Horse sense is trotted out at Windy Hill
Floor plans for the single-family models at Windy Hill Farm in south suburban Frankfort are like manna from heaven: Garages load from the side of the homes rather than dominating...
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Getting hold of the concept of grab bars
I wonder if architects or builders ever try tooling around houses they've just completed while seated in a wheelchair. Do you think sales people who work at age-targeted or age-restricted...
Mixed complex presents clash of modernity
Where to start? I have such mixed feelings and so much to say about a Lake View community called Wellington Park that I'm not sure what to tackle first. This...
Stark structure will give way to neat homes
Tell an old timer that you're thinking of moving to "11th and State" and anybody who's been around and knows Chicago's lore is bound to wonder "You a cop? ....
Bright rays of solar rooms call to over-55
A few weeks back, I wrote a story for the Sunday Real Estate section about the increasing popularity of screened-in porches, sunrooms, covered decks and even decorated "outdoor rooms" in...
Not so scary `panic rooms’ get few takers
Anyone who's been planning a dream home and has a "safe room" on the must-have list might have a change of heart after seeing "Panic Room." The movie thriller, starring...
Urban parade finds homes not all in step
When suburban developers talk about sponsoring a Parade of Homes, they're referring to an event that will showcase a group of expensive, frequently oversized and overdecorated homes they've built specifically...
Veteran hitter waves some heavy timber
It's "the last great heavy timber loft building in a premier location" say the promo materials for 333 South Desplaines, a former paper warehouse being converted to condos. That's akin...
Only thing you can’t customize is the view
This is going to be a hard one. Views, location and surroundings all mean so much to me. I've got to be able to see some sky from my windows,...
Townhouses offer porches with appeal
It's a joy to drive up to a suburban construction site and see a cluster of townhouses that don't look quite the same as that other set of suburban townhouses...