Read What People are Saying About Living in an Optima Community

Old Orchard Woods

"We combined two penthouse units into one 5,000 sq. ft. residence. We purchased our condominium without ever looking at another place. We wanted a home that would be as comfortable as our existing house but would enable us to have the luxuries we didn't have as well as conveniences we might need for the future."

"Location was most important. At Old Orchard Woods we are equidistant from family members who live in Northbrook and Lincoln Park. We go to the city often and can be downtown in as little as 20 minutes."

"The second element that we really liked is the spectacular floor plans with floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful views. We chose a 19th floor location overlooking the forest preserve, and with a corner unit. We also have views to the south of the Chicago skyline and to the north."

"Our home consists of two wings, with one wing dedicated to our daily life, while the other will serve as a guest wing with a private entrance for overnight guests. Our living area also includes a great room, kitchen, separate offices for each of us, a library, a spacious master bedroom suite, laundry room, plenty of storage, and even an alcove with a window for a treadmill,"

"We are extremely excited about our new home, and we're grateful that our builder has given us the liberty to design our dream home."

"It was a case of love at first sight; I really was impressed with the contemporary design of the building...I have beautiful views on three sides. The fitness center on the penthouse floor is a real convenience and saves me $80 per month for a health club membership."

"I didn't know anything about Optima when I first learned about this impressive building but I had a great experience. Optima was well-organized, professional and accommodating."

Julia Lagun, Homeowner, Optima Old Orchard Woods

"We thought about moving to downtown Chicago, but when we saw Optima Old Orchard Woods, we were intrigued. The location was convenient and we were acquainted with the builder's excellent reputation".

"We wanted one-level living with a feeling of light and openness. We were also looking for new construction. Some comparison shopping quickly showed us that living downtown is more expensive than living in the Skokie area, and we would not have been able to match the beautiful views we have in our new condominium at Optima Old Orchard Woods."

"If we look in one direction, we can see the country view provided by the Harms Woods Forest Preserve, and if we turn another way, we can see the downtown Chicago skyline."

"We find our new home to be very spacious and it is also sound-proof and quiet. The master bedroom is larger than we had in our other home, and the L-shaped foyer is so large that I have created a mini-conversation area with two comfortable chairs."

"We also like the fact that our neighbors are a diverse group, with many young couples as well as empty-nesters like ourselves. We're convinced we made the right move."

Sandy and Howard Sorkin, Homeowners, Optima Old Orchard Woods

"I thought I wanted to stay in the city but as I looked around I couldn't find any place that suited my requirements, Someone told me about Optima Old Orchard Woods and I found that the condominiums were larger and less expensive than what I had seen in the city. I was impressed with the high quality of the construction. In addition, Optima Old Orchard Woods is so close to transportation that it is easy and quick to travel to the city, and it is also very convenient to my work."

"I really liked the distinctive design of the building with its towers, terraces, and green-roof gardens, and I appreciate the fact that it is an environmentally friendly green building that will be economical to live in."

"The finishes in the home are of a quality that would be upgrades in city units, so I believe I have received great value for my purchasing dollars. This condominium is the ideal size for me, and each of the rooms is large."

"I have already enjoyed the pool and the hot tub, and I use the workout room frequently. I am a tennis coach, so I expect to use our tennis court when the weather improves, and I know I will enjoy hikes in the woods. I believe that Optima Old Orchard Woods offers me a significantly better value and lifestyle, and I can enjoy the unique advantages of the city and the suburbs from a central location.

Barb Rizzi, Homeowner, Optima Old Orchard Woods

I was impressed with the model condominiums I visited but I wanted even more space. The sales consultant took me to see a combination residence of approximately 3,000 square feet with a unique feature—a 7,000-square-foot private landscaped green-roof garden with a brick patio and views of the forest preserve and the skyline of the city of Chicago."

"Compared to all of the homebuying and selling I have done over the past six years, the move to Optima Old Orchard Woods has been the easiest. The staff is knowledgeable and cooperative, giving me complete confidence in leaving the details in their hands."

"When my grandchildren visit, they can enjoy a large pool and sundeck, and I also made sure that Optima Old Orchard Woods was pet-friendly because my three-pound Yorkshire terrier is my companion."

"I recently learned architect David Hovey's reputation is international. While in South Africa, I had lunch with a friend who is an architect, and he had heard of David Hovey and was familiar with his respected reputation."

Sabra Minkus, Homeowner, Optima Old Orchard Woods

"Want to take a drive-by architecture tour? Forget the boat ride down the Chicago River. Try the Edens Expressway...you'll whiz by one of the most exhilarating new high-rises to emerge from the Chicago area's current building boom."

Blair Kamin, Chicago Tribune architecture critic referring to Optima Old Orchard Woods

Camelview Village

"It has almost been a year since closing on my unit at Optima. What a fabulous area Mr. Hovey has created! I feel very fortunate to live in such a lovely, exciting place.

"I had looked at Arizona condos for over two years and was close to deciding on one that did not excite me. When my Realtor took me to Optima, I was finally enthused. Thank you for the outstanding work you did to assist with the purchase. Your knowledge, helpfulness, positive attitude and willingness to answer my numerous questions certainly facilitated my purchase."

Judy Cunningham, Homeowner, Optima Camelview Village

"We were sold on the architecture and talent of designer and architect David Hovey and his team.""The community has materialized from the ground floor up. Hovey has a real winner here."

"Every time we come here we are even happier. It's like living at a resort here—you can walk to everything." You can't beat this location. This is the destination for all of Arizona right here. This is home."

Wendy and Glen Smith, Homeowners, Optima Camelview Village

"My husband loves to walk," Optima Camelview's location was a prime reason why we bought a home here." It seems like everyone either vacations here or is moving here from the Chicagoland area."

"Being from the Chicago area, we of course knew about Optima, and had all the confidence in the world with what they do. The renderings were beautiful but the finished product far exceeds our expectations. We are within walking distance of our favorite restaurants, great shopping and two movie theaters. How much more convenient can that be?"

"Although location and aesthetics are the main reasons we bought at Optima Camelview Village, the people are the reason we enjoy it so much." They tell you what you are going to get and it is, indeed, what you get."

Shirlee and Eugene Cohen, Homeowners, Optima Camelview Village

"I saw the renderings and thought: this place is going to be great! But now, looking at the finished product, it's actually even better. Being in Real Estate, I can tell you that doesn't happen very often."

"There are a lot of young professionals here so they can live the 24/7 on-the-go lifestyle. The terrace is like having my own backyard; it's like a whole extra room outside. Even in the summer I enjoy sitting out there. It's sheltered, peaceful and surrounded by plants and the flowers. It's wonderful."

"I had friends over the other night and we sat on my terrace and then walked over to the promenade area and it felt like we were on vacation. We could hear the waterfall and it was so peaceful...like we were at a resort hotel or on an island. Everything I could ever want is right here."

Kelsey Young, Homeowner, Optima Camelview Village

"It has almost been a year since closing on my unit at Optima. What a fabulous area Mr. Hovey has created! I feel very fortunate to live in such a lovely, exciting place."

"I had looked at Arizona condos for over two years and was close to deciding on one that did not excite me. When my Realtor, Suzanne Rabold, took me to you at Optima, I was finally enthused. Thank you for the outstanding work you did to assist with the purchase. Your knowledge, helpfulness, positive attitude and willingness to answer my numerous questions, certainly facilitated my purchase."

"Members of the Customer Service department have been outstanding to work with. They have consistently showed concern for the customer and performed their jobs very well."

Walter Barrett, Homeowner, Optima Biltmore Towers.

"We were really looking to simplify our lives. We travel a great deal and the children have all moved on, so we felt that downsizing to a condo would be most conducive to our changing lifestyle. We loved the rooftop pool, sky terraces, dramatic entrances and 15-story atrium. But what really sealed the deal was Optima's and David Hovey's flawless reputation. Even David's competitors couldn't say a bad word about him. Buying our condo and working with the design team has been a fantastic experience, and one we will never forget. The folks at Optima have truly become our friends."

Brian Goodwin and Judy Wolfe, Homewowners, Optima Biltmore Towers

"We like to dine out and Sally loves to shop, so this is perfect for us. Now living in a spacious two-bedroom with a split floor plan I think this building is one of the most attractive places to live in Phoenix. My wife and I want to enjoy life, and this just seemed like a good place to do that."

General Seth J. McKee and Sally McKee, Homeowners, Optima Biltmore Towers

"Many in our community point to Optima Camelview Village with a lot of pride. Optima has set the bar higher in Scottsdale of what we are trying to create. This community adds a lot to Scottsdale."

City of Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross

"For people who seek true urban living, this property has a lot going for it: location, architectural brilliance, and convenience.

Noelle Bowman, Arizona Republic

"You will not find a more upscale, modern, environmentally friendly, hip, and flat-out amazing place to live than a penthouse suite at Optima Camelview Village."

Monica Manson, Post Magazine

"Around 600 B.C. the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon was considered one of the original Seven Wonders of the World...fast-forward to 2008 to Scottsdale's Optima Camelview Village condominium project northwest of Highland Avenue and Scottsdale Road."

Diana Balazs, Arizona Republic

"One development currently standing out in the Arizona market for progressive design, superior location and environmental consciousness is Optima Camelview Village."

International Homes Magazine

"Optima Scottsdale: it's a steel-frame building that celebrates its ability to leap out into space to make bridges, jutting planted terraces, and shading canopies while opening up the walls for light and air. High-density Arizona urban living at its best."

John Meunier, Architectural Professor, Arizona Republic