Stunning Japanese Gardens at Contemporaine Penthouse
There are some buildings that are meant for greatness and CMK’s Contemporaine, the 28 unit modern concrete building in River North at 201 W. Grand is one of them. Only a few years old, the building has already been added to the Architectural Foundation’s walking tours as an example of outstanding modern architecture.
Units rarely come on the market in the building, although a 1200 square foot two bedroom, two bath was on the market last year for over a year without a sale. In my opinion, it was overpriced (even for Contemporaine.)
Now, one of the penthouse units has come on the market. You might know it from seeing its distinctive trees in the distance. I know I’ve wondered, “who lives in that unit with the great terrace?”
The pictures above don’t do it justice.
In May, Chicago Tribune Magazine had an article devoted to those very Zen gardens, which consist of 12 foot pine trees, Japanese ponds and waterfalls. Check out the pictures there. It’s completely unique in the city. The current owners live full-time in St. Charles with their four children. But they said in the article:
“It’s our special romantic getaway. To have a garden like this in the middle of the city – we just love it.”
But apparently they don’t “love it” enough to continue to own it. Just weeks after the multi-page article appeared in the Tribune (where thousands read about the “amazing” gardens) the home was then listed. Coincidence?
Ah, a realtor’s dream (to have THAT kind of coverage about a property.) But I digress.
These owners are apparently trying to make quite a bit of profit out of their Zen garden in the sky.
201 W. Grand, Unit PH2: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3000 square feet, 2 parking spaces included, 3000 square foot terrace
- Currently listed for $3,950,000
- Last sold in April 2004 for $1,700,000
Is the terrace really worth a nearly 50% gain in 3 years? And how do you maintain it? The expense of upkeep must be pretty high. The unit is also “only” a 2 bedroom whereas most properties in this price range are much larger and have more bedrooms.
But still- it is Contemporaine. And those trees and the gardens are just amazing.
Koenig & Strey has the listing.