Crib Chatter

This studio in the Vic Lofts at 3150 N. Sheffield in Lakeview came on the market in February 2025.

The Vic Lofts was built in 1929 and converted into lofts in 2005, during the housing bubble. It has 54 units.

There is no doorman. The building has a sundeck, bike room, and laundry room.

This studio has some loft features including 14 foot concrete ceilings and exposed duct work.

It has herringbone hardwood floors throughout.

This studio loft also has a clever built-in sleeping alcove. The listing doesn’t say if it fits a full or queen bed.

There’s room for a desk/work space under the sleeping alcove.

The kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances with a dishwasher and built-in microwave.

It has some features that buyers look for including central air. There’s no in-unit washer/dryer and no parking. However, there is leased parking available next door.

This building is in a prime location if you are car-less. It is steps away from the Belmont subway stop and buses drive past the building. It is also surrounded by the shops and restaurants on Belmont and in central Lakeview and you can walk to Wrigley Field.

Listed at $259,800, if a buyer puts down 10%, or $25,980, Redfin tells me it has a monthly payment of $2309 with a 7% 30-year fixed mortgage. That includes the PMI, HOA, insurance and taxes.

With rental prices at new highs, is this loft a good alternative?

Anna Schreck and Penny Stratigos at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #612: studio loft, no square footage listed

• Sold in August 2007 for $170,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in February 2009
• Sold in November 2009 for $120,000
• Listed in February 2025 for $259,800
• Assessments of $260 a month (includes snow removal, exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $2892
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Coin laundry in the building
• No parking but rental available next door
• Living room: 15×10
• Kitchen: 8×8