Downtown Wheaton's converted courthouse district welcomes luxury rentals

19 October 2016

Author: Pamela Dittmer McKuen, Chicago Tribune

Read the original article here.

For nearly a century, the neighborhood surrounding Wheaton's downtown red-brick courthouse and its signature clock tower served the legal and civic needs of DuPage County.

Its usefulness ended in the 1990s when a new government complex was constructed on the outskirts of the city.

Years of disputed visions and economic recession passed. Today the historic Romanesque-style courthouse has been converted to six luxury condominiumminiums, and it anchors a thriving residential community known as Courthouse Square. Comprised of apartments, condominiumminiums and row homes, the project is being developed by Focus Development.

The latest addition to the mix is the newly built Courthouse Square Apartments. One hundred forty-nine rental homes are offered in two six-story masonry buildings at the northwest corner of Naperville Road and Willow Avenue.

Since the first move-ins arrived in May, the apartments have attracted an even mix of young and midcareer professionals, business owners, empty nesters and retirees, said property manager Kim Andreas of Marquette Management. A major draw is the location, which is within blocks of the Metra rail station, Illinois Prairie Path, Wheaton College, the public library, shops, restaurants and a Mariano's grocery store, Andreas said.

The apartments at Courthouse Square include studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom with den, two-bedroom, two-bedroom with den, and three-bedroom units in 42 floor plans. Most have balconies.

All apartments have 9-foot ceilings, washers and dryers, window blinds, closet systems, LED lighting, carpeted bedrooms and vinyl plank flooring elsewhere.

Kitchens are equipped with energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, white quartz counters, subway tile backsplash, Shaker-style espresso cabinets and oversized stainless sink with disposal. Studios and one-bedroom units have a movable Parsons table for dining and food preparation; two- and three-bedroom units have stationary islands with storage and electricity.

Baths are appointed with granite counters, espresso vanities, porcelain tile floors, tubs and stand-alone showers per plan.

A two-bedroom, 1,334-square-foot model on the fourth floor opens to a roomy foyer with laundry, utility and coat closets. An L-shaped hallway leads to the open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas. The kitchen is defined by an appliance wall and cabinets on one side and by a storage island on the other. The two bedrooms are located in opposite corners of the apartment. The primary bedroom, which can fit a king-size bed, has both walk-in and linear closets with motion-sensor LED lights. The primary bath has a dual vanity and stand-alone shower while the second bath has a single vanity and tub.

An indoor heated garage on the first and underground levels offers parking for 196 cars, car wash and detail center, bicycle storage and a pet-grooming station. Linking the two residential buildings is the amenity center, or great room, which is a meandering expanse with complimentary Wi-Fi, 10 television monitors, business center, 24-hour beverage bar, billiard table, demonstration kitchen and gym with cardio and weight-training gear plus a yoga studio with on-demand video workouts. Comfortable furniture groupings invite lounging, working and media viewing.

An outdoor terrace with a fire pit and grilling stations overlooks a landscaped pond, outdoor heated swimming pool and the former courthouse. The former state's attorney building, built in 1938, has been tranSFormed into meeting and fitness space for the greater Courthouse Square community.

"It's a peaceful, resortlike setting," Andreas said. "You feel like you're on a pier and can put your feet in the water."

Courthouse Square Apartments

250 S. Naperville Road, Wheaton

(309) 247-7368

www.chsapartments.com

Apartments: Prices based on availability and subject to change. Studio, 622 to 702 square feet, from $1,295; one bedroom, 702 to 830 square feet, from $1,497; one bedroom plus den, 967 to 981 square feet, from $1,979; two bedroom, 1,134 to 1,300 square feet, from $2,325; two bedroom plus den, 1,246 to 1,398 square feet, from $2,500; three bedroom, 1,450 to 1,520 square feet, from $3,120.

Lease terms: 12 months with one additional month free; 18 months with two additional months free; $65 application fee, $150 administration fee, $175 security bond fee.

Renter's insurance: $100,000 liability.

Utilities: Residents are charged a variable monthly utility bill that includes water, sewer, gas and electricity plus $10 a month for trash disposal. They pay individually for telephone, cable and internet connection.

Parking: Heated indoor parking, $125 a month per spot.

Pets: Pets allowed on designated floors. Two pets, with total weight cap of 65 pounds. Breed restrictions apply. One-time $300 pet fee.

Smoking policy: Smoke-free.

Amenities: Stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, window blinds, quartz kitchen counters, granite bath counters, closet organizers, LED lighting, vinyl plank flooring except for carpeted bedrooms, balconies per plan. Great room with business center, fireplaces, 24-hour beverage bar, billiards table, media lounge, demonstration kitchen and complimentary Wi-Fi. Fitness center and yoga studio. Outdoor swimming pool and terrace with fire pit and grilling stations. Indoor heated garage with car-care center, bicycle storage and pet wash station. Storage lockers available.

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