Porter celebrates grand opening of luxury residential community

The boutique offering in Oak Park began leasing earlier this year and welcomed its first residents in April.

Oak Park, IL (June 7th 2024) – Chicago-based developer and general contractor Focus celebrated the completion of Porter, a new boutique apartment community in Oak Park, Illinois yesterday. The 7-story tower mixed-use project delivers 158 apartments and 1,075 SF of ground floor retail to the iconic Oak Park Historic District. 

Porter, named for its hands on approach to resident experience, offers a mix of studio, 1- 2- and 3-bedroom units, including first of their kind maisonette homes. These townhome style units include two stories and private entries along Marion Street. The well-appointed apartments feature high ceilings, plank style flooring, designer kitchens and contemplate the needs of a modern renter with built in work-from home spaces like desk nooks and flex office spaces. Porter delivers an elevated experience with amenities that exceed expectations. Unique spaces like a music room complete with a record player and state of the art sound system, hidden phone booths offer private respite, and a sunroom party space which allows residents to host with the most. Amenities like a fitness studio, pet-spa, dog run, co-working spaces, outdoor terrace with game areas, grill stations and fire-pits, and dedicated garage parking round out the Porter resident experience. 

Joined yesterday by representatives of the Village of Oak Park, project stakeholders, and esteemed guests, Focus celebrated the completion of another exciting multifamily community. The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony signifying the continuation of Porter’s journey to provide an elevated experience for its Oak Park residents. 

“On behalf of the Village of Oak Park, we warmly welcome our new neighbors to Porter and the heart of our Pleasant District,” said Village President, Vicki Scaman. “This is certainly a significant investment in our community, and one that we are beyond proud to showcase. The beautiful design of Porter, coupled with the commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and more that Focus has shown aligns so well with our vision and goals for Oak Park. We are grateful for this outcome.”

Following the grand opening ceremony, guests were provided with guided tours of the property offering a firsthand look at the community. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, appetizers, and various offerings from Oak Park neighbors and retailers. 

“We are proud to deliver Porter to Oak Park. The project represents a substantial investment in the community, and we are thrilled by the response we have received from residents,’ said Focus CEO and Founder, Tim Anderson. “Not only does Porter deliver new housing opportunities to the Oak Park community but does so sustainably.”

Porter achieved NGBS Silver Certification through improved energy and water efficiency, the use of recycled and sustainable materials, and green operating technologies. 

Focus believes elevated design results in an elevated experience for residents, neighbors, and the community at large. As such, they partnered with world class architecture firm Booth Hansen, interior design firm Partners by Design and Art Curator, Johalla Projects, to create a distinct personality at Porter. Thoughtful floorplans, beautiful spaces and original artworks are fundamental throughout this project. Including a new public art piece by local artist Cody Norman. Titled Plasticus umbrus, the new public statue is inspired by the tree-lined streets of Oak Park. Made of recycled plastic gathered from the community, the piece further exemplifies the community’s dedication to a green future. 

Leasing for Porter, which began earlier this year, is managed by best-in-class property management firm, Bozzuto. Early interest has been exceptional, with over 35% of units leased and nearly 20% occupied. 

For more information on the property and leasing, please visit the property website: liveatporter.com

About Focus
Focus exists at the intersection of development and construction. For 30 years, their teams have worked diligently to exceed expectations and transform communities. 

As a vertically integrated development and construction company, Focus is responsible for distinctive developments that value over $2.4 billion. These projects range from smaller, multifamily communities in historic districts to high-density, mixed-use redevelopments in thriving downtowns. Since 1993, Focus has delivered thousands of multifamily units, and millions of square feet of real estate but in addition, the company is committed to enhancing community. Through community partnerships, commitment to a sustainable future and corporate responsibility, Focus takes an active role in positively shaping the communities where it works. 

For more information, please contact us today.