Modern Intelligence Series Homes Bring Green Amenities, Modern Look to West Bucktown in Chicago

CHICAGO - Aug. 21, 2013 - PRLog -- CHICAGO, Aug. 20, 2013 – The Modern Intelligence Series is a distinctive collection of single-family homes with many “green” amenities that is having a major impact in the up-and-coming “West Bucktown” section of Chicago’s Northwest Side.  The homes were created through the joint efforts of Ultimate Development and Management, Inc., the developer, and Hasani Steele, a broker with RE/MAX Premier Properties and CEO of Steele Consulting Group.  Steele has successfully marketed all six homes built to date and played a key role in their design.  

The newest addition to the Modern Intelligence Series is 1637 N. Whipple St., and like the other four-bedroom, 3½ -bath homes in the series, it offers a contemporary exterior design, open floor plan and a high level of sustainable design, including tankless hot water heaters, 90-percent-plus efficient furnaces, energy-efficient insulation and green construction materials.  

The home was under contract even before it was complete, which has been the case with every home in the series.  Steele said buyers have been attracted to the homes in part because “the momentum from Bucktown has spilled across Western Avenue into the Humboldt Park neighborhood to the extent that many people are referring to it as West Bucktown.

“It’s a natural progression,” said Steele.  “People are looking for value, especially in today's economy.  Our buyers are willing to go a little further west for a great product, and that’s what we are working hard to deliver."

Steele and his team have sold all six units at prices in the mid $400,000's.  The land had been a bargain for under $80,000, but Steele acknowledged that prices are on the rise as interest in the area grows and more people are willing to invest.

Another key reason for the success of the these homes, according to Steele, is that buyers love having the opportunity to choose the finishes that a new-construction home offers, from the type of interior paint used to tile selection.  For example, the custom finishes in 1637 N. Whipple include accent lighting, designer fireplace, baths with 12-by-24-inch porcelain tile, and a chef’s kitchen with a range of special features, such as a tiled back splash.

Earlier this year, another home in the series, 1730 N. Whipple, won a Good Neighbor Award from the Chicago Association of Realtors.  The awards recognize ground-breaking developments (both new construction and rehabs) throughout the nine-county Chicago area that contribute to their community by serving a need, enhancing economic vitality and bolstering civic pride.  Most of the homes in the Modern Intelligence Series were constructed near Humboldt Park, including 1809 N. Washtenaw Ave., 1911 N. Albany Ave. and 1631 N. Whipple.

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