street Lofts for that matter, complement the downtown perfectly."

Located on the newly created Front Street along the canal, the development consists of four, five-story buildings including 82 lofts above 24,000 square feet of first-floor retail space.

Priced from the low $200,000s to the upper $400,000s, the lofts range from 863 to 2,232 square feet and include one to three bedrooms, one to 2 baths, and one parking space. Both one- and two-story loft designs are available.

All three models are two-story loft condominiums with at least 10-foot ceilings on both floors. Two of the models showcase one-bedroom layouts with authentic loft features like raw concrete floors and walls on the main floor, as well as track lighting and exposed ductwork. The third model is a townhouse loft that combines traditional loft elements, such as exposed ductwork, with more finished details like painted walls and hardwood floors.

According to Bottarelli, buyers who prefer the genuine loft look will be drawn to unit 1402, a one-bedroom, 1-bath loft measuring 1,383 square feet. The model's open first-floor layout includes a dining area, kitchen with a preparation island, powder room, and a living room with a balcony. A cast-iron staircase leads from the two-story living room to the second floor sleeping loft, which has a master bath, corner fireplace and walk-in closet.

The second one-bedroom model is unit 1201, a 1,552-square-foot corner floor plan with two full baths and a study.

Downstairs, the model shows a corner fireplace in the living room, a walk-in storage closet, eat-in kitchen, full bath, dining area and balcony. Upstairs, a half-wall overlooks the two-story dining area and creates two distinct areas: a sleeping area with full bath and a study.

Also available for viewing is unit 1404, a two-story loft townhouse offering 1,436 square feet, two bedrooms and 2 baths. The home's first floor includes two large spaces: an eat-in kitchen that opens to a dining room, and a living room with balcony access. Also on this floor are a powder room and utility room.

Stairs lead from the living room to the loft's second floor, which includes both bedrooms plus a hall bath. While the secondary bedroom is shown as a home office, the master suite has a wall of closets, a sitting area, private bath and sliding glass doors that open onto a terrace.

Each loft includes a private entrance for residents plus a separate stairwell and entrance for clients and guests. According to Bottarelli, this design provides privacy for all residents, while also making it conducive for someone who works from home to meet with clients.

Remaining homes at The Front Street Lofts feature preselected finishes including stainless steel appliances, 42-inch maple cabinets and granite countertops in the kitchen.

To reach the sales center for The Front Street Lofts, take I-55 south to South Lemont Road (Lemont Road becomes State Street). Turn left on Illinois Street and left on Stephen Street.

The sales center is at 102 Stephen St. and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For information, visit www.lemontlofts.com or call (630) 243-6162.