7,000 Sq Ft and 5 Parking Spaces for $8.25 Million in the Gold Coast: 30 W. Oak
This 4-bedroom in 30 W. Oak in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2021.
Built in 2007, 30 W. Oak is considered to be one of the most popular luxury buildings in the city.
Designed by Booth Hansen, it has 45 units, an attached parking garage, full time door staff and an exercise room.
This unit is a full floor 16th floor unit with the interior designed by Nate Berkus Interiors.
It has wide plank French oak floors throughout and 100 linear feet of floor to ceiling south facing windows that all have motorized shades.
The chef’s kitchen by DeGiulio has white cabinets and luxury appliances as well as a 20+ foot island, Butler’s pantry and adjoining breakfast area.
There’s a formal dining room, a playroom, a family room and a private study.
All bedrooms are en suite and the unit also has 2 half baths.
The primary suite has a spa-like bath and a walk-in-closet.
There are two cantilevered terraces, customized by Topiarius, one on the east side of the building and one on the west.
The unit has central air and a laundry room.
The listing says it also comes with 5 garage parking spaces with elevator access directly from the parking garage to the unit’s private lobby.
30 W. Oak is near the shops and restaurants of Rush Street, Michigan Avenue and River North.
Originally listed in September 2021 for $9.95 million, it has been reduced to $8.25 million.
Is this property an ideal family home in the sky?
Robert Baum and Lucas Blahnik at @Properties have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.
Unit #16AB: 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, 7,000 square feet
- Unit A sold in April 2007 for $2.6 million
- Unit A sold in April 2010 for $3.875 million
- Unit B sold in April 2007 for $1.23 million
- Unit B sold in July 2013 for $1.4 million
- Combined unit originally listed in September 2021 for $9.995 million
- Reduced
- Currently listed at $8.25 million
- Assessments of $6527 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
- Central Air
- Washer/dryer in the unit
- 5 garage parking spaces included
- 2 fireplaces
- Bedroom #1: 15×19
- Bedroom #2: 21×18
- Bedroom #3: 13×15
- Bedroom #4: 13×13
- Living room: 27×25
- Dining room: 18×14
- Kitchen: 26×10
- Pantry: 12×13
- Family room: 27×14
- Den/study: 23×18
- Playroom: 15×21
- Laundry room: 11×12
- Walk-in-closet: 18×12
- Two terraces
AMV of $3,244,640 + $1,473,150 = $4,717,790, down from last year, and they still appealed. Crazy!
Why is the art blurred? Too valuable? Too identified with the owners? Questionable provenance??
$8.25MM and the TV is over the fireplace?
Is Nate Berkus still a thing?
“Why is the art blurred?”
I don’t think I’ve seen another listing that’s done this. I’m intrigued.
I bet the art is offensive/racist in some way considering they have a succession flag in their living room (12-star). Now, I’m really curious about the rest of the art.
I noticed the art blurring as well, as for the place, considering I can’t even afford their stupidly low taxes I guess I won’t even comment… lol but 5 parking spaces is nice for sure
“I bet the art is offensive/racist in some way considering they have a succession flag in their living room (12-star). Now, I’m really curious about the rest of the art.”
Excepts Its 13 stars -> 4-5-4
Artists or their estates often retain copyright on their pieces even if the physical objects sell, and using art in real estate listing photos could be considered a “commercial purpose.” I don’t think it’s uncommon to see art blurred for this reason.
“Excepts Its 13 stars -> 4-5-4”
You’re right. The reflection threw me off on my phone. I wonder what the deal is with the other art in that case. Maybe they just think it’s too distracting even though it’s even more distracting to have it blurred out.
That’s a Fort Independence flag. Doubt anyone that could find something offensive about that flag would be able to afford a property like this except Colin Kaepernick.
Probably all just expensive artwork, owner doesn’t want to be a theft target.
It’s a great building but is it really still that popular?
“I don’t think I’ve seen another listing that’s done this.”
I’ve seen it a couple of times (don’t remember if Chicago or elsewhere), but I don’t recall a time when it’s reasonably likely the art is worth more than the house.
Just thought of something–could be that they are loaners from a museum.
Possbibly the artwork is extremely valuable is being obscured to hide a taxable hard asset. For sure may have been or is part of an estate and taxes have not been paid. Some problems with this theory for sure but hey.
“Is Nate Berkus still a thing?”
Yes, Nate Berkus is still one of the popular interior designers. He has a show on HGTV.
“It’s a great building but is it really still that popular?”
There’s been a lot of new buildings in the upper bracket in the last few years. It’s the mirror of 9 W. Walton. Some will want the southern views vs northern in 9 W Walton though.
“I bet the art is offensive/racist in some way”
BS, that’s hate that Sabrina should censor. No place on this blog for that kind of rhetoric.
“Yes, Nate Berkus is still one of the popular interior designers. He has a show on HGTV.”
So he’s a 2nd rate Johanna Gaines?
Realtor.com frequently blurs artwork, even in fairly modest homes; I’m not sure I’ve seen it on Redfin before.
This property is pretty spectacular. Personally, I’d prefer the E LSD penthouse from last week (at half the price!), but I get why this would be more appealing to some.
re: Nate Berkus. I’m not a fan of his, but I don’t think you can deny that he is still popular.
Architectural Digest has a feature on him in the latest issue.
HH is spewing his offensive takes on art again on this site so I deleted his comment.
“So he’s a 2nd rate Johanna Gaines?”
Is Johanna designing other people’s homes? I never heard that she was. She has her own empire to worry about. Berkus is actually an experienced interior designer.
The question was whether or not anyone cared about the interiors being from Nate Berkus, like they might have, say, 15 years ago. The answer, as I said, was “yes.”
Do you think it’s easy to get your own design show on HGTV? No, it’s not.
“ Is Johanna designing other people’s homes? I never heard that she was. She has her own empire to worry about. Berkus is actually an experienced interior designer.”
But not a good one.
He recycles what he’s done in the past and is as fresh as a waterfall edge. Tired and dated is the best description
“The question was whether or not anyone cared about the interiors being from Nate Berkus, like they might have, say, 15 years ago. The answer, as I said, was “yes.”“
You are incorrect
“Do you think it’s easy to get your own design show on HGTV? No, it’s not.”
If you have Oprah hyping you, it’s pretty easy. Phil, Oz, Berkus, etc
Beautiful place, but I wonder if it’s possible some of the views could eventually be blocked by future nearby development. I’d want to research that if I were the kind of person who could afford a unit like this.
“Beautiful place, but I wonder if it’s possible some of the views could eventually be blocked by future nearby development.”
All buyers in high rises should ask this question. Even if a building is nearby, it doesn’t mean it won’t be built on eventually.
The building to the south is Ogden Elementary. It’s not landmarked so you never know.
There is discussion of a building to the west in that rehabilitation building. It was a Lucien Lagrange high rise. Not sure the status of that.
Also, on “landmarked” buildings, unless it is city landmarked, you may still not have protection. A National Historic building designation, by the Feds, isn’t enough to keep it from being torn down, from what I understand. You need the city.
Additionally, if you buy in a building next to a parking lot, you should assume it will one day be built on.
“If you have Oprah hyping you, it’s pretty easy. Phil, Oz, Berkus, etc”
Get into the year 2022, JohnnyU.
Nate was last on the Oprah show in 2010. And her show has been off the air since 2011. It’s been 11 years. There is an entire generation of kids, who are now young adults, who do not know what the Oprah Winfrey Show even is. They don’t even know who Oprah is either.
Nate Berkus has grown his reputation in the last decade. HGTV, not Oprah, is what makes him relevant to a younger audience.
From his website:
Coming up on the firm’s 25th Anniversary, Nate remains at the helm of Nate Berkus Associates together with long time Design Director and now Partner, Lauren Buxbaum Gordon. Nate Berkus Associates projects have been featured in the pages of Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, Traditional Home, Harper’s Bazaar, VOGUE, and ELLE, among others. The firm is ranked as an industry leader and is on the prestigious Architectural Digest AD100 and the ELLE Decor A-List.
Headquartered in Chicago, the highly energetic and collaborative team works on high end residential and commercial projects worldwide. Rooted in the philosophy that your home should tell your story, Nate and Lauren utilize their distinctive points of view to create memorable and inspired spaces. With a marked understanding of antiques, textiles, fine art and custom design, they bring a timeless and refined vision to every project.
https://nateberkus.com/meet-the-firm/
“Nate was last on the Oprah show in 2010. And her show has been off the air since 2011. It’s been 11 years. There is an entire generation of kids, who are now young adults, who do not know what the Oprah Winfrey Show even is. They don’t even know who Oprah is either.”
So, now Oprah is meaningless? And this “generation” you’re noting – they have so much disposable income to allocate towards trendy design pros?
First, Oprah was and is an undeniable icon. Second, she needs to (and unfortunately I’ve not yet seen even a hint that she will) come out full force to denounce “Dr” Oz.
As much as Berkus is indeed still a thing, should they really be at this price point? You’ve copied and pasted from the Berkus site and not something else (that could be authoritative), so I guess I just answered my question.
“So, now Oprah is meaningless? And this “generation” you’re noting – they have so much disposable income to allocate towards trendy design pros?”
Do you know ANY young people anonny? Oprah is not even IN their vocabulary. She’s been off television for an entire decade, which is a whole other generation, and they have no memory or association with her television show. They don’t even know she HAD a television show. Most don’t read her magazine either, which has gone quarterly, hasn’t it? Or did it go under? That generation reads few magazines anyway.
JohnnyU indicated that because Nate was on Oprah for nearly a decade he has this lasting fame. If even Oprah doesn’t have it, then I don’t see how Berkus would have it.
But Berkus is still on TV. He’s been on several shows on HGTV. He has not been living off his 2001 laurels. Lol.
“As much as Berkus is indeed still a thing, should they really be at this price point? You’ve copied and pasted from the Berkus site and not something else (that could be authoritative), so I guess I just answered my question.”
Wow. The Chatteratis have NEVER been known to have ANY clue about interior design and this comment just confirms it.
They’ve been doing luxury interiors in Chicago, NY and LA for 25 years.
The AD 100 is called the AD 100 for a reason anonny.
Yikes.
Additionally, there are a lot of top interior designers who work with the rich. It’s a personal thing, really. But if I had one do my interiors, I would certainly mention it in the listing.
It would be listed along with whatever brand I had for the kitchen cabinets, the tiles, the light fixtures.
“Do you know ANY young people anonny? Oprah is not even IN their vocabulary. She’s been off television for an entire decade, which is a whole other generation, and they have no memory or association with her television show. They don’t even know she HAD a television show. Most don’t read her magazine either, which has gone quarterly, hasn’t it? Or did it go under? That generation reads few magazines anyway.“
So is the likely buyer of this place a young person that never heard of Oprah or Boomer/GenX to whom Oprah was a major media figure?
“ But Berkus is still on TV. He’s been on several shows on HGTV. He has not been living off his 2001 laurels. Lol.”
He knows what boomer women like.
“ Additionally, there are a lot of top interior designers who work with the rich. It’s a personal thing, really. But if I had one do my interiors, I would certainly mention it in the listing.
It would be listed along with whatever brand I had for the kitchen cabinets, the tiles, the light fixtures.”
If the person was talented, sure. But that’s not the case here
You aren’t a serious person if you can’t admit that no one would have heard of Nate Berkus if it wasn’t for Oprah.
Your being argumentative for the sake of being argumentative at this point
“Do you know ANY young people anonny?”
Within extended family, I know two couples in the Chicago area and two couples in the Denver area, all in their 30s and UMC, and I’m always meeting people in their mid/late 20s – early 30s who are summers or laterals in our offices (mostly Chi and Denver but also NYC, LA, SF and a handful of mid-sized cities; recall that, career-wise, I am effectively still under 40). I don’t think any are hiring interior designers.
Why all the hate on Nate? Let’s focus on the building and his design of the space. I happen to love this full floor unit and the layout they created with private elevator and excellent parking arrangement.
Imagine the intimate dinner parties that could be hosted here. Those amazing east and west terraces that allow you to really open the space up and enjoy fresh air! The easily overlooked fully enclosed mud room for all your crap, perfectly positioned butlers pantry, and the simple understated kitchen design. Bluntly it doesn’t get much better than this one. If I could afford it I’d buy it today.
On a side note my wife and I actually were talking with several friends this weekend. We all realized that our desire to go to the city for dinner has diminished significantly. This was a group of Elmhurst, Wilmette, and Park Ridge that all once lived in the city. None of us were like that two years ago. Was it a Covid change? No, it was the crime that the wives all worried about.
Two of the couples (us and Elmhurst) have currently shelved our long-standing plans to return to the city once we become empty nesters. Random small sampling but I sense it’s a growing issue on many peoples minds that might have some impact for the next decade.
Renders of the 40 W Oak project:
https://chicagoyimby.com/2020/12/approved-40-w-oak-street-tower-is-chicagos-16th-tallest-development.html
Dunno current status.
Would basically block all due west views from this building.
From the 2022 AD100 list:
“Nate Berkus hardly needs an introduction. He is, after all, the most Googled interior designer in the country. After starting his own design firm at the age of 24, Berkus has gone on to become a TV star—first as a regular guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, then as the host of two of his own shows; he also played himself in a Days of Our Lives cameo.
“He’s also designed numerous product lines, from a bed and bath collection for Target, to furniture for Living Spaces, to fabrics for Kravet.”
“He’s also designed numerous product lines, from a bed and bath collection for Target, to furniture for Living Spaces, to fabrics for Kravet.”
Another thing he has in common w/ Johanna. Tho Magnolia has a larger dedicated space
Not criticizing the decision but top ID shouldnt have lines in Target
“Would basically block all due west views from this building.”
That’s the risk of all buildings in the city, unless they are across from a park or a landmarked building.
Hard to know what is going to happen with luxury buildings downtown right now. It’s all about the financing, obviously. There’s been another proposal for a building next to Maple & Ash just a few blocks away.
“This was a group of Elmhurst, Wilmette, and Park Ridge that all once lived in the city. None of us were like that two years ago.”
Thanks for the input JP3. I assume that will change as the reopen continues and new restaurants, events etc. all continue to happen around the city.
Memorial Day weekend was the first time I felt like the pandemic never happened. Everything downtown was packed, including the trains coming into the city from the western suburbs that were standing room only. It’s been years since people couldn’t find a seat on a weekend Metra train.
I fear the hotels and restaurants won’t be able to keep up with the crush of demand. Long lines at places like Shake Shack, for instance.
Crime is an issue, for sure. That is true of every city in America right now. Let’s hope that it improves this summer.
“Two of the couples (us and Elmhurst) have currently shelved our long-standing plans to return to the city once we become empty nesters. Random small sampling but I sense it’s a growing issue on many peoples minds that might have some impact for the next decade.”
This will have an impact on urbanization that we’ve seen over the last 15 years, if others follow your lead. You may be more willing to move to Margaritaville suburban development in suburban Pensacola, then downtown Pensacola itself. Or similarly, you will bypass New Orleans or Santa Fe and will want to be somewhere further out in the suburbs or a much smaller city somewhere.
Given that Millennials have returned to the cities en mass, it will be interesting to see if GenX rejects it.
“You aren’t a serious person if you can’t admit that no one would have heard of Nate Berkus if it wasn’t for Oprah.”
I never once said this. Au contraire. You argued he’s a has been because he was once on Oprah. But Oprah’s show ended 11 years ago and the last time he was on her show was 12 years ago. Yet his design business is still going strong and is doing so well he’s been able to buy a $10 million+ townhouse in NYC.
You are wrong about Nate Berkus Interiors JohnnyU. It’s not hard to admit it. Yes, it’s STILL a brand and it’s worth mentioning in the listing. Especially one at this price point.
“So is the likely buyer of this place a young person that never heard of Oprah or Boomer/GenX to whom Oprah was a major media figure?”
The likely buyer is someone who reads Architectural Digest and has seen Nate’s work featured there, including several of his own homes.
“Imagine the intimate dinner parties that could be hosted here. Those amazing east and west terraces that allow you to really open the space up and enjoy fresh air! The easily overlooked fully enclosed mud room for all your crap, perfectly positioned butlers pantry, and the simple understated kitchen design. Bluntly it doesn’t get much better than this one. If I could afford it I’d buy it today.”
You shouldnt have to cross a hallway to enter a mud room. Would have been better to have up it on the other side of the elevator lobby. MaBa is hideous. I’d prefer having the butlers pantry enclosed. Kitchen is OK, could be in Oak Brook. While it looks cool, IME anyone with exposed dishware doesnt cook very often (But to be fair, the owners most likely are hiring out the cleaning). Should have a pot filler. The travertine on the hood is a ?. Should have done something to the columns, some look finished/rubbed, others have seams from the forms. Either way the industrial look doesnt fit the space. Furniture is very uninspired
How much of this is NB Vs the Owners – not sure, but this was a very unique opportunity to have a full floor to design a space. IMO this is very meh, especially at +8MM.
“You argued he’s a has been because he was once on Oprah.”
I *really* could not give a FF (at a rolling doughnut or otherwise) about Berkus one way or the other (go ahead and call me a heathen that also doesn’t care about ID; I’ll wear that jacket (possibly plaid polyester) unless/until I’m UHNW), but that’s a pretty strained reading of anything JU wrote (unless something got deleted).
“You are wrong []. It’s not hard to admit it.”
Proof that nothing can kill irony.
“I never once said this. Au contraire. You argued he’s a has been because he was once on Oprah. But Oprah’s show ended 11 years ago and the last time he was on her show was 12 years ago. Yet his design business is still going strong and is doing so well he’s been able to buy a $10 million+ townhouse in NYC.”
I’d argue he’s a no talent ass clown.
Good for him buying a $10MM TH in NYC, doesnt mean he’s a good designer
“You are wrong about Nate Berkus Interiors JohnnyU. It’s not hard to admit it. Yes, it’s STILL a brand and it’s worth mentioning in the listing. Especially one at this price point.”
If you’re a sheep, sure
This isn’t great design, its cookie cutter
This is what happens when you celebrate celebrity over excellence
“I *really* could not give a FF (at a rolling doughnut or otherwise) about Berkus one way or the other (go ahead and call me a heathen that also doesn’t care about ID; I’ll wear that jacket (possibly plaid polyester) unless/until I’m UHNW), but that’s a pretty strained reading of anything JU wrote (unless something got deleted).”
Nope, just more strawmen
“Good for him buying a $10MM TH in NYC, doesnt mean he’s a good designer”
We’re talking about the real estate listing. You are denying that he is a relevant brand. He is not. For that reason, yes, I would mention that the interiors were done by Nate Berkus Interiors, especially on a Chicago listing where the company is headquartered and many people are familiar with that firm’s work.
It is no different than mentioning Ann Sacks tile, RH chandeliers, or a Christopher Peacock kitchen. You, personally, may not “like” any of those brands, but others will and in the marketing of real estate, it’s definitely worth mentioning it.
“We’re talking about the real estate listing. You are denying that he is a relevant brand. He is not. For that reason, yes, I would mention that the interiors were done by Nate Berkus Interiors, especially on a Chicago listing where the company is headquartered and many people are familiar with that firm’s work.”
I’m denying he’s a good designer.
Red Lobster is a relevant brand, but its not to be confused with a Michelin starred restaurant.
“It is no different than mentioning Ann Sacks tile, RH chandeliers, or a Christopher Peacock kitchen. You, personally, may not “like” any of those brands, but others will and in the marketing of real estate, it’s definitely worth mentioning it.”
Why? Not a like or dislike of those brands. They are what they are – a signal that the owner has “Class”.
Other than some status chasing chud, who cares?
Can you explain why a CP Millwork is any better than another custom millwork shop? Why is AS subway tile any better than Dalite or Katelo?
With you on those brand names JohnnyU…for folks who know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Still would go to their showrooms for some research reasons as I finalize plans for my next home.
My wife and I (who’d be empty nesters next year except our older college grad son plans to live at home as he begins his first job), still plan to have a city condo at some point as we get older.
The crime wave is hopefully a passing thing. We hope to buy a vintage on North Lake Shore and spend our retirement years living there in summer and somewhere warm in the winter.
“We hope to buy a vintage on North Lake Shore and spend our retirement years living there in summer and somewhere warm in the winter.”
Good plan Dan #2. This would be ideal if you can afford it. A city condo is so easy to just lock and leave for 5 or 6 months.
“The crime wave is hopefully a passing thing. We hope to buy a vintage on North Lake Shore and spend our retirement years living there in summer and somewhere warm in the winter.”
What’s would be in impetus for crime wave being a passing thing?
And is there an acceptable level that you would be ok with (fully realize its not going to zero)?
“What’s would be in impetus for crime wave being a passing thing?”
The police are making a lot of arrests and people are going to jail. There was a perception that “anything goes” during the pandemic when civilization broke down. That is over but a small percentage of people haven’t gotten the memo.
In Chicago, the carjacking task force is actually working. They’ve been making more arrests recently.
I don’t know what other cities are doing. As I said, there has been an increase of crime in every big city, and the suburbs too.
“The police are making a lot of arrests and people are going to jail.”
Links?
“In Chicago, the carjacking task force is actually working. They’ve been making more arrests recently.”
This is federal, no? What happens when the $ dry up?
“This is federal, no? What happens when the $ dry up?”
https://home.chicagopolice.org/chicago-police-vehicular-hijacking-task-force/
Illinois has the #2 senior Democrat in the Senate. It matters.
Not when Congress flips
Little Dickey will be as useless as a mirror to a blind person
Given that Millennials have returned to the cities en mass, it will be interesting to see if GenX rejects it.
I know a few millennial employees who are actually leaving. But again my sample is small and two of them are leaving due to kiddos. But I too see the return to smaller towns within that age group. One left for Indy, and another is contemplating more space for the dollars. They are engaged and are just frustrated with the hassles of city living.
“Not when Congress flips”
So Mitch McConnell has little power as minority leader, never sends money to Kentucky and is otherwise worthless to the people of Kentucky?
Tsk, tsk. Come now.
“the return to smaller towns … One left for Indy”
Indy is the 16th largest city in the country, and 1/3 the population of Chicago. (yes, as a metro, its ~#30, and about a quarter)
That’s akin to a NY’er saying “people are leaving for smaller towns” and citing folks moving to Chicago. Even on a metro basis, It’s a NY’er referring to Detroit or Seattle.
Cedar Rapids or K’zoo, or Ottumwa or Big Rapids, that’s “smaller towns”.
“ So Mitch McConnell has little power as minority leader, never sends money to Kentucky and is otherwise worthless to the people of Kentucky?
Tsk, tsk. Come now.”
Lil Dickey isn’t the leader he’s the Whip
Cocaine Mitch plays 4D chess, Lil Dickey can’t even play with himself
Indy is the 16th largest city in the country, and 1/3 the population of Chicago
Fair point Anon – Indy is a second tier sized city but feels quite different in comparison to Chicago, I guess Fort Wayne would be the better example. Know some people down there that love their city.
Here’s the list of US cities among the 25 largest in 1900 and in 2020:
NYC (1/1)
Chicago (2/3)
Philly (3/6)
Boston (5/24)
SF (9/17)
DC (15/20)
Indy (21/15)
Denver (25/19)
Indy isn’t very much like any of the 6 cities above it.
Ft Wayne is on point–Peoria, Quad Cities, Green Bay, too.