The design center at Block Y has opened, offering buyers convenient, one-stop shopping for their new homes' interior appointments.

Being developed by The Thrush Companies, Block Y is an award-winning community of lofts, soft lofts, Skyplexes™ and townhomes located in Chicago's burgeoning West Loop.

According to John DiIulio, sales associate, Block Y's on-site design center arose from Thrush's desire to help buyers create the homes of their dreams. Materials on display are some of the most up-to-date and sought-after amenities on the market today.

"Basically, we showcase what our particular population of buyers want, instead of offering the world" he said. "By condensing the information and not bombarding buyers with unlimited options, we're making it easier for them to make a decision and commit to it."

Exhibited at the Block Y design center are standard features such as cabinet choices, faucet and hardware styles, carpeting and tile samples, countertop colors, and lighting fixtures. Also on display are the myriad of options and upgrades available for Block Y's homes. For example, buyers can choose from eight levels of tile, alone. They can review an entire book of appliances and pick from more than 10 levels of carpet samples and six levels of upgraded cabinetry, as well. Additionally, shown are a wide variety of counter tops, including hot items such as concrete and decorative glass -- new offerings for Thrush -- as well as Corian, marble and granite. Plumbing fixtures range from standard Moen to options such as Kohler.

While Thrush attempts to predict the needs and demands of its buyers at Block Y, the company also realizes that consumers' tastes change. Therefore, it works with many of the same vendors at several of its communities, which means that if a Block Y customer wants something not on display in the design center, Thrush can usually attain that product. Thrush also will eliminate items that are not selling or add products that become high in demand.

The vast array of available features at Block Y is impressive, said DiIulio. As a result, it takes most people at least two visits to finalize their choices. Young couples, for instance, often go home and talk things over before making final decisions. DiIulio meets as often as needed with each client, but typical selections can be made within the first two visits, with additional communication via phone and fax, he said.

In general, the selections process follows a two-tier scheme, he said.

"First, I sit down with the buyer to find out about their initial ideas and thoughts. I help them think about their big-ticket selections early in the construction process so we don't delay production," he explained. "Once we have the major decisions out of the way, we can concentrate on color selections and choices that have less of an impact on the construction schedule."

A high-end buyer generally requires more than two visits because he tends to have more custom alterations. The more elaborate the changes, the more meetings required between DiIulio and the customer.

"We do allow buyers to customize interiors, and we can revise electrical needs or add more carpentry work when necessary," he said. "In these situations, we sit down with the customer and review their ideas, then we run plan revisions through an architect and our construction superintendent for design and pricing. This is referred to as Level II upgrades and essentially approaches interior design services."

DiIulio estimates that buyers spend an average of 10 percent of their homes' purchase price on options and upgrades. Most people, he said, focus their attention and their dollars on the kitchen and baths. Hot items right now at Block Y are concrete and granite tops , stainless steel appliances, decorative glass, and hardwood flooring.

Block Y opened in February 1999 and to date, more than 160 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 include 255 heavy timber and concrete lofts, soft lofts in a mid-rise condominium building, Skyplexes ™ and luxury townhomes. Current prices range from the mid $100,000s to the low $600,000s.

Sales for the final phase, which features 33 spacious townhomes, now are underway with construction scheduled to begin on the model in April. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in the fall of 2000 and spring of 2001. 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 railing 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 ponds. 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.

Sales also are going strong for Phase III, which includes the former Bee Bindery Building. The structure features a new four-story steel and masonry addition to the existing concrete loft construction. In all, 46 units, including 32 soft lofts and 14 concrete lofts, will be available in the six-story structure. Plans offer 832 to 1,657 square feet of living space, one to three bedrooms, and one to three baths.

In Phase II, Thrush is building 111 concrete lofts. Homes 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. The new six-story structure also has a 355-stall parking garage and 27,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Marketing will begin early next year for an ideal tenant.

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 between Building III and the townhomes provides even more outdoor open space within the community.

Block Y is directly across the street from Skinner Park, 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. "Virtual tours" of two concrete loft units and one soft loft are available on the computer in the sales center.

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