In less than one year, two-thirds of the 255 homes at Block Y have been sold, making it one of the fastest selling communities in the City of Chicago.

Block Y opened in February 1999 and to date, more than 165 homes have been sold, including the majority of heavy timber lofts in Phase I and concrete lofts in Phase II. When complete, Block Y will feature not only heavy timber and concrete lofts, but soft lofts in a mid-rise condominium building, Skyplexes ™ and luxury townhomes, as well.

David Chase, principal with The Thrush Cos., Block Y's developer, attributes the community's rapid success to three factors: location, product mix, and an on-target marketing campaign.

"Undoubtedly, no better location exists for people who want the convenience of city living with the peace and quiet of an uncongested area," he said.

Located at 1330 West Monroe St., Block Y is in the heart of the West Loop, recognized as one of the city's most active up-and-coming neighborhoods. Bounded by the Chicago River on the east, Ashland Avenue on the west, Interstate 290 (Eisenhower Expressway) on the south and Grand Avenue on the north, this revitalized district is home to more than 6,000 lots and townhomes.

"Positioned directly across the street from Skinner Park, Block Y is the West Loop's only community on a park," Chase continued.

In addition, more than 40 percent of the 3.8-acre site is being preserved as green space. The development will feature a courtyard elegantly landscaped with trees, shrubs, a pond and waterfall to provide a relaxing place for residents to mingle. A second landscaped courtyard between Building III and the townhomes provides more outdoor open space within the community.

Other amenities in the immediate area are Skinner Elementary School, which is next to Block ; the police academy, which is across the street; and Whitney Young High School, which ranks as one of the top three public high schools in the country.

According to Chase, another of the many benefits of the West Loop is its variety of restaurants. Every type of cuisine, from sushi to French bistro and contemporary American to casual Italian, is available. The West Loop also houses an art district and recreational facilities such as Cutting Edge Fitness and Johnny's Icehouse.

"The West Loop's eclectic nature is what attracts so many people to the neighborhood," said Chase.

To accommodate this diversity, Block Y offers an assortment of housing styles. The heavy timber and concrete lofts, with their open floor plans and reasonable prices, appeal to a young buyer, he explained. However, only a limited number of concrete lofts still are available. They have 756 to 2,442 square feet of space, one to three bedrooms, one to three baths, and are priced from $164,900 to $488,900.

Response has been great for Block Y's soft lofts, as well. Phase III, which includes 32 soft lofts and 14 concrete lofts in the former Bee Bindery Building, is more than one-third sold. The six-story structure features a new four-story steel and masonry addition to an existing concrete loft construction.

According to Chase, soft lofts attract a more sophisticated buyer because they are more exclusive. Thrush is offering its soft lofts in a mid-rise condominium building that boasts a 'boutique' design where a limited number of homes are featured on each floor.

Soft loft floor plans offer 832 to 1,449 square feet of living space, one to three bedrooms, and one to three baths. Prices range from $194,900 to $364,900 for homes filled with luxury interior appointments.

The final type of housing offered at Block Y is the luxury townhomes. Sales now are underway for the 33 spacious townhomes and construction is scheduled to begin on the model in April. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in the fall of 2000 and spring of 2001. Block Y's townhomes have 2,253 to 2,866 square feet of living space spread across four levels. Three plans are available, offering two or three bedrooms, two or three baths, first-floor family rooms, and penthouse media rooms.

Outdoor living abounds for townhome residents, as well. Off the kitchen, spacious balconies with decorative iron railings let homeowners sit outside and enjoy daily meals or barbecue with friends as guests mingle in the adjacent Great Room. Penthouse skydecks with cedar privacy fencing offer unbelievable views of the city's skyline and the opportunity for owners to enjoy sunshine. Finally, private yards overlook the courtyard and park. Built with masonry and steel construction, townhome exteriors are accented by brick, limestone and decorative metal. Current base prices range from $395,000 to $620,000.

"Having a great location and fantastic product is no good if no one knows about it," said Chase. "Therefore, getting the word out about Block Y was an important part of the equation for success."

Buyers can learn more about Block Y by visiting the community's website at www.thrushrealestate.com/blocky. Visitors also can take "virtual tours" of two concrete lofts and one soft loft on the computer at the sales center. The award-winning sales center is located at 1330 West Monroe.

Two decorated models are open, as well. Sales hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Telephone (312) 243-8500.