Sales are soaring for the soft lofts at Block Y, an award-winning new development in Chicago from The Thrush Cos. Construction is underway on Phase III's mid-rise condominium building and first deliveries are scheduled for this fall. Located at 1330 West Monroe Street, Block Y is the West Loop's only community on a park and is Festival Of Homes # _____.

Block Y's soft lofts are being built in the former Bee Bindery Building, which will feature a new four-story steel and masonry addition to the existing concrete loft construction. In all, 46 homes, including 32 soft lofts and 14 concrete lofts, will be available in the six-story structure.

Current base prices range from $194,900 to $364,900 for plans with 832 to 1,449 square feet of living space, one to three bedrooms, and one to three baths. Already, more than one-third of the soft lofts have been sold.

Offering a contemporary, urban look, the mid-rise concrete lofts at Block Y will have exposed columns with 12-foot-high ceilings on the first floor and 10-foot-high ceilings on the second floor. First and second floor units also will feature exposed brick on exterior walls. On the third through sixth floors, the soft lofts will have concealed columns and beams, 10-foot-high drywall ceilings, and finished drywall interior walls. Finished drywall is found on all interior walls, as well.

Deeded indoor heated parking is available within the building, while decorative wrought iron or cedar fencing accents outdoor spaces on select residences.

In addition to the soft lofts, 33 luxury townhomes now are available at Block Y. Construction is anticipated to begin a model this spring, with first deliveries scheduled for fall 2000 and spring 2001.

Block Y's townhomes will be built with masonry and steel construction, and will feature 2,253 to 2,866 square feet of living space, two or three bedrooms, and two or three baths. The three spacious plans will boast first-floor family rooms, large decks with decorative iron railing off the kitchen, and penthouse media rooms with skydecks with cedar privacy fencing. Prices range from $395,000 to $620,000.

In all, Block Y will feature heavy timber lofts, concrete lofts, and Skyplexes ™ along with the mid-rise soft lofts and new-construction townhomes. Two-thirds of the 255 homes have been sold, making it one of the fastest selling communities in Chicago.

One reason for the community's phenomenal success is the incredible cityscape, courtyard and park views residents can enjoy. Block Y is directly across from Skinner Park, so many homeowners will be able to look out over the beautiful park setting. On top of that, Thrush is preserving more than 40 percent of the 3.8-acre site as open green space. The development will feature a central, Zen-style courtyard elegantly landscaped with trees, shrubs, a pond and waterfall. A second landscaped courtyard between the mid-rise condo building and the townhomes provides more outdoor space within the community. To allow homeowners to take advantage of the views, all homes will feature outdoor living spaces such as private balconies, terraces or rooftop gardens.

One of Chicago's fastest growing areas, the West Loop is convenient to downtown and its recreational and cultural amenities. As a result, Block Y residents will enjoy all the benefits of living in a great urban neighborhood -- shopping on State Street is about a 15-minute walk; the Loop's job centers are only 8 to 10 blocks away; and four-star restaurants, cutting-edge entertainment and recreation can be found in the immediate area. Good schools also are nearby. In fact, Whitney Young High School, which is rated as one of the top three public high schools in the country, is across the street from Block Y.

Block Y's award-winning sales center is located at 1330 W. Monroe. Two decorated models are open, plus "virtual tours" of two concrete lofts and one mid-rise soft loft are available on the computer in the sales center.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Phone (312) 243-8500 for more information. Or visit the community's website at www.thrushrealestate.com/blocky and check out construction progress on the sky-cam.