Bigger might not always be better, but when it comes to living space, it's hard to argue otherwise. Size certainly has been one of the keys to success at Millenium Centre, American Invsco's 60-story new construction tower, according to Sharon Rizzo.
   "Unlike the average highrise and our immediate competition, we're talking bigger sizes and more upscale finishes," says Rizzo, who oversees sales at both Millennium Centre and the Sterling, another new Invsco highrise. "Plus the sheer size of this building - its height will bring it up to the second or third tallest of all residential building in the city - makes a strong statement."
   The soaring 60-story tower, designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates, is unabashedly tall. In the art deco tradition, this is a highrise that celebrates its height, with an emphasis on powerful vertical lines. The grand statement the building already makes from its River North location, at 33 W.Ontario, continues inside, according to Rizzo.
   "The overall feel of the building, the lobby and hallways, is very upscale," Rizzo says. "We have higher ceilings, gas for fireplaces and cooking, which is not standard in most highrises, even in places like the Bristol. And we have these amazing townhouses."
   The "townhouses" are triplex units on the 14th floor that range from about 4,300 to 4,900 square feet. They include two deeded parking spaces, two fireplaces and luxury finishes, priced from $2.1 million to $2.35 million. One of the most coveted features of these standout units, Rizzo says, is their large private outdoor space on the 14th floor.
   "The 14th floor is our amenity floor, and all of these townhouses as well as two duplexes have nice outdoor space there, with wonderfull landscaping all around that area," Rizzo says. "They'll be gated, and the pool for the building is right there."
   The townhouses, which have been designed and fully decked out by noted designer

John Robert Wiltgen, also offer private internal elevators as an option.
   The townhouses have a single family home feeling, which is great for empty nesters, who love that kind of space but don't want the maintenance of a lawn," Rizzo says. "Here, they can have the security and views but with the space and feeling of a single-family home."
   More than 300 of the 363 units at Millennium Centre, millenniumcentrecondos.com, had been bought at press time, bringing the project up to 85 percent sold. For those who can't afford townhouses, however, Invsco still has a wide selection of two- and three- bedroom units, Rizzo says.    Remaining two- bedroom condos at Millennium Centre have two baths and are priced from the $490s to the low $600s. At press time, three three- bedrooms also remained, priced from the mid- $700s to $805,000. These units have 2.5 baths and almost 1,900 square feet.
   The premium units include things like hardwood floors, stone bathrooms and Subzero apliances, but Rizzo says, the level of standards is high throughout the building. Even the most affordable two- bedrooms include granite counters, 42-inch cabinets, granite entries, ceramic baths and high-quality carpeting.
   The standard for building amenities is equally high, according to Rizzo. Millennium Centre will have an outdoor pool, a 24-hour door- man, indoor parking, a fitness center, a party room, additional storage space and a retail arcade with a restaurant and shops at ground level.
   But for many buyers, Rizzo says, location has been at least as important as the quality of amenities and finishes.
   "You're talking dead-center, right in the heart of River North, coming in off the expressway on one side, with Ontario," Rizzo says. "You're on Dearborn between Ohio and Ontario, within easy walking distance from Michigan Avenue - only about four blocks away - but far enough to avoid the congestion over there."

Millennium Centre's prime location has another perc too - stunning views.
   "We have great views," Rizzo says. "To the north you get some lake, and we have views to the east with lake too, and the night views to the west, even on low floors, are completely unobstructed because we have this low Com Ed building adjacent."
   Several special "wrap-around" units at the top of Millenium Centre take full advantage of the surrounding cityscape, offering views to the north, west and south. These condos are nearly 2,700 square feet and priced in the $1.1 million to $1.2 million range.
   And because the project is further along than much of the competition, its delivery times are exceptionally fast for new construction (first occupancy is scheduled for August 2003). But Chicagoans already are stopping to check out another view, that of Millennium Centre itself, from the sidewalk and surrounding blocks.
   "It will definitely leave its mark on the skyline when it's finished," Rizzo says.