New condos are an important part of the mix in Downers Grove, anupscale community west of Chicago that is always evolving, but has apriority of preserving the past. These condo buildings are being constructed in the village’s downtowndistrict which abounds with vintage structures, restaurants, shops andboutiques, the Downers Grove Public Library, a beer brewery, IrishPub, and other attractions.

New condo buildings in the downtown district include Acadia on theGreen which contains 120e condominium residences. One, two and threebedroom units feature 800 to 2,200 square feet. Balconies offerpanoramic views of the surrounding community. Another new condo building is Station Crossing which has 48 units aswell as retail space.Units feature such amenities as hardwood floors, granite countertops,custom cabinets, fireplace in living room, patios and balconies andin-unit washer and dryers. Both buildings are within walking distance of The Tivoli, a restoredmovie theater which first opened its doors in 1928, still entertainsguests. It features an old-time organ and screens foreign andindependent films.

After watching a flick, movie-goers can stop at anearby ice cream parlor for a treat. In keeping with the intimate scale of the bustling business district,condo buildings stand not more than five stories high. They alsofeature underground parking which is attractive to buyers who seek apedestrian-friendly lifestyle that may even allow them to leave theircars at home. Whether they are purchasing single family homes, condos or townhouses,buyers are drawn to the community’s location near the StevensonExpressway and Interstate 88, and to  the Metra rail line service thatstops in the business district. Commuters can be in Chicago in ahalf-hour by this rail service.

The train station has been there since the mid-1800s. It is part of ahistory that started in 1832 when the town was founded by PierceDowner, a settler from New York who operated a dairy farm.  Another of the town’s charming assets are its large stock of SearsHomes.  From 1908 through 1940, Sears Roebuck & Co. sold kits forbuilding 100,000 houses that were shipped by rail car to places likeDowners Grove and later asssembled. Today, village officials estimatethere are between 150 and 200 Sears catalog houses still standing inthe community.

While there are many new condos being built in the town, there areolder buildings dating from the ’70s and ’80s that provide moreaffordable housing options. Some of these buildings are walk-ups;others have elevators, are on the fringes of the downtown district andstand a bit higher than those right downtown. Condo dwellers are sure to appreciate other attractions in the villageincluding an active park district with a wide variety of programs andsports activities. It also has the Indian Boundary YMCA that hasprovides activities from block parties to fun runs.

Having companies that provide jobs is an important part of keeping acommunity vibrant. Downers Grove is home to prestigious corporationsincluding Travelers Insurance, Butterball, ServiceMaster and FTD.