The Thrush Companies is off to a running sales start at Block Y, their new $70 million community of 256 loft condominiums and town homes, 27,000 square feet of retail space and a 355-stall parking garage.

On the heels of the successful sellout of Block X, another Thrush community two blocks east, Block Y has 40 contracts in hand for the first phase of 65 Heavy Timber Lofts.

According to David Chase, a principal of The Thrush Companies, people have purchased on the basis of construction drawings. "But once they see Block X, they get a sense of the kind of quality product we build," he added.

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 $120,000 to $250,000 (all prices are subject to change without notice).

The balance of the building mix calls for Skyplexes™.

 If you ‘re looking for a definition of Skyplex™, don’t bother to reach for Webster. The word, as joined by David Chase, is a hybrid between "Sky" and "duplex."

"A Skyplex™ is our trademark name for two levels of luxury living in the sky," said Chase.

Skyplexes™ can be found in two of the four buildings at Block Y. Prices for the sixteen Skyplexes™ to be built at Block Y will range from $280,000 to $425,000. Prices for prime corner locations spanning 2,500 to 3,000 square feet start at $625,000.

According to Chase, each Skyplex™ will have a spectacular and unobstructed view of the Chicago skyline, courtyard and Skinner Park. Standard Skyplex™ features include an abundance of windows, soaring ceilings, private outdoor rooftop garden and deck, separate balcony, hardwood floors, upgraded tiles and an upgraded appliance package.

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

"Our buyers are professionals who enjoy the vibrant tempo of city living. But that doesn’t mean they want to bring the hectic urban pace and congestion home with them," said Chase. By providing abundant landscaping in our courtyards at Block Y, we have created a tranquil environment that separates their professional world from their private lives."

But when residents crave entertainment and excitement, they have to look no further than their immediate neighborhood that is fast becoming a magnet for art galleries, fine restaurants and specialty shops. And shopping on State Street, the Civic Opera House, Grant Park and the

City's vibrant new Theater District is all just minutes away. Block Y is also next to Skinner Elementary School and across the street from Whitney Young High School, rated as one of the top three public high schools in the country.

Sales are being conducted from the Block Y sales center at 1330 W. Monroe St. Furnished models will open on May 21st. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. For more information call 312-243-8500.