Real Capital Solutions and RMK Management Corp., one of the Chicago area’s largest market-rate apartment management firms, announced the official opening of 1620 Central, a new luxury rental development at 1620 Central St. in Evanston, Ill. The four-story, 47-unit building, boasts a timeless brick and metal-panel façade suited to match the aesthetic charm of the surrounding buildings. 1620 Central is already 40 percent leased just weeks after opening.

“We know the Central Street corridor well and are excited to manage this new residential building,” said Anthony Rossi Sr., CEO of RMK Management. “The contemporary design of the residences at 1620 Central will undoubtedly be an attractive option for renters by choice seeking new-construction options in the area.”

Floor plans at 1620 Central measure 601 to 1,297 square feet and include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments ranging from $2,020 to $3,287. Every residence features an in-unit washer/dryer and private outdoor space. Condo-quality touches at 1620 Central include 9-foot ceilings, luxury plank flooring and a key fob entry system. The residences also feature stainless-steel appliances, sleekly-styled cabinets and quartz countertops in the kitchen, as well bathrooms appointed with a soaking tub and quartz-topped vanity. Hallway markers and residence numbers are called out with sophisticated wood and metal signage.

“We are happy to partner with RMK Management Corp. and general contractor McHugh Homes in bringing this apartment community to life,” said Janna Dalton, multifamily portfolio manager at Real Capital Solutions. “1620 Central offers the refined and modern apartment-life options renters are looking for in the area, and we’re confident the residents will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere this area of Evanston is known for.”

Building amenities include a private bike storage room, an electronic package management system and a Pressbox service for convenient dry-cleaning drop-off and pick-up. Parking is available in a 54-stall, climate-controlled underground garage. Additionally, residents at 1620 Central will be offered their choice of a Metra or CTA monthly pass (via funding on Ventra cards and available until spring 2018) and a Divvy bike share annual membership (available until spring 2020). These amenities can save residents up to $1,900 annually. With a car share service located a block away, residents may be able to shed their reliance on a personal vehicle entirely.

“Many people choose this area for its easy commutes both to downtown Chicago and the northern suburbs, so we wanted to extend the benefits of luxury rental living to include transit perks,” said Rossi. “We’re taking advantage of the existing transit hubs and offering transportation amenities unlike any other property in the area.”

Central Street is 2.6 miles long and serves as the primary east-west travel route in northern Evanston, providing access to Lake Michigan, Northwestern University’s Ryan Field, Evanston Hospital and popular Evanston neighborhoods. According to Rossi, the Central Street corridor has a “village” feel with an eclectic character that encourages people to walk, shop and interact. There are numerous dining and entertainment options just a few steps from 1620 Central and the corridor has fast become a sought-after alternative to downtown Evanston.

“The location is truly an amenity in and of itself with Grosse Pointe Lighthouse Beach and the lakefront only 1 mile away,” noted Rossi. “And, once college football season gets underway, residents can walk across the street to join in on Northwestern’s Wildcat football festivities at Ryan Field.”

The development has been designed according to LEED^® Silver certification requirements with features such as a green roof and energy-efficient fixtures, which allocate additional savings to residents. LEED^® certification is anticipated this fall.

1620 Central was developed by TJM Development, Inc. of Chicago and Colorado-based Real Capital Solutions, Inc. First National Bank provided financing for the project. McHugh Homes was the builder for the project.

For more information, visit www.1620Central.com or call 847-424-0199.

For more information on RMK Management, the Institute for Real Estate Management’s 2015 Management Company of the Year, and its portfolio of properties, visit www.rmk.com.

About RMK Management:

Chicago-based RMK Management Corp. manages over 6,700 apartment homes in the Chicago, Indiana and Minneapolis areas. The company’s portfolio spans a range of apartment types, from high-rise and mid-rise buildings to two- and three-story walk-up apartments, garden apartments and affordable housing. RMK also develops, builds and renovates communities. The Illinois communities are located in Waukegan, Barrington, Palatine, Libertyville, Schaumburg, Geneva, Aurora, Naperville, Downers Grove, Oakbrook Terrace, Evanston, Lombard, Wildwood, Chicago, St. Charles, Elgin and Springfield. Communities in Minnesota are located in Minneapolis and Edina, and the Indiana communities are located in Valparaiso and Chesterton.

About Real Capital Solutions:

Real Capital Solutions is an active investment manager that provides smart capital and practical solutions for real estate opportunities.  For over 30 years, RCS has achieved great success investing in entrepreneurial real estate ventures.  During that time, the company has purchased and managed more than 365 real estate investments totaling approximately $3.5 billion. Real Capital Solutions’ investment performance is a result of a solutions-oriented approach to property acquisition, development, management and divestiture.  RCS will continue to produce exceptional returns for its investors by working with operating partners that share the same entrepreneurial drive and operational precision in order to achieve extraordinary performance.