Northgate Crossing apartments await the expanding suburb of Wheeling

Read article : Northgate Crossing apartments await the expanding suburb of Wheeling

The long-anticipated Wheeling Town Center, a mixed-use activity hub on the south side of Dundee Road, is expected to break ground this fall. When completed a movie theater, restaurants and retailers will neighbor the 100-acre Heritage Park and aquatic center as well as a Metra train station.

Within walking distance on the north side of the road is Northgate Crossing apartments. The new 288-unit, low-rise rental community will be wrapping up its construction about the time the town center gets started.

"Wheeling isn't an area people think of right away, but it's up-and-coming," said Northgate Business Manager Jillion Volz. "We're just a little earlier than everything is popping up."

Northgate Crossing is being developed by Reva Development Partners and built by Kinzie Builders. Lincoln Property Residential is managing the community.

The residents, who began arriving late December, tend to be either young professionals or empty nesters. They are drawn to the corporate offices in the area, nearby North Shore attractions and easy access to highways and the train route.

The younger residents often are establishing themselves in careers before they buy a home while the older ones may have sold theirs, said Matt Nix, principal at Reva.

"We provide kind of a transitional housing option to or from a single-family home while people make their next housing decision," he said.

"Our price point is a little lower than that of the surrounding communities," Volz said.

Surrounded by a mature landscape, Northgate Crossing is set back from the traffic on Dundee Road. Nine three-story elevator buildings are interspersed amid a clubhouse and retention pond. Each building is entered via a secure foyer.

Six floor plans are offered: four with one bedroom and one bath, and two with two bedrooms and two baths. One of the one-bedroom plans also has a den.

Residents have a choice of two color combinations: white cabinetry with dark counters and flooring or espresso cabinets and medium-hued counters and flooring. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, in-unit clothes washers and dryers, window blinds, closet shelving systems and lever door handles are standard. Vinyl plank flooring and cream-colored carpeting is per plan. Bathrooms have white subway tile surrounds and ceramic tile floors. All units have either a patio or balcony.

The largest two-bedroom apartment is the 1,212-square-foot Edison. A second-floor model opens to a foyer with a built-in art niche on one side and a laundry closet on the other. A great room has spaces allocated for sitting, formal dining and food preparation. The U-shaped kitchen has breakfast seating along one counter. An alcove with upper and lower cabinets can serve as a dry bar or buffet and hutch combo.

The two bedrooms and baths are at opposite sides of the apartment. The master suite has walk-in and linen closets and a bath with oversized shower and comfort-height dual vanities. The second bath, which is adjacent to the guest bedroom, has an extra-deep tub.

A circular drive fronts the clubhouse, where lounge seating, flat-screen television, pool table, two-way fireplace and full kitchen invite residents to spend their leisure hours. A business center provides computers and printer. The 24-hour fitness center has cardio and weight-training equipment. The media room has an extra-large flat-screen TV and theater-style lounge chairs; it can be rented for private viewings. Wi-Fi is complimentary in the clubhouse and pool area.

Outdoor amenities include swimming pool and sun deck, locker rooms with showers, bocce ball court, grilling station, fire pit and dog park.

Northgate Crossing is pet-friendly, although restrictions apply. Three buildings are pet-free.

Pamela Dittmer McKuen is a freelance writer.

Northgate Crossing

250 Northgate Parkway, Wheeling; ,847-947-2717 andwww.northgatewheeling.com

Apartments: Prices based on availability and subject to change. One-bedroom, 696 to 873 square feet, from $1,475; one-bedroom with den, 883 square feet, from $1,675; two-bedroom, 1190 to 1212 square feet, from $1,965.

Lease terms: 12- and 15-month leases. Application fee $50; administration fee $450; no security deposit.

Renter's insurance: $50,000 liability required minimum.

Utilities: Resident pays all utilities.

Parking: Open parking is free. Private garages available for $125 to $170 a month.

Pets: Two pets per apartment. Size and breed restrictions apply. Pet fees are $250 one-time and $20 monthly per pet. Three buildings are pet-free.

Smoking policy: Smoke-free.

Amenities: Resident clubhouse with lounge seating, flat-screen television, fire place, full kitchen, pool table, business center, fitness center and theater room. Outdoor swimming pool with sundeck, grilling station, bocce ball court and fire pit. Complimentary Wi-Fi in clubhouse and pool area. Dog park. Open parking, although private garages with inside access are available at additional cost. Apartments are furnished with vinyl plank flooring and carpeting per plan, in-unit clothes washer and dryer, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, walk-in closets, window blinds and key fob access. Patios and balconies are per plan.

Close to municipal services, Interstate 294 and Route 53. Metra train station across Dundee Road offers weekday-only service on the North Central Line.