Oakwood Shores, a new neighborhood rising on the South Side lakefront near North Kenwood, is one of the Windy City’s best kept secrets.

Oakwood Shores is a major development anchor on the Mid-South Side, between the South Loop and Hyde Park. The neighborhood will eventually encompass 3,000 new homes and rental apartments.

This 94-acre new mixed-income community—developed by Granite Development Corp., MB Real Estate and UJIMA Venture—is being built along Oakwood Boulevard (39th Street) between Langley and Cottage Grove avenues.

“Bricks and mortar are not enough—amenities are everything,” noted co-developer Joseph A. Williams of Granite Development. “That’s why the developers of Oakwood Shores have planned a community that enhances the use of the great Mandrake and Ellis parks.”

Williams noted that an Arts and Recreation Center is planned along with clinics, early childhood and Adult/Seniors Day Care Centers, new churches, all to enhance the quality of life at Oakwood Shores.

“Finally, with 40,000 to 80,000 square feet of retail along 39th Street, we will create a needed walking area for shops, drug stores, convenience, copy center/lock box, cleaners and other stores that support the neighborhood,” Williams said.

“With enhanced transportation services along 39th Street and improved Metra commuter rail services and stops, Oakwood Shores will be a neighborhood of choice for people wanting to be on the lake yet south of the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago.”

Oakwood Shores is close to the South Loop, and just two blocks from Lake Michigan, Williams noted. “Improvements to nearby Lake Shore Drive, a beach planned at 39th Street and the Lake Michigan shoreline and new parkland south of McCormick Place make Oakwood Shores Chicago’s next destination neighborhood.”

The development team also is contributing to the area’s revitalization with their support of The University of Chicago Charter School—Donoghue Campus, which was launched in the fall of 2005. Earlier, the development team contributed to assist the school in building its library and making other improvements.

Donoghue opened in 2005 with two classrooms per grade, from pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. The school plans to grow to serve up to 500 students through 5th grade by 2010.

Oakwood Shores’ architecture is designed by FitzGerald Associates Architects to echo nearby homes in the North Kenwood-Oakland and Bronzeville, including the vintage graystone mansions that dot the boulevards, said Williams.

The development features striking streetscapes with masonry facades on all sides of the buildings, stone detailing, and facade relief through bays and arches. The presence of decorative iron fencing adds an elegant touch to the development.

Parks border Oakwood Shores on two sides. The recently revamped Mandrake Park serves as the gateway to the North Kenwood/Bronzeville neighborhood, with greystone mansions, landscaped parks, a fountain and well-maintained boulevards, noted Williams.

“Single-family homes, row homes, townhomes and condominiums in the first two phases currently are priced from $179,900 to the $700,000-bracket, and 16 completed homes are ready for immediate occupancy,” said Steve Biossat, director of sales for Granite Development.

Pre-construction sales now are underway at Oakwood Shores for the 83-unit Grove Place, a 7-story mid-rise condominium which is part of Phase II of the community. Prices at Grove Place start at $179,900 for a 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences with 2 baths also are available.

Here are details on other immediate occupancy housing choices now available at Oakwood Shores:

• Row homes. Three available row homes feature 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 baths, a family room and 2,827 to 3,500 square feet of living area. The 3-level row homes range in price from $529,900 to $534,900.

Row homes have hardwood floors in the living room and dining room, and a fireplace in the family room. Kitchens are equipped with 42-inch upper cabinets, granite countertops and stainless-steel appliance package, including frost-free refrigerator, self-cleaning gas range, microwave oven and multi-cycle dishwasher.

• Townhomes. Three 2-story townhomes are available for quick move-in. They feature 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a family room and 1,995 to 2,044 square feet of living area. Townhome prices range from #374,900 to $379,900.

• Condominiums. The 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units feature 1.5 or 2 baths, a deck or patio (per plan) and 1,086 to 1,400 square feet of living space. They range in price from $234,900 to $299,900.

Kitchens in all units are equipped with frost-free refrigerators, gas ranges and ovens, multi-cycle dishwashers and double-bowl stainless steel sinks with Grohe single-lever faucets.

Baths feature 5-foot or 6-foot soaking tub (per plan) ceramic-tile flooring, tub and shower surround (per plan), Grohe plumbing fixtures and cultured marble vanity bowls and tops.

Other amenities include high-efficiency central gas forced-air furnace, high-efficiency air conditioning, carpeting in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Units are cable ready.

The sales center and 2-bedroom condo model for Oakwood Shores is located at 3744 S. Cottage Grove. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information please call 773-538-0001 or visit the development’s website at www.oakwoodshoreschicago.com.