The Making of a Legend

For over 20 years, Developer Paul Stanley had his offices at the corner of Huron and State. He watched the area change over time and he loved the fact that it maintained its neighborhood feeling even though it was in such close proximity to the excitement and action of Michigan Avenue.

"I thought how great it would be to live right here," Paul says. "I'd have virtually everything Chicago has to offer at my feet – I could walk to everything!"

The only problem he had was that although there are many residential buildings to choose from in the area, in his mind they were all pretty much the same – large buildings with large numbers of people.

"Don't get me wrong, I love people. I just don't want to live with that many people in one building…it's not exactly my idea of a 'home', he says.

So he started thinking…and planning…and 7 years ago he began his journey to build his dream home, a home he could share with others who appreciates the advantages of a small, high quality condominium building in the perfect location.

Paul owned one brownstone at 8 East Huron, clearly not big enough to build any kind of condo development. He had two options – purchase the brownstone to his west, which had recently been purchased and rehabbed by its new owners for their business (not a very likely prospect) or purchase the brownstone to his east – which housed the Ukrainian Consulate.

The Ukrainian Consulate seemed like a better possibility. After two years of helping the consulate find another location, sending emissaries to Kiev and more, Paul had the option to purchase the site – and started planning his dream home.

After interviewing 7 architects, Paul selected Solomon, Cordwell & Buenz. "They are simply the best architects and understand luxury living in Chicago. They also understood my dream," he says.

As he began to move forward, the building to his west became available, so he snapped it up and changed his plans to include all three parcels. He submitted his plans to the city and went through the initial zoning procedures. But then Paul came to the realization that if he used all three parcels of land, he would be forced to build much larger and higher to recoup his investment – and big was not what he wanted. In his mind less was more, so he gave up his option on the Consulate property and moved forward with the smaller, better situated parcel of land.

Over the next few years, Paul had to overcome obstacle after obstacle – from city zoning changes to re-sizing – but he never lowered his sights or gave up on his vision. And today, The Huron is finally a reality. Paul has put together a dream team to build his dream home. He's found the best architects, builders and general contractors; then he teamed them up with marketing and sales savvy to fine-tune the condo layouts, building features and amenities. Key to the project's development are marketing and project Director Aleatha Hoff who heralds from a long-term successful career at J.Walter Thompson and Managing Sales Broker Tricia Fox, Keller Williams' #1 Midwest Realtor/Broker.

As Paul puts it, "I've designed and I am building a home in one of the best locations Chicago has to offer. To have all the amenities my heart desires, I'm redefining the standard of excellence in finishes .And I'm pricing this limited edition gem very competitively so I can sell-out quickly and finally move into my dream home."

He tells everyone to take a look at the competitive market, as the more they see, they'll agree how special The Huron truly is.

Limited Edition Residence Has It All

One look at The Huron and you'll know this magnificent condominium building is in a class by itself. For one thing, it has only 28 stories,47 residences, and 74 parking spaces – an amazing achievement in the high-density area adjacent to North Michigan Avenue.

Fewer Units
While the other buildings in the vicinity are like mini cities with up to 400 units, this one actually feels like home – where you know all your neighbors, the doorman knows your name, and you don't have to wait to use the equipment or the pool in the private health club. And with today's hectic lifestyles when you come home that's what it should be…a home.

It all starts when you enter the warm, inviting lobby that says, "Welcome home," every time you arrive; nothing cold or high-tech here. Instead, rich woods and classic furniture surround an elegant 19th century marble fireplace, providing a cozy place for residents and guests to gather and greet each other.

From the lobby, two high-speed elevators whisk you up to your home. There is a maximum of three units per floor, many have just two units and the 24th through 26th floors are full floor units. When you enter your home, you'll be surrounded by graciously designed rooms with minimum 10-foot ceilings, expansive terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows with open urban views. Fortunately The Huron just happens to be positioned where there are no high-rise buildings to block the vistas this beautiful city provides – wait until you see the sunsets!

Platinum and Gold Finishes
The Huron is truly in a league of its own. It has exclusive, top of the line finishes – from hardwood floors in the main living areas and designer grade carpeting in the bedrooms, to 9-foot solid core doors and frosted glass sliding doors. From elegant kitchens with Italian Febar or Quattro Linea cabinets, granite, glass, stainless or stone countertops and commercial quality appliances to magnificent master baths that are designed after a 5-star Asian hotel, with floating double sinks, mirrors masking hidden plasmas, under mount Zen spa tubs, doorless walk in body rain forest showers, radiant heated floors and towel bars – and more.

Uncommon Amenities
There are unique amenities, unexpected in a boutique, limited edition highrise. From the glamorous lobby to the green Zen roof garden, the areas you will share with your neighbors are as unique and luxurious as the finishes you hand-picked for your individualized, personal home.

Off the lobby you'll find a enclosed garage with deeded parking spaces, secure indoor bicycle storage, and a covered doggy run for those rainy days or cold winter nights when neither you nor your dog want to go out. The doggy run is also very private, so it won't infringe on your "dogless" neighbors.

On the top floor of the building is a private health club complete with steam room, changing rooms, and a year round pool and deck surrounded by fabulous views. When you really want to get away from it all, you'll find a Zen contemplation garden on the rooftop as well as grills for cooking out, and a spacious, year 'round hot tub where you can luxuriate and watch the sunset in the heart of the city.

The Huron is an exclusive residence in a stellar location, with unlimited luxury but a limited number of units. Nothing like it will ever be built again – certainly not at this value. And when its 47 units are gone…so is the opportunity to live in what is truly a neighborhood community in the heart of the Gold Coast of Chicago.

A Piece of History to Warm Your Heart
Enter the front door of The Huron, and the first thing you'll see is a magnificent marble fireplace. The fireplace has been on this site since the 1800's and we thought it should stay here for another hundred years. That's why we polished it up and made it the center of attention. Then we surrounded it with comfortable furniture, warm fabrics and rich woods to make our lobby a warm and welcoming home.

A View From the Top
More and more cities these days are talking about the "greening" of their rooftops. But no one has done it quite like The Huron. We've topped this building with a Zen Contemplation Garden that is truly an oasis in the sky. Far above the hustle and bustle of the city, you can walk along paths surrounded by cool, green foliage and colorful flowers that change to fit the seasons. Sit on comfortable benches, relieve stress in the hot tub while you watch the stars come out, or cook on the shared outside grills while enjoying a view of Chicago's skyline. The Huron offers a rooftop getaway that rises above the rest.

Neighborhood Walk
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality – and we've found a great one at Huron and State. It's hard to believe an area so close to the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue could have such an unhurried, neighborhood feeling…but it does.

Walk out your front door and you'll find yourself on a quiet, tree-lined street that's within walking distance of anything – from everyday necessities like groceries and cleaning, to fine restaurants, theatre, parks, churches or synagogues, and more.

Within a block in any direction, get a massage or facial, get your hair cut and your nails done. Catch a movie in one out of 23 theatres within walking distance. Head north two short blocks to catch the El to – well, anywhere!

To the south you'll find a wide variety of shopping options, including Trader Joe's, White Hen, Jewel and a 24-hour Walgreen's. And to the west are Whole Foods, Blockbuster, a bank and dry cleaners to make Saturday errands easy and fun.

Go east one block and you'll find the site proposed for the new world class Canyon Ranch Spa, which is just steps away from Michigan Avenue with all the elegant shops, hotels and restaurants that the Magnificent Mile has to offer. Walk a little further and you're at the beautiful Chicago lakefront with its beaches and parks.

There are a host of restaurants and hotels in the neighborhood, from L'apetito's to Bijon to the 5-star Peninsula Hotel. You'll also find plenty of art galleries and museums nearby as well as a synagogue and several churches, including Holy Name and St. James Cathedrals. And when guests come to visit, they'll find plenty of parking at nearby garages – next door or across the street from your building.

Want to travel a little further a-field? Just walk two blocks and catch a train to the airport or to a ball game. Hail a cab and you'll be at Navy Pier or Grant Park in minutes – where you can enjoy a concert or Taste of Chicago without worrying about traffic and parking.

Or simply sit outside at the café on the ground floor of The Huron, and enjoy the sites and sounds of this beautiful neighborhood.

They say that location is one of the most important considerations in real estate investment, but it's even more important when you're looking for a limited edition exclusive place to call home. And you won't find a more comfortable, convenient neighborhood than Huron and State.