Lush Gardens in the Middle of the City: 2434 N. Sawyer in Logan Square

This 1912 bungalow at 2434 N. Sawyer in Logan Square sports something many city dwellers crave, a large and lush backyard.

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The 4-bedroom home sits on a 31.5×186.5′ lot and has hardwood floors, pocket doors and 2 decks.

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Jeff Lowe at Prudential Preferred has the listing. See more pictures here.

2434 N. Sawyer: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 3000 square feet

  • I couldn’t find a prior sales price- but it was in the 1980s
  • Originally listed in September 2007 for $749,999
  • Withdrawn
  • Re-listed in May 2008 for $699,900
  • Reduced
  • Withdrawn
  • Just re-listed for $575,000
  • Taxes of $4624
  • No central air- window units
  • Bedroom #1:  15×13
  • Bedroom #2: 19×10
  • Bedroom #3: 15×8
  • Bedroom #4: 11×11

53 Responses to “Lush Gardens in the Middle of the City: 2434 N. Sawyer in Logan Square”

  1. Maybe it’s just because it’s getting warm out but that yard does make me swoon.

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  2. Me too. On days like today I would be completely content in a hammock out there.

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  3. I wish there was a virtual tour or floorplan. I’m very interested on seeing how this place is laid out. Its not very clear from the pictures.

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  4. Per Redfin, the prior sale was $53,500 in 1983.

    Using CPI to inflate that, it’s about $115k now.

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  5. I’ve been watching this house since last June. I think the big problem with this house at this price is the lack of central air. For the price, I don’t want to deal with window units.

    Plus, it isn’t in my ideal Logan Square location – – too far from the boulevard. And, the kitchen’s going to need some work. Further, who knows what the baths look like?

    But, yeah, the yard is lovely.

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  6. the house is gorgeous on the outside. Inside looks totally lame.

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  7. Reb-
    Kitchen is extremely lame.

    I’m sure that bold paint and decorating turned away many people.

    Who wants a house with no central air. For a house this size you probably need 8-12 units. Of course c/a can be added but with the inventory currently out there buyers have no need to buy a project house.

    So what is the ideal Logan Square neighborhood? I been living here for about a year, from my experience Logan Square is different block from block.

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  8. The realtor that tried listing this thing at $750k was an idiot. While I still think this price is outrageous, it is getting to the point that may attract someone who enjoys doing yardwork in the city. No central air on a 3000sqft house though… man I’d hate to see the electric bills in August.

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  9. The lot probably has some development value, since its so deep, and I do like the yard, its on the wrong side of Kedzie unfortunately

    Tom – the ideal part of logan square is East of Kedzie, Norht of Fullerton and South of Diversy (imho)

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  10. That’s an enormous lot.

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  11. The lot is “large”, but it’s long and narrow, so doubt it has any real useful development value, beyond a really deep four story 4-flat.

    The width to depth ratio is bad – 1:6, now if it was a ratio of 1:3.5 or so that could be more desirable for development.

    As for the house itself, the decorating is harsh, but that’s minor (who really uses the decorating as part of the decision-making anyways?)

    I do love the street presence of the front. What a lovely brick building.

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  12. This house is a perfect candidate for staging. And by staging, I mean repainting, removing all of the old Craigslist-looking couches, and other small things that will brighten the place up. Unless there is something wrong with that camera, the house is dark and dreary. With no air conditioning in the summer, I’d live in the back yard. Come winter, however, you are SOL – freeze in the lovely back yard or live in that house. Here’s an example of “value is in the land.”

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  13. gorgeous. wow. if I was in the market and didn’t need good access to a train, I’d jump on this – you can put in the AC fairly easily, but until you’ve enjoyed a 185′ deep lot you have no idea what you’re missing (a friend of mine has a property like that near Armitage and Kimball).

    the big downside is Fullerton blows. there is nothing redeemable about it right there for a homeowner IMO – it’s stupid loud, stupid dangerous, not exactly brimming with anything interesting on the street itself, etc.

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  14. “Tom – the ideal part of logan square is East of Kedzie, Norht of Fullerton and South of Diversy (imho)”

    I’m generally with you on that, I’d go a little farther out, say: East of Kimbal, North of Fullerton, South and east of the Highway.

    I think we can all agree, never go west of Pulaski???

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  15. To answer Tom and echo Haywood . . .

    I agree that the two blocks north and south of Logan Boulevard are the best. Plus, I want to be within a four-block walk of either the Logan or California El stops and not on top of the Kennedy. I really like the 2600 block of Troy. And, 2400-2600 Fairfield, near Haas Park.

    I’m on Albany, north of the Boulevard. It’s a cute street, but the houses on one side of the street are much older and impressive than the houses on the other side, making the block look a bit confused. I’m on the El platform in 3 minutes. I’m at the Farmer’s Market in 2. I’m on the Kennedy in less than 5. And, plenty of walkable restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. If it weren’t for the shootings, I’d have no reason to consider looking in another neighborhood.

    I don’t feel as safe west of Kedzie. Were I looking to buy now, I’d look there to see if there were any deals to be had. But, it’s not my first choice.

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  16. Tom, Armitage and Pulaski isn’t your cup of tea? A peep show/porn depot place with another weird quasi-strip club just east, several blue-light cop camera things, shoot, it’s got it all!

    You’ve even got Weegee’s, now that bar is a serious case of urban pioneering.

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  17. Skeptic: “if I was in the market and didn’t need good access to a train, I’d jump on this ”

    I know, man. That 2 block walk to the Logan Square el is just so frustratingly long.

    Oh wait, I get it. Those 2 blocks would be precariously dangerous to walk since they are on the “wrong” side of Kedzie.

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  18. I think the lot if you could get it zoned right (not sure what it is now) would be of some value, you could build a L shapped 6 flat on it, or some combinaiton of condos

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  19. REB

    I know the block your talking about, I actually looked at a greystone near the corner of Troy and (whatever the first block north of logan is); had to be 2650-ish N Troy, it got snatched up before I even got to do a second viewing.

    We ended up on George (3 blocks north of the bvld) between Sacramento and Whipple, about 1 block west of Albany.

    There are a lot of block where one side has gorgeous big greystone and the other side is all cottages. Both building types are nice but they kinda clash against each other. My side of the block is all 2-1/2 story greystone or red-brick buildings, the other side is a total hodge-podge including a 4-story courtyard building and a 1-1/2 story cottage

    Any idea if that Cheeta gym is still opening on Milwaukee and Kedzie? I’m not a big fan of uber-priced gyms but I think it would be a decent anchore to bring in some nicer shops, etc.

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  20. skeptic on May 12th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
    Tom, Armitage and Pulaski isn’t your cup of tea?

    I’m not hipster-enough for that area. I have to work on my street cred before I ride my 10-speed down that neighborhood

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  21. “I’m not hipster-enough for that area. … ride my 10-speed”

    First step would be turning that ten-speed into a fixie. In fact, that and skinny jeans (that you wear riding your fixie, duh) would probably be enough.

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  22. the house looks awesome, yeah no a/c but all that charm and character, money can buy some things, converting/rehabbing your vintage place might not get what this place has.

    As far as price, at least they came down, whatever fmv is, somebody will get a great place.

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  23. Don’t go west of Pulaski unless you’re north of Addison and south of Montrose. I’d say don’t go west of Cicero (4800 W for the rest of you). Further south I wouldn’t go west of Pulaski.

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  24. hd, don’t be an idiot. Portage Park north of Irving is a great neighborhood and it’s *gasp* west of Cicero. I’d compare it to Old Irving, only with smaller lot sizes (and much smaller prices).

    Actually, keep spreading the word that west of Cicero is bad, that kind of reputation keeps Portage Park prices reasonable.

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  25. honestly, I tend tune out people who resort to the “anything north/west/south/east of is…”

    it shows they don’t know much about Chicago.

    otoh, I’m with jc in that I’m happy people of that bent haven’t greenlighted my neck of the woods. I’m not interested in neighbors who view my neighborhood as one to be changed upon their arrival.

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  26. ME:
    “As for the house itself, the decorating is harsh, but that’s minor (who really uses the decorating as part of the decision-making anyways?)”

    You would be shocked to find out how many ppl actually DO factor in the present decorating when deciding on a home to buy! One case in point, one of the last units I picked up in NY to rehab had been outfitted with brown shag carpet (installed 1967) liberty bell wallpaper on 75% of the walls and had strawberry pink ceramic tiles in the bathroom (along with matching toilet, sink and tub) and also throughout the kitchen. To add onto all this distration, the whole place had mod 60s era furnishings that had been original to the house and were left when the elderly owners passed.
    It was a beautiful, immaculately maintained all brick ranch style house (with all hardwood floors and original wood trim in brand new level condition) with a file drawer full of receipts for every cent they had spent during their entire married life in this house. Funny how no one inquired about the floors beneath the carpets. IT was covered with the carpet 4 months after the house was completed and were never walked on at all.
    Nothing was needed but to update the cosmetic appearance (tore out the carpets, cleaned and handwaxed the floors, sanded, primed and painted over the original pink tiles, tore out all the wallpaper then primed and painted the walls with a high quality paint in one color scheme (three shades) as the structure and everything else was in excellent condition (Central Air, 2.5 garage with opener, quad paned windows, etc.
    According to the realtor, this house had a total of 45 interested parties over a 8 month period and not one made an offer! I placed an offer after a 15 minute inspection.
    $4,000 in materials three weeks of work later, I sold it for nearly double my initial investment in under a weeks time to the second couple who looked at it.
    So, long story short, decorating/paint choices and furnishings that are present during a homes showing DO matter a great deal to most perspective buyers. Most buyers come into the ‘game’ seeking immediate sensory stimulation without looking beneath the covers to see what the house offers that they can improve upon and customize to their liking. Luckily for serious renovators like myself, these types of buyers continue to leave houses behind that do not immediatly appeal to them.
    So sellers, continue with the poor color choices, the shabby furnishings and leave that carpet dirty….it makes my purchasing and selling process so much easier!!

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  27. JC, someone defending Portage Park? Wow that’s a first on cribchatter.

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  28. PP isn’t a bad place if you’re looking to pick up a starter SFH in the city. Too far from the loop for my tastes but its a pretty nice hood.

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  29. It’s ok but it’s sort of going through a mini foreclosure crisis. Plenty of subprime and foreclosures. Irving Park road in between cicero and central is increasing pretty desolate as the homes in the surrounding neighborhood vacate. That’s just my observations.

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  30. Yeah but you can get a pretty nice gut rehabbed 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a good sized yard for like 200k, what’s not to like?

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  31. 5210 W Henderson Street, Chicago, IL 60641
    $149,900

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  32. “5210 W Henderson Street, Chicago, IL 60641”

    7 BR? Is that a legal or illegal 3-unit conversion?

    Last sale price? $362k in Feb-05.

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  33. Not bad, you can live in a 7 bedroom place for less than 1k a month! lol

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  34. Another looks makes it appear to be an illegal 2-unit; getting away with it by calling the basement unit an “in-law” (similar to 2424 W Belle Plaine). You’d never be far from a bedroom, tho, as there are 3 in the basement, 2 on the main floor and 2 upstairs.

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  35. PP has a significant Eastern European population that is decamping back to Europe, reasons ranging from “one step ahead of foreclosure” mortgage fraud-related activity, poor market for pick-up truck small home-remodeling contractors, to diminishing employment for often illegal immigrant construction labor. Tribune did an article on this topic several months ago. Prices are dropping dramatically, and some areas have a nice neighborhood feel – but far from subway lines for easy transportation. PP is car country.

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  36. Seconding skeptic heartily. I live south of Addison and west of Pulaski in the Milwaukee-Addison-Pulaski triangle. Very quiet, neighborly area with good-sized homes on extra-wide lots. Tons of kids too and close to public transportation.

    As for this house, pics make it look like they ripped all the vintage charm out. I don’t see any trim or moldings in the photos. And they should definitely repaint. But the yard is amazing.

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  37. logansquarean on May 13th, 2009 at 2:10 pm

    “but far from subway lines for easy transportation. PP is car country.”

    The stops at Irving Park and Montrose don’t count?

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  38. not in terms of what most people are thinking of (ie, proximity to the park, which is a jewel by any standard).

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  39. wasn’t this posting about Logan Square…..

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  40. Another reason that many Eastern European immigrants are leaving Chicago and returning to their homelands is that their native lands, fresh from the experience of living under Communism, are embracing free markets and freedom, while we are moving in the opposite direction. Many of these immigrants are highly educated and ambitious, and now see a better future for themselves in their homelands than in the U.S. The complete reverse of 20 years ago.

    We should be very worried about this.

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  41. I agree JPS. This damn country is getting more communist every frickin day.

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  42. whatever, capitalism and free market reforms are just another excuse for the wealthy to steal from the proletariat; the wealthy put their children in private schools and vacation at the fanciest resorts off the sweat of the backs of the working stiff. Obama knows this and he’s going to make things right and even for everybody. I’m lookin for him to spread a little bit of wealth this way…

    (and JPS please take a look at the industrial production levels so far this year in those capitalistic free market countries in Eastern Europe! here’s a link: http://fistfulofeuros.net/)

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  43. homedelete,

    Its not people like you that are going to benefit from the increased size of government. Its the deadbeats on the south side and government workers.

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  44. Yeah, it’s a global recession. But I bet many of the eastern bloc countries will recover sooner than we will. As will China.

    “and JPS please take a look at the industrial production levels so far this year in those capitalistic free market countries in Eastern Europe!”

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  45. I’m now a hardcore socialist/borderline communist. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em!

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  46. JPS… I see little to no recession where I am. Record car sales last month. Strange but true.

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  47. Ze maybe Cuba is allowed to buy US cars now?

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  48. House is lovely. Not loving LS tho.

    Bob- why the knocks on the southside all the time? 🙁

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  49. Kn,

    Trust me I probably wasn’t referring to your neighborhood. I was referring to those on the public dole in general.

    I plan to buy on the southside one day actually and I am completely serious. I don’t see the $/sf deals in the northside residential neighborhoods near public transit that I already see in some southside ‘hoods.

    My timeline is rather long as I need to get my partyin/livin’ out of the way first and there are better drink deals up here. But in terms of settling I’ve already found my dream area. Now its just save up and wait 😀

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  50. Bob I think you’ll fit in just fine on the south side. You’ll fit in even better if you have some irish catholic blood. Did you ever make it to the south side irish parade before it was cancelled? Because when I think of Beverly/Mt. Greenwood, I think of the south side irish parade.

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  51. Bob needs to up his arsenal of guns before he moves to the south side. So in a few years if you see a mcmansion in bridgeport with gun turrets, thats where he lives.

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  52. sounds like an amazing deal!!

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