The village of Wilmette, Illinois has given Optima, Inc. final approval for a mixed-use development of 109 luxury apartments and street-level retail at 1210 Central Avenue. Optima plans to break ground in late 2021 with project completion slated for 2023.

“Thanks to the support and shared vision of Wilmette’s leaders, we’re excited to be back in the North Shore developing our newest project,” said Optima CEO, David C. Hovey Sr., FAIA. In 2010, the firm completed the 660-unit Optima Old Orchard Woods condominium development in nearby Skokie, Illinois that overlooks the Harms Woods Forest Preserve and Interstate 94, one of the firm’s 20 North Shore projects.

Designed by Hovey, the new Wilmette development will feature 109 luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom rental units and more than 8,000 square feet of commercial space at street level, along with 28 parking spaces available for public use. Select units will have large, private terraces. Building residents will have access to a rooftop sky deck and pool, residential courtyard, a suite of amenities and 173 parking spaces, including some electric vehicle charging stations.

Floors one through three will use bird-friendly glass. Other sustainable features include Optima’s innovative vertical landscaping system that it has perfected at its Arizona communities. The Wilmette system will include self-containing irrigation and drainage and be complemented with hand-selected plants that will stay green year-round—even during the most extreme weather conditions. Optima is committed to earning Green Globes Certification for sustainable construction practices for the building

“As with each project we design and build, we’re very careful to ensure the buildings respect their environment and have a positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood,” said Hovey. “This development will be no different, as not only will it deliver the size of homes and amenities residents in Wilmette want, but the exterior design will feature our signature vertical landscaping system and public art component that will enhance the downtown community’s energy and aesthetic.”

Hovey will design an original, 8-foot-tall sculpture near the building’s entry as a public art piece. Optima will also install benches near the sculpture for passers-by to enjoy the space.

The final approval of the Wilmette building comes on the heels of Optima starting construction on Optima Lakeview, its new mixed-use, transit-oriented development of 198 apartments and street-level retail at 3460 N. Broadway in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, which is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

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