TWO LOFT HOMES, INCLUDING FORMER DISPLAY, READY FOR MOVE-IN AT HI-POINTE LOFTS IN RICHMOND HEIGHTS

As winter hints at giving way to spring, there's no mistaking the wondrous transformation that is taking place at Hi-Pointe Lofts in Richmond Heights. Simply put, workers have most of the homes in Building I crafted to final form. Meanwhile, purchasers early to commit to Building II are seeing their units rapidly approach completion.

Given the development's rapid advance, builder Conrad Properties has put its scintillating Telluride display on the main level of Building I on the market. It joins one other availability in Building I - a three-bedroom, 2,407-square-foot Sedona model with a cheery Southern exposure, on floor two.

The Telluride display—including its designer appointments—is priced at $525,000, while the second-floor home is offered at $535,000. "The Telluride display is perfect for a purchaser with a yearning for things contemporary and a desire for a wonderfully large patio," said Kathy Rittenbery, sales manager. "The Sedona is all about space - lots of it in a great floorplan for entertaining."

In addition to the free-spirited architecture that characterizes the complex, owners also enjoy a time freeing lifestyle with a condominium association that handles exterior maintenance, grounds care and snow removal. The location is superb, with Forest Park, a 24-hour Schnucks, St. Mary's Health Center, Washington University and the DeMun neighborhood all within a five-minute walk.

Both homes feature: 11-foot-high ceilings with exposed ductwork; hardwood and Italian marble floors; maple wood cabinets and granite-topped island counters in kitchens; glass block walls; and high speed Internet access plus pre-wiring for DSS, cable TV and HDTV;

Common area features include a card key access system; a heated 112-space garage; private storage; a landscaped central courtyard; and a guest lobby.

The community is served by the Clayton School District.

Displays are open daily from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday and by appointment. Parking is available along the 6300 block of Clayton Road. Information can also be found by calling 314/863-1900 or keying www.hipointelofts.com.

Rittenbery says that as Hi-Pointe winds down, Conrad's Summit Lofts in Creve Coeur is ramping up. "We are finishing a new display at Summit, which is the incarnation of Hi-Pointe with a West County flavor," she stated. "The location - just east of I-270 off Olive Boulevard - is hard to beat. And, the amenities, including a multi-function pavilion and a swimming pool, are spectacular. Pricing is comparable to Hi-Pointe, with homes starting just under $300,000."