CA23—one of the West Loop’s newest condominiums—is targeted to youthful urban buyers who are seeking something different in the downtown living experience, according to developer Geoff Ruttenberg.

Now under construction, CA23’s twin 5-story buildings, designed by FitzGerald & Associates, showcase a contemporary blend of materials such as limestone, steel and glass.

The buildings are connected by a massive landscaped courtyard that serves a “sanctuary from the urban setting,” said Ruttenberg, president and CEO of The Brixton Group, Ltd.

“Structural steel work now is underway, and delivery of the first 24 residences is planned for late September of 2008,” said Ruttenberg.

Eighteen units have been pre-sold, according to Melinda Jakovich of Coldwell Banker, the exclusive sales and marketing agent. Current prices range from $650,000 to $1.65 million.

“CA23 is such an innovative development we felt it needed an edgy, youthful urban-oriented name that captures the vitality of the city,” said Ruttenberg.

Translation of the CA23 name is simple—the “C” stands for Carpenter Street, the “A” represents Aberdeen Street, and the actual project address is 23 N. Aberdeen.

What makes CA23 name special? The innovative $35-million development is exceptional from its contemporary-style architecture and light-filled floor plans to the creative site plan that tucks the 48-unit development on a 36,000-square-foot through-lot between Carpenter and Aberdeen streets in the heart of the West Loop.

“We’re embracing a rare opportunity in the West Loop to provide residents with large, flats—no more stairs. One-level living at CA23 combines luxury and sophistication,” said Ruttenberg.

CA23 offers enormous floor plans boasting approximately 2,000 to 4,000 square feet of living space on one floor. Each residence will feature two private balconies and ceiling heights between 11 feet and 18 feet.

The building also features a stunning centrally-located atrium that is designed to bring plenty of natural sunlight and visual interest to all of 48 condos in the development.

The atrium is 8 by 25 feet and cuts across two units. It reaches all the way down to the roof of the parking garage, which FitzGerald points out could be used as a walk-out space for a condo.

The top of the atrium is open to the sky. That means that the two secondary bedrooms and the hallway, which have windows looking into the atrium, will have access to light and the elements.

“The floor plans are very deep with the atrium in the middle,” said Steven McFadden, project architect with Fitzgerald & Associates. The living room, dining area and gourmet kitchen spaces in the CA23 model are open and flowing, featuring 11-foot to 18-foot ceilings. A balcony opens off the living room allowing space for socializing or relaxation.

The kitchen features custom crafted cabinetry specifically designed for CA23, limestone countertops and surrounds, and polished chrome fixtures. Appliances include built-in, top-of-the-line stainless-steel range, hood, drawer dishwasher and refrigerator from Fisher & Paykel/DCS and a microwave drawer from Sharp.     

The private master bedroom suite features a generous walk-in closet and floor-to-ceiling windows. A second nearly 5-by-18-foot balcony opens off the master bedroom.

The spa-like master bathroom is complete with two floating vanities separated by a linen closet. The oversized shower is surrounded by natural stone and equipped with several body sprayers. The bath showcases polished chrome fixtures, a soaking tub, natural stone tiles and plumbing fixtures by Grohe, Hansgrohe and Toto.

Heightening the luxury element will be private elevator access to each unit and approximately 25 by 27 feet of private landscaped yards for select units.

The CA23 model condominium at 20 N. Carpenter is open for viewing Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., or by appointment. For more information about CA23, call 888-223-0455, or visit the websites at: www.ca23westloop.com/ and www.thebrixtongroup.com/.