Design Archives

Highlights Near Optima Verdana®: Green Bay Trail

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Hunter

For Optima Verdana® residents who have a penchant for outdoor activities and scenic views, the Green Bay Trail is a must-visit. This 9-mile asphalt and crushed stone trail runs parallel with Chicago’s Metra commuter rail line and weaves through Kenilworth, Winnetka, and Highland Park. Flanked by eateries, shops, parks, and stunning residences, the trail offers a unique blend of nature and urban vibes for bikers and hikers alike!

What’s especially captivating about the Green Bay Trail is its heritage. It stands on what was once the route of the former Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee electric railroad. Following its path, visitors are essentially retracing the steps of history from downtown Wilmette to Highland Park. Beyond being a route for history buffs, the Trail also provides families with even the youngest of riders a leisurely day out.

While daily commuters use Green Bay Trail to reach Metra stations, tourists and locals frequent it for recreational purposes to access Starting from Wilmette, you might be immediately captivated by the pristine beachfront atmosphere, juxtaposed beautifully with bustling business districts. And if approaching Highland Park on an early summer evening, you might get a glimpse of the euphoric energy emanating from Ravinia®, one of the region’s most celebrated music venues.

Green Bay Trail. Photo Credit: Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

For those looking to extend the adventure, at the Braeside Metra Station, the trail offers a gateway to the Chicago Botanical Gardens via the North Branch Trail. And for those who conclude their journey at the St. John’s Avenue trailhead, they’ll find a slew of amenities like restrooms, playgrounds, and parks, courtesy of the adjacent rail line.

Living at Optima Verdana® isn’t just about unrivaled luxury; it’s about experiencing the richness of the community and embracing the outdoors. So, dive deep into history, bask in nature, or simply hit the Green Bay Trail for an invigorating walk or relaxing ride. No matter the season, weather or time of day, new experiences await each and every time.

Exploring The Oak Park Conservatory

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Hunter

We’re always on the lookout for treasured locales to share with our residents, and today, we’ve struck botanical gold. Allow us to introduce you to the Oak Park Conservatory, a lush oasis that’s steeped in history and teeming with life.

Established in 1914, the Oak Park Conservatory has deep roots, beginning as a modest municipal greenhouse. Over the decades, it has grown both in size and reputation, securing its place as one of the premier historical conservatories in the U.S. What makes this conservatory genuinely enchanting, however, isn’t just its venerable age but the myriad plants in its diverse collection.

Step inside, and you’re immediately transported across varied climates. The Tropical Room surrounds you with the sights and sounds of a vibrant jungle, where banana trees graze the ceiling, and orchids display their intricate beauty. There’s also the Mediterranean Room, a warm escape filled with olive trees and fragrant herbs, evoking images of sunlit European coastlines. For those fascinated by resilient plant species, the Desert Room offers a captivating exploration of cacti and succulents, each telling tales of survival in some of the planet’s harshest terrains.

But the Oak Park Conservatory is more than a visual treat. It’s a hub for education and inspiration. For those with green thumbs or even just a touch of plant curiosity, the conservatory hosts workshops and programs throughout the year, ensuring every visit offers something new and enlightening.

Conservation remains at the heart of the conservatory’s mission. Alongside showcasing the beauty of the plant kingdom, it’s dedicated to the preservation of endangered plant species. By emphasizing sustainable gardening practices, the conservatory underscores the vital relationship we share with our environment.

Desert Room. Photo: Park District of Oak Park

While the interior rooms captivate the senses, the conservatory’s outdoor demonstration gardens shouldn’t be overlooked. These plots are more than just pretty spaces; they serve as living examples of sustainable gardening practices, providing invaluable insights for enthusiasts and casual gardeners alike.

The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory (FOPCON) plays an integral role in the conservatory’s success and vibrancy. This dedicated non-profit organization tirelessly supports the conservatory, championing its value through fundraising, education, and community programs. So, whether you’re a seasoned botanist, a gardening novice, or someone seeking a serene escape, the conservatory promises a journey of discovery. Embrace its rich history, marvel at the beauty of nature, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the botanical world.

Discover The National Museum of Mexican Art

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Hunter

We’re constantly on the hunt for cultural gems to introduce to residents in our communities, so it’s a pleasure to spotlight a cornerstone of Chicago’s vibrant art scene: The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA). Situated in the heart of the Pilsen neighborhood, this museum is a testament to the depth, diversity, and dynamism of Mexican culture.

Founded in 1982 by Carlos Tortolero, NMMA emerged from a vision to represent Mexican, Chicano, and Latino arts and culture. Today, it stands as a bridge between Mexico’s past and the evolving identity of Mexican-Americans in the contemporary U.S.

NMMA’s collection is awe-inspiring, boasting over 10,000 pieces spanning 3,000 years. From ancient artifacts to modern-day masterpieces, every corner of the museum narrates tales of creativity, resilience, and passion. Whether you’re captivated by traditional folk art, contemporary sculpture, intricate textiles, or evocative photography, there’s a narrative waiting for you.

Day of the Dead Exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Photo: Roxy Delgado

One of the standout exhibitions that has become an annual tradition, is the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) showcase. This inspired installation dives deep into the fascinating rituals associated with this revered celebration, presenting art that is reflective and celebratory.

The museum is not just about viewing art; it’s an immersive learning experience. With a host of educational programs, workshops, and guided tours, visitors are invited to explore the contexts, histories, and techniques behind the artworks.

“Somos Pilsen.” Photo Credit: Mateo Zapata

Beyond the art itself, the museum’s location in Pilsen, a neighborhood full of Mexican heritage, enriches the experience. The vibrant murals, local eateries, and community events complement a visit to the museum.

As we admire the modern wonders of Chicago, we also treasure the institutions that ground us in cultural richness. Embark on a journey to the National Museum of Mexican Art, and emerge with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Mexican art and culture. Best of all, admission is always free. Visit Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Noble-Seymour-Crippen House – Chicago’s Oldest Existing Building

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Hunter

Optima® is always thrilled to illuminate the quiet corners that resonate with historical depth. One such gem, tucked away in the Norwood Park neighborhood, is the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House. More than a mere building, this house is a piece of Chicago’s history, a testament to its rich past and the dreams of its earliest settlers.

The Noble-Seymour-Crippen House, with roots tracing back to 1833, is not only older than the City of Chicago itself but also stands as its oldest existing house. Its age, however, isn’t the only characteristic that makes this house noteworthy. Every brick, beam, window and wall, tells a tale of the city’s journey and the individuals who crafted its narrative.

The residence, initially a modest one-story frame farmhouse, was the brainchild of settler and entrepreneur Mark Noble. However, as Chicago burgeoned, so did the house’s grandeur.

By 1868, Thomas Seymour, its new owner, and a prominent member of Chicago’s Board of Trade, transformed it into a sprawling two-story Victorian haven.

Margaret Crippen’s Bedroom. Photo: Norwood Park Historical Society

Yet, the true distinction of the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House lies in its ties to the city’s pioneers: Mark Noble, Thomas Seymour, and the later contributions of the Crippen family. Each influenced Chicago’s burgeoning tapestry. Their legacies, encapsulated within the house’s walls, serve as a living testament to their contributions.

The house, designated a Chicago Landmark in 1987, is the proud home of the Norwood Park Historical Society, where visitors can go on a historical odyssey through Chicago’s early epochs. Its woodwork, decorative elements, and aura transport you back in time, providing a tangible connection to the city’s origins.

For those who enjoy exploration, the Noble-Seymour-Crippen House isn’t merely a landmark; it serves as a journey, a step back in time during the city’s formative years. As we revel in the grand architectural marvels of today, places like this remind us of our city’s foundation. Next time you find yourself longing for a touch of historical elegance, visit the house, and immerse yourself in another page of Chicago’s vibrant story.

Wilmette Spotlight: Wilmette Historical Museum

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Hunter

We believe in grounding our cutting-edge architectural designs in the rich tapestry of history. Which is why we’re always eager to introduce our residents to landmarks that echo the past and cast their influence on modern design. One such treasure nestled in the heart of Wilmette and near Optima Verdana® is the Wilmette Historical Museum.

The Wilmette Historical Museum is more than a mere repository of artifacts and old photographs. It’s another page in the Wilmette village’s history, inviting its visitors to walk through time. Housed in a charming, vintage 1896 building, the museum itself stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of a bygone era. With its Victorian elegance juxtaposed against the modernity of Wilmette’s streetscape, the museum offers a tangible link between past and present.

Upon entering, you’re welcomed by a rich collection of exhibits, each meticulously curated as a panorama of Wilmette’s evolution. From its indigenous origins, through its growth spurred by the railroads, to its transformation into a modern suburb, the museum narrates tales that inspire admiration for those who shaped this beautiful village.

What sets the Wilmette Historical Museum apart is its unique perspective on architecture and urban planning. The exhibits delve into the minds of the architects, town planners, and everyday citizens who dreamed of a thriving, harmonious community. Through sketches, blueprints, and firsthand accounts, the museum provides a deep dive into the principles that influenced Wilmette’s development.

Wilmette Historical Museum Interior, Photo Credit to Wilmette Historical Museum

In the heart of it all is a lesson on balance. How a village, rich in heritage, managed to integrate modernity without sacrificing its soul. How town planners and architects worked in tandem, ensuring that each brick laid or tree planted resonated with Wilmette’s overarching vision.

For our residents with an appreciation for the deep roots from which our contemporary residences spring, a visit to the Wilmette Historical Museum promises a rewarding experience! They’re open Monday-Thursday and Sunday from 1pm-4:30pm.

Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Nancy

At Optima®, we relish the opportunity to immerse our residents in experiences enriched by cultural discovery and aesthetic delight…which is exactly what you can expect when you wander through a captivating wonder nestled in the heart of Chicago – the Garden of the Phoenix.

Situated within the lush expanses of Jackson Park, the Garden of the Phoenix, once known as the Osaka Garden, gracefully expresses the timeless allure of traditional Japanese aesthetics. With a history that dates back to the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, it stands as a picturesque landscape on its own, while also serving as the canvas for cross-cultural dialogue between Japan and the United States.

As global nations joined the Exposition, Japan, in particular, sought to cast an enduring impression in Chicago. And with the inception of the Phoenix Pavillion between 1891-93, the U.S. received its first glimpse of the refined nature of Japanese architecture and landscape design. It even drew the attention of a young Frank Lloyd Wright and served as a revelation in his practice.

In 1935, the land surrounding the Phoenix Pavilion was transformed into a picturesque Japanese strolling garden that harmoniously blended with its surrounding environment. However, the escalating tensions between Japan and the U.S. during World War II took a toll on the garden, which fell into disrepair for decades due to a lack of funding. In 1981, the Chicago Park District completed efforts to restore and reimagine the garden, working with luminary landscape architect Daneji Domoto. Once the work was completed, the garden was renamed ‘Osaka Garden’ to honor Chicago’s sister city relationship with Osaka, Japan, strengthening this unique cross-cultural bridge.

Over the past several decades the garden has enjoyed waves of transformation. In 2013, the garden welcomed a new resident, Skylanding, a mesmerizing art installation by Yoko Ono. With 12 large steel lotus petals rising from the earth, Ono’s vision of peace and harmony came alive, inviting visitors into a unique, multi-sensory encounter.

Yoko Ono's Skylanding — Yoko Ono’s Skylanding sculpture, Jackson Park. Photo: Richard Bartlaga

Today, the Garden of the Phoenix breathes harmony and balance within the energetic pulse of Jackson Park and will be home to the Obama Library. As a symbol of rejuvenation, resilience, and enduring friendship, the garden offers a cherished sanctuary within Chicago’s vibrant cityscape.

Nic Behrends Team Member Spotlight

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Hunter

At Optima®, every individual on our team brings a unique story and perspective that enriches our community. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Nic Behrends, Optima Lakeview’s Leasing Consultant. From a rich background in hospitality to his heartwarming transition into the world of real estate, Nic shares his journey and insights about what makes Optima stand out. Dive in below:

Tell us a bit about your background and the role you play at Optima.

My background is actually not in real estate. I spent over two decades in hospitality during which I also ran a non-profit focused on bartenders for several years. During my time in hospitality, people kept telling me I would be a great real estate agent, so eventually, I was convinced to get my leasing license. I worked as an agent for a couple of years and realized chasing all over town wasn’t my cup of tea and that I would be much happier managing buildings. I learned that I can be an expert in one specific community and get to know the residents instead of grinding through different prospects, and now I’m one of Optima Lakeview’s Leasing Consultants!

How did you first begin your journey at Optima?

I interviewed with Optima and immediately fell in love with the team and how they illuminated the brand for me. Everything I learned about Optima was far more attractive than any of the other properties I had interviewed with, so I knew I had to work here. Everyone encouraged me to be myself and understand how I could bring my true self to the position, and once I was encouraged to bring that person out, sales just started erupting for me. It’s been great to work in a place where I know that I’m not judged because maybe I’m not the most proficient typist or super skilled in Excel, but I can relate to people.

How do you view the concept of community at Optima? How does it differ from other properties/buildings?

It’s unique that with Optima, we are all a part of this community. The fact that I see our chief engineer working out in the gym alongside a resident, sharing tips with each other, or I see another staff member at the pool with his partner exemplifies that we’re not just the staff here, we’re also members of the community, and the residents respect that and treat us as neighbors since we’re all here together. In most of the other communities that I interacted with as a broker, there was always an issue with control or power, and there is usually a disconnect between the residents and the staff. But at Optima, everyone is heard. Residents see that we care about what’s going on in their lives and it makes everything much more warm and happier.

Optima has a unique set of values that differentiates it from other company cultures. How does that affect the quality of your work life? What values matter most to you?

Being bold. It takes a lot to put your true self out there and to let the walls down. And to be in a building that lets me do that has allowed me to progress in my career very rapidly. Becoming not only successful but also happy in this career has come from the opportunities that being bold has given me. All of our work here is done with intent and purpose, so in every action, we’re acting bold. It’s been an amazing opportunity to work with Maike and the team here because everyone truly embodies that value.

What are some things you’ve learned during your time at Optima?

What I’ve learned most here at Optima is that there is a way to do this business that is beneficial to both the property owner and the residents. When you produce a premium building that you can stand behind, you’ve got to be willing to put in the effort and show residents that we’re invested in their lives and are here to help them at all costs. Too often, at other properties, the solution is a rebuttal with a demand that you live with it, and here, we’re always looking for a way to solve problems.

What makes you most proud to be a part of the Optima team?

What I’m most proud of is the fact that I made a huge career change after doing the same thing for 20-plus years and made it into an environment that makes me feel valued. I walk into the most amazing building and am greeted by spectacular residents every morning. I work with a team that is not only going to work as hard or harder than me but also respects me for who I am. I’m over the moon to tell everybody how happy I am here and how proud I am to know I made it onto this team.

Returning to Oak Park: Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Museum

Posted on August 9, 2023August 9, 2023 by Hunter

In the vibrant Chicago suburb of Oak Park, a stone’s throw from the city and not far west from our very own Optima Signature®, sits a landmark of immense literary significance. It’s the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum, an exquisite Victorian home that offers a unique window into the early life of one of America’s most iconic and influential writers, born in 1899. It stands as a testament to the formative years of a writer whose unique style revolutionized 20th-century literature.

The Hemingway Birthplace Museum is not just about the physical space that Hemingway inhabited; it’s also about the ideas and experiences that shaped his work. The Museum brings his Oak Park influences to light, providing context for many of the themes that would later appear in his work.

Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Museum Interior

When you step outside the Museum into the broader community, you’ll encounter the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, another example of the ways in which Oak Park preserves and celebrates its literary heritage.

Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Museum is a splendid representation of the early influences that shaped a literary giant. Its interior spaces immerse you in visual reflections of the beginnings of the writer’s adventurous life, offering a deeper understanding of his work and the man himself. In celebrating Hemingway’s legacy, we are reminded of the timeless power of creativity and the lasting impact of well-crafted design.

Frank Lloyd Wright Home And Studio. Photo: Teemu008

Guided tours of the museum provide visitors with a chance to step back in time and immerse themselves in the ambiance of Hemingway’s childhood. From the bedroom where he was born to the parlors where he might have first spun his tales, every corner of the house offers a unique glimpse into his early life and influences.

Then and Now: The Remarkable Rebirth of the Hotel Adams

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Hunter

At Optima®, we revel in opportunities to explore the layers of architectural history and cultural significance found in the places we reside. In the heart of Phoenix, one structure stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant evolution over time: the Hotel Adams.

The journey for this architectural gem began in 1894, during Arizona’s territorial days, when Phoenix was a city of merely 5,000 residents. Attorney J.C. Adams, a recent arrival from Chicago, sought to enrich the city’s modest accommodations. Leveraging his financial connections, Adams constructed the city’s first luxury hotel, a grand Queen Anne-style building that immediately elevated Phoenix’s stature.

Adams lobby (pictured in 1920) (Photo: McCulloch Brothers Inc. / Arizona State University Libraries)

With balconies, private bathrooms in many rooms, fireplaces for heat, and an innovative cooling system featuring electric fans blowing air over giant ice blocks, the Adams Hotel wasn’t just elegant, but innovative for its time.

In 1910, the Adams Hotel succumbed to a devastating fire, and rose from its ashes as a five-story, Mission Revival-style structure, rebuilt on the same site with fireproof, reinforced concrete. Reopened in time for the statehood celebration in 1912, the Hotel Adams once again became a hub of social, political, and cultural activity.

The Hotel Adams located at Central Avenue and Adams Street,
1960. (Photo: Douglas C. Towne)

From its storied lobby, which housed Arizona’s first commercial radio station, to its altruistic pledge during World War II to always have a room available for servicemen, the Hotel Adams remained a symbol of the city’s community spirit.

As Phoenix evolved, so did Hotel Adams. In 1973, the decision was made to replace the aging building with a modern hotel to support the new Civic Center. The result was the 17-story, 538-room hotel that today is known as the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel. Yet, within its modern shell, the Renaissance Phoenix retains the spirit of the Hotel Adams.

The now Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel

The basement area is a testament to the hotel’s tenacious spirit. Encased by concrete walls poured back in 1910, it’s now home to Melinda’s Alley, a clandestine hangout known for its rotating cocktail menu.

As we celebrate the extraordinary journey of the Hotel Adams, we are continually inspired by such symbols of resilience and reinvention. These architectural narratives speak to the enduring power of creating spaces that carry forward the spirit of evolution, community, and cultural significance. We’re proud to be a part of Arizona’s rich architectural history, and we look forward to the stories yet to be told.

Returning to Oak Park: The Wright House

Posted on July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 by Nancy

When we think of groundbreaking architectural marvels that have shaped modern architecture, one name invariably stands out and is someone we’ve covered before — Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s innovative designs and his unique ability to harmonize architecture with its natural surroundings has left an indelible imprint on our architectural landscape. Optima® is always delighted to spotlight such inspirational landmarks, and as a result, today we turn our attention to a home that was both his creative laboratory and personal residence, the illustrious Wright House in Oak Park.

Just a few miles west from Optima Signature® in the tranquil, leafy Oak Park neighborhood, the Wright House stands as a living testament to Wright’s architectural prowess and visionary genius. Built in 1889 and later expanded in 1895, the Wright House is where the iconic architect began to hone his distinct Prairie Style — an architectural movement characterized by horizontal lines, flat roofs, and structures that seemed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

The exterior of the Wright House is deceivingly simple, a classic embodiment of Wright’s “form follows function” ethos. But it is in the heart of the house, in its interiors, where Wright’s architectural brilliance truly unfolds. The interior spaces exhibit an open floor plan, a then-revolutionary concept that challenged the compartmentalized Victorian architecture norms of the era.

A walk through the home reveals rooms with geometric patterns, intricate woodwork, and natural materials — a signature of Wright’s style. Spaces flow seamlessly into one another, bounded not by walls, but by subtle changes in design and level. One of the house’s most stunning features is the playroom, added during the 1895 expansion. A capacious, light-filled room with vaulted ceilings and a central fireplace, the playroom perfectly illustrates Wright’s ability to design spaces that both foster intimacy and embrace community.

The Wright House is not merely a house; it is a dynamic portrait of Wright’s evolving style and an architectural time capsule preserving the genesis of the Prairie Style that Wright would later perfect. For the 20 years that Wright resided there, it was an experimental platform for his pioneering ideas, and an enduring beacon of his design principles.

As we continue to celebrate the architectural wonders that enrich our world, we’re thrilled to honor the Wright House in Oak Park — a jewel in the crown of American architecture. It stands as a symbol of Wright’s legacy, a shrine to the ideals of organic architecture, and a monument to the innovative spirit that fuels progress.

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Tag: Design