New Renderings Released for Optima Lumina in Wilmette

Key Points

• Optima unveiled new renderings and a tentative timeline for Optima Lumina
• The project will add 133 for-sale condos at 739 Green Bay Road
• Groundbreaking could begin in late 2026, pending sales momentum

Optima is moving ahead with plans for Optima Lumina, releasing new renderings and an updated timeline for the for-sale condominium project planned at 739 Green Bay Road in Wilmette. The six-story development will replace a cluster of commercial buildings next to Optima Verdana, the firm’s recently completed condo project that delivered in 2023 and has seen strong buyer demand. That performance is now driving Optima’s second phase along the Green Bay Road corridor.

Project Overview

Optima Lumina is planned as a 75-foot-tall, six-story building with a distinctive Z-shaped footprint. Unlike the glass-heavy design of Verdana, Lumina will feature a terracotta façade with black accents, signaling a more textured, residential look. The project was approved by the Village of Wilmette in 2024 and designed in-house by Optima.

Residential and Amenity Program

The building will include 133 condominiums, offering one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans. Units will range up to 3,000 square feet and feature large balconies and terraces incorporating Optima’s signature vertical landscaping system, designed to remain green year-round. The ground floor will be anchored by an 8,000 square foot public plaza and include retail space, a relocated Starbucks, coworking and business facilities, a fitness center with simulators and courts, a game room, and a private courtyard. At the top of the building, residents will have access to a skydeck with a lounge, showcase kitchen, and a year-round pool enclosed by retractable glass walls for seasonal use.

Timeline and Next Steps

Sales are expected to launch this spring, with a project website already live. If early sales meet expectations, Optima plans to break ground in late 2026. The site sits at the corner of Green Bay Road and Washington Avenue, reinforcing the corridor’s shift toward higher-density residential development tied to transit access and neighborhood retail.

Bottom Line

Optima Lumina builds on the momentum created by Verdana, doubling down on Wilmette as a viable market for larger, amenity-rich for-sale condos. With approvals in hand and sales approaching, the project reflects continued confidence in North Shore condo demand as buyers seek newer product outside downtown Chicago.