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player ready...Norwood Builders of Chicago apparently is aiming to be the MCL and Enterprise Cos. of suburban communities.
Just as these two leading residential developers, also based in Chicago, are planting and growing new high-rises and converting old properties in or as close to downtown Chicago as they can get, Norwood is following a similar path on a smaller scale in the suburbs.
Well, maybe not too small.
Norwood is building a reputation as an urban/suburban builder with developments of anywhere from one to three buildings, 90 to a couple of hundred units, in the downtowns of suburbs north and northwest of Chicago.
Among them are Campbell Courte in Arlington Heights and Library Courte in Des Plaines; in various phases of construction from breaking ground to putting on the roof are Mill River, also in Des Plaines, plus others in Skokie and LaGrange.
One of the large downtown developments is unusual in that it features old and new properties. At the corner of Emerson and Northwest Highway in Mount Prospect, Norwood is converting an old building’s upper floors into 34 lofts and ground level to retail.
About a block away is the three-building Village Centre with a total of 205 condominiums. The first building is nearly filled; the third isn’t yet a hole in the ground. The middle building is where the action is–models and a sales center.
There are 13 units per floor and 12 different floor plans. The ground level has “patio homes,” variations of upper-level units but with more outdoor space.
Because the number of specific plans is limited, some favorites (end units, those with a family room, two parking spaces) sold out early and some with a third bedroom or den were down to one of each when I toured.
Of the three decorated models, the three-bedroom, two-bath Kenton has great flow from room to room, as well as good sight lines. Enter a large foyer that, very honestly, has too many doors (doubles to the guest closet, another to the laundry room, one to a linen closet).
Off the foyer is a hall to two small bedrooms and a bathroom (which also serves as guest powder room).
From that entry hall, the view ahead looks into the living room–a compact square that includes a 16-by-20-foot living area plus an open kitchen with a curved half-wall that allows the chef and/or host to be part of what’s going on and is very easily accessible to the formal dining room.
The door to the master is off the living room but nicely out of the way. The bedroom is OK sized, the walk-in very large and the bathroom has all the essentials (twin sinks, separate tub and shower, toilet) — except one, a linen closet.
This plan, probably under other names, is recycled, and for good reason. I’ve seen it in other Norwood buildings; it works well and makes good use of its 1,777 square feet.
There are two more decorated models, both two-bedroom, 2-bath units. The Castlewood has a foyer with closet (a plus); the dining area is immediately to one side (a minus); the living room and balcony are ahead; off to the corner is, I believe, the largest kitchen of any plan.
The smaller bedroom and master suite are separated by a bathroom; the master bedroom looks bigger than it really is, the closets are the roomiest of all, and the bathroom is terrific with its double sinks, enclosed toilet and linen closet.
So, after seeing the Castlewood, you go back to the Kenton and prioritize: Do you like the dining area in the far corner or smack near the entry? Bigger/better master bath or third bedroom? Oh dear. And you still have 10 models to go.
Take it easy and come back. The first time you go through any building, look at all the models then eliminate (by size, cost, needs, etc).
The Ashton, the only floor plan that repeats on each floor, has dining room and kitchen practically right off the entry, one on either side. The master suite is almost too large compared to the smallish living room, somewhat squished and overwhelmed by its leather sofa and dark, huge armoire.
Look at the Coventry, the largest two-bedroom, and the plan that sales agent Janet Fineran calls “the compromise.”
It’s the sole plan without the half-wall that opens kitchens almost completely to living areas. This one has two entries to the very large kitchen and breakfast area, plus a pass-through window above the sink. Great for those, likely the traditional types, who prefer to keep their kitchens out of the spotlight.
Serious prospects ought to check out the models with standard amenities. Buyers have to see actual cabinets, floors, counters and carpeting in a unit rather than as swatches/slabs in a design center.
At Village Centre, look at the smallest plan, the Banbury, because it’s totally standard. Two others have more standard, rather than upgraded, amenities. They’re definitely worth taking the time to inspect, whether the models themselves are right for you or turn-offs.
Village Centre
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Address: 5 W. Central Rd., Mount Prospect
Developer: Norwood Builders, Chicago
Phone: (847) 394-3800
Description: A condo development with 205 units in three buildings; 70-unit first building nearly sold out; 65-unit, 5-story second building nearing completion.
Prices: Base-priced from $194,900 to $339,900 for one- to three-bedroom, 1- and 2-bathroom units from about 917 to 1,919 square feet (including patio, but not balcony), with one or two heated, indoor parking spaces. Monthly assessments, $152 to $317. Prices as of June 4.
Amenities: Concrete block bearing walls (add sound resistance and strength), energy-efficient windows, backup generator for elevators, common area lighting, security system. Carpeted living areas, bedrooms; ceramic bathroom floors, tub. White kitchen appliances; disposals; pantries; washer/dryer hookups.
Neighborhood: Village Centre is in downtown Mount Prospect on Northwest Highway, about a block from the Metra station and neighborhood shops.
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More House Hunters: Past column by Genevieve Buck are available at CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM/HOMES