Fortunately, there is now a happy medium – the new Lakeshore East community, located just east of the Loop and directly north of Millenium Park.  It is home to seven contemporary skyscrapers as well as the upcoming luxurious Parkhomes (which start at $1.5 million and will be ready for occupancy mid-2009).  Centered around an expansive, pet friendly park (that even has free WiFi for residents), this mixed commerical and residential community is one of the most exciting developments on the Chicago real estate scene. Furthermore, the site is already home to a bank, a coffee shop, and several restaurants, with plans for a CVS pharmacy and drugstore, an elementary, and a grocery store in the future.

Perhaps the most prominent part of Lakeshore East is the Aqua building, which will be completed by mid-spring 2009.  With eighty-two stories that each feature unique terraces, making the facade resemble rippling water, this high rise is anchored by a 80,000 square foot deck complete with gardens, pools, fire pits, gazebos, and cabanas – the perfect compliment to the adjacent park.  Condos will range from $485,000 to $1.6 million.

Of course, the other buildings in the community are certainly more than worthy of consideration as well.  The 340 on the Park is a LEED certified structure with a high percentage of locally sourced building materials and units with spectacular views of Millenium Park, the Chicago skyline, and Lake Michigan.  The neighboring Chandler and Lancaster were the first buildings to be completed in the development, and what these relatively dimunitive buildings lack in height they make up for in amenities like indoor pools and landscaped rooftop decks.

Lakeshore East is home to some of the city’s most impressive new construction and award-winning architecture, including the Aqua building. When it is completed it will stand eighty-seven stories high, and every unit will have a unique balcony – the facade is glass with glass with undulating balconies which change slightly from floor to floor giving it a rippling effect. It is already being heralded as one of Chicago’s most impressive new buildings and it will certainly be a prestigious address. Other noteworthy buildings include 340 on the Park with its views overlooking Millenium Park, the Tides, and the Regatta. All of the properties have units that offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago landscape.

If high rise living just isn’t your thing, Lakeshore East is also home to single family homes, called the Parkhomes. This luxury Chicago real estate presents an unusual opportunity for homeowners – the chance to own a substantial home on Chicago’s lakefront. They have been designed by the Steinberg Group from San Jose, and feature high end materials including graceful wrought iron and copper highlights; they also include rooftop terraces, two-story living rooms, private entrances and park and lake views. Currently under construction, the Parkhomes will be delivered beginning Spring 2009.

Another reason the Lakeshore East community is an ideal choice for your Chicago home is the fact that it is a mixed-use development, with retail shops, a bank, a planned grocery store and even a city of Chicago school in the works. Furthermore, the buildings are centered around a stunning park with botanical gardens, creative water elements and even wireless internet, so residents can work and play simultaneously. Overall, it is an exquisite addition to downtown Chicago – and the perfect “urban village” for those who want a small town feel in the heart of a big city.