Draper and Kramer Breaks Ground on Boutique Community
The upcoming luxury building will be located on the last undeveloped site on North Lake Shore Drive, in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood.
By Roxana Baiceanu
Site at 61 Banks St., Chicago
Draper and Kramer Inc. has broken ground on an eight-story development at 61 Banks St., the last undeveloped site on North Lake Shore Drive in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. The luxury community will offer a mix of 58 two- and three-bedroom units that will include seven two-story layouts with direct street-level entrances and private terraces.
“The building brings both a sophisticated design aesthetic and elegant lifestyle to match this prime lakefront location,” said Ed Polich, senior vice president & chief development officer for Draper and Kramer, in a prepared statement.
Luxury from top to bottom
Draper and Kramer, who has recently opened The Flats at Evo, a St. Louis townhome community, tapped Booth Hansen’s principal & director Larry Booth as designer. He announced that the construction will incorporate many art deco elements and mid-century modern architecture, in line with the rest of the buildings along East Lake Shore Drive.
The exterior will consist of cast stone, modern glass and metal architectural bays. The green roof will feature a landscaped outdoor terrace with dining areas and grilling stations as well as a club that will offer lakefront and skyline views. Planned club amenities include a glass-enclosed lounge, library, kitchen and fitness center.
Hotel-style services
Units are expected to vary in size from 1,700 to 2,400 square feet and to feature 10-plus-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, spa-style bathrooms, gourmet kitchens with Bosch appliances, quartz and stone countertops as well as built-in wine coolers. Monthly rents are expected to range between $5,500 to $12,000. Residents will also benefit from full-time hotel-style concierge and 24-hour valet parking.
“On-demand, individualized service will further define the lifestyle at 61 Banks Street and our experienced building staff will be in place to deliver on that service promise,” said Polich.
Darcy Bonner & Associates will be in charge of the interior design while Leopardo Cos. will serve as general contractor for the project. The property will be surrounded by lush landscaping designed by Jacobs/Ryan Associates.
Image via Google Street View
