Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom single family home at at 1684 N. Ada in West Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2025. (Sorry, I don’t have a picture)

Built in 1885, this 3500 square foot former factory was converted into a single family home on a 82×41 lot.

It’s called the Charcoal Factory and was available for rent for special events. It has it’s own website:

Fifteen years ago Stuart Grannen, the founder of Chicago’s renowned Architectural Artifacts Inc., purchased an old charcoal factory in a once forgotten industrial section of the city. The factory is now in the heart of the newly developing Lincoln Yards neighborhood.

Stuart collaborated with an internationally acclaimed designer to convert this incredible factory space into an American Institute of Architects award winning home. They were committed to keeping the original aesthetic of the building and set off to preserve the fire brick and concrete walls, original factory windows and gorgeous timber beam floors and ceiling. Add one of a kind furnishing, art and soul, and voilà.

Stuart soon began receiving requests for photoshoots, film productions, and small parties which led him to the conclusion that this space was too special to keep to himself! He has decided to let others share in the joy of this architectural masterpiece. If you are looking to host 15 guests for a dinner party or 100 of your closest family and friends for an intimate wedding, Charcoal Factory Loft is a space like no other in the world!

There is a massive overhead garage into a picturesque courtyard.

The home has soaring timber ceilings and clay tile and concrete walls.

It’s a live-work space which the listing says had a “complete renovation” 10 years ago.

The listing says you could add bedrooms.

The kitchen has stainless steel cabinets and appliances.

There are radiant heated floors, a tear off roof, and new steel windows and doors.

It has a wood burning fireplace and a big rooftop deck off the bedroom.

The home has central air and parking for 2+ cars in the indoor garage.

The listing says, “Seller owns adjacent parcel which is available and would provide 7000 square feet.”

This home is in far West Lincoln Park, near The Hideout and the 606. It’s just a few blocks to the Clybourn Metra Station.

Listed at $2 million, this home has been featured in magazines.

You can see all the pictures in the Charcoal Factory website gallery here.

Will this unique home get snatched up quickly or will the 1-bedroom hold it back?

Luke Blahnik and Anthony Flora at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1684 N. Ada: 1 bedroom, 2 baths, 3500 square feet, single family home

• Sold in May 2007 for $353,500
• Currently listed for $2 million 
• Taxes of $19,402
• Central Air
• 2+ car garage parking
• Lot size of 82×41
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom: 25×14 (second floor)
• Living room: 31×15 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 17×10 (second floor)
• Foyer: 11×11 (main floor)
• Gallery: 50×14 (main floor)
• Bonus room: 19×15 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom loft at 1235 W. George in Central Lakeview came on the market in March 2025.

By the time you are reading this, it may already be under contract as the listing states: “BEST AND FINAL OFFER DEADLINE MONDAY (03-24) AT 10:00 AM. PLEASE REACH OUT WITH QUESTIONS.”

Built in 1996, 1235 W. George is a complex of 25 townhouses and condos. It has attached garage parking, a shared roof top deck with city views and a central courtyard.

We have called these “loft townhouses” before on Crib Chatter although few of the listings ever refer to these units as lofts.

This is one of the single floor condos but it does duplex up and has a private roof deck on the second floor.

The listing says the unit is “modern design meets industrial chic.”

It has many features of a loft including exposed brick walls, a wood beamed ceiling, exposed steel beams and exposed ductwork.

The listing says it has exposures on all sides.

The living room, dining room and kitchen are open concept and have hardwood floors throughout.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has white cabinets, Carrera marble countertops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula which seats two.

All three bedrooms have full walls.

The primary and one of the other bedrooms have windows while the third bedroom has only a skylight.

The primary is en suite with a spa-like bath, a separate shower and a skylight.

There is a private interior staircase which goes to the private rooftop deck with views of the skyline.

The unit has a large storage bin in the basement.

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

This building is located near shops and restaurants on Lincoln and Wellington. The Diversey bus and Diversey brown line stop are nearby.

Listed at $675,000, that’s $100,000 above the 2021 purchase price of $575,000.

There are just 31 properties currently available in Lakeview, at all price points, with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.

Any guesses on what this will sell for?

Jeffrey Lowe and Bill Dwyer at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #215: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1543 square feet, loft

• Sold in February 1998 for $291,500
• Sold in July 2015 for $495,000
• Sold in January 2019 for $575,000
• Sold in April 2021 for $575,000
• Currently listed in March 2025 for $675,000
• Assessments of $318 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,736
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×11
• Bedroom #3: 10×9
• Living room: 25×15
• Dining room: 12×8
• Kitchen: 11×9
• Deck: 21×15 (second floor)

I wanted to get to this 2-bedroom townhouse at 2729 N. Racine in Lincoln Park before the weekend because we’ve chattered about it before.

It was just listed in March 2025.

I don’t have a year when this was built. There are only two units and they share a common wall. Is this a townhouse or a condo?

We last chattered about it in 2017, when it was priced under $400,000. We wondered how hot the market was.

It went under contract quickly and sold for $16,500 over the list of $385,000 at $401,500.

See our 2017 chatter here.

The listing calls it a townhouse and says there’s “nothing like this on the market.”

It has east and west facing windows and detailed millwork.

On the first floor is the living/dining room and kitchen, along with a powder room.

There is a wood burning fireplace in the living room and refinished hardwood floors.

The kitchen is open to the dining area and has been “updated” with black cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar which seats two.

There is a skylighted staircase to the second floor which has the primary suite, which also has hardwood floors, large closets and an “updated” bathroom.

The second bedroom is in the lower level and is carpeted.

It also has a full bath.

This townhouse has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the lower level and there is one outdoor parking space.

It also has an enclosed private deck.

The listing lists everything that has been replaced:

• New full size washer/dryer
• Water heater in 2023
• Ceiling fans in 2023
• Back side of deck rebuilt in 2023
• New furnace in 2021
• New central A/C in 2019

The listing says it’s a 5-minute walk to the Diversey El. It’s surrounded by shops and restaurants on Lincoln and Diversey in both Lincoln Park and Lakeview.

Listed at $525,000 8 years later, will this sell quickly again?

Lynn Kummerer at Luxury Living Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures here.

You can also see it at the Open House tomorrow, May 22, 2025 from 1 pm to 3 pm. If anyone goes, please report in how crowded it is.

Unit #N: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in October 2001 for $329,000
• Sold in August 2005 for $425,000
• Originally listed in September 2010 for $409,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in October 2011 for $349,000
• Withdrawn in October 2011
• Was listed in February 2015 at $369,000
• Sold in April 2015 for $345,000
• Was listed in March 2017 for $385,000
• Sold in May 2017 for $401,500
• Currently listed at $525,000
• Assessments are now $175 a month (they were $150 a month in March 2017 and $225 a month in 2011 and 2015) (includes water, parking and common insurance)
• Taxes are are now $8228 (they were $5944 in March 2017, $6025 in February 2015 and $5452 in October 2011)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer
• 1 Outdoor Parking Space
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×13 (lower level)
• Living room: 16×13 (first floor)
• Kitchen/dining combo: 16×11 (first floor)
• Laundry: 9×7 (lower level)
• Back Deck

Crain’s Dennis Rodkin reports on the “phantom” gold coast building at 1447 N. Dearborn Parkway, that has seemingly been mostly empty since as far back as 1990.

We even chattered about the building ourselves in 2015 (although I used 1445 N. Dearborn as the address, instead of 1447.)

Some of you posted the permits for the building over the years. I thank you.

See our 2015 chatter here.

Crain’s reports that the building has been sold for $10 million and WILL be converted into condos.

As sold, it was just 8 condos with 18 garage parking spaces.

From Crain’s:

“The gorgeousness of the exterior, the brick and limestone,” is all well cared for, O’Malley said. Built sometime before 1925, it was originally a 50-room long-term-stay hotel called Dearborn Manor, a name that lasted at least until the late 1950s, according to archived Chicago Tribune rental ads.

When the building went on the market in the fall, O’Malley said, at least 60 potential buyers toured it, and he was blanketed with questions by passersby. “I’d be at the front gate,” he said, “and people walking by would ask me, ‘What’s going on with the building?'”

Apparently, the new buyer, who is a real estate developer who lives in the Gold Coast, isn’t going to make major changes.

Dohmen said he’ll keep the present eight-unit configuration and finish the units to what he called “an ultra-luxury level” befitting the neighborhood. The finishes and size, he said, will appeal to “people who want to downsize to the Gold Coast.”

The units should be available in mid-2026, Dohmen said. He declined to say what prices he’ll be asking at the time.

The building’s historical stature is slightly misleading, Dohmen said, because much of it was rebuilt in 2010, the result of the street-facing west side collapsing in 2005 when Brown’s firm was rehabbing it into condos. The city issued a stop-work order, according to Chicago Tribune reports. Later, Brown rebuilt the facade, largely duplicating its original look.

In essence, “it’s a brand-new building from 2010,” Dohmen said.

New condos in the Gold Coast are rare.

Will these sell quickly next year when they come on the market?

This 3-bedroom penthouse at 416 W. Deming in East Lincoln Park came on the market in July 2024.

416 W. Deming is a Booth Hanson designed building with 13 units stretching across several addresses. Built in 2014, it has garage parking and elevators.

This top floor unit is all on one level except for the rooftop deck.

Designed by “luxury lifestyle design group” Soucie Horner it has “custom features” including walls of glass, brick and stone.

There are custom wood built-ins including bookcases and storage.

The unit has a massive living, dining and family room.

There’s a den or office.

The kitchen is open and bespoke with custom blue cabinets, stone and wood counter tops including an island with seating for 4.

It has wine storage and a bar.

Each bedroom has balcony access.

The primary bedroom has a massive custom walk-in-closet and a “luxe stone spa bath” with double vanities.

The unit has a powder room.

But the big selling feature is the 3000 square foot private rooftop deck with lpe wood, a tranquil water feature, astro turf, fire pits, a shower, multiple seating areas, a pergola and an outdoor kitchen with television.

It is also fully landscaped with trees and planters.

This penthouse has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 3-car parking is included.

It is located steps away from Lincoln Park, the Zoo, and is near the shops and restaurants of Clark and Diversey and all of East Lincoln Park.

The unit overlooks the private park of Lincoln Park 2520.

Originally listed in July 2024 for $3.695 million, it has reduced $700,000 to $2.995 million.

Is this a deal for the East Lincoln Park location?

Jeff Lowe at Compass has the listing. See the pictures, video and floor plan here.

Unit #4: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3430 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in June 2014 for $1.875 million
• Sold in August 2017 for $2.425 million
• Originally listed in July 2024 for $3.695 million
• Reduced several times
• Re-listed in March 2025 for $2.995 million
• Assessments of $1426 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $47,472
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 3-car garage parking included
• Outdoor kitchen
• Water feature
• Bedroom #1: 23×13
• Bedroom #2: 17×13
• Bedroom #3: 13×10
• Foyer: 19×6
• Dining room: 14×14
• Family room: 15×14
• Kitchen: 21×15
• Living room: 20×19
• Dine: 17×15
• Walk-in-closet: 21×10
• Laundry: 16×10
• Balcony: 37×5
• Rooftop Deck: 79×48

This 2-bedroom duplex up penthouse in 201 E. Chestnut in Streeterville came on the market in February 2025.

201 E. Chestnut was built in 1969 and has 120 units. It’s a full service building with a doorman, an exercise room, a bike room and an indoor pool.

There is valet rental parking available.

If this unit looks familiar, that’s because we last chattered about it in June 2020. If you recall, this penthouse has a rare wood burning fireplace.

Back in 2020, many of you noted that the unit needed “significant updates.”

See our chatter here.

The unit finally sold in 2023.

Was someone reading our chatter? It has come back on the market “reimagined” with “over $180,000 in upgrades.”

If you recall, this penthouse has 17 foot ceilings with a wall of windows which looks north and east and has lake views.

The parquet floors on the main floor have been “refinished.” There is new carpet on the second floor.

The kitchen has been “completely renovated” with all new Bertazzoni appliances, porcelain slab countertops, custom cabinetry in wood and cream, and a breakfast bar with seating for three.

There is no dining room.

However there is a “stately” wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The second bedroom, with french doors, is on the main floor and has an en suite bathroom, along with a private 8×11 terrace.

The primary suite is on the second floor. The listing says the en suite bathroom is “fully renovated.”

The unit also has a lofted space overlooking the living room that could be used as a den or office.

The unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available for $240 a month.

201 E. Chestnut is near the Mag Mile, shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast, the John Hancock, Oak Street Beach and numerous bus lines.

This unit sold in December 2023 for $560,000 and was renovated. It came back on the market in February 2025 for $749,000, and has been reduced $10,000.

Will they get the premium with the kitchen and bathroom renovations?

Maureen Mobarak and Emily Sachs Wong at @properties Christie’s have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #24C: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1570 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in September 1985 for $230,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in June 2005 for $575,000
• Sold in December 2023 for $560,000 (per Redfin)
• Originally listed in February 2025 for $749,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $739,000
• Assessments are now $2062 a month (they were $1514 a month in June 2020) (includes doorman, exercise room, indoor pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are now $13,584 (they were $11,410 in June 2020)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Valet parking available for $240 a month (it was $185 a month in June 2020)
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 17×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 19×18 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×11 (main floor)
• Den: 13×11 (second floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 5×7 (main floor)
• Terrace: 11×8 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom in the John Hancock at 175 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 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. But it’s been years, and still no one dares to “rename” it.

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 is a high floor southwest corner which the listing says has “rare extra tall ceilings.”

There are hardwood parquet floors throughout and custom built-ins.

There is a wall which separates the living room and dining room which the listing says could be removed (is it original?).

The kitchen has brown cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

The primary bedroom is en suite with dual sinks, soaking tub and separate shower along with a walk-in-closet.

The third bedroom has been opened to the living room and acts as a “cozy den or office.”

This unit does not have central air but has wall cooling.

It also doesn’t have a washer/dryer but the listing says the washer/dryer can be “added in multiple locations” in the unit.

Garage parking is leased in the building for $385 a month.

In the base of the building there is a Cheesecake Factory, Benihana and Starbucks, along with a Chase Bank. It is next to the Mag Mile and surrounded by restaurants and shops.

There are multiple bus lines nearby.

Originally listed in April 2024 for $625,000, this unit has been under contract twice, but has now been reduced $66,000 to $559,000.

Is this a deal for 1800 square feet in the Hancock or is the lack of an open floor plan what is hurting the sale of the unit?

Jenny Ames at Engel & Voelkers has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #7511: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet

• I couldn’t find a prior purchase price
• Originally listed in April 2024 for $625,000
• Contingent twice
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $559,000
• Assessments of $1805 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, scavenger, snow removal, bike room, party room)
• Taxes of $13,446
• No central air but wall cooling
• No washer/dryer in the unit but can be installed
• Garage parking is available in the building for $385 a month
• Bedroom #1: 20×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×12
• Bedroom #3: 18×10
• Living room: 19×17
• Dining room: 10×17
• Kitchen: 9×10
• Foyer: 14×5

This 2-bedroom loft in a converted church at 1658 W. Superior in West Town came on the market in March 2025.

I’m not sure when this church was built but it was converted to 14 loft condos in 2000. It has “secured” parking.

I’m not sure if it has an elevator in the building or not.

We have chattered about this building several times over the years, going back to 2008. One of you called it “the coolest.”

And it is.

It has kept most of its original features including the huge stained glass church windows.

This 2-bedroom loft has one of those windows along with 30 foot ceilings.

It also has exposed brick and ductwork along with refinished hardwood floors, solid oak doors and trim.

The living room and dining room are a combination with a gas fireplace.

It leads to a private balcony with room for a grill.

The kitchen has 42 inch white cabinets (the listing says maple but they’ve been painted), with granite counter tops, a breakfast bar, a walk-in-pantry, and stainless steel appliances. It is open to the living/dining room combination.

One bedroom is on the main floor and has exposed brick and two windows.

The primary suite is on the second floor and is open to the living room below. It does not have a window but faces directly into the stained glass church window in the living room. It has carpet.

It also has an en suite bathroom with a bathtub and separate walk-in-shower.

This loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit, and 2 secured parking spots, including one covered.

The listing says this loft is steps from Chicago Avenue’s restaurants, bars and coffee shops. It says it is a “short walk” to both Division and Chicago L stops. There are also bus lines nearby.

Listed at $699,999, is this a dream unit for church loft lovers?

Mary Nichols at Harkins & Associates has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #8: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet, loft

• Sold in May 2000 for $295,000
• Sold in June 2004 for $334,000
• Sold in April 2012 for $331,500
• Currently listed at $699,999
• Assessments of $611 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,699
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 secured parking spots included, one covered
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12 (main floor)
• Living/dining room: 30×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 11×8 (main floor)
• Terrace: 12×7 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom at 3505 N. Janssen in the Southport neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in March 2025.

If this building looks familiar, that’s because we have chattered about it in the past but you have to go back to 2011.

Built in 1921, it was fully rehabbed in 2007 during the housing bubble into 4 units. There is garage parking behind the building and extra storage.

In our last chatter in 2011, one person named RCheli was disappointed that they had stripped out all the vintage features in the rehab.

Also, homedelete was commenting about a crib in one of the bedrooms.

If you look at the last three sales, including the current listing, there are cribs in the bedroom.

This site is living up to its name again. Lol.

See our 2011 chatter here.

This unit has tree top views and west facing light in the living/dining room combination.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining room and has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, what looks like granite countertops, a breakfast bar that seats 4, and a tile backsplash.

There are hardwood floors throughout the unit, including in the bedrooms. Are those cherry?

There’s a fireplace in the living room.

The listing says it has “new windows.”

The two bathrooms have been “beautifully renovated” with white subway tiles.

There is a true primary suite, which can be rare in vintage units, with an organized closet and a “fully updated” en suite bathroom with dual vanities and walk-in-shower.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and an assigned garage space included.

It also has a private back deck which is accessed through the hallway, and not a bedroom.

This building is in a prime location in central Southport. It’s near all the shops and restaurants on Southport and is just “blocks” from the Southport Brown line el stop.

This property last sold during the COVID mania in March 2022 for $636,000. It has come back on the market just 3 years later at $675,000.

The agent is hosting two open houses: first one is today, Friday, March 7, 2025 from 2:30 to 3:30 and the second on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm.

The only other competition in the Southport Corridor is this 2/2 at 3539 N. Southport for $635,000.

See those pictures here. You can also go to that Open House on Saturday, March 8, from 11 am to 1 pm.

What price would you bid if you really wanted this property?

Liz Prassas Licata at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in April 2007 for $525,000
• Sold in April 2011 for $470,000
• Sold in December 2018 for $537,000
• Sold in March 2022 for $636,000
• Currently listed at $675,000
• Assessments of $239 a month (includes security, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,997
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Gas fireplace

This 3-bedroom loft at 223 W Lake in the Loop came on the market (again) in December 2024.

Some of you may remember this building, which we chattered about in 2017 when the lofts were first listed for sale.

You can see that chatter here.

If you recall, there are 8 lofts in this industrial building which was built in 1895.

These units have all the features that loft lovers look for including tall reclaimed wood ceilings between 11.4 and 14.5 feet, exposed brick walls and iron and glass double paned window as the El line runs right in front of the building.

These lofts are all 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths. There are 2 units per floor, one facing north (towards the El) and one facing south (towards office buildings).

The 2 penthouse units each have private rooftop terraces.

They have oversized black frame windows.

They have chef kitchens with white modern white cabinets, Wolf and Subzero appliances, quartz counter tops and islands.

The bathrooms are also in the modern style.

There are white oak engineered hardwood floors throughout.

Each loft has a private elevator entry. The building has a heated garage but no doorman.

This block of Lake contains several historic brick buildings, including Monk’s Pub, one of the oldest restaurants in the loop. Monk’s survived the pandemic.

This 3-bedroom has 2700 square feet.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and secure underground parking.

Back in 2017, these lofts ranged in price from $1.48 million to $2.34 million.

They have come back on the market at a lower price ranging from $1.15 million to $1.55 million.

8 years later, is this a better market to try again on these lofts?

Kacia Snyder at Jameson Sotheby’s now has the listings. See the pictures here.

Unit #3N: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2700 square feet, loft

• New construction
• Originally listed in December 2024 for $1.199 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.15 million
• Assessments of $936 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes are “new”
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Underground parking included
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 26×14
• Bedroom #3: 10×12
• Living room: 26×13
• Dining room: 21×14
• Kitchen: 17×13
• Bar: 13×13
• Walk-in-closet: 5×7
• Foyer: 6×8
• Laundry: 6×6