August 24, 2005
Edgebrook single-families under $1 million
by Katherine Sands
CA Development recently filed an application with the city for Edgebrook Glen, a planned development of 64 luxury single-family homes at 5200 W. Armstrong Ave., on the far Northwest Side. The project will offer families suburban-style space – detached homes, large yards, and a location adjacent to the Indian Woods forest preserve – but within the Chicago city limits, according to developer Paul Bertsche.

“Where else (in the city) can you get oversized lots, new construction (and) four to six bedrooms under $1 million?” he said.

FitzGerald Associates Architects designed 12 elevations for the community, including Tudor, neo-Victorian, craftsman and contemporary styles. Eight floor plans are available, with family-oriented features such as woodburning fireplaces, recreation rooms, window seats and study areas. The two-story homes will have four to six bedrooms, 3.5 to 4.5 bathrooms, granite kitchens, stainless steel appliances, marble baths and vaulted ceilings in the master bedroom suites.

The homes, which are planned for the site of the former Armstrong Tool Company, will range from 3,300 to 5,000 square feet. The large open floor plans provide sightlines from room to room for easy entertaining and supervision, making them especially appealing to families, according to Bertsche, who was also quick to point out the allure of an attached two-car garage.

“Personally (I think) the attached garage is one of the best features of any home,” he said. “Live through a Chicago winter and you’ll really appreciate it.”

The Edgebrook Glen community will sit on 11 acres, and 10 percent of the property is wooded. Lots will range from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet, and one-third of the homes will face green space. This will include 2¼ acres of landscaped park and an 800-foot looping trail for jogging, biking and walking.

Sales are expected to begin in early October with homes priced from the mid-$600s to the mid-$900s – roughly $200 to $225 per square foot.

Bertsche said he expected mostly move-up buyers. While most customers at CA single-family home developments already live in the city, about 10 percent are suburbanites moving back into Chicago, according to Bertsche.

“They’ve made the decision to live in the city,” he said of his buyers. “We’re offering them the opportunity to have a new-construction quality home with a lot of amenities and a size of house and yard you would only find in the suburbs otherwise.”

Demolition on site was nearly complete at press time. Bertsche said he expected city council approval by January and a construction start in early spring. First occupancy for Edgebrook Glen, www.CADevelopment.com, is planned for fall 2006.