Sales have hit 50 percent at One One One Morgan, a new-construction loft community in the West Loop. Developed by Evanston-based Winthrop Properties, the community is scheduled to break ground later this month.

Located at Morgan and Adams streets, One One One Morgan includes 166 condominiums with one to two bedrooms plus den, one to two baths and 680 to 1,535 square feet. A three-bedroom, 2,376-square-foot duplex penthouse is also available. Base prices range from $165,900 to $425,000, and the penthouse is priced at $699,000. Deeded, indoor parking is $25,000 per space.

"The redevelopment of the West Loop began more than a decade ago, but as the popularity of One One One Morgan indicates, the area continues to perform beyond expectation," said Bob Horner, co-principal of Winthrop Properties. "Buyers continue to come to One One One Morgan because it not only has the contemporary loft designs and central location they want, but it also offers one of the best values in the neighborhood.

"For instance, our homes start in the $160s, compared with starting prices in the $190s just down the street," added Horner.

One One One Morgan is also one of the only new communities in the West Loop that extends a 5 percent down payment program to qualified first-time homebuyers, noted Horner.

"Because the West Loop is still much more affordable than other neighborhoods in the city, the area has attracted a number of first-time homebuyers looking to make a solid investment. But for a lot of these prospective homebuyers, making a down payment can be a challenge," said Horner. "The 5 percent down program eases the down payment burden and helps make the transition from renter to homeowner a smooth one."

Along with a number of first-time buyers, Horner said the community has also attracted a fair share of empty nesters who are eager to experience city living, and move-up buyers, many of whom have already seen a healthy return from a previous West Loop investment.

"Living in a loft no longer has the bohemian connotations it once did. Today's loft buyers are sophisticated, discerning buyers who are accustomed to a certain level of comfort and polish," said Ibrahim Shihadeh, co-principal of Winthrop Properties. "One One One Morgan is designed to reflect the style and size of the West Loop's vintage loft buildings, while homes offer a full range of modern amenities and contemporary floor plans."

All homes at One One One Morgan come standard with such classic loft elements as 10' exposed concrete ceilings, exposed ductwork and columns, open layouts, partial-height walls, hardwood flooring and track lighting. Other features include fireplaces with custom-milled surrounds and optional crown molding.

Select floor plans also come with dens, master bedroom suites, flex space and designated computer niches, and each home has a private east- or west-facing balcony, offering up to 600 square feet of outdoor living space.

Contemporary kitchens at One One One Morgan feature 42" European-style cabinetry, Italian granite countertops, black appliances and a stainless steel sink. Buyers can also choose to add stainless steel appliances, designer Italian cabinetry, a stainless steel apron for kitchen islands and a glass, mosaic tile backsplash.

Baths come with 12" by 12" ceramic tile flooring, as well as tub and shower surrounds, 5' soaking tubs and optional designer Italian vanities.

"Granite, stainless steel and custom cabinetry are some of the most expensive pieces buyers can add to their homes, but at One One One Morgan, those premium features are included in the home's base price or offered as inexpensive upgrades," said Shihadeh. "That's a value you don't find at other developments."

Building amenities at One One One Morgan include a marble-tiled lobby and foyer and state-of-the-art high-speed elevators.