First let me say the car looks very nice!!
One thing that's hurting you is that the front tire diam. is 1" shorter than the rear. What this means is that if the car was sitting level and the fender well openings were the same height front and rear, the car would appear higher in the front since there is a gap.
A 235/45/17 or 245/45/17 would be a better match as they both have approximatly a 25.5" diam just like your rear tire.
If you go with new front tires you shouldn't have to lower the front as much to make it all look correct.
Sorry for the delay...I know it's not fun waiting for answers!!