Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom in the Theophil Studios at 143 W. Burton Place in Old Town recently came on the market.

The Theophil Studios is a 6-unit building that was constructed in 1892.

From the Chicago Landmark Commission Report on West Burton Place:

Original construction: 1892; artist renovation: 1940

The Theophil Studios complex is a three-story, six-unit condominium building. Originally built in 1892 as a three-story flat building, the property today is a rectangular red brick, stucco and stone corner structure that fills the lot lines. The original structure was substantially remodeled in 1940. Generally Art Moderne in style, the geometrically composed principal façade has a vertical stucco panel with stacked circular windows beside a red brick panel with rectangular windows. Portions of the windows feature stained glass elements.

The east and south eleva-tions are comprised of white stucco accented with red brick and painted wooden features, in-cluding a partially concealed outside staircase. Decorative sculptural panels by artist Edgar Miller accent the ground floor and principal entry. The architect for the remodeling was Frank LaPasso. The front yard wall and fence at grade and cantilevered entryway roof were designed as part of the 1940s renovation and are considered significant.

In 2015, a developer bought one of the properties on West Burton Place and had filed for a demolition permit.

While the street was on the National Register of Historic Places, that didn’t offer it any protection from teardowns. Only the city landmark designation offers protection.

The neighborhood banded together to get the street landmarked (everything except 1500 N. LaSalle) by 2016.

This unit is on the second floor, has south and east views, and has the original parquet floors.

It has 10 foot ceilings and what appear to be original wood built-ins.

The unit still has the original 9×6 stained glass, leaded windows in the living room and a portal window in the bedroom.

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

The galley kitchen has white cabinets, black appliances and checkerboard floors.

There’s no central air but it has wall unit cooling.

There’s deeded outdoor parking available behind the building for $30,000 or you can rent a space for $225 a month.

There’s no in-unit washer/dryer but there’s free laundry on the ground floor and secure storage.

Is this unit a dream come true for vintage fans who also want to be near the shops/restaurants of Old Town?

Owen Duffy at Fulton Grace has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2S: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 750 square feet

• Sold in January 1998 for $144,500
• Sold in November 2001 for $194,500
• Sold in June 2002 for $214,000
• Currently listed at $295,000 (plus $30,000 for parking- or you can rent the parking for $225 a month)
• Assessments of $250 a month (includes heat, scavenger)
• Taxes of $3783
• No central air- wall unit cooling
• No in-unit washer/dryer but free laundry on the ground level
• Bedroom: 12×10
• Living room: 17×11
• Dining room: 11×9
• Kitchen: 9×7
• Storage: 5×5