Get 4400 Sq Ft for $850,000 in this Famous Mid-Century High Rise: 320 W. Oakdale in Lakeview
This 4-bedroom on the 10th floor at 320 W. Oakdale in East Lakeview came on the market in February 2016.
Built in 1955 and designed by Milton Schwarz, 320 W. Oakdale is considered one of the best examples of Chicago modernist mid-century architecture.
Its floor-to-ceiling windows, for instance, were ahead of its time.
Many architecture buffs move into the building for its heritage.
It has 54 units.
This unit is a combined unit, and at 4400 square feet, is the largest in the building.
It has 200 feet of windows with east, west and southern city views.
The listing says it was once featured in Architectural Digest.
The chef’s kitchen has solid bird’s eye maple cabinets, a large island, a double oven, Subzero appliances and an indoor grill.
There’s a family room, a breakfast room and an 8×6 pantry.
The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and there are 2 covered parking spaces included.
Originally listed for $1.1 million, it has been reduced to $850,000.
Is this a deal for the square footage and location?
Susan Davids at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and the floor plan here.
Unit #1001: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 4400 square feet
- It’s had the same owner since 1987
- Originally listed in February 2016 for $1.1 million
- Reduced twice
- Currently listed for $850,000
- Assessments of $2279 a month (includes complete cable package, Internet, heat, a/c, live-in building engineer, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
- Taxes of $9319 (senior exemption)
- Central Air
- Washer/dryer in the unit
- 2 covered parking spaces included ($1000 transfer fee for each)
- Bedroom #1: 15×14
- Bedroom #2: 14×11
- Bedroom #3: 16×13
- Bedroom #4: 31×15
- Laundry room: 6×6
- Pantry: 8×6
absolutely beautiful building
unfortunately, this is a complete gut job
anyone attracted to this building and this unit would have to gut it
(what’s with the continuous travertine planters and lay-in lighting?!)
Those ceilings… What is that in the living room? It looks like a disco floor. I wonder if it lights up in crazy colors.
It looks like they might have a pet turtle in that tank though.
I’m speechless.
I think the assessments are holding this one back but other than that I think this is a really great deal. I don’t think the quality of work that has been done in this unit is typical (in that it is really good).
The redfin tour insights called the baths dated but I am not sure I would start ripping stuff out the moment I moved in. Updates to this unit would require a methodical approach and given the layout, could be done a little at a time without really disrupting the occupants too much. If someone actually furnished this with all mid-century modern pieces it would be a stunner. Although the view of the crappy side of the hospital is too bad…the location however cannot be beat (although I will admit I don’t know what you get for a public school here). I kind of like the ceiling treatments too.
Maybe the price needs to come down a hair more? Once you factor out heat and A/C you are essentially paying $1900 a month for a doorman and cable and the common area maintenance…and your taxes are definitely going up. Figure those will be another $1,000 a month (at least!) and you are at $2,900 in monthly payments before you even start chipping away at the mortgage (that is if you finance the purchase).
I want to like this, but I just can’t justify the price given the amount of work that would be needed plus the carrying costs. Yeah the price per foot looks attractive but I would rather have a 2/2 or even a 3/3 at a similar price point. Ceiling heights in this building kill me.
JAN APPROVED!! DISCO IS ALIVE!!! LOLZ
” I don’t know what you get for a public school here”
Nettelhorst.
I wouldn’t pay 7g’s a month to live here with 20% down…
No.
Vs some of the shit thats been out there the ask on this is a steal
The assessments are the turd in the punchbowl.
Layout doesnt flow. Bedroom 4 maybe becomes a bar/movie room
Agree that this is a very good value. I don’t see the assessments as an obstacle—for someone who wants anywhere close to 4400 square ft in a high rise, the assessment is pretty reasonable, particularly for an older building.
Big issue is how to address all the odd/dated finishes without blowing the bank. That’s a lot of space to renovate & it would be easy to drop 400K or more unless you can tolerate the dated look and hope some of this comes back in style by the time you are ready to sell (not likely!)
Also agree that the layout is odd–particularly the huge 4th bedroom and tiny Master bedroom.
Not sure on the hallway flow in the common area but I have an idea that changes everything for this unit. In another building that I lived years ago there was a large combined unit at the end of the hall. They actually purchased some of the common area hallway from the association. It did not interfere with any fire escapes etc so it was not an issue.
That would allow for a more sensible and proper front hall and entry. That change allows for a nice rework of the odd kitchen layout. On the bedroom side number 3 and 4 would get a new doorway. It would be put in place of the WIC allowing for a bigger bedrooms. Expensive yes, but more functional for sure.
It’s a nice unit. At a nice price. Nice photos. Nice view. Maybe a couple ceilings are a little weird, but nobody decorates the same. I don’t see the that kitchen and baths are too outdated. Not enough for me to want to gut them.
The assessments is not that bad for 4400 sq ft. This is the size of four 1100 sq ft condos. With the equivalent of $569/mo assessment each – with heat/ac. If you want this much space, that’s about the assessment you’re going to pay.
The layout makes perfect sense if a couple of the bedrooms are being used as offices. I think it’s nearly certain that one or more of the bedrooms will be used for an office. That’s why some people look for units of this size.
Why are all the listing photos done in CGI? Hate that sh*t.