Live In This Unique 3-Bedroom Duplex Down: 1325 N. Dearborn in the Gold Coast
You can’t miss 1325 N. Dearborn in the Gold Coast when you walk or drive by because it has very distinctive architecture with yellow brick and keyhole windows.
This 3-bedroom duplex down has been listed since May 2011.
In that time, it has been reduced $151,000.
The unit has 11-foot vaulted ceiling on the main floor with two fireplaces: in the living and dining rooms.
It does, of course, have the stained glass keyhole windows.
The listing says there’s a chef’s kitchen.
At 2800 square feet, 2 out of the 3 bedrooms are on the lower level.
It has an in-unit washer/dryer, central air and 2-car parking.
The unit is now listed $41,000 under the 2005 purchase price.
Is this a deal or the new market reality?
Leslie Ann Bodell at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.
Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, duplex down, 2800 square feet
- Sold in January 1991 for $202,000
- Sold in July 2005 for $940,000
- Originally listed in May 2011 for $1.05 million
- Reduced several times
- Currently listed at $899,000
- Assessments of $300 a month
- Taxes of $9948
- Central Air
- Washer/Dryer in the unit
- 2-car parking included
- Bedroom #1: 22×20 (main level)
- Bedroom #2: 21×13 (lower level)
- Bedroom #3: 15×9 (lower level)
- Library: 8×19 (main level)
Needs updating and doesn’t seem all that private. For these taxes and close to 1 million, I would rather be in a duplex up or high rise. I don’t understand the appeal of a duplex down at all…wonder how many flooded this past weekend?
Not sure I would call this a duplex down…the lower level appears to be pretty close to street level. If you look at the first level bedrooms the windows appear to be about 2 feet up from ground. Looking at the last outdoor photo of the window and the bench on the left side, the windows look to be about 2 feet up from the ground. Those 1st level rooms seem to have good light.
Agree that the duplex down isn’t appealing to many but some people just don’t care or are photographers and use it for the nanny…and unless you are Donald Trump or Bill Gates, you have to compromise on your real estate–I would consider a duplex down because I love that block, that neighborhood…And good luck finding a 3 bedroom in a high rise with a $300 assessment.
“Needs updating and doesn’t seem all that private”
Now this is the problem of what is wrong with America right now – we are way too spoiled. Most people from other countries would look at this place and think it was really nice – but the kids of the baby boomers are all completely spoiled brats who want new new new – but they don’t have the money to pay for it. The real issue is to predict how long will it take for these spoiled brat baby boomer children to realize they aren’t going to be able to have their cake and eat it too. Only when they realize this, have a slice of humble pie, and come down a notch or two, will the economy and real estate stabilize!!
clio: “Now this is the problem of what is wrong with America right now – we are way too spoiled. Most people from other countries would look at this place and think it was really nice – but the kids of the baby boomers are all completely spoiled brats who want new new new – but they don’t have the money to pay for it. ”
Totally. I mean, the asking price is under a million, after all. At such low, low prices, people need to turn off their critical thinking skills, lower their standards and just pull the trigger.
How very dare we expect to not sleep on the street when paying only $900k?!
This is definitely unique and I like it a lot. I wonder how many units are in this building. If it’s only two, what happens if you disagree with the other owner?
I would also most likely be uncomfortable sleeping at sidewalk level and having what appears to be a front door in the bedroom.
Otherwise, I think this place is great. It’s unique, large, and comes with two parking spaces. It seems like a good deal to me.
Uhh – has anyone here ever heard of places called Europe or Asia or even New York or L.A. or SF?!!! Are you kidding me? 900k for this location is nothing. Anyone from any of the above mentioned places would laugh at the “country bumpkins” posting about how 900k is so expensive for such a place (again, I am not saying 900k is a small amount – but for the size of this place in this particular location, it is cheap).
clio: All real estate is local, remember?
We don’t live in Europe. Or NYC. Or SF. We live in Chicago and while RE here got pretty heated in the last couple decades, it is nowhere as crazy as those markets. So, yeah, I think a discussion about whether out-of-date appointments are going to hurt a 900K ask on this place are warranted.
Yes I’m sure the cougars you pick up in this hood would love this place
Clio, just because Europeans are willing to put up with no-so-nice buildings/amenities doesn’t mean Americans are…. I stayed with a family friend in Rome a few years ago and it was shocking how archaic the place seemed. I’m sure it was an incredibly expensive unit, but Americans wouldn’t put up with it – tiny bathroom, very dated kitchen, no closet space in the bedrooms…
I like that in Chicago, you can get a gorgeous, updated home for a lot less money that you’d spend elsewhere. Frankly, I don’t know how Europeans put up with some of their living conditions considering how much they pay.
Oh, and NYC or SF? Pft. Owners in Manaco find the million dollar Manhattan 700 sq. ft. apartments laughable. Why do people in NYC complain about RE prices? Have you seen the cost of an apartment in Manaco. Stop whining and pay up, you NYC sissies.
$800k, give or take $25k.
And one more time, in case I haven’t made the point clear: you are a cartoon, Clio. A caricature of a wealthy, out-of-touch, real estate shill. Comparing Chicago to Europe on a price/value basis? Calling people who expect value for their million dollar investment whiners?
Just stop. You are an embarrassment. Just f’n awful.
TftinChi – you are very mean….
glad to see Jenny and Jennifer are different people.
I thought the definition of duplex up or down was just the direction the bedrooms are from the main living space (kitchen and living room)?
“The real issue is to predict how long will it take for these spoiled brat baby boomer children to realize they aren’t going to be able to have their cake and eat it too.”
Remember all those news stories about 6-7 years ago, how the Baby Boomers were ready to pass down $14 trillion to their heirs? Gee, you don’t hear that BS anymore, the baby boomers can’t afford their own retirements!
Jenny, Americans wouldn’t put up with a small apartment in Chicago because they are living in Chicago. They will definitley put up with it in Rome or Paris if that is where they want to live. I think everyone knows that if you want to live in Europe, you do have to live without American Creature Comforts, one being huge living spaces. Another being a huge SuperShoppingCenters that sell tires and bread in the same aisle. But honestly, if anyone’s value system is based on how much square footage you take up, you probably have never even been to Europe. Or been there once, hated all the smoke filled cafes and swore you would never go back until less people smoked and more spoke english.
This appears to be a 3-unit association. Personally, I would not want to maintain a vintage house with two other units. It’s pretty much the work of a SFH except you can’t control your own destiny. Plus, given the very modest assessments, these folks do not seem to be saving for a rainy day, which could be a recipe for disaster if something expensive happens and everyone isn’t on the same page re how to address it. It is, however, a unique place and I love vintage. But the 3-unit thing is not good IMO.
“Another [American thing missing in Europe] being a huge SuperShoppingCenters that sell tires and bread in the same aisle.”
Never been in a Tesco, I see.
“Have you seen the cost of an apartment in Manaco. Stop whining and pay up, you NYC sissies.”
From an NYC sissy, WTF is “Manaco”?
Barf on all the mismatched paint colors in this unit. I know, I know – I’m not supposed to be fixating on the cosmetic, but it’s very distracting and makes the unit appear smaller. I’d say spend the money on a good, neutral paint job and maybe that will help sell this unit.
“WTF is “Manaco””
1. If you have to ask, you can’t afford.
2. Haven’t you heard of wikipedia? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manaco (very exclusive I think)
““WTF is “Manaco”””
3. Monaco for tehgays!
Bedroom locations would be an issue for a family. Don’t want younger kids to be by themselves, don’t want older kids to go right out the door.
“anon (tfo) on July 26th, 2011 at 11:54 am
““WTF is “Manaco”””
3. Monaco for tehgays!”
Redundancy?
I’m interested to know which European countries you’ve all been living in, and in which century.
That curb appeal has to be worth something. Looks absolutely fantastic on the outside. Interior is alright, I don’t think it needs updating, but nothing special either, but the 2 car parking for vintage in that area is a pretty nice bonus.
No, I don’t go to Europe to hang out in a Tesco. But anyway, Jennifer, I lived in Antibes for a couple of years in this current century we are in. Any questions? And if your first question is where is Antibes–southern france.
“No, I don’t go to Europe to hang out in a Tesco.”
Yeah, and I don’t live in Chicago to hang out at a WalMart, yet I am aware of the similarities between the two merchandising models.
Also, are you going to similarly claim ignorance of Carrefour and their business model? You must have at least gone past one on the way to the airport or something.
It’s all well and good to disdain the places, but to act as if there are no “SuperShoppingCenters that sell tires and bread in the same aisle” in Europe is absurd.
I loved walking around Ireland’s version of Walmart (can’t remember what their was called now). Our so-called automatic car rolled away in the large parking lot since we thought the car had a “park” gear, but it turned out not to have one and required the use of a parking brake.
I’ve got a thing for foreign grocery stores.
Anon, I wasn’t disdaining the places in as much as disdaining the “quantity over quality” culture that is very much the US. Yes, Europe has a few of the big stores, and fast food establishments, and dare I say “supersized menus”. But sadly, you seem not to understand my point that Walmart is part of the American Culture as is fast food and “burritos as big as your head”. I don’t think you can say with a straight face that these things make up the culture of europe. But since you seem to really want to talk about giant discount stores in Europe, I guess that is where you hang out when you go there. Good luck with all that.
I actually hope that Clio is real and as rich as he says. It proves that anyone can be successful regardless of their communication and reasoning skills- that is unless he’s the product of his parents’ money… Being born with a silver spoon is a lot harder to duplicate.
Oh really, AK49?!!! Sorry, but my parent’s money had nothing to do with my schooling or my money – actually, my parents don’t have any money.
“I guess that is where you hang out when you go there.”
No, I hang around the gutters, with the bums, smoking cigarettes, drinking cheap booze, and looking at porn. Because in Europe, the bums are just so much more interesting that here in the USA.
I guess I need to refer you back to what you wrote:
“I think everyone knows that if you want to live in Europe, you do have to live without American Creature Comforts, one being huge living spaces. Another being a huge SuperShoppingCenters that sell tires and bread in the same aisle.”
Which is patently false, as it relates to Tesco, Carrefour and the rest of the and Euro-Hypermart chains, the falsehood of which was my only point.
Why do people keep responding to bullying on these threads? Each discussion turns into childish personal attacks. We’re all adults, here right? If someone is trying to start arguments, just don’t respond. That’s how I treat my children.
Perfect Clio. My point is that I want you to be a real person of self created wealth. Then you are setting the example that we too can all spend the day on line surfing the web insulting strangers while still making a fortune.
“Sorry, but my parent’s money had nothing to do with my schooling or my money – actually, my parents don’t have any money.”
Who bought the Hyde Park condo you and your sisters lived in before college?
“Then you are setting the example that we too can all spend the day on line surfing the web insulting strangers while still making a fortune.”
EXACTLY – and how did I do it ? REAL ESTATE!!! Let renters pay down your mortgage, let the greedy drive up the prices. Seriously, people should buy now, hold for 10-15 years and sell for a huge profit. It ain’t that hard of a concept to understand.
“EXACTLY – and how did I do it ? REAL ESTATE!!! Let renters pay down your mortgage, let the greedy drive up the prices. Seriously, people should buy now, hold for 10-15 years and sell for a huge profit. It ain’t that hard of a concept to understand.”
I thought you held the props without mortgages? Have you been able to pay off the mortgages in five to eight years solely from rental cashflow?
What a tool. Of course your parents without any money didn’t pay for Lab School (any poor child is comped at Lab School and U of C )or Stanford & everywhere you claim you went. Like every Republican you are self made in your own mind.
I would be interested in seeing a post on here of the cheapest, non-foreclosure home for sale in Chicago.
Clio, what types of properties did you start out buying? I have to admit, I’m tempted to buy one of these really cheap properties in cash and see if I could rent it.
Anon, the only point you have is on the top of your head. And sadly, you are missing my entire point which comes of no surprise to me at all. I’ll mail you a dollar if you don’t respond stupidly (I’ve set you up to lose as there is no way you can respond with anything but something stupid so I’ve ensured keeping my dollar).
jenny:
Here’s an okay one for under $40k:
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/8746-S-Justine-St-60620/home/13106357
No reps on teh location.
Another (skipping anything that doesn’t clearly have intact windows):
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/6442-S-Loomis-Blvd-60636/home/13933423
“I have to admit, I’m tempted to buy one of these really cheap properties in cash and see if I could rent it.”
I think we’d all chip in and buy you one if you’d promise to blog about it.
“Here’s an okay one for under $40k:”
Liked it better at $14K.
“Anon, the only point you have is on the top of your head. And sadly, you are missing my entire point which comes of no surprise to me at all. I’ll mail you a dollar if you don’t respond stupidly (I’ve set you up to lose as there is no way you can respond with anything but something stupid so I’ve ensured keeping my dollar).”
Ah, the last recourse of the can’t-admit-they-made-a-mistake. The club’s Headquarters is in Oak Brook, if you know where that is. Any questions? And if your first question is where is Oak Brook–-Western Suburbs.
And yes, I do realize at this point, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.
jenny, be very careful what you buy – there ARE a lot of choices out there but, in my experience, the properties that have served me best are those that:
1. are in the best rentable location (gold coast, streeterville, and even near depaul).
2. those that have little overhead – newer buildings are great.
This may sound obvious, but many people are tempted by cheaper properties in not-so-great neighborhoods (or HUGE places that are pretty cheap per square foot) – don’t get fooled into buying one of these. Remember, the bigger the place, the higher the expenses.
anon (tfo) – I don’t believe this is the same anon that has been posting here for a few years – your comments and overall demeanor have changed in the past 4-6 weeks.
My first question wasn’t where is Antibes. It was ‘what kind of person thinks a small town on the Côte D’Azur is representative of an entire continent?!’ Antibes btw has 3 Carrefours, does it not? I’m sure you had to stop in at least one of them, at least once. As have I, in my 29 years of living and working in several European countries, including the one I was born and raised in.
Why do people act like Europe is one country? It isn’t. That’s like me saying everyone in this country lives in a trailer park. Sure, in some places, they do. But it doesn’t represent how everyone lives.
Walmart and Target fuckin owns, as does Carrefour and Aldi and Lidl. Back to Chicago real estate?
Jennifer on July 26th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
“I’m interested to know which European countries you’ve all been living in, and in which century.”
Jennifer, you asked a question and I answered it. I didn’t imply or state that Antibes, or any town, city, etc was all of Europe. You and Anon make a good pair. You two should get off line and go off together somewhere! SHEESH!
I wanted to know where your warped idea of Europe came from. And now I know.
manaco has the most beautiful women in the world walkin around. Definitely not just for tehgays.
“manaco has the most beautiful women in the world walkin around. Definitely not just for tehgays.”
I was talking about the Manaco with Mante Carlo, not the Monaco with the Hotel de Paris.
ahh, as expected, and practically guaranteed, a stupid comment from Anon. So baby Anon, no dollar, but you get Jennifer as a consolation prize! Can’t win em all!
Plenty of wet basements here in OPRF; rolls of ripped carpeting curbside. Friends in Edgewater/Andersonville had water in their basements too. Can anyone speak for those down-duplexes in LP?
“Can anyone speak for those down-duplexes in LP?”
No, but mixed bag in North Center–some water, some dry, not much evidence of deep flooding.
I probably don’t have the stomach to invest in real estate. I’m waiting to see how my parents do when they rent out the condo they inherited. No one in my family has been a landlord before.
“No one in my family has been a landlord before.”
Being an amateur landlord is always a shit result. Dont do it. Money is better parked elsewhere.
I’ve been a landlord once before, although not through choice (back in the day when you couldn’t just walk away from property simply because you were being relocated overseas). Total nightmare. But we learnt from it, and hope to rent out the place we just bought in the future.
My parents want to hang onto the property since they own it outright and have something to fall back on if they get sick or lose a job. It’s not worth much now with the downturn, but it gives them a feeling of security.
Jenny – Great question about the cheapest non-foreclosures and nice examples, Anon!
Can someone please post the cheapest non-foreclosures in the green zone and “yellow zone” areas of the North and West Sides?
Obviously there’s a ton of stuff west of Humboldt Park and in western Logan Square, but I’d consider that solidly Red Zone unless someone knows of some safe pockets I’m unaware of.
This is in the top 10 dumbest threads ever absent the ‘red zone’ comment above.
I lived in Rome for four months. Does that make me Roman?
@HD
naturalmente…ciao…ciao…bella…bella…
and you will of course know where to source the italian marble and granite when you trick out your OPRF place 🙂 🙂 🙂
Love the windows.
87th and Justine is definitely preferable to 64th and Loomis, I’d say. I suppose it’s nice to be in front of the park tho.
Roma – wow, someone actually commenting on the property in question! I walked by this building many times over the years while renovation was in progress, and I must stay I am amazed with the result! Clearly, this was originally built in the early 20th Century when “Moorish” architectural decoration was all the rage.