Just Closed at Embry: A Lesson in Timing, Negotiation, and Design Excellence
Last week we closed on Residence 903 at Embry, a home that not only reflects the best of Chicago’s West Loop, but also affirms what’s possible when you combine architecture with restraint, craftsmanship, and vision.
Embry is different. Timeless in its palette, mature in its materiality, and thoughtful in every proportion. This is a building for people who understand that great design is not just seen, it’s felt.
Over the past 18 months, I've had the privilege of completing three transactions at Embry. That continuity gives you a sense of the building, but more importantly, it gives you a sense of the people behind it. Sulo Development has delivered a building that lives far better than it photographs—a rare thing in this market. There’s nothing gimmicky about it. It’s warm without being ornate, refined without being sterile. From the bronze-accented facade to the cleanly executed interiors by Kara Mann, Embry stands in a class of its own. The attention to detail is evident in every hallway, every trim piece, every door swing. It’s simply built better.
In this most recent deal, I represented the buyer. And while most of the city is still experiencing a seller’s market—especially for new construction—we were able to negotiate a purchase approximately $150,000 below list price. On top of that, I secured an additional $25,000 credit for Lutron window treatments. Those numbers aren't luck. They're the product of relationships, timing, and knowing exactly what to ask for. When you’ve done multiple deals in a building, you understand how the developer thinks. You know the gaps. You know the leverage points.
It’s important to note that many buyers walk into new developments assuming everything is set in stone. They don’t know what to push for. They don’t know what matters. In this case, experience made the difference—experience not just in the broader market, but in this building, with this developer, in this moment. It’s a subtle but critical distinction.
Embry sets a new standard for luxury in the West Loop. It challenges the idea that new construction has to be cold or generic. And it reminds us that good buildings—truly good buildings—aren’t made by accident. They come from developers who care, who build with intent, and who don’t chase trends.
To my client: thank you. Trust is everything in this business, and I’m grateful you gave me yours. The process wasn’t rushed, but it was decisive. The result is a home that lives up to the moment and will stand the test of time.
We need more buildings like Embry. More developers like Sulo. And more buyers who understand the value of timeless design in a city that often builds for the now.
If that sounds like you, I’d be honored to help.
