Optima, Inc. has completed the Optima Verdana rental complex in downtown Wilmette. The property, which opened its leasing office this past May, has achieved a 72% occupancy rate. Designed by David Hovey Sr. and David Hovey Jr., the new building offers 100 units, comprising one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, as well as penthouses. These units vary in size from 660 to 2,790 square feet, with monthly rents ranging between $3,000 and $12,000.
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
The residences are outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, 10–inch wide-plank flooring, and kitchens equipped with Fisher & Paykel appliances and Kohler fixtures. Units are also equipped with wine fridges, and a significant number feature bathrooms with standalone soaking tubs. Many offer private terraces or balconies, ranging in size from 65 to 931 square feet. A portion of the terrace spaces come with features such as electric grills and fire pits.
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Residents at Optima Verdana have access to a seventh-floor sky deck with views of the North Shore’s skyline and the Bahá’í Temple. This rooftop area includes indoor and outdoor amenities such as a sun deck with lounge chairs and dining areas, barbecues, herb gardens, a bocce court, fire pits, a residents club, and a party room with a chef’s kitchen, billiards, and table tennis. Additionally, there is a game room, sauna, and a heated lap pool and spa with retractable glass walls for year-round use.
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
The ground floor comes with additional indoor amenities such as a 24-hour front door person, a pickleball/basketball court, a fitness center, a yoga studio, massage rooms, a sports lounge, a golf simulator, a kids’ playroom, a dog run and pet spa, and a library lounge with complimentary coffee service. There are also multiple work-from-home spaces with conference rooms and a business center. Residents can participate in fitness programming such as yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, and personal training, as well as organized activities like book clubs, Mah Jongg, a running club, and a pickleball league.
“When we designed Optima Verdana, our goal was to deliver an unrivaled living experience that takes full advantage of the community’s unique position in the heart of downtown Wilmette while delivering exceptional design, amenities, and services to residents and their guests,” said Hovey Sr.
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
The development focuses on sustainability and biophilic design, using green concrete and CRF heating and cooling systems. Aiming for Two Green Globes certification, it employs bird-friendly glass, induction cooktops, and outdoor electric grills to reduce emissions. It also provides a vertical landscaping system featuring year-round greenery that aids in cooling, air purification, noise reduction, and stormwater management.
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
“We set out to provide residents with lush greenery, outdoor space, natural light, and fresh air,” added Hovey Sr. “This connection between the natural environment and architectural design delivers a distinct living experience that seamlessly brings nature into every facet of residents’ lives, highlighting our dedication to sustainability and resident well-being.”
Optima Verdana. Photo by Michael Duerinck
Optima Verdana includes 176 parking spaces with electric vehicle charging stations, as well as Metra access directly across the street. The complex features a public plaza with an eight-foot sculpture designed by Hovey and titled “Curves and Voids”. Residents also have access to Optima’s Optimized Service concierge program and the Optima Connect app for various in-home services and local discounts.
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there is nothing that says Wilmette more than Optima….or is it Scottsdale, or Evanston? Same building everywhere….and while it looks glam, I bet the bedrooms are too small to put a bed in. Just saying.
Yes – Optima built that eye sore in Skokie (Optima Old Orchard Woods). Unfortunately – owners who pre-bought are still trying to recover.
I actually love that building, and esp. the way it rises out of the forest preserve around it. That holocaust museum on the other hand.. boy was that a missed design opp., the people deserve better.
agreed on both points:
optima in skokie is a good design
and
holocaust museum is awful
Stanley Tigerman’s work was overrated…..and Optima has one design idea and its a building….the spaces and functionality of rooms are very limited. As said, try putting a bed in a “second bedroom”. The clunky structure overrides the livability. And, the public spaces are all 3rd rate as if, we don’t care.