Emerald adds luster to West Loop neighborhood

A pair of 12-story mid-rise towers to be called Emerald will add 212 upscale yet affordable housing units to Green Street just south of Monroe Street. Emerald will be close to restaurants, a host of galleries that specialize in work by emerging artists, and finer retail stores.

“Emerald was designed to capture the interest of those seeking an urban home close to their workplaces as well as the city’s many enriching cultural opportunities,' said William Senne, president and CEO of Senco Properties, who with Harlem Irving Companies and New Frontier Companies is a joint partner in Emerald.

Over the past two decades, Senco has established developments in several city neighborhoods including Bucktown and the West Loop.

Award winning interior designer John Robert Wiltgen will create an atrium to link Emerald’s towers, with a design similar to those seen at fashionable hotels; at more than 8,000 square feet, it will be one of
Chicago’s largest residential lobbies. With a color palette balancing citrus green and bright white accents and walnut paneling, the atrium is planned to entice residents and their guests to linger and enjoy a gourmet kitchen and high tech bar. Distinct areas will lend themselves to casual gatherings, impromptu cocktail parties, or even business meetings in an electronically equipped conference center.

Given its Green Street address, Emerald’s creators have taken an eco-friendly approach. Environmentally friendly features include the lobby’s recycled glass terrazzo floor, 100% recycled polyester upholstery fabrics, and contemporary furniture from manufacturers certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Bamboo, which is environmentally friendly because bamboo forests are renewed within five years after harvesting, plays a starring role in the condominiums’ living room and kitchen floors.

Every master bath includes a liquid crystal display TV (not just the hookup) and natural stone floors. Most master bathrooms are spacious enough for a double bowl vanity, a separate deep soaking tub, and a detached shower.

The open kitchen design features a 42-inch breakfast bar, a choice of granite or stainless steel countertops, and stainless steel appliances.

The 42-inch upper cabinets are flat panel maple, stained with colors that complement the bamboo or Brazilian eucalyptus flooring offered as standards. As an upgrade, designer Wiltgen’s team has created custom lacquer cabinet door finishes that are exclusive to Emerald in the Chicago area. Designed by Chicago architects Pappageorge Haymes Ltd., Emerald offers six floor plans. One bedroom, one bath condominiums range from 765 to 794 square feet; some include a den. Two bedroom, two bath condominiums range from 1,250 to 1,297 square feet.

Balconies are included in all units; some two bedroom condominiums have a second balcony. One bedrooms start in the mid $200,000s; larger units sell in the high $400,000s. Emerald’s two adjacent towers provide eight corner units on each floor to make the most of panoramic city views.

Groundbreaking is planned for early autumn, with occupancy anticipated for 2008. The on-site home center at 120 S. Halsted St. is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and at other times by appointment. See more details at www.emeraldchicago.com . For information, call (312) 226-0555 or e-mail sales@emeraldchicago.com.

(see related story, CCIL moves from west Loop to Roosevelt Road )