Developers love parks, rivers and lakes because apart from their inherent value, they allow a nice marketing pitch for expansive – and lasting – views. The Enterprise Companies, of course, trumpeted the fact that its River Place on the Park development, underway in fall of 2005 at 550 W Huron St, sits both on the Chicago River and on the edge of an adjacent three-acre park.

Those natural barriers should protect some pretty stunning views for buyers on this particular piece of River North. That’s key because the “Kingsbury Park” enclave, as it has become known, includes an incredible amount of new construction, including several projects by Enterprise, Centrum Properties, Smithfield Properties and others.

River Place on the Park might be characterized as postmodern in style. It has a clear art deco influence, with a strong vertical emphasis, but the floor-to-ceiling glass and vertical yellow bands offer a playful, modern twist on some deco ideas.

Loft-style units

The 20-story tower was designed by Pappageorge Haymes and has 220 units. Amenities include 24-hour door staff, a “club-quality” fitness center, heated indoor parking, bicycle storage, individual storage lockers and a landscaped river walk.

The homes are lofty, with concrete ceilings and columns; oversized windows; 10-foot ceilings heights; hardwood floors and balconies. Finishes include gas fireplaces with marble hearths, designer lighting, ceramic master baths, granite countertops and washer and dryer hookups.

One-bedrooms started in the $190s and two-bedrooms in the $260s in July of 2005, when about 30 condos remained for sale, according to Enterprise.