I must have a thing about Fort Sheridan in Highland Park.
I wrote about the former military base being transformed into a residential development three years ago. I watched it grow and now I do believe I’ve come full circle.
The last of its major buildings is under construction and welcoming residents to its beautifully landscaped grounds, its abundance of trees, which were aflame then in fall’s most glorious colors–just for me, I think.
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The first House Hunter column on the Town of Fort Sheridan, as the housing development is called, ran on Sept. 19, 1999, shortly after models for two vastly different types of residences opened at the 700-acre former army base.
The first, called the Gateway, was a newly constructed mansion built to look as though it came straight out of the late 1800s, when Holabird & Roche was designing and constructing living quarters for cavalry officers and soldiers.
The Gateway went on the market for $2.5 million, but that included its furnishings and its many flourishes.
The other model opened in one of the three sets of barracks, each to be converted to condos, base-priced then at $379,000 for two bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and a two-car garage.
The barracks renovations were fascinating: The interiors were as contemporary as could be, while the exteriors, including arching over the long, narrow windows, had to be painstakingly restored because of the site’s designation at a national historic landmark.
Now, the final multi-family buildings–two nine-story structures, joined by a single-level enclosed pavilion–are under way.
Called the Ravines because of their proximity to the heavily wooded bluffs that lead to two miles of Lake Michigan beachfront, the condominiums each will have 50 units, including penthouses and others that could rival a mansion for space and luxury. Many of the units in the first building have been sold, some already have residents who will probably be leaving soon for their homes in sunny climes.
Ground has yet to be broken for the second Ravines building, though there have been sales especially to buyers who wish to customize with structural changes–adding or subtracting walls, combining units.
Try as I might–and regular readers know how closely I scrutinize the homes I review–I find it difficult to find fault with the Ravines and even more difficult to see problems with the surroundings. And this is not my personal way of living. I favor city and contemporary.
But who could not appreciate driving into a community of handsomely designed historic buildings and newly constructed homes that have the mark of “belonging”?
The setting looks like estate grounds or a partially groomed, partially natural park and forest.
And at the far east portion of the 230 acres are the Ravines, separated from the lake only by trees and curving roads lined with graciously spaced “estate homes.”
The nine-story condominium is faced with a yellowish brick that melds well, though doesn’t imitate, some of the color and mood of the historic buildings. It’s definitely new, although its balconies, terraces, bays and detailing pick up on the mood of the fort.
There is just one furnished model, but sales director and general manager Pat Young shows prospective buyers some units (where owners’ permission has been granted) that are being customized. Some are absolutely amazing in their personalization.
Back to the model: It’s the smallest floor plan with two bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, a kitchen shaped like the tip of an arrow and a squeak over 2,000 (OK, 2,006) square feet. And, frankly, it’s on the lowest residential floor and doesn’t have the most desirable location (Horrors! A bedroom window overlooks a guest parking lot.).
Doesn’t bother Young:
“People don’t realize what they can get and what they can do with that amount of space.”
And this unit’s combination of ordinary and terrific views? “Big spaces and lake views sell themselves. There’s an art in understanding the use of smaller space,” says Young.
Obviously interior designer Scott Himmel understands that quite well. He makes the best possible use of numerous floor-to-ceiling windows, framing them with quiet draperies rather than swagging them to death. Anyone who can make a 15- by 14 1/2-foot bedroom look spacious, even with its deep aubergine walls, knows what he’s doing.
The architects get credit, I guess, for giving the master bedroom two enormous walk-in closets and another big one in the second bedroom. The bathrooms are large and fine, though I don’t understand the narrow glass door on the walk-in shower. Then, there’s the angled kitchen, given its shape, apparently, because of the diagonal hallway between the foyer and the living/dining room.
That kitchen/breakfast room that looks, well, sort of funny on paper, is really a charmer. One wall is the cooking area (oven, stovetop, counters, lots of cabinets); across from it are the sink, counters, refrigerator; then the triangle (remember the tip of the arrow?) has a walk-in pantry on one side, while on the other is the doorway, dishwasher, more prep space and cabinets.
And, in between? A wide open space, flooded with light (even on a rainy day) from a big window and a table for two for breakfast.
That center space could also hold a generous island or an island on wheels (as per one of the buyers, according to Young, who likes to move her island at will).
The kitchen, the model should be walked through to be appreciated.
Do it. I’ve seen 2,000 square foot single-family homes that don’t look as roomy as this unit.
The Ravines
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Address: Town of Fort Sheridan, Highland Park
Developer: Golub & Co., Chicago
Phone: (847) 432-6262
Description: Two 9-story, new construction condominiums (linked by an enclosed pavilion), each with 50 units on 8 floors, plus ground-level parking.
Prices: Building One, available units base-priced from $499,900 (2 bedrooms, sitting room, 2 1/2 bathrooms; 2,061 square feet) to $2.4 million (penthouse, 5,946 square feet). Building Two (occupancy in 2004), base-priced from $449,900 (2,061 square feet) to $2.529 million (penthouse, 5,648 square feet). Estimated monthly assessments, $400 to $2,000 (penthouses). One garage space included. Prices as of Oct. 26.
Amenities: Concierge services, fitness center, outdoor pool, entertainment center; Jenn-Air stainless kitchen appliances, granite counters; Jacuzzi whirlpool tubs; gas fireplaces with marble surround.
Neighborhood: South of Lake Forest, north of Ravinia Park, this former military base is a national historic landmark. Converted condos and homes, plus new condos and single-family residences all circling the golf course.
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More House Hunters: Past column by Genevieve Buck are available at CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM/HOMES