According to recent studies, homebuyers spend a third to half of all upgrade money in the kitchen, where custom cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel top the list of most popular add-ons - as well as most expensive.

Simple stainless steel can run as high as $175 per square foot, while granite can cost up to $110 per square foot, and when it comes to custom cabinetry, the sky's the limit on how much buyers will be asked to spend - unless they're purchasing a home at One One One Morgan.

According to Bob Horner, co-principal of Winthrop Properties, buyers can expect to pay 30 to 40 percent less for these same features at One One One Morgan. Located in the West Loop, the new-construction loft community promises buyers a better value by offering such big-ticket items as granite countertops, imported cabinets and stainless steel sinks as standard features.

"In some cases, buyers who want more upscale finishes have to work independently with contractors - or the builder has to get a custom quote from a contractor, and that can be extremely costly and time-consuming," said Horner. "For example, it's very expensive to import just one Italian granite countertop. But all of our homes at One One One Morgan feature imported Italian granite countertops, so we were able to purchase them at a lower cost and pass those savings onto our buyers."

Located at the corner of Morgan and Adams streets, One One One Morgan includes 166 condominiums and 41 floor plans 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.

In addition to granite countertops, kitchens at One One One Morgan also come standard with 42" European-style cabinetry.

"With more than 40 years of experience in the market place, we know what buyers are looking for in terms of quality and selection, and our established relationships with various craftsman and suppliers have made it possible for us to provide that at a very reasonable price," said Horner.

For instance, Winthrop Properties co-principal Ibrahim Shihadeh traveled to Italy and met personally with a cabinet manufacturer to find the custom-made cabinetry offered as an upgrade at One One One Morgan.

"Imported cabinetry is one of the most expensive things you can add to a kitchen," said Shihadeh, "But because we purchase this cabinetry in bulk, directly from the source, it translates into a better value for buyers."

Shihadeh added that cabinetry selection is one of the most important decisions buyers can make when designing a new kitchen.

"Most industry professionals say that if you can add only one upgrade to the kitchen, add high-end cabinetry, because that can be very costly to change once the kitchen is completed," said Shihadeh. "And in an open loft layout, where the kitchen and living room flow together as one space, it's particularly important to choose fine cabinetry that complements the furniture you have in the rest of your home."

Imported Italian cabinets at One One One Morgan are available in cherry or maple, with optional recessed wood panels, oversized pewter hardware, glass fronts, and open shelving above the microwave and refrigerator. Buyers can also select a more rounded cabinet style instead of the traditional flat front.

Along with upgraded cabinetry, buyers can also add stainless steel appliances, a stainless steel apron for the kitchen island and a glass, mosaic tile backsplash.

Another upscale feature buyers will find at One One One Morgan is maple hardwood flooring. Usually priced at around $14 per square foot, maple hardwood flooring is standard in kitchens, foyers and common living areas at the loft community.
"We think buyers at every price point deserve a high level of quality. We wouldn't consider offering our customers anything less," said Horner.

Homes at One One One Morgan also have 10' exposed concrete ceilings, exposed ductwork and columns, open layouts, partial-height walls and optional crown molding.

Baths include 12" by 12" ceramic tile flooring; ceramic tile wall, tub and shower surrounds; full-width mirrors; halogen strip lighting; and 5' soaking tubs. Optional, imported Italian vanities are also available.

Other standard features at One One One Morgan include track lighting, ventless gas fireplaces with a custom millwork surround, washer/dryer hookups; and central heat and air conditioning.

The sales center features a decorated kitchen/living area vignette and is located at the southeast corner of Jackson and Morgan streets. To reach the sales trailer, take Interstate-90/94 to Adams, go west to Morgan and south to Jackson. Hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, call (312) 421-0111 or visit www.111Morgan.com.

Winthrop Properties is a joint enterprise of developers Bob Horner and Ibrahim Shihadeh. Horner and Shihadeh share more than 40 years of real estate experience, during which time they have built and sold more than 5,000 homes.

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