A Unique Landmarked Duplex Up 1-Bedroom in the Gold Coast: 1209 N. State Parkway

This 1-bedroom duplex up in the Fisher Studio Houses at 1209 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast just came on the market.

Designed by Andrew Rebori in 1936, the Fisher Studio Houses has 12 units and a central courtyard.

It was landmarked in 1996 and converted into condos in 2000.

From the Chicago Landmark’s website:

One of the city’s finest pre-World War II modern designs, this is an exceptional-and rare-example of the Art Moderne style of architecture, which was influenced by European modernism. The unique layout of the 12 units and their common courtyard–which, together, occupy an extremely narrow site running perpendicular to the street–has contributed to their desirability as residential apartments. Further distinguishing the building is its handcrafted ornamentation by prominent artist Edgar Miller. The building was commissioned by Frank Fisher, Jr., an executive of Marshall Field & Co.

This unit has unique features including a two story wall of glass block in the living room.

The main level floors are both dark hardwood and brick.

There’s a wood burning fireplace in the living/dining room and a curved staircase.

The kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Despite its size of just 7×10, it has all the major appliances including a dishwasher.

The second floor has the bedroom and a 7×5 den which appears to have a built-in desk.

It does not have central air but does have wall a/c units along with electric heat. additionally, it’s unclear if there is washer/dryer in the unit. Some of these do have it but neither this listing nor the prior sale’s listing say that it does.

There’s no parking but you can lease it next door for between $260 and $350 a month.

I can’t really adequately describe this property. You have to click on the pictures to get an idea. Nothing else like this has been built in Chicago.

Given the uniqueness of the building, will this sell quickly to an architecture lover?

Jeanne Keating at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #5: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 800 square feet, duplex up

  • Sold in September 2001 for $259,000
  • Sold in October 2006 for $252,500
  • Sold in May 2012 for $246,000
  • Currently listed at $359,000
  • Assessments of $587 a month (includes cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, and snow removal)
  • Taxes of $4326
  • No central air but wall units
  • No washer/dryer in the unit (???) Is there one in the building?
  • No parking but you can rent it next door between $260 and $350 a month
  • Wood burning fireplace
  • Bedroom: 15×12 (second floor)
  • Den: 7×5 (second floor)
  • Living room: 20×11
  • Kitchen: 7×10

8 Responses to “A Unique Landmarked Duplex Up 1-Bedroom in the Gold Coast: 1209 N. State Parkway”

  1. Nice to see some kitchen updates, looks like original appliances/dishwasher?

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  2. “original appliances/dishwasher”

    ??? Meant for 444 Belmont?

    Pretty sure that 2 drawer fridge isn’t a 1936 model. Prior listing (from ’12) showed black appliances, including a full size fridge. Kitchen looks a ton better, but I’d want a beverage fridge somewhere (maybe under the desk, upstairs?), even living solo.

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  3. Interesting place. Slightly more than what I paid for my 1BR with less space, zero amenities, no views, and the same HOA… guess you are really paying for the ‘feel’ / style?

    Questions–Is that fire pit just in the common entrance-way?–seems odd. Where is this den (looks very cramped)? How much light would you actually get with all those glass cubes?

    Overall they definitely upgraded this place a bit (the fake modern look that’s popular in modern luxury apartments these days), but it’s not for me. I could see it selling to someone at close to ask though.

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  4. Anyone know the answer on laundry? In my mind no laundry and no parking mean no way this is worth more than $315K. I think that may even be about what other units have sold for recently.

    It is cute and if I were in the market for a pied a terre, you bet this would be at the top of the list. So unique and a great location for an “in-town” or vacation rental type deal.

    If I weren’t so sick and tired of fighting my property taxes constantly I would probably consider buying this and renting it out as a vacation rental for architecture buffs type place. Instead my next real estate investments will be in other states with an eye towards where I will ultimately live in retirement.

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  5. “If I weren’t so sick and tired of fighting my property taxes constantly I would probably consider buying this and renting it out as a vacation rental for architecture buffs type place.”

    Would they let you?

    Most condo boards now have restrictions on who you can rent to. It must be at least 30 days. If that’s what you mean by “vacation rental.”

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  6. “Instead my next real estate investments will be in other states with an eye towards where I will ultimately live in retirement.”

    The Cat: Most of the retirees I know have a place in Chicago and leave for January through March/April in one of the “warm” states. They leave just after the holidays.

    What states are you thinking of ending up in? So many choices.

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  7. I am the broker on this listing and also sold the one next door. Please call me if you care to view this gem at State and Division. Jeanne Keating, 312.671.5525 or jeannekeating8851@gmail.com. Happy to show you this or any others that may be of interest to you!

    Thank you in advance, Jeanne Keating, 312.671.5525

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  8. “I am the broker on this listing and also sold the one next door. Please call me if you care to view this gem at State and Division.”

    Thanks for checking in Jeanne.

    There are many fans of this building on Crib Chatter.

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