Chicago-based Belgravia Group today became the first Chicago real estate firm to introduce a virtual reality experience where buyers use the latest VR technology to be “transported” to a model home where they can walk a floor plan and switch out finishes. The Renelle VR-360 Model Home is making its debut at the developer’s Renelle on the River sales gallery, the showroom for the 18-story, 50-unit luxury condominium building Belgravia is developing at 403 N. Wabash Avenue. The virtual reality experience will be available at the Renelle on the River sales gallery beginning in early July and gives users an immersive teleportation experience tailored to elevate the process of shopping for new-construction condominiums. “One thing that hasn’t changed in the 70 years we’ve been developing projects is, when it comes to buying new construction, people want to see and feel something which, in many cases, doesn’t physically exist,” said Buzz Ruttenberg, founder of Belgravia Group. “But now we found a way to bring them as close to the real thing as possible. Instead of taking a leap of faith – as many buyers do when it comes to new-construction – they’ll be taking a virtual leap into their new home.”  Developed by Delhi, India-based SmartVizX, the VR-360 Model Home technology lets consumers participate in an immersive teleportation experience via a customized headset and integrated system of cameras. The cameras track the user as they tour a virtual unit, and transmit what the user is seeing onto a flat screen TV. This is the first state-side project for SmartVizX, which launched an earlier version of the VR technology in 2015 in India. The Renelle VR-360 Model Home takes buyers through a virtual rendering of the A floor plan at Renelle where they can not only walk the entire residence, but also see under a coffee table, peer over terrace ledges to the street below and switch out kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring. Users can also switch out bathroom backsplashes and change the view outside the residence from day to night. “I’ve always been particularly proud of our reputation as a firm that brings first-of-its-kind experiences to Chicago home buyers,” said Ruttenberg. “We’ve always been open to evolving the home-buying experience to make sure we’re giving buyers as much information as they need or want, and I think it’s safe to say this VR-360 Model Home will exceed not just their expectations, but ours, too. “Our buyers are very sophisticated and they’re used to having technology in their daily lives – they run their households using phone-based apps, install high-speed wireless for integrated theater and sound systems and can even see who’s at their front door from miles away,” he continued. “However, until now, much of the emphasis in the homebuilding industry has focused on technology used by developers during the site selection and construction process or by buyers after a purchase is finalized and they are preparing to move in. This gives our buyers the opportunity to have fun and experience futuristic technology on the front end.” Already 40 percent sold, Renelle on the River will feature three- and four-bedroom single-level residences ranging from 2,249 to 3,434 square feet and priced from $1,584,900 to $3,203,900. The building also offers a rare duplex option priced at $1.2 million for buyers interested in two-level living, where the master suite is on a separate floor from the main living areas. Designed with only three or four residences per floor, this intimate building takes exclusive luxury to new heights.            All residences will have 10-foot ceilings; expansive windows; 8-foot solid core doors; 5-inch wide wood flooring in main living areas; abundant gallery walls for art lovers; and private balconies. Kitchens will be appointed with Snaidero cabinetry; natural stone or quartz countertops; and Subzero and Wolf appliances. Even laundry rooms are well appointed with a Snaidero base cabinet, quartz countertop and sink. Elegant master baths will consist of Snaidero cabinetry; Waterworks faucets; a Victoria & Albert freestanding soaking tub with floor-mounted tub filler and hand shower; stone or quartz-topped vanity; stone or porcelain tile flooring and shower walls; heated tile floor with thermostatic control; walk-in shower with frameless glass surround; and private water closet with Toto toilet. Secondary baths can be personalized with the same high-end fixtures and design elements as in the master bath and will offer either a walk-in shower with frameless glass door or a tub/shower combination. Residents at Renelle on the River will also enjoy sought-after building amenities, including a rooftop lounge on the 18th floor, which will include a game room, screening room, indoor and outdoor kitchens, and a 4,500-square-foot terrace. Building residents also have access to a bike storage area, an outdoor dog run and a fitness center with a private yoga room. Chicago-based bKL Architects designed the building, which should begin site work this fall to welcome first move-ins by late-summer 2018. For more information on Renelle on the River or to see a residence vignette, visit the sales gallery at 405 N. Wabash Avenue or www.renellechicago.com, or call (312) 561-5222. About Belgravia Group: Since 1947, Belgravia Group, Ltd. and its associated companies have been involved in the development of numerous residential properties, including 600 and 530 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicagoland retail centers, Lincoln Park mixed-use properties and River North office buildings. Belgravia Group is a vertically integrated real estate development company with divisions for sales and marketing, general brokerage, interior design and an in-house law firm. With local roots and a reputation of exceeding client expectations, Belgravia Group is committed to providing the highest quality homes and real estate related services. The company was recently named 2016 Developer of the Year, City by Chicago Agent Magazine. Belgravia Group Teleports Chicago Home Buyers to a Fourth Dimension with Renelle VR-360 Model Home Technology Taylor Johnson Public Relations