Landmarked Terra Cotta Row Mansion Sells For 47% Off Original List Price: 1048 W. Oakdale In Lakeview
We have chattered about this landmarked Terra Cotta Row mansion and coach house at 1048 W. Oakdale in Lakeview several times.
See our January 2012 chatter here.
The house had unique period wallpaper and furniture but many of you thought it was a distraction for future buyers. Recently, the listing agent had posted pictures of the interior with the wallpaper removed so that buyers could see it with a blank canvas.
After being on and off the market for over four years, the house finally sold at about 47% off its original list price.
- Originally listed in May 2008 for $3.9 million
- Sold in September 2012 for $2.053 million
If you recall, this house has a lot of history. Also known as the Henry Rohkam Mansion, it is a rare property in Lakeview as it sits on over 3 city lots.
Built in 1887 for Henry Rohkam, the Vice President of Northwestern Terra Cotta Company, it is part of the landmarked Terra Cotta Row district which consists of 2 single family homes and a 2 multi-flat buildings as well as terra cotta fencing lining the street.
When granting the landmark designation, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks remarked on the terra cotta row’s ornate style:
“The buildings’ lavish, terra cotta decoration suggest their distinction. Such displays of ornament are unusual in neighborhoods of working class origins. They were usually limited to mansion on the lakefront or other affluent areas.”
In the 1880s, Lakeview was a German-American neighborhood. Rohkam and his architect, Theodore Karls, were both of German ancenstry. Karls was born in Berlin and came to Chicago in 1868.
The style of the house reflects both German and Austrian architecture and the gables and facade were similar to the high-style of merchant homes in Germany.
The main house is brick and terra cotta and has a raised basement. The fence is red terra cotta.
The 3-bedroom, 2 bath 3-level coach house was built in 1912 (replacing a wood stable) and is pressed brick and terra cotta.
The house is located on 3 1/2 Chicago lots- measusring 87.5×125.
The gardens consist of a gazebo, winding brick sidewalks and a decorative garden urn which depicts ancient warriors in combat.
The Interior
The main house has been refurbished to reflect its historic heritage.
It has the original stained glass and woodwork.
There are now silk-screened wallpapers, antique lighting and imported tiles.
The kitchen has a Wolf stove and oven, a wine cooler and a Northland refrigerator alongside white cabinets and sandstone counter tops.
The house has central air. There is 2-car garage parking plus 2 extra parking outdoor parking spaces.
Did someone get a deal for a house on 3 city lots with a coach house?
Joanne Nemerovski at Prudential Rubloff had the listing.
1048 W. Oakdale: 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths in main house (the listing now says 6 bedrooms, 5.2 baths- not sure if this includes the coach house or not)
- Sold in Janury 1996 for $1.195 million
- Originally listed in May 2008 for $3.9 million
- Reduced to $3.15 million by March 2009
- Withdrawn in 2009
- Was listed in August 2011 at $2.75 million
- Reduced
- Was listed in January 2012 at $2.495 million
- Sold in September 2012 for $2.053 million
- Taxes of $12,050
- Central Air
- Coach House has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths on 3 levels
- 2-car garage plus 2 other outdoor parking spots
- Bedroom #1: 20×18 (second floor)
- Bedroom #2: 21×12 (second floor)
- Bedroom #3: 9×13 (second floor)
- Bedroom #4: 13×18 (lower level)
- Family room: 26×16 (main level)
Whether someone got a deal on this house really depends on how much of a discount one has to build in for the fact that (a) it is landmarked and (b) it likely requires significant annual maintenance costs to keep it in this condition.
That being said, I think this is a great property and I would have loved to have it at this price.
Kudos to the prior owners for avoiding the temptation to betray the historic nature of this property by turning the inside into a “modern” interior.
Beautiful house for the period and I agree about preserving the interior too since it was intact. From my experience having lived in or living in 3 historic neighborhoods/homes it has helped to maintain the value and charm and has not been detrimental. Generally those who think it so are more interested in capital investment rather then a home/neighborhood and such housing is not for you.
I love the crazy interior of this place. It’s difficult to value of property that’s so unique. This place is probably one of the few exceptions where waiting for the “right” buyer might actually work.
How are the taxes that low? I wonder if that was a misprint.
Relative to the McMansion crap I see going for that amount in approx the same amount, I’d say this was a total steal.
How are taxes that low? I would expect like 20k
So happy when I saw this place sold. Yes, I think ~2mm is a great deal for this house. The location is awesome (those central lakeview side streets are so lovely) and it is genuinely unique. Beautiful yard and lot space.
Best 2 mil deal I’ve seen…….good luck keeping the low taxes.