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/861960
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENT BORCHARDT THE NEW FRONTIER BUZZING WITH CHIC NEW SHOPS, GALLERIES, AND EATERIES, WEST TOWN'S WESTERN EDGE IS THE CITY'S LATEST HAVEN FOR LUXE REAL ESTATE. BY LISA SKOLNIK Luxury real estate buyers want it all—and for the past few years, West Town has delivered with its striking housing, proximity to sophisticated noshing and shopping, picturesque streets, and scenic parks. Still, growth had largely been concentrated to its eastern neighborhoods, what with their access to the highway, public transit lines, and Milwaukee Avenue. No longer. Smith Park—a pie slice-shaped area in the south- west corner of West Town, and named for a nearly 10-acre park on its southern border—is emerging as a hot spot for luxury development. "It's a hidden gem, and its residents want it to stay that way," says Baird & Warner broker Sharon Gillman. "It's one of the few places where you can still afford to buy land—even larger lots at reasonable prices. That's why I see developers living there themselves." But Smith Park isn't likely to stay a secret for long. "The 606 has made it more acceptable to go west," notes KoenigRubloff broker Mario Greco. "Five years ago, the neighborhood had virtually nothing. But now you can walk to great restau- rants on California Avenue, and the programs and facilities in the park keep getting better." Smith Park's larger lots, lower congestion, and burgeoning Go West: Luxury hits West Town in this gorgeous home at 852 North Rockwell Street, which boasts expansive living spaces and a sleek façade. 132 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM SPACE HOT 'HOOD