Additional renderings and a rough timeline have been revealed for Optima Lumina at 739 Green Bay Road in Wilmette. Sitting on the corner with Washington Avenue, the project has been in the works for a few years and will replace a collection of commercial buildings next to Optima’s Verdana. Verdana was completed in 2023 and has seen increasing demand.
Optima Lumina (red) – Verdana (green) context map via Google Maps
Rendering of Optima Lumina by Optima Inc.
Because of this, Glencoe-based Optima is moving forward with the second phase, which we originally covered in 2024 when it was approved by the village. The six-story project was designed in-house and will take on a roughly Z-shaped form. In contrast to the glassy exterior of Verdana next door, Lumina will feature a predominantly terracotta facade with black accents.
Rendering of Lumina by Optima
Rendering of Optima Lumina by Optima Inc.
Lumina will be anchored by an 8,000-square-foot plaza along the south side of the 75-foot-tall building. The ground floor will feature retail space, including a new location for the existing Starbucks on the site, along with a business center/coworking space, a fitness center with simulators and various courts, a game room, and a small private courtyard.
Rendering of Optima Lumina by Optima Inc.
Rendering of Lumina by Optima
Above this will be 133 for-sale condos made up of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, with units reaching up to 3,000 square feet in size. Units will also feature large balconies and terraces with the developer’s signature vertical landscaping system, which uses coniferous plant species that remain green year-round despite cold temperatures.
Rendering of Lumina by Optima
Rendering of Optima Lumina by Optima Inc.
At the top will be a large “skydeck” with additional amenities such as a lounge, showcase kitchen, and a large year-round pool with retractable glass walls for the summer. Sales are expected to launch this spring, and a website has recently gone live. If sales go well, the team plans to break ground in late 2026.
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Seems like a lot of dormant projects are set to break ground this year
Looks fantastic, there should be developments like this next to almost every UP-N and MD-N stop
I wish they would bring a building with terraces and vertical gardens like this into the city.
Optima always does a beautiful job.
Not to burst bubbles, but Zillow claims that for under 900 SQFT, you get a 1 bed and 1 bath at a rent of $4,500+.
The amenities I am sure most can do without, but the design definitely comes with a price. I am sure supply pressures are inflating prices, but what average Chicagoan can afford this kind of rent? Not quite SF prices, but these aren’t sustainable for the broader market.
There is a review of Verdana that’s somewhat concerning. Hope they address such issues on the project next door.
A somewhat concerning review? Really? One? Is there a place on the planet that doesn’t have a concerning review? I’ll wait until I see several of them before I’m frightened off. My bubble’s all good for now.
When someone is bringing up sophisticated language regarding the structure’s construction, I’d take that as valuable language.
They mentioned everyone had to be handed space heaters because of faulty construction, not taking heat sinks of materials in account, and not maintaining a proper thermal membrane. I’d call that a serious issue when paying out the a** for luxurious housing in the 21st century.
We are talking about international style Mies issues with decades of new technology. Cutting corners and thinking $6k rent is appropriate? It’s one review, but I’d be upset putting that much money into a house that’s got a grocery list of grievances.
Hopefully round 2 learns from their mistakes.
This is perfect “missing middle” housing. It’s the scale and density at which Americans have to live at to create financially and physically sustainable communities.
Optima crushing it as usual. Wish they were taller but oh well. Very handsome.
Really lovely project. Should be 2 stories taller but I understand why it’s not- especially at these prices.