University Commons, developed by the Enterprise Companies, includes six, terra-cotta-clad, three-story warehouse buildings, that for over 75 years served as the city's main wholesale produce market. they are now being preserved and renovated as part or a new residential community. Comprising five city blocks on the near west side, just south of the University of Illinois at Chicago campus, University Commons will feature 850 loft residences when complete, including an additional fourth level allowing both single-story, penthouse and duplex home configurations.

"We really have been off to a spectacular start with the first two buildings over 85 percent sold," says Ron Shipka, Jr., principal of The Enterprise Companies. "The high sales we've seen just confirm what we already knew about this great Chicago location and the unparalleled offerings of University Commons."

There are an extensive assortment of available floorplans at University Commons. Two-bedroom units featured in building three offer a choice of one or two baths and range from 817 square feet to 1,397 square feet of living space. Pricing for these homes starts in the low $200s. Three-bedroom plans offer 1.234 to 1,747 square feet and include two baths. Prices begin in the $320s and delivery for these homes is schedules for fall 2006.

Previously used as warehouse, the University Commons buildings are comprised of expansive, open spaces. now converted into contemporary loftstyle residences, these homes offer residents interior livability, with features such as 24-foot widths, ceiling heights up to 12 feet and 10-foot panoramic windows that let in natural light and downtown views. Additionally, home offices are conveniently incorporated in almost every residence.

"University Commons homes illustrate a new era of loft living with soaring heights and floor-toceiling windows," says Shipka. "These are not long and narrow floorplans."

Shipka adds that the creative design and convenient location of these homes are attracting a diverse mix of buyers. "We've had parents purchase a unit for their undergraduate son or daughter, turning their child's education into an investment for themselves. Additionally, a lot of young, first-time buyers and couples looking to move up are making University Commons their new home."

University Commons residences incorporate 17-foot balconies, private patios up to 24 feet wide or 15-foot rooftop decks atop duplex homes. All courtyard-facing homes open onto a botanical garden with mature trees, colorful flowers, and garden seating. Spanning three acres, the courtyards bestow residents with their own private park.

Offering an additional place to kick back and relax is "The Club at University Commons." Designed exclusively for residents and their guest, "The Club" features an outdoor pool with sundeck as well as an outdoor barbeque patio. Inside "The Club", residents can take advantage of the theater room, which includes a large projection screen and a state-of-the-art surround sound system, perfect for entertaining.

Bordered by Chicago's most interesting ethnic neighborhoods, University Commons is the ideal home for the urban connoisseur eager to explore the city. Residents can peruse through a Chinese grocery store filled with a variety of exotic ingredients, explore fascinating Little Italy or stroll through the highly regarded Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum in Pilsen, Chicago's oldest Mexican community.

Public transportation, including Metra, is convenient, and expressway access just four blocks away makes every part of the metropolitan are easily accessible from this community.

To reach the center, exit I-90/94 at Roosevelt, head west to Morgan Street and go south two blocks on Morgan to the University Commons sales center located at 1000 West 14th Street. The center is open daily 12 to 5 p.m. For more information, please call (312) 243-1200 or visit the web site at www.ucommons.com.