Client Testimonial: Alcove Chicago
Creating a serene, intimate living space in the midst of the city is no small feat, but Alcove Wicker Park does it with ease. Matt Havey, Managing Director at Vermilion Development, details how Alcove created a haven in Wicker Park, arguably one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods.
What was the initial vision for Alcove, and how has the building come to fulfill that vision?
Our initial vision for Alcove was to provide luxury condominiums in one of Chicago’s most unique neighborhoods — with direct proximity to the best retail, shopping and dining — but at a much more affordable price than other new construction projects. We also started out with an emphasis on space, including generous internal and external spaces.
The building has fulfilled that vision wonderfully. The site used to be an oddly-shaped parking lot with no street-frontage; that was one of the most unique and challenging aspects of the lot, but we saw it as a benefit to residents. It provides a central location to the intersection of Division, Milwaukee and Ashland, but also provides residents some respite from the noise and clamour of the city. That’s why we named it Alcove; it really is an urban retreat.
Alcove Wicker Park — as the name implies — is a nook of privacy in the midst of a bustling, busy neighborhood. What kind of planning went into creating a sense of retreat?
On top of embracing the quirks of the lot itself, we structured the site so the residents will have pedestrian access to some of the best spots in Wicker Park. It’s remarkably accessible, while also retaining a sense of privacy. The residences are spacious compared to the average around Chicago, and each unit in the building has a beautiful outdoor terrace. The acoustic and thermal insulation is top-of-the-line, creating a peaceful, quiet and comfortable living experience. Every detail is carefully considered to give residents the best of both worlds.
What are some of the most exciting features of Alcove that set it apart from other residential buildings?
Alcove is luxury new construction at a more affordable price point, especially considering its location. We designed the building extremely efficiently, but we didn’t cut any corners in providing a thoughtful design. We integrated some fantastic community spaces, including a roof deck with amazing views of downtown and a central courtyard with green space. As it relates to the neighborhood, it has pedestrian access to Milwaukee and Division, and really fuses the two streets together.
What are some of the highlights of the neighborhood? What should potential residents know about Wicker Park?
Wicker Park is full of world-class food and drink options. You have Michelin star restaurants, the hottest bars and tons of patios. The green space of Wicker Park is just down the street. You have easy access to the Blue line, so the airport and downtown are simple commutes. Wicker Park boasts a really diverse gathering of people and mindsets, and it’s that melting pot that has made Wicker Park a creative, lively and interesting place to be.
To learn more about Alcove Wicker Park or for inquiries, check out their website.