The growth of research parks and corporate headquarters in the west suburban high-tech corridor has increased the demand for luxury townhouses by high level executives and top management transferees.
”These buyers are acquiring an awareness and appreciation for the quality and variety of new luxury housing in the western suburbs,” said Robert C. Ranquist, president of Robert C. Ranquist & Co. ”The Gold Coast and North Shore now are rivaled by the East-West Corridor.”
Ranquist is developing Westchester Club in west suburban Westchester. The 40 townhouses are priced from $190,000 to $355,000 and are available in ranch, two-story or Cape Cod-style designs.
”Price generally is not as important a consideration in this market as it would be to a first-time buyer,” he said, ”but there are certain criteria that help luxury townhouse buyers compare similarly priced communities. Quality and value can be determined and compared by a variety of measures including price-per-square-foot, construction standards and location.”
Here are some townhouse shopping guidelines:
– Square footage: ”A well designed townhouse should eliminate maintenance, no square footage, for buyers accustomed to large single-family homes,” he said. ”Determine what the cost of the home is per square foot and that will provide one measure of comparison.”
Westchester Club floor plans range from 1,700 to 2,450 square feet of living space.
– Construction and detail: ”The builder`s quality and craftsmanship are reflected in the details he puts into his home,” Ranquist said. ”For example, we provide such detail as brick driveways, walks and patios; old world street lanterns, brass address plates and trellises surrounded by ornamental trees and flowers.”
He advised inquiring about the type of brand name appliances, heating and cooling systems and comparing standard features to determine additional costs. – Location: ”The luxury buyer`s new home should be close to shopping, services and transportation as well as in a desirable private setting,” he said.
Westchester Club is on 26th Street at Wolf Road.
