Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom duplex penthouse in Grand Plaza at 545 N. Dearborn in River North came on the market in June 2024.

Built in 2003, Grand Plaza has 283 units and attached garage rental parking.

It’s a full amenity building with 24-hour door staff, on-site management, a party room, an exercise room, a basketball court and an outdoor pool and sundeck.

The listing says this unit “lives like a single family residence in the sky.”

At 2465 square feet, the living room, dining room, kitchen and one bedroom are on the main floor with the primary suite and second bedroom on the second floor.

The listing says “no expense was spared” in customization and upgrades.

It has 26-foot ceilings in the great room with two floors of windows, a custom brick fireplace, and a crystal chandelier.

The unit has a “state-of-the-art” kitchen with white cabinets a macauba quartzite island with seating for two, a custom tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances including a 5-burner gas range.

It has an additional wet/dry bar/kitchenette with 2 beverage refrigerators and custom Italian cabinetry.

The primary suite, on the second floor, has a walk-in-closet with Italian cabinetry and an en suite bath with dual sink vanity and walk-in-shower.

There are several private outdoor balconies on each floor.

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

This building is in the heart of east River North, near the Bally’s temporary casino, the Trader Joe’s and it’s just a block from the Eataly. There are restaurants and stores, the Red line subway and many bus lines nearby.

Listed in June 2024 for $1.38 million, it has been reduced $185,000 to $1.195 million.

The unit last sold in 2017 for $1.125 million.

Is this a deal for the size of the unit?

Benjamin Lissner at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #W3601: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2465 square feet, duplex penthouse

• Couldn’t find the original sales price
• Sold in March 2017 for $1.125 million
• Originally listed in June 2024 for $1.38 million
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $1.195 million
• Assessments of $2555 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $23,447
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Rental parking available in the building
• Fireplace (gas)
• Bedroom #1: 12×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 16×14 (second floor)
• Living room: 22×18 (main floor)
• Dining room: 13×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 8×13 (main floor)
• Balconies (main and second floor)

This 2-bedroom in the John Hancock at 175 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast came on the market in October 2024.

Yes, I’m still calling it the Hancock even though the name has been removed. It will forever be named this, naming rights be damned.

Built in 1970, it has 703 units and commercial space at the base. It has attached rental garage parking.

It’s a city within the city as the building is full of amenities including a grocery store, USPS office, an indoor pool, a fitness room, 24-hour door staff, onsite maintenance and management, and coin laundry rooms.

The building now allows in-unit washer/dryers.

This unit has been “exquisitely renovated.”

Here is the prior listing description:

Northwest corner, two-bedroom/two-bathroom with stunning views of Lake Michigan is READY FOR YOUR DESIGNER! **THIS IS IN ORIGINAL CONDITION AND WILL REQUIRE REMODELING**

There are new “premium” hardwood floors throughout, with what looks like diagonals in the living and dining rooms.

There is a new Chef’s kitchen with modern European style white/gray touch open-close cabinets, Bosch appliances including the refrigerator and electric cooktop which also has a vent hood. It has a Miele microwave and oven, a Porcelanosa Spanish tile backsplash and Cambria countertops.

There is a dining room and built-in cabinets in the living room.

The unit also has wood wall features.

The primary suite has custom ceilings, a walk-in-closet with built-ins and a “spa-like” en suite bath with dual vanities, Porcelanosa Spanish tiles and Cambria countertops.

It has some of the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit, but it doesn’t have central air as the Hancock has wall cooling units, and parking is rental in the building.

The unit has views of the lake, DuSable Lake Shore Drive north and city views northwest.

The Hancock is located on the Mag Mile and has a Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory and Benihana in its base. It is near Oak Street Beach, the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast, Streeterville and River North. If you don’t want to shop in the in-building supermarket, the Whole Foods is just a few blocks away.

This unit sold in 2022 in its original condition for $355,000. It has come back on the market fully renovated at $850,000.

Buyers love “new.”

Will this sell quickly?

Matt Laricy at Americorp and Paul Ciccone at Zillow have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #5402: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold prior to 1991 (in 1970???)- no price listed
• Sold in February 2022 for $355,000
• Listed in October 2024 for $850,000
• Assessments of $1217 a month (includes doormen, cable, exercise room, pool, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $9361
• No central air. Wall unit heating and cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Attached parking in rental garage
• Bedroom #1: 15×15
• Bedroom #2: 11×17
• Living room: 14×16
• Foyer: 5×12
• Kitchen: 8×14
• Dining room: 9×16
• Walk-in-closet: 7×11

This 3-bedroom in Crilly Court in the Old Town Triangle came on the market in September 2024.

Built in 1886, Crilly Court was apartments. It was converted into condos near the end of the housing bubble, in 2007.

There are 90 units and just 8 interior outdoor parking spaces which were set aside for the larger 3-bedroom units.

This unit has high ceilings, crown molding and refinished hardwood floors. But it doesn’t have any other vintage features.

There’s a fireplace in the primary bedroom but it is decorative.

The primary bedroom is also en suite.

The unit has new fixtures and custom window treatments.

It has a “modern” kitchen with dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and what looks like granite counter tops.

The dining area has a recently added banquette with storage.

There are two baths which have been “updated.”

The unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, and a “brand new” washer/dryer in the unit. This is one of the 3-bedroom units that does NOT have parking.

It has a private deck that overlooks the courtyard.

Crilly Court is in the heart of Old Town and is steps away from restaurants, shops and Second City.

Originally listed in September 2024 for $579,900, it went under contract but has come back on the market in October at the same price.

At under $600,000, is this a deal for an Old Town 3-bedroom?

Patty Cerny at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1350 square feet

• Sold in February 2007 at $470,000
• Sold in May 2022 for $540,000
• Originally listed in September 2024 for $579,900
• Under contract
• Re-listed in October 2024 for $579,900
• Assessments of $593 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,689
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 20×11
• Bedroom #2: 13×9
• Bedroom #3: 9×12
• Living room: 10×14
• Kitchen: 13×5
• Dining room: 7×13
• Balcony

This 2-bedroom in 73 E. Elm in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2024.

73 E. Elm is a favorite of vintage lovers. It was designed by famed Chicago architects McNally & Quinn in 1928.

It’s a boutique elevator building with just 48 units. There is 24-hour door staff and a roof deck.

There’s no parking but it’s available at 30 E Elm or 1150 N. Lake Shore Drive for rent.

This listing says the seller’s spared no expense on this unit but it appears, from the pictures, that the renovations might have been done as far back as 2015 (see the listing summary and pictures for the 2015 and 2019 sales).

It has dark hardwood floors in the main living spaces and a formal entry foyer with arched doorways.

There is a decorative fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen is open to a family room and has custom white cabinets, Subzero and Wolf appliances and an island with seating for 3.

There are built-ins in the family room which includes a wine refrigerator and a desk with cabinets.

There are French doors to the primary suite which has a walk-in-closet and a Carrara marble bath with a walk-in-shower and double vanity.

There is a second full bath in the hallway.

The listing says the unit has new windows.

It has space pac air conditioning but there is no washer/dryer in the unit, nor does the building allow them. There is a “full service” laundry room in the building.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast plus Oak Street Beach and Michigan Avenue. There are several bus lines nearby.

Listed at $800,000, that is $107,500 above the 2019 purchase price of $692,500.

Will this seller get the premium in this hot market?

Ryan Gossett and Omar Gonzalez at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4A: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet

• Sold in June 2007 for $440,000
• Sold in December 2009 for $660,000
• Sold in July 2012 for $642,500
• Sold in August 2015 for $685,000
• Sold in July 2019 for $692,500
• Originally listed in September 2024 for $800,000
• Currently still listed at $800,000
• Assessments of $2186 a month (includes doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8787
• Space pac cooling
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Laundry room in the building
• No parking but available in the neighborhood
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×15
• Bedroom #2: 12×15
• Living room: 12×14
• Dining room: 10×14
• Foyer: 16×6
• Family room: 18×12
• Kitchen: 13×18
• Walk-in-closet: 6×7

This 2-bedroom soft loft in 1000 W. Adams in the West Loop came on the market in June 2024. For some reason I don’t have a picture of this building which I think I found out the last time I cribbed about it but didn’t rectify.

Built in 2001, 1000 W. Adams has 150 units and an attached garage. It was part of the loft craze wherein when the authentic loft buildings were mostly converted, developers built “soft lofts” with loft-like features.

In this building, those included exposed concrete ceilings and ductwork.

The building has door staff, an exercise room, a business center, a package room, a bike room, on-site management, a top floor roof deck and a third floor terrace.

This top floor unit appears to face south and has a balcony off the living room.

The listing says there are new hardwood floors.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, black granite counter tops and “newer” stainless steel appliances.

Neither of the bedrooms has a window.

The primary suite has an en suite bathroom with double vanity and a custom walk-in-closet.

The second bedroom also has a closet with built-ins.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and attached garage parking is included. It also has extra storage in the building.

This building is in the heart of the West Loop near shops and restaurants on Randolph and Madison, supermarkets and parks and public transportation.

Listed in June 2024 at $539,000, it has been reduced $4,000 to $535,000.

The West Loop still has low inventory.

Why isn’t this selling?

Angie Gelis at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #813: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1189 square feet

• Sold in January 2002 for $284,500
• Sold in April 2004 for $335,000
• Originally listed in June 2024 for $539,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $535,000
• Assessments of $653 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9087
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 11×14
• Bedroom #2: 10×11
• Living room: 14×20
• Dining room: 7×8
• Kitchen: 7×13
• Foyer: 11×6
• Walk-in-closet: 7×6
• Balcony

This 4-bedroom duplex down at 2019 N. Sheffield in Lincoln Park came on the market in October 2024.

Built in 1886, the building has 14 units and garage parking behind the building. It has a shared sun deck off the back  with grills.

While it is a vintage unit, it only has a few of its vintage features.

There are some wood moldings around the living room windows and tall ceilings but there is no crown molding.

The unit has a marble wood burning fireplace in the living room.

It has a separate dining room which appears to be separated by a wood pocket door, but that’s not listed in the listing so it’s unclear if it is one or not. It has a brand new Pottery Barn chandelier.

There are hardwoods on the main floor and an “updated” powder room.

The “gourmet” kitchen is a chef’s dream with high end Thermador appliances, white and gray cabinets, quartz countertops and matching backsplash and an island. The cabinets have champagne bronze cabinet hardware.

There is also a walk-in-pantry and laundry on the main floor.

All four bedrooms are in the lower level along with the primary suite which has an en suite bathroom.

There’s another full bath.

From the floor plan, it appears that the fourth bedroom is really an office as it doesn’t have a closet. It looks like the bedrooms are carpeted.

This unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one garage parking space is included.

This building is just steps from the Armitage Brown Line stop. Yes, that is the El behind the building.

The listing says it’s a lifestyle to live in this location and that its near Lincoln Park’s hottest spots like the Armitage Alehouse.

Listed in October 2024 for $750,000, that is $301,000 above the 2014 sales price of $449,000.

Duplex down units are in demand. Will this sell quickly?

Leigh Marcus at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #103: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex down

• Sold in February 1990 for $324,000
• Sold in August 2005 for $460,000
• Sold in December 2010 for $192,500
• Sold in March 2014 for $449,000
• Currently listed at $750,000
• Assessments of $439 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $13,292
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13 (lower level)
• Bedroom #2: 14×13 (lower level)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 ( lower level)
• Bedroom #4: 13×8 ( lower level) – office?
• Living room: 20×15 (main floor)
• Dining room: 13×12 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×12 (main floor)
• Foyer: 5×4 (main floor)
• Laundry: 6×6 (main floor)

This 4-bedroom single family home at 401 W. Dickens in East Lincoln Park came on the market in June 2024.

For anyone who has walked down this block, this is a very distinctive home on a corner lot on the corner of Sedgwick and Dickens. There are trees which cover the front of the house so it’s hard to get a good picture.

Built in 1997, it’s on an extra wide 83×83 lot and has a 2-car attached side garage with a rare driveway for this neighborhood.

Here’s a picture of the side of the house and you can see the top of the two car garage at the bottom.

The listing describes it as “totally luxurious and custom finishes throughout.”

It has an elevator to all levels and powder rooms on each level, or 3 in total.

It has crown molding, hardwood floors, custom woodwork, high end built-ins and slab marble floors.

The house has a large kitchen with contemporary wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a large island with seating.

Three of the 4 bedrooms are on the second floor with the fourth in the lower level.

The primary suite is on the second floor and it has a dressing room and a marble bath.

The other three bedrooms are en suite.

The house comes with several outdoor spaces including a terrace off the lower level family room and a top floor atrium sun room, which the listing calls the “crown glory.”

Along with the atrium is an entire roof deck, including a fireplace and built-in grill.

The house has central air.

It is centrally located near Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo, Oz Park, Target, Old Town and the shops and restaurants of Lincoln Park.

The listing says it’s in the Lincoln Elementary school district.

Listed at $6.59 million in June 2024, it is one among only 35 single family homes currently available in the entire city above $6 million.

Will the roof top atrium, the “crown glory,” make the sale?

Emily Sachs Wong at @Properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

401 W. Dickens: 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 7252 square feet, single family home

• Sold in June 1997 for $2.9 million
• Sold in July 2005 for $3 million
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in November 2022
• Originally listed in June 2024 for $6.59 million
• Currently still listed at $6.59 million
• Taxes of $70,476
• Central Air
• On a 83×83 corner lot
• 2-car attached garage with a driveway
• 3 fireplaces: family room, living room, primary suite
• Rooftop deck with a fireplace
• Elevator
• 3 powder rooms: one on each floor
• Bedroom #1: 17×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×11 (lower level)
• Kitchen: 16×14 (main floor)
• Sitting room: 10×15 (second floor)
• Library: 14×12 (main floor)
• Heated sun room/atrium: 27×16 (third floor)
• Family room: 17×15 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×15 (main floor)
• Laundry: 8×13 (lower level)
• Second family room: 22×25 (lower level)
• Den: 28×10 (lower level)
• Foyer: 8×20 (main level)
• Rooftop Deck
• Back terrace

This 2-bedroom loft in the Casablanca Lofts at 70 E. 18th Street in the South Loop came on the market in August 2024.

Built in 1922, Casablanca Lofts was converted into 17 lofts in 2006. It has and elevator and attached garage parking.

There aren’t any amenities with this building and it doesn’t have door staff.

This loft has few authentic features but it does have a strip of exposed brick along the wall of windows, high ceilings and exposed ductwork.

It has floor-to-ceiling south facing windows with open concept.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The listing says it has had “contemporary updates.”

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

There’s a balcony off the living room.

The “updated” kitchen has sleek white cabinets, quartz countertops, a “chic” backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a custom banquette seating along with a large storage pantry.

The second floor has both bedrooms.

There are French doors that lead from the primary bedroom to a loft or den space that overlooks the living/dining room below.

There doesn’t appear to be windows in either bedroom.

There is also another full bathroom on this floor but it isn’t en suite. The bathroom has a dual sink vanity and large tub/shower combo.

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

This building is located near the lakefront trail, Museum Campus, the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, the Prairie District dog park (dogs are allowed in the building), the shops and restaurants of the South Loop and numerous bus lines.

Listed at $550,000, that’s $40,000 above the 2021 sales price of $510,000 and would be a new high sales price for the unit.

Has the South Loop finally recovered from the housing bubble?

Nadine Ferrata at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3D: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1704 square feet, duplex, loft

• Sold in March 2006 for $482,000
• Sold in June 2015 for $472,000
• Sold in March 2021 for $510,000
• Originally listed in August 2024 at $550,000
• Currently still listed at $550,000
• Assessments of $537 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, Internet, parking)
• Taxes of $7341
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×13 (second floor)
• Foyer: 10×21 (main floor)
• Office: 10×11 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 13×17 (main floor)
• Living room: 15×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 10×17 (main floor)
• Balcony: 14×5 (main floor)

This 1-bedroom loft in No. Ten Lofts at 1040 W. Adams in the West Loop came on the market in September 2024.

Built in 1915, No. Ten Lofts was converted into 259 lofts in 2006 during the housing boom. It has an attached garage.

The building has door staff, a gym that was remodeled in 2022, an owners club room with gourmet kitchen, pool table and courtyard for grilling. There’s also a theater on the third floor with recliner chairs, a yoga studio and a business center.

This 1-bedroom loft has the features loft lovers look for including exposed brick walls, large industrial windows, exposed ductwork and 12-foot timber ceilings.

The listing says it has custom window treatments with southern and western exposures.

There are diagonal hardwood floors in the main living areas and “fresh carpeting” in the bedroom.

The loft has a bonus den/office off the kitchen (no door) with a window.

The kitchen, updated in 2018, is a “chef’s dream” with new white cabinets, quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and a peninsula which appears to support chairs around it.

There’s no dining room.

The loft also has a “rare oasis” with a private 16×14 foot terrace. It is the only terrace on the floor.

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

This building is near Mary Bartelme Park, Mariano’s and Whole Foods, the McDonald’s HQ and the shops and restaurants on Randolph Street and Greek Town.

Listed at $400,000 plus $25,000 for parking, or $425,000, that would be a new high price point for this loft since the 2006 conversion.

Will the seller get the premium?

Kelly Angelopoulos at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #502: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 843 square feet, loft

• Sold in March 2006 for $257,000 (appears to have included the parking)
• Sold in March 2012 as a “short sale” for $229,000 (appears to have included the parking.) Also agreed to pay $5,000 in closing costs.
• Sold in June 2017 for $365,000 (appears to have included the parking)
• Listed in September 2024 for $400,000 (plus $25,000 for the parking)
• Currently still listed for $400,000 (plus $25,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $596 a month (includes doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, bike room)
• Taxes of $6746
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Deeded garage parking available for $25,000 extra
• Bedroom: 12×14
• Living room: 14×13
• Kitchen: 14×9
• Den: 8×6
• Terrace: 16×14

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the August 2024 data.

The Chicago market remained extremely tight with inventory and sales falling again.

“The city of Chicago saw a 7.1 percent year-over-year home sales decrease in August 2024 with 2,083 sales, down from 2,242 in August 2023. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in August 2024 was $355,000, an increase of 7.1 percent from August 2023 when the median price was $331,500.”

August sales since 2007:

• August 2007: 2923 sales
• August 2008: 2078 sales
• August 2009: 1927 sales
• August 2010: 1486 sales
• August 2011: 1787 sales
• August 2012: 2209 sales
• August 2013: 2850 sales
• August 2014: 2414 sales
• August 2015: 2701 sales
• August 2016: 2844 sales
• August 2017: 2791 sales
• August 2018: 2754 sales
• August 2019: 2601 sales
• August 2020: 2870 sales
• August 2021: 2919 sales 
• August 2022: 2354 sales
• August 2023: 2242 sales
• August 2024: 2083 sales

August Median Sales Price

• August 2007: $305,000
• August 2008: $297,500
• August 2009: $229,900
• August 2010: $200,000
• August 2011: $192,500
• August 2012: $200,000
• August 2013: $245,000
• August 2014: $269,500
• August 2015: $271,000
• August 2016: $271,000
• August 2017: $284,000
• August 2018: $280,000
• August 2019: $289,900
• August 2020: $335,000
• August 2021: $335,000
• August 2022: $315,000
• August 2023: $331.500
• August 2024: $355,000

“In August, a decrease in closed sales were reflective of Chicago’s limited inventory as sellers consider the balance of a fast selling and competitive buying market,” Erika Villegas, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and broker and owner of RE/MAX In the Village said. “Work with your local REALTOR® and a lender so you can take action when the opportunity arises.”

Inventory is finally moving HIGHER statewide. Statewide, inventory rose 8% to 21,932 homes from 20,315 homes in August 2023.

Chicagoland is also seeing higher inventory as it rose 6.8% to 14,975 from 14,023 properties.

Only Chicago is still seeing declining inventory, where it fell 8.5% to 5,048 from 5,515 last year.

For multi-year comparisons:

Statewide Inventory:

• 34,083 in August 2021
• 29,084 in August 2022
• 20,315 in August 2023 (down 30% year-over-year)
• 21,932 in August 2024 (up 8% yoy)

Chicago Inventory:

• 9,231 in August 2021
• 7,999 in August 2022
• 5,515 in August 2023 (down 30.9% year-over-year)
• 5,048 in August 2024 (down another 8.5% yoy)

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage in August 2024 was 6.5%, down from 6.84% in July 2024 and down sharply from last year when it averaged 7.07%.

Do the mortgage rates even matter for home sales anymore when inventory is this low?

Illinois home sales fall while inventory and median prices rise in August [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, September 19, 2024]