Crib Chatter

The Claude Seymour House at 817 W. Hutchinson in the Buena Park neighborhood in Uptown has returned to the market in March 2024, but is now owned by the bank.

We have chattered about this 6-bedroom home numerous times over the years, but the last time was in 2020 when it was a short sale.

See our 2020 chatter here.

To refresh your memory, the Claude Seymour House is a historic property on a landmarked block in Buena Park.

The Elite Street column in the Chicago Tribune highlighted it in 2013:

Designed by Prairie-style architect George Washington Maher and completed in 1913 for jewelry wholesaler Seymour, the more than 12,000-square-foot mansion has six bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, leaded stained-glass windows, a grand mahogany staircase, three fireplaces, mahogany millwork throughout, an eat-in kitchen and a coach house atop a two-car garage.

The property has 136 feet of frontage and a wraparound yard.

If you recall, this house is on 5 1/2 city lots measuring 136×140 and has gardens.

It has a 2-car garage with a studio apartment above it on a rare side driveway, which also has space to park 2 more cars.

It has most of it’s original vintage features, including moldings, stained glass, and a carved staircase along with 3 wood burning fireplaces.

It has hardwood floors.

All 6 bedrooms are on the third level and it has the garage studio so the current listing says the property has 7 bedrooms.

The kitchen has wood cabinets and, the pictures indicate, it still has the stainless steel appliances, including 2 dishwashers on either side of the stove.

There’s also a library, sun room, a “doll house,” a game room, and a big lower level recreation room.

The house has central air.

It’s now being sold “as-is” and the taxes will be prorated 100%.

The listing also says to “please see Agent remarks for offer submission instructions.”

Additionally, if you are an agent that has a buyer it says this about compensation:

In 2020, the listing was a short sale that had been lowered to $2.6 million. But the house has now come on the market from the bank at just $1,764,900.

Is this house now a steal?

Michael Olszewski at Area Wide Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

817 W. Hutchinson: 7 bedrooms (includes studio), 5 baths and 2 half baths, 15,944 square feet in total, 2-car garage

• Sold in November 1993 (no price listed)
• Originally listed in March 2011 for just 2 weeks at $5.195 million
• Re-listed in October 2011 for $4.995 million
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in December 2011
• Was a “short sale” in March 2020 at $2.6 million
• Bank owned in June 2023
• Currently listed “as-is” at $1,764,900
• Taxes are now $116,935  (they were $103,803 in March 2020; $88,500 in 2017; $81,517 in August 2103 and $21,652 in October 2012)
• Central Air
• 5 1/2 city lots including gardens
• 3 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 19×19 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 17×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 10×15 (third floor)
• Bedroom #6: 12×20 (third floor)
• Foyer: 29×10 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 13×26 (main floor)
• Living room: 20×30 (main floor)
• Dining room: 21×18 (main floor)
• Sun room: 23×10 (main floor)
• Game room: 18×22 (main floor)
• Exercise room: 14×15 (lower level)
• Recreation room: 50×28 (lower level)
• Studio above the garage

This 3-bedroom duplex penthouse in Parkside at 1530 N. Dearborn Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in March 2024.

Built in 1972, Parkside has 49 units and attached garage parking.

It does not have door staff but it does have an outdoor pool, exercise room, party room and an on-site engineer. The building is professionally managed.

This unit is the south facing penthouse which the listing says has been “masterfully renovated” with custom finishes.

The first floor has an open kitchen, living room and dining room layout with east and south views.

It has hardwood floors throughout the main living space and a fireplace in the living room, along with built-ins.

The kitchen has modern wood cabinets, stone countertops, top-tier professional grade appliances and an oversized island that seats 2.

There’s a powder room on the first floor as well as the primary suite which has south and west exposures.

The primary suite is carpeted and has a walk-in-closet and en suite “luxe bath” with a walk-in-shower, soaking tub and oversized vanity.

The second level has the other two bedrooms, which are also carpeted, and includes one that is en suite.

There’s also a full bathroom in the hall.

The family room is also on the second floor which has a wet bar with a beverage refrigerator and a mini-fridge along with a fireplace.

Just off the family room is a private rooftop terrace with custom glass railings and “endless views” of the city and Lake.

This unit includes the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one car garage parking is included.

This building is on a tree lined street in the Gold Coast, just steps from the Latin School, Lincoln Park, the History Museum, Lake Michigan and the shops and restaurants of Old Town.

Listed at $1.95 million, that is $575,000 above the 2013 sales price of $1.375 million.

Buyers love “new.”

Will this penthouse sell quickly?

Jeffrey Lowe at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #26S: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3290 square feet, duplex, penthouse

• Sold in February 1989 for $625,000
• Sold in June 1996 for $885,000
• Sold in July 2000 for $1 million 
• Sold in December 2013 for $1.375 million 
• Currently listed for $1.95 million
• Assessments of $2647 a month (includes heat, a/c, security, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, snow removal, Internet, party room, sundeck)
• Taxes of $19,359
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1 car garage parking included
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 19×17 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 17×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×12 (second floor)
• Living room: 21×20 (main floor)
• Dining room: 15×10 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×10 (main floor)
• Laundry: 4×4 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 17×6 (main floor)
• Family room: 21×18 (second floor)
• Deck: 22×19 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom in 1660 N. LaSalle in the Old Town neighborhood in Lincoln Park  came on the market in July 2022 and has been on, and off, the market since then. It re-listed in March 2024.

Built in 1974, 1660 N. LaSalle has 492 units including studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units. It has an attached garage which has leased parking.

It’s a full service building with 24/7 door staff, an outdoor pool, exercise room, party room, bike room, roof deck, attached grocery store and cleaners.

This unit has south and west floor-to-ceiling windows along with “epic city views” from the south facing balcony.

It has solid oak floors throughout.

It has an “updated” kitchen that is open to the living and dining room combination with modern black cabinets, quartz counter tops, a Miele induction cooktop, a GE Profile refrigerator and Bosch dischwasher and oven.

The bathrooms are “straight out of a luxury hotel.”

The primary bedroom is en suite.

This unit has some of the features buyers look for including central air and there is rental parking in the building starting at $121 a month. There is no in-unit washer/dryer but there is a coin laundry room on the first floor.

This building is at the epicenter of the Old Town and East Lincoln Park neighborhoods. It’s just steps from Lincoln Park, the Zoo and the Farmers Market and near Second City, the History Museum and all the shops and restaurants in Old Town.

It’s also near several key bus lines and the listing says it’s 4 blocks to the red and brown lines (but that isn’t right about the red line. It is further away from a red line stop.).

Additionally, a new development in the old Walgreens on Wells and North Avenue, the gas station and the old Treasure Island, is expected to bring a new supermarket as well as a new high rise on North Avenue (if approved).

This unit last sold in July 2018 for $520,000.

Listed in September 2023 at $544,000, and now re-listing in March 2024 at $499,900, is this a deal?

Olivia Carlson and Paul Siebert at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3002: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in October 1985 for $114,500 (per Redfin)
• Sold in September 1991 for $165,500
• Sold in July 2018 for $520,000
• Originally listed in July 2022 for $569,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in September 2023 for $544,000
• Removed in December 2023
• Listed for rent in October 2023 for $3800 a month
• Reduced
• Removed in December 2023 when listed at $3600 a month
• Re-listed in March 2024 for $499,900
• Assessments of $1034 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet, bike room, sundeck, cleaner, party room)
• Taxes of $8329
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Coin laundry in the building
• Rental parking available starting at $121 a month
• Storage available for $10 a month
• Bedroom #1: 12×10
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Living room: 14×14
• Dining room: 14×10
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Pantry: 5×3
• Foyer: 6×11
• Balcony: 12×4

This 2-bedroom, turned into a 1-bedroom plus den, at 55 E. Erie in River North came on the market in March 2024.

55 E. Erie was built during the housing boom in 2004. It has 194 units and an attached parking garage.

It’s a full amenity building with a 24-hour door staff, a pool, an exercise room and a clubhouse.

The listing calls this unit a “rare gem” that has been “meticulously” designed.

A 2-bedroom turned into a 1-bedroom with den, the listing says it is one of only 4 units like this in the building.

There are hardwood floors throughout except for the primary bedroom, which has carpet.

The living room has a gas fireplace and custom wood built-ins as well as a custom built-in murphy-style dining room table. There is no dining room.

The den, which doesn’t have any door, can be used as a home office, bedroom or sitting room.

It overlooks the private balcony which has panoramic city views.

The kitchen is a “chef’s dream” with wood cabinets and high end appliances including a Subzero refrigerator and a Viking 4-burner gas stove. It also has a seating area that has city views.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a dual vanity.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one garage parking space is included.

This building is near the Cathedral District, close to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, near shops, restaurants and the Eataly, steps from the temporary Bally’s casino, and minutes from the Mag Mile, including the Starbucks Reserve.

It is near the El and numerous bus routes.

The listing says this is the “first time ever on the market” for this unit.

Listed at $895,000, that’s $210,000 above the 2004 purchase price of $685,500.

Will the unique floor plan make the sale?

Margaret Baczkowski at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here. (sorry, no floor plan)

Unit #4201: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1487 square feet

• Sold in April 2004 for $685,500
• Currently listed at $895,000
• Assessments of $1169 a month (includes doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $16,867
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking space included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2/den: 13×11
• Living room: 19×22
• Kitchen: 17×11
• Foyer: 7×9
• Laundry: 3×3
• Balcony: 11×8

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 1819 N. Dayton in Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2024. (This is a picture of the complex and not necessarily this specific townhouse.)

Built in 1985, this townhouse complex has 16 units and garage parking. It has an HOA.

The listing says this townhouse has been “beautifully updated.”

The first floor has the kitchen, living room, dining room and a powder room.

It has a chef’s kitchen with white Shaker style cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, subway tile backsplash and unique butcher block counter tops.

It also has an island with seating for 2.

There’s a separate dining room and a living room with a wood burning fireplace with built-ins surrounding it.

Got a green thumb? It has an east facing back patio and skylights and the listing says any plant can “thrive” inside.

The second floor has two bedrooms, including the primary, and 2 full bathrooms.

The primary bedroom is en suite and the listing says the bathroom is newly remodeled with a white vanity and marble tiling.

The townhouse has a lower level with high ceiling and which is set up for the perfect guest bedroom. There is a full size bathroom on this level.

The property has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer and 1-car private garage space.

The listing says this townhouse is around the corner from Armitage boutiques and coffee shops. There is also public transportation nearby.

This townhouse sold just 3 years ago in June 2021 for $782,000. It has come back on the market in 2024 at $835,000.

Will it get the premium?

Kelly Parker and Jordyn Schiffman at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1819 N. Dayton: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage, townhouse

• Sold in May 1989 for $101,500
• Sold in July 1989 for $228,000 
• Sold in December 1999 for $378,000
• Sold in December 2000 for $380,000
• Sold in April 2010 for $521,000
• Sold in March 2015 for $589,500
• Sold in April 2018 for $725,000
• Sold in June 2021 for $782,000
• Currently listed at $835,000
• Assessments of $249 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9251
• Central Air
• 1-car garage parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×9 (lower level)
• Living room: 15×14 (main level)
• Dining room: 11×6 (main level)
• Kitchen: 12×13 (main level)
• Family room: 15×15 (lower level)
• Storage: 9×8 (lower level)
• Patio

This 3-bedroom townhouse in Dearborn Park II at 1236 S. Federal in the South Loop came on the market in March 2024.

Built in 1994, Dearborn Park II has 118 townhouses with attached 1-car and 2-car garages. They vary from 1 to 3 bedrooms.

Because it’s an older development, it’s surrounded by mature trees and landscaping which are maintained by the HOA.

This townhouse is in one of the “quiet landscaped” courtyards.

It’s an end unit that has not only a private deck but also a rare 748 square foot private yard that is maintained by the HOA.

The listing says the townhouse has been “upgraded throughout” and that it “lives like a single family home.”

The first floor has a 1-car garage, the foyer, a full bathroom and the third bedroom which the listing says could also be a living room, office or playroom.

It leads through sliding doors to a concrete patio and the private yard.

The second floor has the living room, dining room, the kitchen and a large balcony for grilling.

The kitchen has 42-inch wood cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The third floor has two bedroom and one full bathroom which the listing says has been “newly remodeled.”

This townhouse has central air and the washer/dryer is on the third floor.

The listing says this about the location:

Close to South Loop Elementary, British International School, and Jones College Prep. Target, Jewel, Walgreens, Mariano’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Icon Movie Theater, Museum Campus, Grant Park, lakefront, easy access to highways, and Roosevelt CTA station with Red, Green, and Orange lines all nearby.

Listed at $615,000, it last sold before the pandemic in September 2019 for $535,000.

During the pandemic, buyers were desperate for outdoor space.

Will the private yard make the sale in 2024?

Jorge Romero at Realty One Group has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit B: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1460 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in September 1994 for $169,500
• Sold in February 1998 for $225,000
• Sold in September 2002 for $327,000
• Sold in June 2006 for $480,000
• Sold in August 2015 for $500,000
• Sold in September 2019 for $535,000
• Currently listed for $615,000
• Assessments of $375 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9816
• Central Air
• 1-car garage
• Fireplace
• Skylights
• Private side yard measuring 748 square feet
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×9 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 16×13 (second floor)
• Dining room: 9×9 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 10×9 (second floor)
• Laundry: 6×6 (third floor)
• Balcony (second floor)

This 3-bedroom at 500 W. Armitage in East Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2024.

I spent a few hours looking through my picture collection because I thought I certainly had a picture of this building as we’ve all walked/driven by it hundreds/thousands of times. But, alas, I don’t have one.

Built in 1889, 500 W. Armitage has 24 units. I’m not sure if any of the units in this building have parking.

There is a bike room and extra storage. The listing also implies that the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This unit is on the third floor and is a “sunny” Southeast corner with 3 exposures: North, South and East.

It has some vintage features but they may not be original.

It has 11 foot ceilings, crown moldings, wainscoting and a fireplace in the living room (decorative or wood burning? An old listing says its wood burning.)

The listing says the unit has “massive” windows which have been replaced with thermal pane Pella windows.

The unit has “masterful” built-ins, including bookcases in the living room.

The kitchen is a “newer” chef’s kitchen with Cafe Suite appliances, a white tile backsplash, open shelves, and beige/light gray(?) cabinets.  It also has a small kitchen island with a butcher block counter top.

Like many vintage units, it has a separate dining room.

One of the bedrooms is en suite.

There is a built-in desk space and walk-in-closet in the second bedroom.

The third bedroom is being used as an office.

This unit has a “massive” private, secured deck off the back of the unit.

It has some of the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit but there is no parking. The listing says there is “easy street parking.”

This building is near the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Listed at $535,000 for a 3-bedroom, will the lack of parking be an issue on this sale?

Danielle Inendino at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures, floor plan and 3D walk-through here.

Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 1971 for $23,482 (per Redfin)
• Sold in February 1990 for $225,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in August 1993 for $339,750
• Sold in October 1997 for $264,000
• Sold in August 2002 for $405,000
• Sold in May 2008 for $447,000
• Sold in August 2019 for $485,000
• Currently listed for $535,000
• Assessments of $441 a month (includes security, exterior maintenance, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9374
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Fireplace (decorative or not????)
• Bedroom #1: 14×11
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Bedroom #3: 11×10
• Kitchen: 14×16
• Living room: 15×15
• Dining room: 13×14
• Laundry: 7×8
• Deck

This 2-bedroom in the Grand Orleans at 330 W. Grand in River North came on the market in March 2024. Surprisingly, I don’t have a picture of this building. We have only chattered about it twice in the last 17 years.

Built in 2006, the Grand Orleans has 98 units and attached garage parking.

It has an exercise room and door staff.

This unit has a split floor plan with eastern city views.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has modern white cabinets, dark stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and the listing says it has a “large island” but it’s really a peninsula.

The primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet and en suite bathroom with tub and walk-in-shower along with a one sink vanity.

The second bedroom has a “high-end” modern glass wall system which acts like an interior window where you can see into the living room. It does have full walls.

There is a second bathroom with a walk-in-shower.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available for $25,000.

It also has a large east facing balcony off the living room.

The listing says there are “no pet restrictions” and that the building is “investor-friendly.”

This building is near the shops and restaurants of west River North including Al’s Italian Beef and Lou Malnati’s as well as the Brown Line and bus lines.

Listed at $449,900 plus $25,000 for the parking, or $474,900, this unit is also having an open house tonight, Thursday, Mar 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.

Is demand so strong that they are having a mid-week open house to meet the request for showings?

Will this go under contract quickly?

Darrell Scott at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1907: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in January 2006 for $418,500 (included the parking)
• Currently listed at $449,900 (plus $25,000 for parking) = $474,900
• Assessments of $940 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, exterior maintenance, exercise room, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8432
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 11×15
• Bedroom #2: 9×16
• Living room: 16×14
• Kitchen: 11×9
• Laundry: 4×4
• Balcony: 20×6

This 3-bedroom in 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive in East Lakeview came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 1927, 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive has 91 units and valet leased garage parking. It has a semi-private elevator with only 2 units per floor.

The building is “full service” and has a landscaped yard/garden with seating and grills, an exercise room, bike room, dog run, package room, EV charging, on-site manager and engineer but no door staff.

There are also some unique amenities such as free heated garage parking for guests and 1 car wash per week.

This unit has many of its vintage features including a barrel arch foyer, high ceilings, millwork moulding and trim.

It has hardwood floors throughout and a carved stone fireplace in the living room.

The listing says it has “large upgraded windows.”

The unit has a separate dining room.

The kitchen has white stacked custom cabinetry, “crisp” granite counter tops, a “newer” Bosch refrigerator, dishwasher and GE induction range along with a breakfast space that can fit a small table and chairs (according to older listing pictures).

The three bedrooms are each en suite, have brand new ceiling fans and remote control window treatments.

The unit has central air, a brand new separate full size GE laundry and on-site garage parking is available.

The listing says it has “all new electrical wiring/upgraded 100 AMP service” and the HVAC was replaced last year.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview, jogging and bike trails, and the lakefront, including a golf course.

Listed in February 2024 for $849,000, it has been reduced to $799,000. That’s just $50,000 above the 2020 sales price.

Is this a deal?

Frank Jeffery and Melinda Jakovich at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #14D: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2200 square feet

• Sold in February 1994 for $266,250
• Sold in June 2000 for $469,000
• Sold in March 2007 for $627,000
• Sold in May 2013 for $570,000
• Sold in December 2020 for $749,000
• Listed in February 2024 for $849,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $799,900
• Assessments of $2063 a month (includes heat, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $11,692
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Central Air
• Fireplace
• Storage unit: 6×5
• Bedroom #1: 18×12
• Bedroom #2: 17×11
• Bedroom #3: 14×11
• Living room: 18×30
• Dining room: 15×20
• Foyer: 7×15
• Breakfast nook: 10×10
• Kitchen: 12×13

This 2-bedroom in 2626 N. Lakeview in Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2024.

2626 N. Lakeview was built in 1968 and has 492 units and and attached rental garage.

It’s a full amenity building along Lincoln Park with a doorman, pool, exercise room, party room, bike room and sun deck. The listing also says it’s a non-smoking building.

This unit is on the 27th floor and has north, east and west exposures.

The listing says the unit is renovated, but it is also bank owned. Surprisingly, just looking at the pictures, the appliances appear to still be in the unit.

There are oak hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has a walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances and “new” dark, modern cabinets.

There is a combination living and dining room.

The listing says each bedroom is en suite.

The primary bathroom has been “remodeled” and has a double vanity and an oversized glass enclosed shower.

In addition to the two bedrooms there is also a den.

This unit has a washer/dryer in the unit, central air and parking is available for lease.

2626 N. Lakeview is on Lincoln Park, near the North Pond restaurant and the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park. There are several bus lines nearby.

This unit last sold in June 2016 for $587,500 but has come back on the market owned by the bank at $575,000.

Is this a deal?

Thomas Cardoni at Cardoni Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #2712-10: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1764 square feet

• Sold in June 2007 for $617,500
• Sold in June 2016 for $587,500
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in February 2022
• Bank owned in January 2024
• Currently listed at $575,000
• Assessments of $1431 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal,)
• Building also has pool, exercise room, party room, cleaners, coin laundry, bike room (not sure if included in HOAs)
• Taxes of $9096
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Rental parking in the building available
• Bedroom #1: 22×12
• Bedroom #2: 17×12
• Living/dining combo: 16×29
• Kitchen: 8×14
• Library: 12×12