Address: Elmhurst Townhomes, 437 S. Elmhurst Rd., Mt. Prospect.
Size: Three bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths; 2,000 square feet.
Rent: $975 a month.
Security deposit: One month’s rent.
Utilities: Resident pays electricity, gas heat and water.
The building: 30 years old; 58 units.
Parking: Assigned, free.
Anyone who has children knows what slush and snow can do to the carpeting this time of year. That’s why parents will often tell their children to use the back door, where kitchen tile or linoleum is easier to clean up.
That’s what tenants can do at the Elmhurst Townhomes in Mt. Prospect, too. The units in this 30-year-old community have two entrances: one at the front door that goes into the beige-carpeted living room and another, at the rear of the building, that leads into the ceramic-tiled kitchen.
As you take the kitchen entrance, you can shake the snow from your boots or even walk across the cream tile floor without worrying about leaving muddy footprints. A simple mopping will clean up the tile.
But that’s not the only benefit to this kitchen. First, it’s good-sized, at 13 by 12 feet. Additionally, it’s equipped with a built-in microwave oven, a dishwasher, an oven and a refrigerator. They don’t appear to be brand new, but are in a contemporary, almond color.
The refrigerator would be a good spot to hang your children’s star-studded homework assignments or Crayola masterpieces. There are two windows in the room, which make it a bright place and would show off the kids’ works to good advantage.
Spacious outside, too
One of the kitchen windows is over the double sink, looking out on the large back yard and parking area behind the building. Because the kitchen entrance is closer to the parking area than is the front door, it’s the one residents are most likely to use.
The yard, which is dominated by a huge tree, is unusual for a rental community because it’s so big. It’s easy to envision the kids building a snowman here in winter or playing tag in the summer.
For those days when bone-chilling weather prevents the children from going outside, this town home has another attraction: A door from the kitchen leads down a staircase to a huge, unfinished basement.
Measuring 35 by 17 feet, it has ample space for storage or, better yet, a playroom. It would be just a matter of laying down some carpet to create a place for the kids to play in comfort. Children won’t think this place is spooky, either, because there are two windows that let some light peek in and you could always add a couple of lamps. The basement also has hookups for a washer and dryer.
From the basement, go back upstairs to the kitchen. Located just off the kitchen, across from the basement door, is a powder room. It has a mini-vanity with an oak base and a cream-colored sink, a toilet, a linen closet and a beige tile floor.
An open doorway next to the basement door leads into the living/dining room, which has double windows overlooking a small front lawn and Elmhurst Road. Measuring 22 by 17 feet, it’s big enough to accommodate a small dining table and four chairs, an oversized sofa, a coffee table and a small entertainment center. A coat closet can be found near the kitchen.
From the living room, grab ahold of the polished oak bannister and head up the staircase. On the second floor you’ll find the full bathroom and three bedrooms located off a long hallway.
The bathroom is the first room you’ll reach. It has a glass-enclosed shower/bathtub, a large vanity with an oak base and a cream-colored sink.
Just outside the bathroom is a feature that’s sure to make parents happy-a laundry chute.
A short distance away from the laundry chute are the bedrooms, which are all about the same size.
The first and second bedrooms, measuring 11 by 10 feet and 10 by 10, respectively, both have two windows and a closet. Each room also has a ceiling fan.
The master bedroom is at the far end of the hall. Though it’s not especially large, this bedroom does have “his” and “her” closets. There also are two windows, one of which looks out on the front lawn.
The 29 buildings of the Elmhurst Townhomes are constructed in a long row, with the exterior of each building in either red or beige brick. The community is just minutes from the Metra train in Mt. Prospect and is near Illinois Route 53 and the Interstate Highway 290.
For rental information, call 708-437-4200.
