Making the move: Claudia Laskowski and Jason Howell in the kitchen of their new three-bedroom townhome at Lexington Park in Des Plaines.

As a labor and delivery nurse at the Resurrection Medical Center in The Family Birthplace in Chicago, Claudia Laskowski is used to making quick, critical decisions for her patients.

She recently applied the same principles to her new-home purchase at Lexington Park, a new community of 120 townhomes in northwest suburban Des Plaines by Chicago-based Lexington Homes.

“My mom lives in Des Plaines and drives past Lexington Park all the time, and on a whim she encouraged me to visit the community,” said Laskowski. “I looked at the models with my mom and then put down a deposit that very same day. I saw that I could have a brand new two- or three-bedroom home with a two-car garage for less than I would pay to rent in the city.”

Laskowski was previously living in an apartment in Lakeview, and needed a larger place because her boyfriend, Jason Howell, was moving to the area and moving in with her.

“My apartment was tiny and there was no parking and no storage,” she said. “We were going to live together in the city, but then we saw how far our money could go with new construction in the suburbs.”

Located within walking distance of downtown Des Plaines and the Des Plaines Metra Station, at Western and Harding Avenues, Lexington Park offers three floor plans ranging from 1,605 to 1,913 square feet. Base-priced from $239,990 to $259,990, the three-story homes come standard with two to three bedrooms, 2½ baths and attached two-car garages. Options allow for additional powder rooms. Three decorated models are available to tour.

Laskowski, who moved into her new home at Lexington Park last October, selected the Coventry floor plan, a 1,913-square-foot home with three bedrooms and 2½ baths.

“I got a really great deal on my home, as it included a lot of great finishes, such as stainless steel appliances and granite countertops,” she said.

She especially appreciates having a garage and parking for both cars, which is hard to come by in the city.

“The kitchen is really nice, and I love my island,” she says. “There’s so much space with all the cabinets in the kitchen that some of them are actually empty.”

She adds that the master bedroom is one of her favorite areas, with a vaulted ceiling that really opens up the room.

“I love the granite and the double sinks in the vanity in the master bath,” she says. “Also, I now have more than enough closet space with the walk-in closet in my bedroom.”

The couple is using one of the secondary bedrooms as a guest room for Howell’s parents when they visit from out-of-town. And, the third bedroom is a home office.

On the home’s first level, they have converted the family room to a home theater. “It’s Jason’s man cave,” says Laskowski. “There’s a huge surround sound system with a big-screen TV, and it’s decorated with movie posters and a leather couch.”

Not only is the couple enjoying all the space and features of their new home, but also Laskowski now has a shorter commute to work.

“It only takes me about 15 minutes to get to the hospital,” she says. “And Jason works in medical sales so he can easily get to his Bensenville office or anywhere he needs to go since we are located so close to I-294.”

They also appreciate being near the Des Plaines Metra Station.

“We’re only a few minutes away, so it’s easy to shoot downtown on the train. I’ve had a lot of girlfriends from the city take the Metra out to visit me. They were impressed by the short train ride and can’t believe how much home you can get for your money out here,” she said.

All homes at Lexington Park include brushed nickel lighting fixtures; oversized private balconies; 42-inch maple cabinets and GE stainless steel appliances in the kitchen; and a dual-bowl raised-height vanity. Buyers also can select options and upgrades, such as fireplaces, alternate bedroom configurations and additional powder rooms.

To visit Lexington Park, from the south exit I-294 at Dempster Street and head west for 1½ miles. Turn right at Laurel Avenue and continue for ¼ mile to Harding Avenue. Turn left at Harding Avenue and the sales center will be located on your right.

From the north, exit I-294 at Golf Road. Go west on Golf Road for ¾ of a mile to S. Des Plaines River Rd., turn left and proceed for one mile to Route 14 (Miner Street). Turn right on Miner Street, and go ½ mile to Laurel Avenue. Turn right at Laurel Avenue and continue for ¼ mile to Harding Avenue. Turn left at Harding Avenue and the sales center will be located on your right.

Sales center hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information about Lexington Park, call 847-299-0500 or visit LexingtonChicago.com.

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