I was struck by a listing I saw for a unit at the Cinema Lofts at 1635 W. Belmont in Lakeview. The building was converted into lofts in 1997. It was for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath and it said, “prior to closing, new stainless steel range/oven, refrigerator and dishwasher.” Do stainless steel appliances matter? In […]
Perhaps you’ve walked up Dearborn in River North and the Gold Coast and seen this black building as I have. It is 1025 N. Dearborn a development of 10 modern townhomes that were supposed to compliment the highrise tower next to it at 30 West Oak. Smithfield developed 30 West Oak. The townhomes aren’t listed on Smithfield’s website but they […]
The Brewster, at 2800 N. Pine Grove in Lakeview, is famous for several reasons. Not only did Charlie Chaplin live in the penthouse in 1915 and 1916 but several movies have also been filmed in the building, including Childs Play and The Untouchables. The interior of the building is amazing, with intricate ironwork and skylights. Built in 1893, […]
This is the time of the year in Chicago when you think, “darn, I should have bought that house with the fireplace.” Or, in this case, you can buy one with two. 7406 N. Claremont is a vintage building in the West Ridge neighborhood (aka West Rogers Park) originally built in 1928 and renovated and converted […]
It’s not just condo flippers who are having a hard time selling in this market. Owners of million dollar homes in Chicago seem to be under some stress as well. Just take a walk down West Wolfram Street in West Lakeview. I’ve already posted about 1445 W. Wolfram. Remember that house? It was the “Once […]
For a flipper, it is sometimes good to be on one of the lower floors of a new building. Not only are those units cheaper but they also usually close first which means your unit becomes available earlier to prospective buyers. In some cases, you may be able to list and show your unit months before others in the building. You […]
The Sun-Times is reporting that the developer of The Ritz-Carlton Residences at 664 N. Michigan is going to start construction in February. The building has been only 40% sold for months now. Maybe they see something in the market going forward that the rest of us don’t see. From the David Roeder’s column in the Sun-Times: Despite the […]
A million dollars used to mean something in the Chicago condo market. It might not be huge, but at least that price point meant luxury finishes and amenities. Not anymore- if you believe the asking prices on these condos in the South Loop. Prairie Pointe at 1600 S. Prairie in the Central Station neighborhood of the South […]