Just about everything, down to the kitchen sinks and brushed-nickel cabinet pulls, are new at Village Park of Hoffman Estates, a 224-unit apartment community that is getting a new lease on life.
The eight-building complex was constructed in phases in the 1960s, accounting for its varied appearance. Two are two-story, red brick structures with just 32 units. The rest are three-story buildings in cream-colored stucco and brown brick.
As part of a $4 million renovation, the stucco is being replaced by beige vinyl siding. The project also will add a clubhouse and outdoor swimming pool.
Those are slated to be completed by summer. The clubhouse will have a business conference center, Great Room with kitchen and a billiards room. The clubhouse and pool will be visible from the two-bedroom model we toured.
Besides their exteriors, the buildings also have some different features. The first-floor units in the two-story buildings, for instance, have fenced backyards. Residents will have the option of having a tree planted in their yard or having rocks or mulch laid in part of it. Pets will be limited to these buildings.
Residents of three-story buildings will have heating costs included in the rent. These buildings also contain the communal laundry rooms.
The model we toured is in on the second floor of a smaller building. These structures, unlike the larger ones, have private entrances. An exterior staircase leads from the ground to a concrete balcony just outside the model’s front door. The balcony overlooks a grassy courtyard, where the clubhouse and pool will be constructed. Open areas will be maintained, and new landscaping and trees added.
The front door of the model opens into a small entry area. The 17-by-12-foot living room is to the left.
The living room owes it bright and light feel to two large windows. One overlooks the balcony and courtyard; the other looks out on a sideyard. The living room also has a coat closet and a room air conditioner.
A dining area and the kitchen are to the right of the front door. These spaces have been updated with chestnut-colored wood vinyl flooring.
The kitchen is separated from the dining area by a white counter topped by granite-look Formica. It would be easy to pull a couple stools to the counter for meals or place a table and two chairs in the small dining area — next to a large window overlooking the courtyard.
One wall of the dining area and kitchen is cement block. To soften its look, management will have this wall painted in any color residents choose.
The kitchen also has new white cabinets with brushed-nickel pulls, track lighting and white appliances, including a stove, refrigerator and a built-in microwave. Some units have dishwashers. The communal laundry rooms in the three-story buildings will be updated with new washers and dryers.
A hallway from the living room leads to the bathroom and bedrooms.
The bathroom has vinyl tile floor that looks like cream-colored stone. There is a white vanity beneath a row of lights and large mirror. The white tub/shower has a massaging shower head.
The 14-by-12-foot master bedroom has beige carpeting, a large window with a view of the lawn and another building, a room air conditioner and a large closet.
The 12-by-10-foot bedroom also has is carpeted in beige, with a large window and closet.
The community is just a few minutes from shopping and restaurants at Woodfield Mall. It also is less then 10 minutes from a Metra station in Schaumburg.
Rents range from $710 to $750 for studios; from $810 to $1,025 for one bedrooms; and $1,100 to $1,225 for two bedrooms with one or 1 1/2 baths.
For rental information, call 847-843-2121.
Vital stats
Address: 990 Evanston St., Hoffman Estates
Size: Two bedrooms, one bath
Rent: $1,100
Security deposit: $300 for those who rent on first visit; $500 after first visit.
Utilities: Residents in the smaller buildings must pay for heat.
Parking: Outdoor, unreserved is included in the rent. There are 20 garages available for $60 a month.
Pets: $150 deposit plus $20 a month.
