hellobeautifulcreatures

Of all the gleaming high- rise residences anchoring the Streeterville neighborhood, perhaps the new Optima Signature is one of the most artistic. You can't help but notice the striking red glass panels that wrap the lower seven floors of the modern apartment tower or the bright yellow free -form sculpture that stands in the plaza in front of the building. The color bursts are a signature of renowned architect and developer David Hovey of Glencoe. The 57- story Optima Signature at 220 E. Illinois St. is a joint venture between Hovey's firm, Optima Inc., and DeBartolo Development. The two also partnered in 2013 on the sister building next door, Optima Chicago Center . The base of that apartment tower is similarly clad in black glass. "Our focus is on architecture and contributing to the built environment but doing it in a way that resonates with the broader community and our residents," Optima Senior Vice President Mark Segal said. "We didn't design in ...

The two- story Phase III Fenwick plan at Naples Square offers 3 ,238 square feet under air. Phase III purchase agreements are being accepted. (Photo: Picasa) The Ronto Group announced Phase III purchase agreements worth nearly $32 million have been processed at Naples Square . Construction of the Phase III building is expected to start in fourth quarter. Just two residences in the completed Phase II building remain available for purchase and feature Ronto ’s Franklin and Denison floor plans . The two- story Franklin residence offers 3 ,378 square feet, including 2,857 square feet under air, a 196-square- foot private balcony , and a private oversized one- car garage accessed from the residence. Priced at $1,425,422, the Franklin showcases upgraded features and finishes. The plan presents three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a living room with a two-story ceiling and double-stacked windows, a dining room, an island kitchen, and a second floor with a 330-square- foot flex room , the owner’s...

Leaders City Centre and Hoole offices are pleased to offer for sale this spacious and immaculately presented two bedroom ground floor apartment approximately 0 .5 miles from the City centre. Offering a larger floor space than you would expect, this property comprises Entrance Hall , Living Area, Kitchen Area, Two Double Bedrooms both benefitting from fitted wardrobes and Family Bathroom. The property also benefits from an allocated parking space next to the communal entrance to the building. Viewing is highly recommended. Hallway Telephone entry system with video. Laminate flooring. Radiator. Smoke alarm. Inset ceiling spotlights . Storage cupboard housing electric consumer unit . Living Room An irregular shaped room measuring 4 .31m at widest point x 6.7m at widest point. Double glazed doors leading out onto Juliet balcony. Two double glazed windows to the side elevation. Two double panelled radiators . Laminate flooring. Inset ceiling spotlights . Power points. Telephone point...

I have never been as underprepared for a trip to the Lake District as I am today. Stepping off the train at Oxenholme in ballet pumps and a flimsy jumper, I’m more fit for London, which I left behind less than three hours ago, than the great outdoors. As the rain begins, I wonder whether I should have at least packed a waterproof jacket. Happily, I’m bound for the Brimstone Hotel , which recently partnered with Berghaus to lend city-slickers wet-weather gear, so they can make the most of the location minus the luggage. Set in the 35- acre Langdale Estate at the entrance to one of the most beautiful Lake District valleys , the hotel is surrounded by fantastic fell walks . Billing itself as “beyond boutique”, it opened in 2013 next door to sister hotel the Langdale, which has 56 traditional rooms and a spa that Brimstone guests can use. Within 45 minutes of being collected from the station in a gleaming black Land Rover (a free service available to guests) I’m outside the slick buildin...

If you want to get away from a busy city life then take a look at this farmhouse, which boasts stables and training arena, three paddocks and 5.2 acres of land. No. 1 Braidwood Steading was formed from a traditional farm building in 1997 and transformed into a modern home, which has been constructed of stone with slate roofs and double glazed windows . Included in the sale are five other houses, stables and training arena, a well-maintained garden and three paddocks extending to about 5.2 acres in total, which will be music to the ears of any equestrian lover . On sale with Galbraith for offers over £440,000, the steading would make an ideal family home or a business opportunity for those looking for a holiday let. Decorated to a high standard, the property is ready to move into and consists of three bedrooms (one of which is en suite), a family bathroom, an open plan living/dining room, a modern country-style kitchen and a floored attic that is currently a playroom. Features of t...

I’m coming out as disabled. It’s about time. I’m a 25-year-old with 80-year-old bones. Inside my mother’s womb, I developed mostly normally. But my legs didn’t show much growth in the sonograms; there was a mutation lurking on the long arm of the COL2A1 gene of chromosome 12, involved in making Type II collagen . One letter switched in the gene, an amino acid wrongly substituted , cartilage forming too tender within me. My rare bone disorder , spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, causes collagen in the joints to form incorrectly, short stature, arthritis, neck instability, scoliosis, joint inflammation, chronic pain, and other issues. It’s actually a form of dwarfism; I just happen to be on the taller end of the spectrum at 4’6”. Facing all of this, knowing at a young age that my bones would deteriorate much quicker than my friends, wasn’t scary. I’d need joint replacements and surgeries. I knew my path. I learned to love my body for what it is and all I can do, even with pain. For many ...

Sun West Custom Homes ’ new showcase sits atop a hillside at 647 Cityview Ridge Drive in MacDonald Highlands , a luxury community in Henderson. Owner Daniel Coletti has created a cool, soothing oasis amid the expansive beauty of the Mojave Desert. The striking see-through pool that visitors see driving to the home is a big jaw-dropper and the star of the show. In fact, water runs throughout this living space that is a tribute to the elements and indoor- outdoor living . The 8,000-square- foot home updates and expands on an award- winning design concept Coletti built in The Ridges at Summerlin for the 2009 Parade of Homes. One common thread that runs through Sun West custom home designs is an intimate feeling of closeness to nature. His living spaces blend into the surrounding terrain and climate. Sun West architectural designs combine traditional elements of water, air, earth and fire to suggest deep feelings of hearth and home. Two ponds of flowing water greet visitors at t...