Crib Chatter

The historic Henry Rohkam mansion and coach house at 1048 W. Oakdale in Lakeview has come back on the market.

Built in 1887 for Henry Rohkam, the Vice President of Northwestern Terra Cotta Company, it is part of the landmarked Terra Cotta Row district which consists of 2 single family homes and a 2 multi-flat buildings as well as terra cotta fencing lining the street.

When granting the landmark designation, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks remarked on the terra cotta row’s ornate style:

“The buildings’ lavish, terra cotta decoration suggest their distinction. Such displays of ornament are unusual in neighborhoods of working class origins. They were usually limited to mansion on the lakefront or other affluent areas.”

In the 1880s, Lakeview was a German-American neighborhood. Rohkam and his architect, Theodore Karls, were both of German ancenstry. Karls was born in Berlin and came to Chicago in 1868.

The style of the house reflects both German and Austrian architecture and the gables and facade were similar to the high-style of merchant homes in Germany.

The main house is brick and terra cotta and has a raised basement.

The fence is red terra cotta.

The 3-bedroom, 2 bath 3-level coach house was built in 1912 (replacing a wood stable) and is pressed brick and terra cotta.

The house is located on 3 1/2 Chicago lots- measusring 87.5×125.

The gardens consist of a gazebo, winding brick sidewalks and a decorative garden urn which depicts ancient warriors in combat.

The Interior

The main house has been refurbished to reflect its historic heritage.

It has the original stained glass and woodwork.

There are now silk-screened wallpapers, antique lighting and imported tiles.

The kitchen has a Wolf stove and oven, a wine cooler and a Northland refrigerator alongside white cabinets and sandstone counter tops.

The house has central air.

There is 2-car garage parking plus 2 extra parking outdoor parking spaces.

Originally listed just before the recession, in May 2008, for $3.9 million, it has been off and on the market since then.

It has been reduced $1.15 million.

Is this a deal for the craftsmanship, size and location?

Rudy Zavala at Keller Williams has the listing. You can see a slide show and information about Terra Cotta Row here.

1048 W. Oakdale: 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths in main house

• Sold in Janury 1996 for $1.195 million
• Originally listed in May 2008 for $3.9 million
• Reduced to $3.15 million by March 2009
• Withdrawn in 2009
• Recently re-listed at $2.75 million
• Taxes of aCentral Air
• Coach House has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths on 3 levels
• 2-car garage plus 2 other outdoor parking spots
• Bedroom #1: 20×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 21×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 9×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 13×18 (lower level)
• Family room: 26×16 (main level)

We last chattered about this new construction 4-bedroom single family home at 3935 N. Paulina in Lakeview in June 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

The house had only been on the market since May 2011 and had a $50,000 price reduction to $1.295 million.

Some of you thought the sellers would be waiting a long time as there are simply too many $1 million+ homes on the market. Others thought that it being in the Blaine school district and being “new” would get the deal done more quickly.

The house recently sold for $1.25 million.

If you recall, the property/lot had an interesting history.

A 3-bedroom, 1 bath small frame house was originally on the property.

In 2007, it came on the market and was being marketed as a “development opportunity.”

It had been in the “same family for 90 years” and was being sold “as-is.”

It sold for the asking price of $539,000 but 3 years later, it was bank owned and came back on the market for 50% under the 2007 purchase price.

In 2010, it was marketed for its location but the listing warned it “needed complete rehab.”

It went under contract within a week and sold for $20,100 above the asking price at $275,000.

Less than one year later, the frame house was no more and this brand new home stood in its place.

Built on a standard Chicago lot of 25×125, the 4300 square foot home had all the luxury features you would expect at this price point.

It had 3 fireplaces and custom built ins.

The kitchen had white cabinets (white is “in” again!) and even the custom matching appliance fronts.

3 out of the 4 bedrooms were on the second floor with the 4th in the lower level.

There was a main floor family room and also a lower level recreation room.

Tricia Ponicki at Coldwell Banker had the listing. You can still see interior pictures here.

3935 N. Paulina: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4300 square feet, 2 car garage

• In the same family for 90 years
• Sold in June 2007 for $539,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in February 2009
• Bank owned
• Listed in May 2010 for $254,900
• Sold in June 2010 for $275,000
• Originally listed in May 2011 for $1.345 million
• Reduced
• Was listed in June 2011 for $1.295 million
• Sold in July 2011 for $1.25 million
• Taxes of $7493
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 18×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×13 (lower level)
• Family room: 16×16 (main level)
• Recreation room: 16×18 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom authentic loft at 210 S. Des Plaines on the Near West Side has been on the market since May 2011.

It is in a building called “The Edge” which consists of a brick base, which was converted into lofts, and a high rise tower that sits on top of the brick building.

This northeast corner unit was the former developer’s model for the loft portion of the building.

It has tall ceilings and exposed brick with city views.

The master suite has full walls but the second bedroom has only partials.

The kitchen has the finishes you would expect from 2005/2006 construction such as 42 inch cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

The loft is listed $40,000 under the 2005 purchase price at $420,000.

Will they get over $400,000 in this location?

Jean Metzler at Conlon has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #507: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1520 square feet

• Sold in December 2005 for $460,000 (included parking)
• Originally listed in May 2011 for $420,000 (includes parking)
• Currently still listed at $420,000 (includes parking)
• Assessments of $571 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable)
• Taxes of $5217
• Central Air
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Bedroom #1: 15×14
• Bedroom #2: 10×12

We last chattered about this 4-bedroom vintage Gold Coast rowhouse at 112 W. Oak in June 2009.

See our prior chatter here.

Back then it was listed for $2 million and the listing said it was being sold “as is.”

It is actually zoned live/work.

Built in 1890 on a 20×105 lot, it has rare parking for 5 cars behind the rowhouse.

None of the vintage features appear to still exist except for one original fireplace.

The current listing says you can also rent this for $5995 a month.

The property has been reduced $301,000 since June 2009.

What will it take to finally sell this rowhouse?

[These are pictures from the June 2009 listing.]

Sohail Salahuddin at Smart Property USA now has the listing. See more pictures here.

112 W. Oak: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, about 3200 square feet, 5 parking spaces

• Sold in June 2001 for $565,000
• Was listed in June 2009 for $2 million
• Was also available as a commercial space for $2 million in 2009
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $1.699 million
• Taxes of $13009
• OR you can rent it for $5995 a month
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 15×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 16×12 (third floor)

This 1-bedroom penthouse at 71 E. Division in the Gold Coast has one big selling point: its unique terrace.

The listing says the 21×20 terrace has Lake Michigan and North Side views, but it is also enclosed by the unit on three sides making it much more like an extension of the living space than your typical penthouse terrace.

The terrace is covered in porcelain tiles.

The kitchen has white cabinets and a mixture of black and white appliances.

The unit has central air, but no in-unit washer/dryer.

There is parking in the building, which also has a swimming pool.

Since it came on the market in October 2010, it has been reduced $80,500.

The building was built in the early 1970s and it appears that the unit hasn’t been on the market in about 17 years.

What will it take to find a buyer for this property?

Ronda Fish at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Penthouse: 1 bedroom, 2 baths, 2728 square feet

• Sold in November 1993 for $275,000
• Originally listed in October 2010 for $849,500
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $769,000
• Assessments of $1674 a month (includes cable, doorman, pool)
• Taxes of $9278
• Central Air
• No in-unit washer/dryer
• Parking included
• Bedroom: 17×15
• Terrace: 21×20
• Balcony: 44×5

Clio pointed out this 2-bedroom at 2020 N. Lincoln Park West across from Lincoln Park in one of our chatters about “deals” in the GreenZone.

It recently came on the market as a “short sale” listed $106,000 under the 2007 purchase price.

The corner unit has a “rehabbed” kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

It has central air but it looks like there is no washer/dryer in the unit

There is rental parking for $170 a month available in the building.

After nearly 2 weeks on the market, this unit is still available.

Listed $29,000 above the 2002 price, is this even a deal?

George Patrick at Koenig & Strey Real Living has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #15M: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet

• Sold in April 1992 for $125,000
• Sold in June 1996 for $158,000
• Sold in March 2002 for $300,000
• Sold in July 2007 for $435,000
• Originally listed in July 2011 as a “short sale” for $329,000
• Currently still listed for $329,000
• Assessments of $706 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, pool, cable)
• Taxes of $5917
• Parking is rental for $170 a month
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×11
• Bedroom #2: 13×11

Roma recently pointed out this 5-bedroom vintage greystone at 2823 N. Pine Grove in East Lakeview.

The listing says this stretch of Pine Grove is Chicago’s longest greystone block.

According to public records, the property was given a Chicago landmark designation in 2007.

This greystone was built in 1891 on an extended 22×197 lot.

The listing (and the assessor) say it has a 2-car garage.

The house has 11-foot high ceilings and some of its vintage features.

There are two fireplaces.

4 of the 5 bedrooms are on the second floor with the 5th on the third.

The listing says to “bring your architect” so you can “build your dream home” but there is a new roof.

Who has the vision (and budget) to restore this greystone back to its former glory?

Robert John Anderson at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

2823 N. Pine Grove: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3200 square feet, 2 car garage

• I couldn’t find a prior sales price
• Currently listed for $850,000
• Taxes of $15,895
• No central air
• 2 fireplaces, including one in the master bedroom
• Bedroom #1: 21×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5: 16×14 (third floor)

This bank owned 3-bedroom at 3301 N. Oakley in North Center has been on and off the market since at least February 2010.

At one point, it was listed for $155,000 before being withdrawn.

It recently came back on the market for just $49,900.

The building has 3 units and was converted into condos in 2007.

All 3 units are currently bank owned.  Neither Unit #1 or Unit #2 has resold.

Unit #1:

• Sold in February 2007 for $365,000
• Bank owned as of May 2010
• Not on the market

Unit #2:

• Sold in February 2007 for $389,000
• Bank owned as of October 2009
• Not on the market

From the pictures, it appears that the kitchen cabinets are intact in Unit #3, but there are no appliances.

It also looks like a duplex up.

The listing says it has central air. There is no mention of washer/dryer or parking (although there is a 2-car garage on the property.)

Neither of the other two units is currently on the market.

The bank has owned Unit #3 for over 2 years.

Would it make sense to just sell all 3 at the same time (perhaps for the land value?)

Who will buy this one unit when the other two are also bank owned?

Jason Shapiro at Rising Realty LLC has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, listing says 900 square feet (???)

• Sold in February 2007 for $259,000
• Lis pendens filed in August 2008
• Bank owned in June 2009
• Was listed in February 2010 for $155,000
• Withdrawn
• Currently listed for $49,900
• Assessment isn’t listed (no home owners association- most likely)
• Taxes of $4071
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 10×10
• Bedroom #2: 10×10
• Bedroom #3: 10×10 (I don’t think these are correct as all the room sizes are 10×10)

We last chattered about this 4-bedroom center hall traditional single family home at 6070 N. Forest Glen in Sauganash in May 2011.

See our prior chatter here.

At that time, many of you gushed about the house saying  it was the best home ever featured on Crib Chatter and many were congratulating the soon to be new owner.

Listed in May for $699,000 it sold in July 2011 for $650,000.

Built in 1930, it had a distinctive slate tile roof.

It also still had many of its vintage features, including original lead glass bow windows in the living room, built-in cabinets, the original hardwood floors, and a dining room with wood paneling and french doors.

All four bedrooms were on the second floor.

Built on a 124×60 corner lot, it also had a finished basement and a 2-car garage.

There were no pictures of the kitchen or the bathrooms.

However, there was central air.

The agents remarks indicated the seller had lived in the home for 50 years.

Eileen Quinn at Koenig & Strey Real Living had the listing. See can still see the interior pictures here.

6070 N. Forest Glen: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 4400 square feet, 2 car parking

• I couldn’t locate a prior sales price
• Originally listed in June 2010 for $899,900
• Reduced
• Was listed in May 2011 for $699,000
• Sold in July 2011 for $650,000
• Taxes of $9943
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 22×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 16×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 17×9 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom garden unit at 2212 N. Sedgwick in East Lincoln Park has been on the market since February 2011.

[Sorry for the crappy picture! And you can’t even see the windows for the garden unit either. What was I thinking?]

It has been reduced $115,100 in that time and is now listed for only $199,900.

It is not listed as a short sale or a foreclosure in the public listings, but the public record appears to show that bank took possession in November 2010.

I’m also not sure what it previously sold for as the public record doesn’t list a prior sales price (and Redfin’s 2007 sale price of $425,000 is not correct. That is for Unit #1- NOT the garden unit.)

But all 3 of the other units in the building all sold in the $400,000s.

2212 N. Sedgwick is a 4 unit building that was converted into condos in 2006 along with the sister building next door, 2216 N. Sedgwick.

The unit has all the features you would expect of a 2006 conversion including hardwood floors, central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

The kitchen has cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

There is no parking but there is a back patio.

Is this a deal for the location?

Catherine Brennan at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• I couldn’t find a prior 2006/2007 sales price
• Lis pendens filed in July 2009
• Appears to be bank owned in November 2010
• Originally listed in February 2011 for $315,000
• Reduced numerous times
• Currently listed for $199,900
• Assessments of $234 a month
• Taxes of $4905
• Central Air
• Full sized washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 12×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×10