Optima, Inc., a design-driven real estate developer, announced that its construction team has completed Optima Verdana, a luxury six-story, 100-unit apartment building located at 1210 Central Ave. in Wilmette, Illinois, Chicago’s North Shore. Pre-leasing will start in May, with move-ins starting in July. Optima has also installed the striking glass exterior panels on the first and second floors. Facade work continues up the building. The glass on the first three floors of the building is bird-friendly. It has a subtle pattern that helps birds avoid it. This aligns with Optima’s commitment to sustainability. When the leasing gallery opens in April, a model apartment and the building’s first-floor amenities, including a pickleball/basketball court and sports lounge, will be completed and available for tours.
Optima Verdana will offer one-, two and three-bedroom apartments measuring an average of 1,499 square foot. This allows residents to have more flexibility for their changing lifestyles. The boutique building will also include 8,000 square feet street-level retail space and a plaza with an original eight-foot sculpture created by David Hovey Sr, FAIA, CEO of Optima.
Inspired by the word verdure (meaning lush, green vegetation), Optima Verdana is the Chicago-area debut for Optima’s latest evolution of its signature vertical landscaping system. It was originally developed in Arizona and modified to adapt to the four seasons of the Midwest. Optima Verdana plants, which will be a first in Chicago for the developer, will remain green all year and be maintained by Optima’s property management team. The drainage and irrigation system, which is self-contained, promotes evaporative cooling, reduces dust and pollution, and retains stormwater.
Optima verdana will embrace a 360-degree sustainability approach from start to finish. The Green Globes(r), an alternative to LEED, is being used to build the building. It will be awarded two Green Globes(r). This certification promotes lower energy and water consumption and maximizes residents’ health and wellness benefits. Optima Verdana is not only built with green concrete but also uses a highly efficient VRF heating/cooling mechanical system. This makes it sustainable. Optima also took the bold step of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by equipping residences with energy-efficient and environmentally friendly induction cooktops as well as outdoor electric grills.
The seventh-floor skydeck, which will open in July with the second floor, will offer stunning views and a variety of health and wellness amenities. These include a heated, enclosed lap pool with retractable glass walls that opens onto the sundeck, a spa and sauna, barbecues and herb gardens, bocce court, firepits, lounge areas, a party room with a chef’s kitchen, residents’ club, and a game room.
Indoor amenities will include a pickleball/basketball court; fitness center with cardio and strength-training equipment, plus free weights with complimentary towel service; a yoga room and massage room; golf simulator and sports lounge with large screen TVs; children’s play area; pet park and spa; library lounge; and multiple work-from-home spaces, including conference rooms and a business center. Wi-Fi is available in all amenity areas and residents can choose from multiple data providers. Yoga and mindfulness, Pilates, high intensity interval training (HIIT), water aerobics, and personal training will all be part of the fitness programming.
Optima Verdana residents can enjoy additional convenience through Optima’s trademark Optimized Service(r), which includes white glove, in home package delivery, grocery delivery, and plant watering. Optima Verdana residents can also schedule on-demand services via the mobile app. These include housekeeping, pet care and virtual personal assistants, fitness classes, private chefs, on-site massage, and more. Optima Connect(r), which offers exclusive discounts at local restaurants and retailers, enhances residents’ lives.
Optima Verdana, which is located across Green Bay Road from Wilmette Metra commuter station, is ideal for North Shore commuters. It has 176 parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations.