1915 N. Damen is a newly constructed mixed-use property by Attila and Katalin Demeter, Demeter Building Workshop LLC. It is oriented around an oval courtyard.
Here are the highlights of the residential 2009 Good Neighbor Awards (for a list of commercial, retail and other mixed-use winners and honorable mentions: http://www.chicagorealtor.com/):
620-622 E. 42nd St.: The award went to Helen Nelson, owner of Mansion View Development. Over the decades, the vacant lots filled with trash, drug paraphernalia and abandoned cars. Despite the challenge of the smaller-than-average lot size (which made the residences narrower and shorter than most), "these two once-dangerous and unsightly vacant lots were transformed into town homes that reflect the history and feel of Bronzeville," CAR judges said.
Revelation Pointe, 1413 East 68th St.: Eugene Love and Brenda Vance of Revelation Pointe LLC won the award for their 44-unit development of single-family homes and two-flats.
2740 W. Armitage: This location, once occupied by vacant buildings plagued with crime and squatters, is now Armitage Square, a "great 50-unit condo building that has brought new neighbors to the Bucktown/Logan Square area and support to the local community," CAR judges said. The winner was Brant Booker of Pitch Development.
4112 N. Claremont: Robert J. Kinsloe of R. James Kinsloe Inc. won for replacing an unkempt frame two-flat with a new single-family home that blends with the neighborhood's existing architecture.
3218 N. Damen: Ronan Investors LLC won the award for his property in Roscoe Village. An abandoned residential two-flat was replaced with a new-construction six-unit condo building.
9128 S. Harper: The new construction single-family home was once a garbage-filled vacant lot. It now features an efficient home featuring bamboo flooring, stainless steel appliances, a Jacuzzi, a separate steam shower and a terrace. The winner was Rea Johnson of The Green House Association.
6613 S. Kimbark: The winner, Stonemason Group LLC, won for the building of five new condo units.
2243 W. Lyndale: Peter Dinneen of Hibernian Development LLC won the award for a new single-family home.
ParkView Condominiums at River East, 505 N. McClurg: The tower's 268 residential units and two retail spaces were completed in April 2008. A two-acre park sits above a four-level underground parking structure. The River East Art Park, designed to reflect the varying landscapes of the Midwest, includes landscaping, angular pedestrian paths, a fountain and various seating areas. "This project brought open green space to a neighborhood historically known for parking lots and industrial facilities," CAR said. The winner was Daniel McLean of MCL Companies.
1915 N. Damen: Attila and Katalin Demeter, Demeter Building Workshop LLC, won for this new construction development. The mixed-use property is oriented around an oval-shaped landscaped courtyard.
The Fountain View, 2326 W. Giddings: Brad Leibov and Ben Ranney of Terra Firma Co. won for this mixed-use development featuring 18 condos and retail space. "The development complements the historic character of the neighborhood while minimizing environmental impact," CAR judges said.
Bosworth Flats, 1501 N. Bosworth: The owner, Bosworth Flats LLC, won for the renovation of the formerly dilapidated property into 11 new condos. The three-story building was built in 1896.
2147 W. Caton: This vintage home, built in 1905, was restored by winners Jason and Katie Jones. The renovation incorporates a lot of the original home's charm, with exposed wood floors, refinished doors, and leaded glass windows, CAR said. The back yard was left untouched, as it was paved with original stones from Wacker Drive.
Estes Villas, 2641-43 W. Estes: This Tudor-style courtyard building was renovated into 16 condos. The winner was Vince Tan of Architrends Enterprise. "Once the site of neglect and crime, the building's exterior now features a stone bench and two lampposts that welcome visitors and residents," CAR said.
Foster Manor, 3115-23 W. Foster: Blending old and new, the 31-unit renovated condominium preserves its original vintage charm while providing occupants with updated amenities, CAR said. The red-brick, courtyard-style building features residences with original hardwood floors and woodwork as well as modern kitchens and bathrooms. The winner is Vince Tan, Architrends Enterprise.
1714 W. Grace: Prior to renovation, this building was in poor shape, with a roof on the verge of collapse. It was renovated into 12 condos by Grrmitage LLC, the winner.
7446-48 N. Hoyne: John Bajerski of the Meridian Realty Group won for the renovation of this vintage building into seven condos. The building was built in the 1930s. After this renovation, CAR judges said "neighbors began to upgrade their buildings' appearances. The impact was significant."
1256 S. Independence: The winner was Anthony Oliver of Community Venture Investment Corp. The renovation of the 18-unit apartment building in Lawndale is part of the Lawndale Restoration Project, which placed about 1,200 units of affordable housing in the hands of developers. The gut rehab included the replacement or addition of all systems, floors, walls and entryways.
1908-14 N. Kimball: John Brauc of Checkmate Realty won for the renovation of this 26-unit apartment building into affordable residences. "This project has become a well sought-after housing option for low- to moderate-income residents in Logan Square," CAR judges said.
4055 N. Wolcott: Previously plagued by a dirty exterior, unsightly trash and weeds, this property was restored to nine condominiums that "the neighborhood could be proud of," CAR said. The winner is 4055 N. Wolcott LLC.
Three homes in Dolton: These properties were among many foreclosures in declining areas in Dolton, CAR judges said. The three homes were rehabbed with "exceptional work and craftsmanship." The winner is Eric V. Fullilove of KCI Construction Management LLC. Homes are at: 14319 S. Kimbark; 14742 S. Michigan and 15327 Sunset.
