Mom and her four children moving up in the world in their Evanston high-rise

Moni Myers-Jones and her four children are looking forward to panoramic views at Optima Views, a high-rise condominium building in Evanston.

"After my divorce, we moved from our single-family home in Lincoln Park to a high-rise," Myers-Jones said. "We found that we really enjoyed high-rise living, with its conveniences and beautiful views.

"When we moved from the city to Evanston, we bought an older single-family home with plenty of character," she said. "But with one daughter in college, and another preparing to go, a return to high-rise living is a practical, and more economical, choice."

On the first weekend Optima Views opened for sales, Myers-Jones selected two units on the 21st floor. She is planning a 3,000- square-foot residence for herself, her three daughters (ages 13 to 19) and her 8-year-old son.

"We found it very appealing that we were able to arrange the space in our condominium exactly as we wanted," Myers-Jones said.

"We combined a 2- and a 3-bedroom unit. A large master suite for myself, a suite for the girls with a bedroom and a den as well as a bedroom for my son.

"In addition, we have a large living room, dining room and kitchen plus a sunny outdoor room," she said. "This room will be set up to have a backyard feel." The views include the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline and the Ba'hai Temple.

"We'll all enjoy the pool, the sun deck and the workout room," she said. "This move promises to take us back to a lifestyle we love."

More than half of the 205 units have been sold. Base prices range from $203,534 to $422,509. Units have 1 to 3 bedrooms. The building will have a garage with 230 parking spaces.

Optima Views, on Maple Street, just north of Church Street, Evanston. A sales center is a 1741 Maple St. Optima Inc., (847) 570- 9500.

PLAINFIELD HOUSES. Sales have topped the 50 percent marker at Pheasant Ridge, a development of single-family homes in Plainfield.

William Ryan Homes, the builder, plans 220 houses. Base prices range from $173,000 to $223,000. Eight plans are sized from 1,385 to 2,849 square feet. Houses have 3 to 5 bedrooms, 2 or 21/2 baths and attached 2-car garages. Three-car garages are optional.

"Buyers who finance their loans through our mortgage company, Home Loan Express, will receive $3,000, which they can use toward options, closing costs or to reduce the price of the home," said Cory Robertson, director of sales and marketing for the south division of William Ryan Homes.

Three decorated models are open. A fourth model is nearing completion.

A morning room off the kitchen is a popular option. "Seventy- five percent of our buyers opt for the morning room, which adds sensational light and space to the hub of the home," Robertson said.

The Fairfield plan features a family room and a formal dining room. Upstairs, the master bedroom stretches out at 20 by 14 feet.

Pheasant Ridge, Drauden and Caton Farm roads, Plainfield. William Ryan Homes, (815) 436-9013.