3/22/04 - Couple Trade Suburbs for Fun in the City

April 26, 2004
Couple Trade Suburbs for Fun in the City
Soon-to-be newlyweds choose townhome at Kilbourn Court

For many young couples, marriage signals the first step toward an eventual move to the suburbs. However, for Michael Herman, 26, and Genevieve Ledford, 27, their post-wedding plans include abandoning suburban life and moving into a new townhome in the city.

“Right now, we live in Mundelein, and Genevieve’s commute home from downtown Chicago can take up to two-and-a-half hours,” said Herman. “We chose to move to the city to cut down on her travel time, but also to have some fun before we have children.”

Last fall, the couple purchased a home at Kilbourn Court, a new community of 116 townhomes in the Kilbourn Park neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Homes include two to three bedrooms, two to three baths, dens, balconies and attached two-car garages. Seven floor plans are base-priced from $289,900 to $344,900, and measure 1,673 to 2,394 square feet.

Michael, who works at Chicago Home Fitness in McHenry County, and Genevieve, who is a broker at the Chicago Board of Trade, plan to move into their new home this fall after their August wedding.

In addition to location, another reason they chose to live at Kilbourn Court was the price, said Michael. They explored many city communities in such areas as Lakeview and Irving Park, but soon realized they would not get much for their money. “You can barely get a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in the city for what we’re paying for a townhome at Kilbourn Court,” said Michael.

Another factor that drew them to the community was the Kilbourn Park neighborhood. “I like the fact that we are in an area of the city that is affordable and well kept,” said Michael. “The neighborhood is clean and neighbors seem to take care of their homes. Also, we like the positive effect all the retail stores that are planned for the area will have on the appreciation value of our home.”

Michael and Genevieve purchased Plan J, the largest floor plan at Kilbourn Court. The 2,412-square-foot plan includes three bedrooms, three full baths, a den and an attached two-car garage. Four homes at Kilbourn Court feature Plan J and are tucked away in a row toward the back of the community near existing single-family homes.

Originally, Michael says they were not looking for new construction, but soon discovered the benefits of being able to choose personalized upgrades and options. Upgrades the couple selected include stainless steel kitchen appliances and granite countertops in the kitchen; a fireplace in the living room; and a jacuzzi tub in the master bath.

“In terms of upgrades, we chose basically everything,” said Michael. “I thought we’d better knock it out now rather than me having to do it on my own later. I already renovated our current townhome, and I didn’t want to have to do it again.”

Also, the convenient design of the home suits their lifestyle. “We work different hours, and many times, when I’m coming home, Genevieve is going to bed,” said Michael. “So the townhome layout is great for us. With the three floors of living space, we have privacy, and I can stay up late and not disturb Genevieve.”

In fact, they have designated the first-floor, which includes a den, full bath and walk-in closet, as Michael’s living space. He plans to convert the room into a home theater.

The couple also look forward to entertaining on the main living level, which features a combination living and dining room that opens to the kitchen. Hardwood flooring comes standard on this level, and the kitchen includes oak cabinetry, a stainless steel double-bowl sink, and a Whirlpool appliance package. A deck that spans the width of the home is located off the kitchen and is ideal for barbecuing with friends, said Michael.

“Most of our friends live downtown and some do not have cars. So we only get to entertain during times like the Fourth of July when people can make the trip to our house,” said Michael. “Now, we’ll be able to see our friends more often and have plenty of room for entertaining. Plus, they can take the ‘L’ to visit us and not have to worry about driving.”

Another key selling point for Michael and Genevieve is the flexibility of having three bedrooms and two full baths on the third floor. One of the secondary bedrooms offers access to an exterior catwalk balcony.

“It’s great to have the two extra bedrooms,” said Michael. “We plan to use one as a fitness room and the other as a home office, or even a guest bedroom. And in the future, we intend to convert one into a baby’s room.”

The master bedroom and an adjacent master bath and walk-in closet encompass half of the third level. The master bath includes a double-bowl sink, separate tub, walk-in shower, oak cabinetry, and ceramic tile flooring and tub surrounds. This level also includes a laundry closet.

An attached two-car garage is another feature that attracted them to the community. “We know parking can be a challenge in the city,” said Michael. “Also, I have a motorcycle and wanted a place to park it in the winter.”

As the owners of two dogs, the couple is also excited about the fenced dog run and open green space offered at Kilbourn Court. In particular, Plan J homes are adjacent to a 70- by 80-foot private lawn area designated for use by community residents only.

Kilbourn Court is located one block south of Kilbourn Park, which offers three city blocks of recreation. In addition, the community is in proximity to Interstate 90/94, a Metra station, an Amtrak station and the Belmont stop on the Blue Line “L.”

To reach the sales center from the I-90/94 Expressway, exit at either Kimball Avenue or Belmont Avenue. If exiting at Kimball, head south to Belmont, turn right, and drive 1½ miles to the northwest corner of Kilbourn and Belmont avenues. From Belmont, drive west for 1½ miles to the sales center. For information, call (773) 777-7558.

Building condominiums and townhomes in Chicago since the early 1990s, Dubin Residential has earned a reputation for quality and value. The company is currently developing more than 400 homes at communities such as Arcadia Place in the West Loop, Emerson Point in Rogers Park, Welbourn Row in Lakeview, and The Courts of Evanston.