Contemporary Updates on a 2-Bedroom South Loop Duplex Up: 70 E. 18th Street
This 2-bedroom loft in the Casablanca Lofts at 70 E. 18th Street in the South Loop came on the market in August 2024.
Built in 1922, Casablanca Lofts was converted into 17 lofts in 2006. It has and elevator and attached garage parking.
There aren’t any amenities with this building and it doesn’t have door staff.
This loft has few authentic features but it does have a strip of exposed brick along the wall of windows, high ceilings and exposed ductwork.
It has floor-to-ceiling south facing windows with open concept.
There are hardwood floors throughout.
The listing says it has had “contemporary updates.”
The first floor has the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a full bathroom.
There’s a balcony off the living room.
The “updated” kitchen has sleek white cabinets, quartz countertops, a “chic” backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a custom banquette seating along with a large storage pantry.
The second floor has both bedrooms.
There are French doors that lead from the primary bedroom to a loft or den space that overlooks the living/dining room below.
There doesn’t appear to be windows in either bedroom.
There is also another full bathroom on this floor but it isn’t en suite. The bathroom has a dual sink vanity and large tub/shower combo.
This loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is included.
This building is located near the lakefront trail, Museum Campus, the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, the Prairie District dog park (dogs are allowed in the building), the shops and restaurants of the South Loop and numerous bus lines.
Listed at $550,000, that’s $40,000 above the 2021 sales price of $510,000 and would be a new high sales price for the unit.
Has the South Loop finally recovered from the housing bubble?
Nadine Ferrata at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.
Unit #3D: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1704 square feet, duplex, loft
- Sold in March 2006 for $482,000
- Sold in June 2015 for $472,000
- Sold in March 2021 for $510,000
- Originally listed in August 2024 at $550,000
- Currently still listed at $550,000
- Assessments of $537 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, Internet, parking)
- Taxes of $7341
- Central Air
- Washer/dryer in the unit
- Garage parking included
- Bedroom #1: 13×12 (second floor)
- Bedroom #2: 13×13 (second floor)
- Foyer: 10×21 (main floor)
- Office: 10×11 (second floor)
- Kitchen: 13×17 (main floor)
- Living room: 15×13 (main floor)
- Dining room: 10×17 (main floor)
- Balcony: 14×5 (main floor)
The only way this place is anywhere close to 1700 sf is if you count the airspace as usable sf.
It is 100% under 1500 sf. If someone checks and says it’s under 1425, I wouldn’t argue.
Primary bath is downstairs, and next to the front door? Weird!
Both baths are fine (apart from location), but fairly scream “2006” with the finishes.
“custom banquette seating” haha. ‘banquette’
Nice enough place for WFH DINKs.
Not dropping the price = They lost money on the purchase
Contingent
Not sure why the south loop is in a real estate slump. Really nice neighborhood. Beautiful area with lots of walk to amenities. There are an insane number of parks within walking distance of this condo (including dog parks) in addition to Grant park and Ping Tom Memorial park.
“Not sure why the south loop is in a real estate slump.”
It’s not. The excess inventory has been absorbed. The bubble was BAD. If you bought during it, it’s possible you’ve made very little in about 20 years. But those who bought afterwards are fine. And prices are finally starting to appreciate normally.