optima signature Archives - Page 2 of 5

Yoko Ono’s – Skylanding

Posted on August 30, 2023March 6, 2024 by Hunter

At Optima®, we celebrate the fusion of art, culture, and community as much as we cherish the design and aesthetics of our residences. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on a powerful symbol of peace, resilience, and cultural exchange that stands proudly in our home city – Skylanding, the first permanent public art installation in the Americas by the internationally acclaimed artist and peace activist, Yoko Ono.

Situated in the heart of the Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park, Chicago, Skylanding is not only a remarkable work of art; it is a tribute to the spirit of harmony and renewal. Ono’s creation comprises twelve towering steel lotus petals that appear to have gracefully landed, or are just landing, on earth from the sky. The imagery of the petals, reaching between nine and twelve feet high, masterfully uses the symbolic meaning of the lotus – purity and rebirth – to convey a powerful message.

Skylanding is as rich in history as it is in symbolism. Its site is where the Phoenix Pavilion, a gift from Japan to Chicago during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, once stood. The pavilion, sadly lost to arson in 1946, left behind a vacant space that has been transformed into a beacon of hope and peace through Ono’s artwork. In her words, Skylanding is “a place where the sky and earth meet and create a seed to learn about the past and come together to create a future of peace and harmony, with nature and each other.”

Sky Landing by Yoko Ono, North Side of Wooded Island. Photo: Raed Mansour, Flickr Creative Commons

The installation is not just a visual treat, but it also offers a unique multi-sensory experience. The towering petals are designed to capture the changes in sunlight, wind, and weather, creating an ever-evolving spectacle that mirrors the city’s vibrant spirit and resilience.

Skylanding is a reminder of the strength that lies in unity and the enduring power of peace. It invites us all to take a moment from our busy lives, stand beneath its impressive steel petals, and absorb its symphony of art, history, and culture it represents.

The next time you find yourself strolling through Jackson Park, we highly recommend taking the time to experience Skylanding. Its poignant story and the tranquil beauty is bound to leave you inspired and enriched!

Friday Morning Swim Club

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Hunter

At Optima®, we’re always eager to spotlight activities that delight our residents, and today, we have something quirky and uniquely Chicago to share…just up the lakefront from Optima Lakeview®, a unique gathering takes place every summer Friday morning in the waters of Montrose Harbor — the Friday Morning Swim Club.

A refreshing immersion into community spirit, the Friday Morning Swim Club is a free, weekly gathering at the iconic Montrose Beach. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just testing the waters, all are welcome. With its laid back atmosphere before the morning bustle sets in, the Club has become a haven for those who value authentic social connections, the profound simplicity of a morning swim, meaningful conversations, and 20-gallons of classic cold brew coffee.

The beauty of Montrose Harbor and its stunning lake views only enhance the allure of this once-a-week social gathering. Here, swimmers and coffee lovers alike congregate to start their day together. The best part? There’s room for everyone, whether you arrive solo or bring a group of friends.

The roots of Friday Morning Swim Club trace back to 2019-2021, when eight friends met at Montrose Beach on Friday mornings to shake off their days of isolation. Through word of mouth, larger crowds began to join, and within mere months, the club’s numbers began to surge. Today, more than 2,000 early birds routinely appear at 7:05 a.m, with elaborate floating devices, united by a love for community, activity, and Chicago’s distinct charm.

Without question, the club has carved out a niche for those who value togetherness and the deep satisfaction that comes from living simply. Arriving on foot or by bike is part of the full experience, encouraging folks to put away their phones, jump into the water, and be fully present in the moment. It’s more than just a club; it’s a testament to what makes Chicago special.

Whether you are on the lookout for a new adventure, want to meet exciting people, or simply crave a scheduled time to disconnect in the company of kindred souls, the Friday Morning Swim Club is ready to welcome you. So, grab your swimsuit and travel cup, donut shaped floaty and be part of something that is as invigorating as it is unique to our beautiful city.

Join Friday Morning Swim Club and experience a one of a kind adventure, details here.

Returning to Oak Park: Ernest Hemingway’s Birthplace Museum

Posted on August 9, 2023March 6, 2024 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, Flickr Creative Commons

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.

Returning to Oak Park: The Wright House

Posted on July 31, 2023March 6, 2024 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.

Frank Lloyd Wright Studio Playroom — Playroom in Frank Lloyd Wright Studio. Credit: Wikipedia Commons

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.

Isamu Noguchi’s Freeform Sofa: A Timeless Classic in Optima Signature®

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Hunter

In the realm of iconic furniture design, few pieces stand the test of time quite like the Vitra Freeform Sofa by Isamu Noguchi. This groundbreaking piece, unveiled in 1946, remains celebrated and sought-after, embodying the perfect balance between art and functionality that is at the heart of the Optima® experience, and can be enjoyed in the public spaces within our Optima Signature® community.

Born in 1904, Isamu Noguchi was an innovative artist and designer who left an indelible mark on the worlds of sculpture, landscape architecture, and furniture design. As a Japanese-American artist, Noguchi deftly blended Eastern and Western influences to create works of art that transcends cultural boundaries. His designs encompassed a myriad of materials, including wood, stone, and metal, and reflected a keen understanding of the relationship between form and function.

Noguchi’s collaboration with Swiss furniture company Vitra led to the creation of the Freeform Sofa in 1946. At a time when post-World War II design was dominated by stark, linear forms, Noguchi’s organic, sculptural piece was a breath of fresh air. The Freeform Sofa was conceived as an artistic expression that pushed the boundaries of conventional furniture design. It wasn’t just a piece of furniture, but a work of art that elevated the aesthetics of any space it inhabited.

The Freeform Sofa’s distinctive, undulating silhouette sets it apart from other sofas. Its sweeping curves and biomorphic form are inspired by nature, showcasing Noguchi’s desire to create harmony between the organic world and the built environment. It comprises a single, continuous line, gracefully transitioning from the armrests to the backrest and seat, creating a fluid and cohesive form.

The sofa’s slim, solid wood legs are highly reminiscent of the delicate limbs of a tree, providing the necessary support without detracting from the overall elegance of the design. The legs are carefully positioned to ensure stability and balance, allowing the sofa to stand confidently within our Optima Signature® site.

Freeform Sofa Isamu Noguchi, 1946. Photo: Vitra®

Upholstered in high-quality fabric or leather, the Freeform Sofa offers unparalleled comfort. Its ergonomic design conforms to the contours of the human body, providing a luxurious seating experience. The sofa’s timeless appeal lies not only in its aesthetic beauty but also in its ability to adapt to various interior styles, from mid-century modern to contemporary minimalism.

The Vitra Freeform Sofa remains a design icon, a testament to Isamu Noguchi’s genius and his unwavering dedication to creating harmonious, functional works of art. This seminal piece of furniture has inspired countless designers and artists, and continues to be a sought-after addition to various homes, and offices. We are proud to showcase Noguchi’s furniture within our own spaces, designs which amplify and activate the evocative Modernist exteriors and interiors of our buildings.

Optima + Sustainability Series: EV Parking

Posted on February 8, 2023March 12, 2024 by Hunter

The evidence that electric and hybrid vehicles are gaining traction is on the roads everywhere. From personal vehicles to rideshares and public transport, we are, as a nation, beginning to embrace the importance of reducing carbon emissions by replacing the fossil fuels that traditional gasoline-powered engines use with forms of clean energy.

Encouraged by the funding made available to help states fund public charging infrastructure, and Illinois’ ambitious goal to get one million electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2023, EVs are becoming increasingly desirable. And those who own and manage residential buildings are faced with the challenge to provide ample access to EV battery charging stations that residents need.

At Optima, we have always been sustainability-focused across our entire integrated business model — from design to building materials to landscaping – and EV parking. We began providing EV parking spaces in 2016 and 2017 at 7160 Optima Kierland and Optima Signature with 8 EV parking spaces, which represented only a small portion of the overall spaces in the garage.

Now in April 2023, Optima Verdana in Wilmette will open with 24% of the total spaces dedicated to EVs. In all of our communities — in both Illinois and Arizona — we have continued to increase EV capacity every year based upon resident demand, with the capacity to reach a full 100% at many projects. In recognition for our commitment to EV parking, Optima Sonoran Village won the Salt River Project Champions of Sustainability Award in the Building Communities for Electric Vehicles category.

In a recent Bisnow article that explores how future-facing multifamily developers are preparing for the future of electric vehicles, David Hovey Jr., AIA, Optima president and chief operating officer, observes, “Just from a sustainability perspective, obviously, demand is getting higher from both people wanting to be more sustainable … and cities wanting to be more sustainable, as well as just overall demand.”

Sustainability remains one of our most precious values at Optima. And we’re proud to be part of a growing community of property owners and managers that seeks to support sustainable practices on behalf of our residents.

Celebrating the Holidays Around Optima Communities

Posted on December 19, 2022 by Hunter

Both Chicago and Scottsdale provide endless opportunities for entertainment throughout the year, but the holiday season is when both transform into a wonderland of their own. From the traditional Christkindlmarket in Chicago to ZooLights in Scottsdale, here are a few of the many activities you can find in Chicago and Scottsdale this season:

Chicago

Chicago’s Christkindlemarket is a tradition beloved by locals and tourists alike. The festival takes inspiration from one of the first outdoor exchanges of its kind from 16th century Nuremberg, Germany, which shares its namesake. Both the Daley Plaza location downtown and the Gallagher Way location in Wrigleyville offer an abundance of holiday spirit, jovial music, festive activities, eccentric shops and traditional cuisines.

Just a short walk for Optima Lakeview residents, Gallagher Way’s festivities expand beyond the beloved Christkindlemarket. This year’s expanded attractions include a variety of winter-themed rides and games, a tubing ice slide and the Gallagher Ice Rink, all found within the iconic Wrigley Field.

For Optima Signature residents and others who find themselves downtown, the festivities continue. The Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink are must-stops for anyone looking for breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline. And while you’re there, make sure to visit the 55-foot Chicago Christmas Tree and Magnificent Mile Lights lining Michigan Avenue.

Scottsdale

While Scottsdale might not get the same brisk air and snowfall Chicago does in the winter, the city still embraces the season with a variety of festive events and experiences. One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions is the Phoenix Zoo’s ZooLights. The immersive experience surrounds visitors with millions of vibrant lights, including a new 50-foot LED tree.

Found only two miles North of Optima Kierland Apartments, Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is another must-stop for anyone looking to escape to a winter wonderland. The holiday highlights include a 6,000-square-foot ice skating rink, sledding, train rides, S’mores Land and an Elf Academy.

The holiday months don’t last long. So before time runs out, take advantage of all the enchanting seasonal opportunities found throughout Chicago and Scottsdale!

Being a Good Neighbor Makes a Difference

Posted on November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 by Hunter

With a commitment to community as one of our core beliefs at Optima®, it’s no surprise that we are tuned into the notion of neighborliness and what it means to be a good neighbor. We take great satisfaction in nurturing the desire for connection and engagement with residents across all of our communities and love to keep abreast with research that lends new insight into why it matters to know your neighbors.

In a recent Axios piece, published on July 27, 2022, Erica Pandey explores “The power of knowing your neighbors.” Drawing data from a Pew Research Center study conducted in 2019, here’s what we’ve learned:

A majority of Americans don’t know most of their neighbors — and they barely talk to the ones they do know.

Why it matters: Strong communities boost the health, happiness, and longevity of their residents. Befriending neighbors ensures a helping hand in times of need and provides new friends to explore your larger neighborhood. But over the last several decades, our connections with our neighbors have been fraying.

What’s happening: We’re leaving our homes with screens in our hands. And since the pandemic made us even less likely than we were before to stop and chat with new folks, most of the people living around us are strangers.

Optima Lakeview’s communal sports lounge, golf simulator and basketball/pickleball court

Thankfully, each of our Optima Communities supports plenty of opportunities to engage with fellow neighbors, whether you know them or not! We design spaces that inherently bring people closer to each other, closer to their environment and closer to themselves. This intention manifests itself from the thought-provoking artwork that fills the hallways of each community to the wealth of communal amenity spaces, including fully outfitted sports areas, movie theaters, party and game rooms and state-of-the-art fitness centers.

Along with our state-of-the-art amenities, each of our onsite teams carefully curates a variety of social events and programs throughout the year. From hosting food trucks and music and cocktail nights to flower arranging courses and fitness classes, we take the time to understand each of our residents’ interests, so we can thoughtfully tailor our programming around them!

And because we not only see the value in having a tight-knit community within our walls but within our broader neighborhoods, we created the Optima® Connect Program. Through the program, residents in each of our multi-family communities receive exclusive benefits and discounts to local businesses around their larger communities, further fostering a friendly community ecosystem.

Supporting connection among our residents and neighbors is something we care deeply about at Optima. So, what’re you waiting for? Step outside and spark a conversation today!

Alfresco Cooking in Optima Communities

Posted on August 15, 2022August 22, 2022 by Hunter

Warm weather, fresh air, and BBQs are all defining aspects of the perfect summer. Across all of Optima’s communities, we provide residents with abundant outdoor space to celebrate living well, and to engage with each other around alfresco cooking and dining.

Our passionate approach to design creates a linkage between architecture and nature throughout each of our communities, but it’s in Optima Kierland, Optima Sonoran Village, Optima Signature, Optima Lakeview and our latest project, Optima Verdana, where residents will find extensive amenity spaces that include outdoor kitchens and communal grills on their sky decks, and additional private grills in select terraces.

For those who are fans of alfresco cooking and dining, here’s your chance to hone your grilling skills with the great American staple — the hotdog. Whether you’re a pro or just getting the hang of it all, here are two great recipes to get you up to the sky deck with your chef’s hat and tongs…

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

Since Optima’s roots are in Chicago, we have to highlight the classic Chicago-style hot dog. The best part about the Windy City staple is how easy it is to prepare! All you need is a hot grill and all of the delish garden-fresh ingredients! Find the recipe here.

Sonoran Hot Dog

While Chicago is famously known for its unique take on the hot dog, Arizona propels the standard bite to a whole different level with the Sonoran hot dog. Like its standard cousin, the Sonoran is topped with tasty condiments, but what makes it unique is its bacon-wrapped exterior. Find the recipe here.

The outdoor kitchens, communal grills and private grills are just some of the many ways we design our residential and communal spaces to invite the outdoors inside. Connecting to nature is an easy way to take some time and connect to yourself and to the environment around you.

Chicago Public Art: Art on TheMART

Posted on July 13, 2022July 13, 2022 by Hunter

Chicago is home to a myriad of stunning public art experiences, where each complement their encompassing environment. In this spirit, the city’s largest work of public art, and the largest permanent digital art project in the world, Art on theMART, embraces its surroundings unlike any other installation in Chicago.

The now-beloved contemporary art project originated in September of 2018 as more than 30,000 fled to the Chicago Riverwalk to watch the historic Merchandise Mart building transform into a work of art. Following its launch, Art on theMart has hosted nightly projects created by countless artists, ranging from the current exhibitioner Nick Cave to the inaugural artist Jason Salavon.

Every evening, 34 projects – sprawled across the Riverwalk itself – help project multiple works of digital art across its 2.5-acre facade. TheMART takes advantage of the latest immersive art technology, using various mapping techniques to ensure every projection fits perfectly to the Art Deco details of theMart.

While all of the projections showcased at Art on theMART utilize the giant facade of theMart to showcase bright colors and complex imagery to catch the attention of viewers, the installations also comprise bespoke audio elements, creating an even more immersive experience.

Art on theMART, THINKING OF YOU. I MEAN ME. I MEAN YOU, Barabara Kruger

Current exhibitions include explore by Jonas Denzel and Billiken by Shkynna Stewart and Wills Glasspiegel beginning at 9 p.m. and at 9:30, Ba Boom Boom Pa Pop Pop by Nick Cave, running concurrently with the Furthermore installation at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Only a 15-minute walk from Optima Signature, prime locations to witness the marvelous exhibition are found across the river from theMart on Chicago’s Riverwalk and West Wacker Drive.

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