Live in the Historic Brewster in Lakeview For Under $80K: 2800 N. Pine Grove
We’ve chattered about units in The Brewster, at 2800 N. Pine Grove, in Lakeview many times before.
This is the historic building built in 1896 with the iron staircases and cat walks.
Not only did Charlie Chaplin live in one of the penthouses in 1915-1916, but several movies were filmed in the building including the Untouchables and Child’s Play.
This studio is on the market for under $80,000.
It has been on and off the market for 14 months and has been reduced $50,000.
The listing says it has an all “new” kitchen, which has white cabinets and appliances, and it also has a marble bath.
The fireplace is decorative.
There is no central air or washer/dryer in the unit. And there is no parking, but in this location, who needs a car?
Is this a steal for this unit?
Sabine Morrow at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.
Unit #7I: studio, no square footage listed
- Sold in July 1996 for $16,000
- Originally listed in May 2009 for $129,900
- Reduced
- Currently listed for $79,900
- Assessments of $143 a month
- Taxes of $1216
- No central air
- No in-unit washer/dryer
- No parking
- Living room: 15×13
- Kitchen: 15×4
Drool for that building.
Im checking my wallet right now for $79000
If I was a single dude and could spend much of my time outdoors I’d snap that up in a heartbeat.
This would be perfect for my dream life. I’d have a big country house and this charming place as my city residence.
I once rented a studio in that building for 6 months. Very charming place, but ice cold in the winter. Bone chilling cold. There was no heat or AC in the unit other than a window unit providing both heat and air.
My window unit broke in the middle of a brutal cold snap, and I remember sleeping in 5 layers of heavy clothing and still freezing.
Oh, and the unit was like 200 square feet. The walls began to close in on me.
I couldn’t leave soon enough. I subsequently rented a much bigger studio with radiator heat, and stayed there for several years.
Beware the charm of the Brewster!
Anyobdy know what kind of shape the building’s association is in? Are they having massive foreclosures or expecting a nasty special assessment?
I’m seriously shocked that the assessments are only $143.
I don’t like studios in the slightest, but the building is really awesome.
Thinking this would be a nice place to buy for my daughter to live in while she’s in college and then rent out afterwards.
From CL: $825 to rent a *furnished* studio. $1300 for a 1 BR.
Seems like it should move at the current price.
Great deal – even though it looks like a bloody massacre took place in the bathroom.
I like that marble tile in the bathroom, its a lot more unique than the beige crap you see in 99% of remodeled bathrooms
this place is probably 400 sqft total so don’t get too excited
What am I missing as far as the alleged “15′ x 4′” kitchen?
The image doesn’t it make it look that narrow, that’s not much more than a bike lane!
“this place is probably 400 sqft total ”
If it’s 400 sf, that’s pretty big for a Brewster studio. It does have 3 windows, tho, so maybe it is.
“What am I missing as far as the alleged “15? x 4?” kitchen? ”
Calling it bigger than that cuts into the 15×13 living room. The place is probably 15×17 + bath and one small closet.
Wow. $650 a month all in to live here. Until you get hit by a $50k special assesment you would probably be having a good time. Or until you tried to invite people over to your shoebox.
So back to what we were talking about the other day, if there are so many people out there with money burning a hole in their pocket to buy a place just to buy it, this should be under contract already, right?
Look what this thing sold for in ’96.
Any suckers left out there?
When this was listed for 128k it had the square footage listed. I seem to recall 340. If there were no downside risk of special assessments I’d say it could be a deal for someone. But far too much risk for what is essentially a shoebox.
As a person who rented a 421-sf shoebox for 2 years (in DC) in my late thirties, I can say this is not enough space for an adult. I THOUGHT I could pare down that much … but I think the person who wants it for his college-aged daughter has the right idea.
This place ought to move quickly at this price. The Brewster has a lot of charm to it and it’s in a great neighborhood, with a lot going on. This is a great place for a young person starting out, very affordable, though i’d be a little suspicious of that low assessment and make sure the building has sufficient reserves.
However, the Brewster is also a strange, unlivable building in many respects. For one thing, the windows are set way too high- I’m a tall woman and the windowsills were level with my shoulders. I couldn’t imagine how I’d lift the sash. Another thing is that many apartments have windows that overlook the catwalks, which is very strange and means no real privacy or security.
Also, the details in the units are not beautiful-lots of clunky woodwork and bizarre, unworkable floor plans.
The atrium with its glass-floored catwalks is the most charming thing about this building, really.
ALT,
None too smart even for that target market.
I live in a similarly sized place, but it includes outdoor parking, cable and internet and my total nut is $820/month. I have zero risk of special assessments, my only risk is the rent increasing.
Buying a place for your kid in college so they have a place to crash and you can passively speculate on RE appreciation is sooooo 2005.
If I had to be confined to that tiny shitbox and boring neighborhood (I lived there for two years, inb4 ‘dont knock it til you’ve tried it’), you bet your ass I’d want a car.
Holy Sh*t, that stairway is GORGEOUS. The bathroom tile is awful though.
“This would be perfect for my dream life. I’d have a big country house and this charming place as my city residence”
sorry to ruin your dream – but you should dream bigger. I have a beautiful “country house” in the suburbs and felt the same way – so I bought a condo in the city. I soon realized that once you get used to living in a spacious “country house” there is no way you would want to stay in such a small space. As it is w/me, I feel cramped in my 1850sq ft condo and hardly spend more than 2-3nights/month there.
I’ve never posted before, but feel I had to. Clio, After reading your comments lately, I have to call you out. I think your full of it. With your “seven cars” and your “country house.” Anyone with a real job and responsibility definitely does not have the time to post the nonsense you do all day long.
A couple of people asked why the assessments were so low. According to the listing, they don’t include electricity, heat, cable, internet or an excersize room – all things that are commonly wrapped up in other assessments. They basically cover just common insurance, water, and waste.
“Anyone with a real job and responsibility definitely does not have the time to post the nonsense you do all day long.”
understand your disbelief – i’m on vacation this week and “stuck” in my house secondary to on-going renovations – however, I assure you that I have never, and will never lie on here. there is no need to do so!!
i usually don’t refer to general categorizations clio – but in my experience, people who are truly wealthy don’t feel the need to tell others abut their wealth or material possessions obtained by it. and the people aren’t wealthy….well, they do.
i think thats why people are coming out of the woodwork to call you out. that, and because you have brought up a lot of material possessions and situations that frankly have nothing to do w RE. i’m not saying i don’t believe you…just telling you why i think you faced an onslaught of call outs.
I get it – but I don’t talk about these things to brag at all (really, I don’t). I want to offer a different perspective, not only in real estate, but in life in general. Everything that people talk about on this site deals w/money and the feelings/ideas are completely foreign to me. Most people I deal with do NOT feel the way 99.9% of the people on this site do (about real estate, money, lifestyle, etc.). The reason I post is to bring this other perspective to everyone else – seriously if you want to get a good handle on real estate (or anything) you need to know all sides.
Oh, and in terms of bringing “up a lot of material possessions and situations that frankly have nothing to do w RE. i’m not saying i don’t believe you…just telling you why i think you faced an onslaught of call outs” – have you read the posts on this site?!! Half of them don’t have anything to do w/real estate – all I did was respond to some of these stray posts.
Bob, I said nothing about “passively speculat[ing] on RE appreciation.” He is not a “passive” investor; he needs to pay rent for his kid for a number of years.
“i usually don’t refer to general categorizations clio – but in my experience, people who are truly wealthy don’t feel the need to tell others abut their wealth or material possessions obtained by it. and the people aren’t wealthy….well, they do”
WhitepeopleCity,
i understand your theory, but clio is “that guy”. in todays terms he is that late 20’s guy that has a 3series, condo on LSD around addison/irving, wears a stripped button with jeans to the club, season tickets to the cubs (only to show off to his LV buds), name drops like no tomorrow, and everything he buys/owns and does he will bring up in every convo he can.
we get a few of those at our and they are usually gone in a year or two to work in the loop with their buddies. (just trying to get the experience on the resume).
i can picture clio now in the early 90’s rolling in his testerosa convertible on a Zac Morris phone.
I don’t understand why people keep talking about me when they know nothing about me. As I said before, everything I have ever written is absolutely true. Most of you are such hypocrits and don’t even know it. You accuse me of belittling “poor” people and not knowing what i am talking about – well, look at the things you write about me – you have no idea who I am, what I have, etc. Actually, the only person that knows anything about me is Sabrina (who, i emailed my info so she knows that i am not lying about money/real estate, etc.) – but seriously, this site is NOT about me – let’s get back to real estate!!!
“i can picture clio now in the early 90’s rolling in his testerosa convertible on a Zac Morris phone.”
and wearing Z-Cavaricci’s in the 80s…
“and wearing Z-Cavaricci’s in the 80s…”
Tight rolled Z-Cavaricci’s with the playboy tassel shoes and for kicks a I.O.U sweater from Chess King or Merry-go-Round.
Clio its all love, just poking the bear 🙂
“Actually, the only person that knows anything about me is Sabrina (who, i emailed my info so she knows that i am not lying about money/real estate, etc.)”
I’m actually enjoying the chatter (and I don’t think I’ve said anything critical about you). Are you saying you are ok with Sabrina confirming (if she wants to) that everything (some things?) you have written about “money/real estate, etc.” is true? That is, not revealing anything you haven’t revealed, but having Sabrina state that you have given her solid confirmation of what you have posted.
haha groove, i really do hope you dont think my handle is referring to a city full of white people.
i did laugh @ that though.
Clio said:
“I soon realized that once you get used to living in a spacious ‘country house’ there is no way you would want to stay in such a small space. As it is w/me, I feel cramped in my 1850sq ft condo and hardly spend more than 2-3nights/month there.”
Sorry to add one more Clio slam, but this is just a pathetic comment Clio. Whether you are spoiled by new money or not, this makes you sounds like you are. Please stop to think about the hundreds of thousands of people with money and taste who live in historic farm houses outside of New York City and have city condos half this size and think it is a wonderful life.
The point of being in a city is that there is culture around you and you don’t have to sit inside all day trying to entertain yourself sipping cocktails in a 1,000 sq foot media room. (My cousin is one of these people. He has a 1,200 square foot condo a block from Lincoln Center, an equally small apt in Paris. and would laugh you under the table.)
Chicago ain’t no New York or Paris, but it is a big city with lots to do. Perhaps we in the city should be grateful that folks like you spend the majority of your time in the burbs.
sorry sandy – have to disagree. until you live that life, your opinion doesn’t count (similar to a white person telling a black person what it is like to be black).
I realize that I say things that can be off-putting to some people, but westloopelo has said similar (if not more offensive) things yet he hardly ever incites the anger I do. Why is that?
WhitepeopleCity,
dont worry i dont think thats your intention, would be fun chatter if it was 🙂
Clio,
Please re-read this “sorry sandy – have to disagree. until you live that life, your opinion doesn’t count”
and now sit back and wonder why people here are taking shots at you.
Some not RE comments that may or may not get deleted by Sabrina
#1 Trolls come in many forms
#2 Just because Clio sends info to Sabrina doesn’t mean it’s true. Clio could photoshop the documents. Clio could have access to other peoples data (accountant, broker, car dealer, etc. Again, all I am saying is that saying you sending information to Sabrina isn’t enough to validate that you are who you say you are.
3# Proof of life. I wonder what would be a good proof of life / who I am on the Internet. But then that would turn this site into Blockshopper which I suspect Sabrina would rather stay away from.
Are there nicer larger units in the Brewster? Anyone have floor plans?
“Please re-read this “sorry sandy – have to disagree. until you live that life, your opinion doesn’t count”
and now sit back and wonder why people here are taking shots at you.”
Again, hypocrisy rears its ugly head. I supoose what “sandy” posted about me was really nice: “Perhaps we in the city should be grateful that folks like you spend the majority of your time in the burbs” and “but this is just a pathetic comment Clio”. I know this is like beating a dead horse – but come one people, if you want to slam me for being mean, you need to slam everyone else out these who do it on every other post.
Sandy – 1200 sf in Manhattan? Holy cow – I totally want to be your cousin. That’s HUGE. And, a small apartment in Paris? How can I be friends with him? Like good friends.
I just left New York on Friday and stayed in an apartment that was probably about 400 – 450 sf for a month and that felt like a pretty good size in Manhattan.
I lived in an apartment that was about this size (350 sf or so) for two years. And, it was manageable. It was made easier by having access to outdoor space, certainly.
This looks to be in pretty good condition. I’m definitely tempted to make this my weekend home as I’m living in Illinois back-country right now. It’s a great deal.
I talked to the broker yesterday. I’m not going to commit to what I heard, but I think she did say it’s the smallest studio in the building. It is tiny. You could rent it right away, for investors. You could probably get $725 for it, at least.
As expressed by others, I would love to know if anyone knows of any special assessments coming. That’s a pretty steep discount to get it to move and I think there is another studio on the market right now (Trulia or Redfin, so I don’t know if it’s still accurate) for $117ish. A little bigger, but still…
It seems like a really great price, even if it’s the size of a shoebox.
“you need to slam everyone else out these who do it on every other post”
i am a EOE when it comes to calling people on the shyt, as in turn i encourage people to call me on mine.
tact and class is not to judge a person by your own lifestyle and views. its a great life we have to differ and dispute our views with others, but dont look down on someone because of what they dont have.
” but dont look down on someone because of what they dont have”
I have NEVER looked down on anyone for any reason (because that is NOT how I feel about anyone). Every single person in this world plays a vital and important role (indirectly) in every person’s life. All of the negativity and pompous bragging that everyone accuses me of is all their own perceptions (ie, I can talk about 7 cars, multiple houses, etc. but I NEVER say that other people are terrible and stupid because they don’t have that).
“i am a EOE when it comes to calling people on the shyt, as in turn i encourage people to call me on mine.”
agree – now go “call out” sandy for just posting this: “spaces that seem like they would appeal to a dumb frat guy who just got his JD from a bad school”
Why is this comment OK and mine are “horrible and offensive”?
@Clio
Suggestion: Take a step back. Take a deep breathe. Does it really matter what some anonymous person/dog/AI says about you on a Internet blog? Is it worth your vacation time defending yourself or could you be out driving or doing whatever you like to do as recreation? then again maybe this is your recreation so I’ll go crawl into a hole now
“but I NEVER say that other people are terrible and stupid because they don’t have that”
Dude you just did….“sorry sandy – have to disagree. until you live that life, your opinion doesn’t count”. and yes i know it was a rebuttal to a previous post between you two, but it still was said.
you can brag all you want, most will just move on, its the angry Clio that comes out with the “when will people understand this” rants when CC’ers come out.
hey you dont see me bragging about my 3.5 cars and i still get slammed by people. its because i believe you should never BUY a 1br only rent it.
“All of the negativity and pompous bragging that everyone accuses me of is all their own perceptions (ie, I can talk about 7 cars, multiple houses, etc. but I NEVER say that other people are terrible and stupid because they don’t have that).”
Eh, I think you get the haterade because of 1) said “bragging” about your cars/properties/wealth whether or not it’s deserved and 2) the constant cheerleading about everything being priced fair and that people should just shut up and accept the inadequacies of lower priced properties and just buy them already.
thanks chichow – I’ll let go of this bone and get back to the real estate chatter.
“its because i believe you should never BUY a 1br only rent it”
but this unit as small as it is, i have rethought my above idea and think one should OWN in a building like this.
Well this has become a worthless thread. Too bad. I find the Brewster building very interesting and enjoyed hearing people’s thoughts on it. I guess I’ll have to settle for this therapy session between anonymous posters trying to analyze why clio sounds so pretentious.
What’s with the 96 purchase price? Was it in bad shape or was stuff that cheap?
Also, anyone know about the health of this particular condo association?
For those who have lived in the building before? How was the soundproofing not only between the walls but between the unit front door and the lobby area?
“you dont see me bragging about my 3.5 cars”
You bought another Jag? An older model, obviously, to count as .5.
“What’s with the 96 purchase price? Was it in bad shape or was stuff that cheap?”
Don’t know about this particular unit, but saw another studio at about that time. Based on that (of dubious value) background, I’d speculate that the unit was in rough shape and/or there was a special assessment to be paid. Asking rents for the studios were around $600 then, so the $16k would have been exceedingly cheap for that rent, even with mid-90s Loan rates & UW, w/o being uninhabitable or facing a special.
“For those who have lived in the building before? How was the soundproofing not only between the walls but between the unit front door and the lobby area?”
Haven’t lived there, but as noted been inside–the hallway noise problem would be more from the windows than the door–many (maybe not this one) of the units have windows facing onto the atrium.
RE: noise/soundproofing…The lobby/atruium was quiet when I lived there. No issues with that. But I did have noise issues with my next door neighbor. Our common wall was not well well insulated, I guess.
Lol. Sound proofing. Bob can tell you all about that. In vivid detail.
Clio
Since I’m such a plebeian who could never understand “that life”, I would truly like to become educated about what you would want to do that you cannot do in your city apartment home that is 1850 sq. ft.
I’m not being sarcastic or rude in asking. I am very sincere in my desire to understand your point of view. I know many people who do have a second apartment in a major metro downtown area and I have never heard them espouse the square foot issue that you raise. I personally cannot understand what you are referring to, not because I don’t live that life, but because I am not familiar with your values about space needs.
So I would honestly like to know what activities in your life are limited by visiting your 1850 sq ft house. I think it would add to making this conversation more about real estate and why certain people feel they need certain sized spaces in various locations. Please have at it – I’d like to know what you can’t do in the space you have in the city? How large would you like it to be? What would you do with that additional space? When you bought the space, did you have an original vision of what life would be like living in it and how has that changed now that you actually own it? What has kept you from selling it and getting a bigger space in the city as your second home that would entice you to spend more time here?
PS – Yes, you are right – my frat boy bad law school comment was elitist of me and rude.
sandy your my new favorite poster. here is your internet HUG (a lingering one if your a lady, a bro tap one if your man).
My house is only 780sf (according to the assessor) and i am totaly fine with that much space, i just need one more bedroom and i am good. give me 1850sf then i would be lost 🙂
If you can’t live in a 1850 sqft condo more than 3 days a month you’re either
1) A level 10 hoarder
or
2) lying
“”You bought another Jag? An older model, obviously, to count as .5″”
shoot that can be a new jag and still be a .5, damn things always break.
its a car that i was working on before the pregnancy news, wife wants me to sell it as i have not touched it since then and it just sits taking space.
maybe he’s a professional bowler, needs an alley in the basement to practice at all times kind of a dude? or has several large barky dogs that need to run around?
I’m reaching, here… because obviously 1850 sq ft for a “city place” is a ton of room. unless you have a moving truck and you’re bringing all our “country house” furniture into town with you, this sounds like someone who just ego & status symbol issues.
The only reason to need that much space (for one guy?) and/or want more is if you’re throwing enormous parties all the time, which isn’t outside of the realm of possibilities, but still kind of ridiculous.
“If you can’t live in a 1850 sqft condo more than 3 days a month you’re either
1) A level 10 hoarder
or
2) lying”
I’ll bite:
or 3) neither –
I am no different than anyone else on this site – it is human nature that, given the choice, one will gravitate to the better of 2 options. In my case, my house is more comfortable than my condo – again – not bragging, etc. – just stating a fact.
PS- sandy, I think I would be more likely to spend more time in the city if I had more friends (I just can’t figure out why more people don’t like me!!!).
Troll outed! nice work cleo but that last comment gave it away
was being sarcastic with that last comment
Thanks for replying Clio, but your reply still didn’t help me understand what you want the extra space for and only leaves me thinking that you are just a character and not a real person.
But on to a more fruitful conversation about space sizes:
There are actually people who do prefer smaller. There is a whole small space movement of people who want to make a smaller carbon foot print and just like smaller, more efficient spaces better. Here is an interesting post about famous people living in small spaces when they could clearly afford much larger. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/inspiration/celebrity-studios-onebedrooms-famous-people-with-small-spaces-113036
I actually think I wouldn’t want a space any bigger than where I currently live and my husband would love one that is smaller. Larger spaces are a pain in the ass when you can’t find your wallet, shoes, or keys. I love entertaining and have lots of friends and huge dinner parties. Still bigger spaces seems unneeded: our friends sit, stand, and mingle close together and have a fantastic time.
Groove77 – I’m a lady and thanks for the hug. I’m not fond of the new Jags. I don’t know beans about how they work but I don’t like the lines of them since the company has been bought.
“There are actually people who do prefer smaller. There is a whole small space movement of people who want to make a smaller carbon foot print and just like smaller, more efficient spaces better.”
Interesting – and I hope it is true. But, once again, i have to point out the hypocrisy (not you but others) who constantly write about finding bigger and bigger spaces for the money (ie, “you can get a lot more space for less money” and “600k buys you much more living area in WP”). Obviously – different strokes for different folks.
my opinion is that there’s “more space” in the sense one will actually USE it/has a need for it, then there’s “more space” for the goofs who are just overcompensating for other shortcomings in their lives.
it’s like buying a Hummer in Chicago – those vehicles were designed for all-purpose terrain and steep hills. There’s just no good rationale for having one here, except for status.
“i have to point out the hypocrisy (not you but others) who constantly write about finding bigger and bigger spaces for the money (ie, “you can get a lot more space for less money” and “600k buys you much more living area in WP”).”
Well, *most* people still want a good deal of space for their primary residence, it’s just weird to hear that 1850sqft in the city cramps you (a single guy?) so much that you can’t possibly stay there more than a few days a month. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on how much is enough.
“Groove77 – I’m a lady and thanks for the hug. I’m not fond of the new Jags. I don’t know beans about how they work but I don’t like the lines of them since the company has been bought.”
your welcome for the hug, groove is in a hippy vibe/mood today 🙂 The new Jags you see are from Ian cullum, i think his names is, he was the designer for Aston Martin.
the jags you see today are still from Fords R&D just being put into place by TaTa. i think the new xj still has 80% ford parts down to the switches. (i will need to check that again).
I 100% agree with you on space as we entertain a heck of alot and our apartment is even smaller than the house and we do it there too with out a hitch.
btw, wife religiously reads apartment therapy.
one thing we are forgetting today you CC’ers is the ACTUALL calc of the square foot.
as we have seen that number could be stretched. the list may say 1850sf but really is only like 900sf once you take out the; balcony, stairways, hallways, closets, parking spot accross the street the shared roof top deck, the mecahnical room, your neighbors balcony and the elevator shaft
what, you’ve never entertained in an elevator shaft or mechanical room? and I thought you were old school!
From the Simpson’s episode “”Grampa vs. Sexual Inadequacy”:
Marge: The Arabian Nights Room looks nice.
Homer: Ooh, the Pharaoh’s Chamber has a vibrating sarcophagus.
Manager: Er, sorry there, Fred and Ethel, you should have made a
reservation. We only got one room left.
Homer: Oh, here we are: [opens door] [lusty] the Utility Room.
[it’s a real utility room with two cots]
Marge: This isn’t very erotic. It’s an actual utility room.
Homer: No, honey: it’s a romantic fantasy. I imagine I’m the janitor and you’re…the janitor’s wife, who has to live with me in the utility room.
[they lie down on the cots]
Manager: [walking in] Don’t mind me, folks, just need to get the old wet-dry vac.
“it’s like buying a Hummer in Chicago – those vehicles were designed for all-purpose terrain and steep hills. There’s just no good rationale for having one here, except for status.”
well status and not having to worry about pot holes or getting snowed in 🙂
so, after all this random banter…is anyone actually interested in this property? Any additional info on the condo reserves or any potential for a major special assessment? On a side note, for any movie fans… it looks like the original Chucky movie was filmed inside this building.
clio,
How long have you been reading CC?
I have received MANY angry comments for revealing some of the more personal things about my life. But the comments I have posted were in response to topics that were being discussed and were part of the conversation. Other more aggressive postings were done in defense of judgemental comments thrown my way. While I generally am very reserved, when I am accused in a raw manner, I will step up and throw it right back….just my personality, especially if those comments are incorrect and full of shyte.
I spoke of having 3 cars when the topic was garage parking (tandem parking in general which I have here in NY) and how I had difficulty finding a parking space for my work truck…I think rental parking and the expense was the topic being discussed. My building has the very rare amentity of having parking for the residents and I selfishly took two for myself, with the truck in a rented space a few blocks from my home.
I don’t think I have ever revealed what model of cars I have as there was no need to. But for the conversation’s sake, I have an 1985 Ford work truck…hardly glamorous with 250,000 miles and a bunch of rust. I have a nice 4 yo ‘luxury’ sedan for the sole purpose of transporting potential clients or for short jaunts outside of the city where comfort is important to me…6’3.5″ and 240 lbs needs a big space!
The new car I mentioned was an unneeded purchase, but I really wanted it and felt it was justified as a ‘self gift’ to celebrate my semi retirement and as a BDay gift to myself. I also considered it an investment as it was one of the first of the limited amount sold in the US. It will appreciate in value over the years and that too was an attraction to me.
In another thread I told of the enormous (unneeded?) size of my loft and the topic of discussion lofts in general and also furnishing such a large space. Do I need a 4000 sq ft loft? No, but the way it was laid out there was no other option for me without ripping out solid foot + thick, load bearing interior walls. With the age of the building, doing so would have compromised the integrity of the structure and I would not have been granted a permit.
I do enjoy the extra space and it fits my lifestyle of entertaining at home on a large scale.
My original intent was to occupy one of the smaller units of 1800 sf once the project was complete, I fell in love with it and made it my own. I have had this building for a number of years and I will never sell it. The tenants have been in their units since they were released for rent and their rent has stayed the same since day one. I could easily triple the amount, but they take great pride and care in maintaining the places and the mini-compound we established is very enjoyable. I suspect they are like me in that we are not planning on going anywhere for years to come.
So the reason I am telling you this is while it might be taken as nonsensical bragging by some, I am merely contributing my views as they pertain to the conversations. Do as someone suggested and re read your post before you send it as at times they do come off as boasting of your wealth (which I do not question) and the general view you have of others is one of looking down at them from your golden perch. 1850 sf in Chicago is way more than average, all one would need and you are lucky to have that amount of space. I am sure you enjoy it, but again your phrasing comes off as that of ego maniac.
“but westloopelo has said similar (if not more offensive) things yet he hardly ever incites the anger I do. Why is that?”
Back to this place though, if the units were combined for larger spaces and renovated to more modern interiors, this building would be a big seller. It is one that stood out to me for it’s design and I really do like it….from the outside that is.
Has anyone looked at this or spoken with the sellers agent? Is this unit worth the price…as possible rental investment?