The Thrush Companies, developers of the Home Builders Association of
Greater Chicago's 1998 Community of the Year, Block X,  recently hosted a
grand opening for Block Y, their new 256-unit loft condominium and
townhome community complete with 27,000 square feet of retail space as
well as a 355-stall parking garage.

"We are showcasing the West Loop's only community on a park, offering a
unique mix of heavy timber lofts, concrete lofts, mid-rise condominiums,
Skyplexes™ and townhomes," said David Chase, firm principal.

On the heels of the successful sellout of Block X, another Thrush
community two blocks east, Block Y has sold over ninety (90) lofts in
Phases I and II in just over four months.  According to Chase, Phase III
and IV will be opening this fall.

Phase I of Block Y calls for 65 Heavy Timber Lofts in the former
Barrett Bindery building at 1330 W. Monroe.  These one, one-plus or
two-bedroom units with soaring 12- to 15-foot ceilings are priced from the
mid $100,000's to the low $400,000's (all prices are subject to change
without notice).  The balance of the building mix calls for Skyplexes™, a
word coined by David Chase describing two levels of luxury living in the
sky. Skyplexes™ can be found in Phase I and 2 at Block Y.  Prices for the
sixteen Skyplexes™ to be built at Block Y will range from $280,000 to
$425,000.

Phase Two features 112 new construction concrete lofts in a six-story
building also featuring loft and Skyplex™ plans with 756 to 2,442 square
feet.  In Phase Two, the concrete lofts range in size from one to three
bedrooms and one to three baths priced from the mid $100,000's to the high
$400,000's.

Phase Three will offer 47 mid-rise condominiums priced from the mid
$100,000's to the mid $300,000's in the former six-story Bee Bindery
Building, an existing concrete loft structure with four stories of new
construction in addition to underground parking.  These concrete and soft
lofts will range from 832 to 1,657 square feet with one to three bedrooms,
one to three baths, and a private balcony, terrace or roof garden.

Brick and limestone will grace the exteriors of 33 luxury four-story
townhomes in Phase Four.  Priced from the high $300,000's to the low
$600,000's, the townhomes will range from 2,198 to 2,699 square feet and
feature two or three bedrooms, two or three baths, first-floor family
rooms, and attached one- or two car heated garage.  In addition, all
townhomes feature a balcony off the kitchen, a private yard and a
fourth-floor skydeck.   Both the townhomes and the mid-rise condominiums
will offer incredible cityscape, courtyard or park views.

Block Y is located directly across the street from Skinner Park and a
second park, Union Park, is a two block walk away.  In addition, more than
40 percent of the 3.8-acre mixed-use property has been set aside for open
space.

The award-winning Block Y sales center is located at 1330 W. Monroe St.
where two furnished models are open.  Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven
days a week.  For more information call 312-243-8500