My quest for the perfect commuter involved lots of modifications and experiments on a couple of old bikes until I figured out what would work best for me.
Then I purchased a new bike that was 95% of what I wanted, a Gazelle dutch bike. I added a rear centerstand, upgraded the headlight, and grips, added front and rear flashers, and upgraded the stem to Gazelles tool less adjustable Switch stem so I can sit upright for commuting and utility riding, and drop the bars lower and further forward for recreational riding. Also added a Cardiff seat bang and Dutch panniers.
Will be upgrading the OE roller brakes to the largest size Shimano offers as they are more powerful and fade resistant, not that the OE ones are bad, and have been adequate, but they are the smallest size.

My bike is heavy and a little on the slow side, but it basically requires no maintenance even though I ride it daily in a wet, grimy environment, and its the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden.