Morningside Group uniquely understands changing demographics and land use demands in Midwestern cities. In Downers Grove, Illinois, the firm translated that knowledge into Morningside Square, a 2001 condominium development that fits in its neighborhood while enhancing the downtown corridor as a whole.

The project aptly demonstrates Morningside’s ability to see what others don’t and capitalize on it. No condominiums had been built in Downers Grove in over 20 years. A grocery store and a multi-tenant office building had both failed on the site, just south of downtown. However, interest in downtown living was growing. The Metra station, just three blocks away, promised easy access to Chicago’s jobs, culture and shopping.

Morningside’s five-story development, with 40 luxury residences and 80 parking spaces, sold out prior to completion of construction.

Condominium owners can walk to the cozy downtown, with its shops, theater, dining and service businesses. Architecturally, Morningside Square provides a bridge between downtown and adjacent neighborhoods of single-family homes. Its brick façade and inset balconies fit comfortably with the wide variety of architecture in the 175-year-old community.

The speed with which the residences sold out demonstrated the soundness of Morningside’s methods and foresight, which it has applied successfully in developments around Chicago and Detroit.