The Front Street Lofts is the first phase of the Lemont Downtown Redevelopment Project, a $250-million mixed-use development is a public/private partnership between the village of Lemont and Marquette. The development is being built using TIF district money and form-based code, a zoning ordinance that governs the form and appearance of buildings instead of individual, specific uses. "Downtown Lemont is a gem. It is an undiscovered gem," says Ryan. "The lofts are the perfect product for Downtown Lemont… . It is a great location within walking distance of this development for the commuters that are working in Downtown Chicago," she says.

Construction began in October on three of the four buildings. The lofts will have between 732 sf to 2,232 sf for studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units with base prices ranging from the $180,000's to the upper $400,000's. There have already been 12 contracts signed for the lofts. Contracts have been signed by "young professionals" between 25- to 35-years-old, "empty nesters" and investors, Ryan told GlobeSt.com.

The developers sought input from focus groups of "cool young nesters" and people between 25- to 35-years-old who grew up in the western suburbs and are currently residing in Chicago, Ryan says. The "young professionals," in particular, were interested in lofts. "They say that the lofts had a huge appeal for them. They wanted the loft living but they wanted to be in the western suburbs," she says. While there are a lot of lofts in Chicago, Front Street Lofts is the first loft development in the west and southwest suburbs, she says. "We are filling a huge gap based on our focus groups," she says.