If you were new to Chicago, you might think that the 26-story highrise at 840 N Lake Shore Dr had been there for 100 years. The condo building, in fact, only hit the market in 2001, and in July 2005, three of its 73 units remained for sale.

But architect Lucien Lagrange is a master of period Parisian architecture, just as LR Development is a master of the highest of high-end condos. Together they created a vintage-looking building whose sandy-colored façade, detailed stonework, soaring turret and mansard roof create the illusion of history.

That’s either good news, if you’re a fan of the vintage look in new construction, or an unfortunate mistake, if you think the city’s most prominent buildings should look to the future, not the past.

"Highest of high-end"

Plenty of well-heeled buyers fell into the first camp and purchased condos that at the time, were among the most expensive in development here. LR’s approach was to offer the units finished, unfinished (including walls and defined spaces) or as completely raw space (including mechanical and safety systems but no walls).

In July 2005, the 8,830-square-foot penthouse was on the market, priced at $7.5 million as raw space. Two more developer units remained for sale, priced at $2.8 million and nearly $3 million.

The building has a 24-hour doorman, valet parking, a fitness center, individual storage, climate-controlled wine storage and unobstructed lake views. The homes have private terraces, ceiling heights of at least nine feet, hardwood floors, fireplaces with marble surrounds, custom moldings, granite counters, GE Monogram appliances, marble master baths and oversized Whirlpool tubs.

“This is fully custom, the highest of the high end,” said Laura Molk, of marketing agent LR Realty in 2001. “(840 N Lake Shore) is on the lake and park, with beautiful views of Navy Pier and the water.”