The Thrush Cos., developer of the award-winning Block Y in the West Loop, has opened sales for the community's final phase.

A limited number of townhomes, just 33, are being offered. They feature 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, penthouse media rooms, large decks with decorative iron railing off the kitchen, and penthouse skydecks with cedar privacy fencing. Built with masonry and steel construction, Block Y's townhomes are base priced from $395,000 to $620,000.

David Chase, principal of The Thrush Cos., pointed out that anticipation for the townhomes has been remarkably strong. The developer took reservations on 20 of the homes prior to sales being opened to the public. One reason, according to Chase, is because no other product in the West Loop offers what Blocky Y's townhomes do.

"We are bringing luxury living to the West Loop," he said. "Not only will these townhomes include the finest construction and upscale interior appointments, they will be part of a complete community that boasts open space and a park across the street."

He explained that at Block Y, the West Loop's only community on a park, 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 provides even more outdoor open space within the community. For more private times, each townhome has its own yard with wrought iron fencing, as well.

To complement the surroundings, building exteriors feature brick, limestone and decorative metal accents. Spacious balconies off the kitchen let homeowners sit outside and enjoy daily meals or barbecue with friends as guests mingle in the adjacent Great Room. Finally, private penthouse skydecks offer unbelievable views of the city's skyline. According to Chase, the outdoor splendor of Block Y is rivaled only by the grandeur of the townhomes' interior architecture.

"Our new designs cater to the impeccable tastes of today's discriminating buyers, with expansive public areas ideal for entertaining along with comfortable private areas for relaxation," he said. "And in master suites, cathedral ceilings soar higher than 17 feet."

Other luxury amenities included in Block Y's townhomes are eight-foot first-floor ceilings; nine-foot second floor ceilings; and 9-1/2-foot penthouse ceilings. Hardwood flooring is standard in the living and dining rooms while ceramic tile flooring is located in the kitchen and foyer and luxury wall-to-wall carpeting is found in all bedrooms, family rooms and penthouses.

Solid-core entry and interior doors with brushed chrome hardware; natural birch, louvered and flush, bi-fold closet doors; gas-fired, natural wood burning fireplace with contemporary built-in design; wall sconces in entry foyers and track lighting over fireplaces; washers and dryers; and spacious closets with wire shelving are a few more of the standard amenities. Each townhome includes an attached one- or two-car heated garage.

Energy- and sound-efficient features include individually controlled, high-efficiency, gas, forced-air heating; humidifiers and central air conditioning; thermal-pane, insulated glass and aluminum windows; individual hot water systems; and individually metered gas and electric.

Kitchens have General Electric white-on-white appliances, including side-by-side refrigerators with water/ice makers, self-cleaning gas oven/ranges, microwaves with built-in exhaust, and multicycle dishwashers. For a contemporary look, kitchens also feature European-style, full-front cabinets by Canac with 36-inch upper cabinets as standard; spacious islands, per plan; decorative laminate countertops with backsplashes; double-bowl stainless steel sinks with Moen faucets and single-lever handles; under-sink garbage disposers; track lighting over work areas; and under-cabinet fluorescent lighting.

Baths boast European-style, full-front cabinets by Canac; laminate vanity tops with backsplashes; self-rimming vanity bowls, per plan; Moen vanity fixtures; ceramic tile flooring and tub/shower surrounds; decorative mirrors; recessed medicine cabinets; and cosmetic (theatrical) light bars. Primary baths have luxurious six-foot soaking tubs, secondary baths have enameled five-foot tubs and showers, and powder rooms have elegant pedestal sinks.

Townhomes are prewired with telephone jacks in the kitchen and master bedroom, cable or Direct TV in living room and master bedroom, and high-speed Internet access, per plan.

The townhomes are the final phase of homes offered at Block Y, where sales already are exceeding projections. In all, Block Y will feature 256 heavy timber and concrete lofts, mid-rise soft lofts, Skyplexes ™ and new-construction townhomes. Overall prices range from the mid $100,000s to the high $600,000s.

Block Y is next to Skinner Elementary School and across from the police academy and Whitney Young High School, which is rated as one of the top three public high schools in the country.

The award-winning sales center is located at 1330 West Monroe in Chicago's West Loop. Two decorated models are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

For more information on Block Y, telephone (312) 243-8500. Or visit the community's website at www.thrushrealestate.com/blocky.