Millbrook Pointe brings homeowners together
Common interests, including buying townhomes at Millbrook Pointe in Wheeling, helped Barbara Saltzman, left, and Janet Chankin hook up as friends. | SUPPLIED PHOTO
When Janet Chankin and Barbara Saltzman purchased their townhomes at Millbrook Pointe in Wheeling, they had no idea that they would become friends.
Introduced through mutual acquaintences, the two single women realized they shared many common interests. Not only are they substitute teachers in Northbrook, but both recently single women enjoy exercise, taking walks and dining in neighborhood restaurants.
They also share the same reasons for choosing their new home. Most important was that their Wheeling location is minutes from their old stomping grounds, said Barbara. They can still visit with their old friends, frequent their workout locales, play tennis at the Northbrook Racquet Club, shop at their old grocery stores and enjoy the same tried-and-true restaurants.
Both agree that their Wheeling location provides convenient access to all transportation corridors like Interstates 294 and 90, and Route 53, plus the nearby Metra station. Millbrook Pointe is next to Restaurant Row and accessible to bike trails near the Westin Hotel.
According to Barbara, Wheeling has been regentrified. New businesses are popping up, like the new Fresh Farms grocery story and the Walgreens 24-hour clinic. The Westin Hotel complex boasts Saranello Restaurant, Cooper’s Hawk and Massage Envy.
As single professional women, feeling safe was a major factor in their decision.
“Millbrook Pointe is well lit at night with lots of lampposts illuminating the community,” said Janet. “Combine that with a tranquil atmosphere and friendly neighbors and it’s a perfect place to call home.”
Living in a maintenance-free community is an added bonus and according to Barbara.
“For a reasonable assessment our landscaping, snow removal, garbage pick up and exterior painting are all taken care of.”
New construction was important to Janet because Northfield Group offers a one-year warranty on everything in the house.
“We don’t have to live with other people’s tastes and were able to personalize our homes,” she said.
Their 2,200-square-foot, three-bedroom, 2½-bath homes are large enough to accommodate an adult son who will soon be living with Janet, and Barbara’s children have a guest room during their college vacations. Both owners finished their basements to provide additional space for entertaining, added storage and to increase resale value.
Janet celebrated Thanksgiving with her family and praised her floor plan because the kitchen, dining room and living room all flow together making it perfect for entertaining small groups or large crowds. Adjacent to the living room and kitchen is an outdoor deck which will be used for barbecues next spring.
The Millbrook Pointe staff scores kudos from the two friends.
“I feel like I’m part of the family because owner Gary Levitas and project manager Greg Babinski are so warm and friendly and very helpful,” said Janet.
Levitas is easy to work with and Babinski helped them finish of their basements, organize their closets and even hang their pictures. They were able to change out bathroom and lighting fixtures, and all were installed free.
Both were impressed with the standard features, which included brick and stone exteriors, Pella wood windows, solid six-panel wood doors, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, real wood floors, 3¼-inch base moldings and casings around windows and doors, 9-foot ceilings, back deck, finished basement and two-car garage.
Most owners agree that spacious townhomes are crafted to feel like single-family homes. With up to 2,700 square feet of space, they have an abundance of windows, kitchens are roomy and accommodate center islands, and master bedrooms are quite sizeable and are separated from the other bedrooms for added privacy. Prices start at $259,900. Several homes are available for immediate occupancy, with incentives prior to the opening of Phase II construction this spring.
Two plans are offered. One offers four bedrooms and 3½ baths with a first-floor master suite. The other is a three-bedroom, 2½-bath traditional layout. Buyers can also opt for a three-story rowhome design featuring two or three bedrooms and 2½ baths.
To visit Millbrook Pointe, from Interstate 294 North, exit Lake Cook Road, and go west to 516 Milwaukee Ave. on the right. The sales office is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (847) 347-2300 or visit millbrookpointe.com.