Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/123336
HAUTE PROPERTY "We want to use every inch of the house—no negative space." —ANITA LISEK continued from page 127 homes custom based on what the buyers wanted. But just about all the buyers agreed with the details we had already [chosen], so we decided to build spec houses." If a buyer requests a custom design, says Lisek, she and her husband will change options accordingly. And though Noah Properties' houses typically are not custom-built by the buyer from the ground up, the husband and wife duo discuss every detail of the architect's plans with the buyer. The goal is the same for each residence: to design and create a home with nothing but the best fixtures and amenities. "We want to use every inch of the house—no negative space," Lisek says. "And what we choose to put in the house—the tiles, millwork, and fixtures—reflects our company." To that end, Lisek consistently uses beloved brands like Jonathan Adler and Robert Abbey and tiles imported from Italy, Spain, and Japan. Only within the past few years has Noah Properties started to build in other neighborhoods more known for luxury homes: Lincoln Park and Lakeview. Lisek is particularly excited about 1250 West Schubert Avenue because she could easily imagine calling this residence home. "1250 Schubert has a totally different, very modern, LA feel because it's all glass," says Lisek. "I put so much thought into the fixtures, walls, and details. The little design details are like jewelry to me." Back in Wicker Park, Lisek believes the demand for luxury custom homes in the neighborhood will ABOVE: The exterior of 1822 North Marshfield Avenue fits right in with the neighborhood. BELOW: The kitchen at 1524 North Wood Street is outfitted with premium appliances. grow even further, especially with rising lot prices. And she still gets excited to build there, enthusiastically describing a boutique condo building the business is obtaining permits for at Damen and Shakespeare. The three-unit building will have retail space on the ground level and 3,200-squarefoot units with high ceilings, lots of light, and plenty of luxury amenities. Anita's heart is very much in this project, too, which will hopefully break ground in the fall. "We're supposed to move our office into one of the lower (retail) levels, so I told my husband I'd like to keep a condo for ourselves," she says. "But we'll see if that happens." MA POSH PADS Other luxe homes are popping up in Bucktown/Wicker Park. Noah Properties isn't the only player in Wicker Park; Midwest Real Property Investments sees potential, too. "Wicker Park and Bucktown are on fire right now," says Chicago Ultimate Homes PCR agent Tony Zaskowski, who represents Midwest Real Property Investments' listings in the area. "It's been overlooked for many years," he adds, "but now buyers are realizing how great it is— close to schools, parks, shops, and restaurants." MRPI manager/owner Tom Litwicki has incorporated luxury touches of his own into the homes, including these two listings. 1738 North Winchester Avenue This limestone and brick five-story home is listed for $2.2 million. After a gut rehab, the 6,000-square-foot residence has five bedrooms, fourand-a-half baths, five decks, skyline views, a sauna, and a 500-bottle, walk-in wine cellar. 1921 West Wabansia Avenue This 6,500-square-foot home is built on a double lot and has four decks (including a covered roof deck), as well as six bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, and an attached three-car garage. Priced at $2.4 million. Built by Midwest Real Property Investments and handled by broker Tony Zaskowski of Chicago Ultimate Homes (773-328-7686). 128 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 127-128_MA_HP_Opener_MayJune13.indd 128 4/16/13 4:26 PM