1/17/03 - Dubin Throwing a Block Party With Welbourn Row in West Lakeview.

Friday, January 17, 2003
Dubin Throwing a Block Party with Welbourn Row in West Lake View
Phase I condominiums starting at $216,900

In long-established residential neighborhoods, city builders usually are relegated to developing small, individual projects on narrow in-fill lots. Rarely do they get the chance to design a large-scale development that contributes significantly to the character of the surrounding community.

But at the corner of Wellington and Clybourn in West Lake View, Chicago-based Dubin Residential is doing just that with Welbourn Row. When all four phases are completed, this block-long development will replace a long-neglected parcel with six four-story buildings comprising approximately 140 new condominiums plus retail space.

Phase I of the development consists of two, four-story brick buildings with 15 homes each. Five floor plans measure 875 to 1,206 square feet and offer one bedroom with a den or two bedrooms, and one to two baths. Homes also feature balconies, 9-foot ceilings and open, contemporary layouts. Base prices range from $216,900 to $271,900, and deeded parking costs $17,500 for a garage space and $15,000 for an outdoor space.

"The surrounding neighborhood is a strong community with a mix of well-maintained homes and upscale new construction," said David Dubin, president of Dubin Residential. "What we didn't want to do was build one massive edifice on this site. We wanted to respect the feel of the surrounding neighborhood, and by building six separate low-rise buildings, we provide residents with the sense of a community within a community."

Like Phase I buildings, the remaining phases will offer one and two bedroom residences and feature brick-and-stone construction, elevators, and first-level garage parking.

To make each building distinct, Dubin will incorporate different brick textures, colors and patterns into the facades. The development's two corner buildings will also include first-floor retail spaces measuring 2,500 and 4,500 square feet.

"The inclusion of retail space will quickly integrate the development into the daily life of the community. The retail areas are large enough to accommodate tenants such as a dentist office or dry cleaner, which will provide convenience not only for residents at Welbourn Row but for the surrounding neighborhood as well," Dubin said.

Thanks to Welbourn Row's location, buyers also enjoy proximity to the many stores along the northern end of the Clybourn Shopping Corridor, such as Costco and Old Navy. Since the property is located near four major city thoroughfares - Belmont, Clybourn, Damen and Diversey - residents can also quickly reach attractions in popular surrounding neighborhoods such as Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Roscoe Village.

In addition, Welbourn Row is located immediately southwest of Hamlin Park, which offers two city blocks of green space, a fitness center, lit tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, and boxing facilities.

"Hamlin Park is the heart of this neighborhood. The park's ball fields are home to many local softball leagues, and by living so close, Welbourn Row residents have the chance to quickly get to know their neighbors and feel a part of the community," Dubin said.

The development is also creating much-needed affordable housing for moderate-income buyers who have been increasingly priced out of attractive neighborhoods like Lake View. Through the Chicago Partnership for Affordable Neighborhoods (CPAN), a Chicago Department of Housing program, Dubin is offering four homes in Phase I base-priced at $155,000 - $50,000 below market value. The homes feature one bedroom, one bath, a den and 875 square feet of space.

To qualify, homebuyers can earn between 60 percent and 120 percent of the city's median household income - for example, from $31,680 to $63,360 for one person and $36,180 to $72,360 for a household of two. Buyers must also attend workshops for new homeowners, get approved for a 30-year mortgage by a qualified lender, and be a first-time buyer. For more information, visit the Welbourn Row sales center.

"From its design to the incorporation of retail space to providing some affordable residences, Welbourn Row will be a nice addition to a neighborhood notable for its strong sense of cohesiveness," Dubin said.

Standard features in Phase I residences include hardwood flooring or carpet in the living room, kitchen, foyer and hallway; individual gas-forced air heat and central air conditioning; hickory or oak kitchen cabinets; stainless-steel, double-bowl sinks; and a Whirlpool appliance package. Baths offer 6-foot soaking tubs and/or a walk-in shower; designer ceramic or vinyl tiling; hickory or oak cabinets; and cultured marble vanity tops.

The Welbourn Row sales center is located at 2975 N. Clybourn Ave., one mile east of the Kennedy I-90 Expressway at the southeast corner of Wellington and Clybourn. If driving east on Interstate 90, take the 46A/California Avenue exit. Turn left onto Diversey, and left again onto Clybourn. If heading west on Interstate 90, take the 46B/W Diversey exit, go east on Diversey and turn left onto Clybourn.

Sales center hours are Saturday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call (773) 528-8000 or visit www.dubinresidential.com.

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 500 residences, including Buck City Lofts in West Bucktown, Ainslie Row in West Albany Park, Arcadia Place in the West Loop, Emerson Point in Rogers Park, and The Courts of Evanston.

Prices subject to change.