Crib Chatter

This 6-bedroom co-op penthouse at 1500 N. Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast just came on the market.

Built in 1927, 1500 N. Lake Shore Drive was designed by famed NY architect Rosario Candela, with the listing saying it was his only residential commission in Chicago, and outside of New York.

The building was constructed by McNally & Quinn and has 57 units and heated valet garage parking.

It’s a full service building with a doorman, an on-site property manager and a new state-of-the art exercise room.

This penthouse is designed as an Italianate villa and takes up the entire top floor of the building.

It’s three levels with 8,000 square feet of indoor space and a 5,000 square foot east facing terrace.

The listing says it’s the first time on the market in 50 years.

The unit has direct elevator access.

There’s a 40 foot long walnut-paneled gallery hall with vaulted ceilings finished in a fresco theme.

The living room has the original 20 foot coffered ceilings.

There are hand carved doors throughout.

Surprisingly, there’s just one wood burning fireplace and it’s in the living room.

There’s no picture, or description, of the kitchen.

There’s pictures of just 2 of the 6.5 bathrooms.

But it’s the outdoor space that’s the big selling point.

With a U-shape that faces the Lake, the landscaped terrace boasts a fountain, mature trees, grass and a covered loggia.

According to Dennis Rodkin at Crain’s, this penthouse was a private listing, i.e. not on the MLS, in July of this year at $24.5 million.

It has been reduced to $17 million.

The owner, who has lived in the property since 1975, apparently told the Wall Street Journal over the summer that he’s moving to Florida.

You can see the Crain’s article here.

This penthouse has space pak cooling, radiator heating (which is included in the assessments), washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car valet parking.

Some co-op buildings in the Gold Coast are cash only but after looking at some of the other listings in this building, it appears that the Board will allow up to 50% financing.

This is a unique opportunity to own a rare pre-war property with all the bells and whistles along with a massive terrace.

Will someone get a deal on it?

Mark Icuss and Cheryl Prosperi at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here (no floor plan, unfortunately).

Unit PH: 6 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 8000 square feet

• Sold in 1975 (per Crain’s)
• Originally listed as a “private listing” in July 2020 for $24.5 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed on the MLS for $17 million
• Co-Op
• Assessments are $8,207 a month (includes heat, water, electric, 2-car valet parking, doorman, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes should be included in the monthly assessments
• Space pak cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car valet garage parking
• 1 wood burning fireplace
• 50% financing allowed?
• Bedroom #1: 22×18 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×19 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 17×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #5: 17×15 (main floor)
• Bedroom #6: 14×16 (no floor listed)
• Living room: 39×22 (main floor)
• Dining room: 25×16 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 22×27 (main floor)
• Office: 11×11 (main floor)
• Gallery: 12×39 (main floor)
• Exercise room: 22×21 (second floor)
• Game room: 13×12 (third level)
• 5000 square foot private terrace

This 2-bedroom loft in Cornelia Village at 1111 W. Cornelia in Lakeview came on the market in November 2020.

Built in 1925, the building has been converted into 20 lofts with attached heated garage parking.

I don’t think we’ve ever chattered about this building before, which is shocking given it’s location.

This loft has 15 foot concrete ceilings with exposed brick.

It has hardwood floors on the main level along with a wood burning fireplace.

Instead of a flat panel television, there’s a 133″ projector TV.

It has a skylight with a remote shade.

The listing says the kitchen has been “updated” with quartz counter tops, gray subway tile, stainless steel appliances, an eat-in kitchen island and a built-in banquette.

The primary bedroom is on the second floor and overlooks the lower level living room. It has carpet.

The second bedroom is on the main floor and looks like it might have a window.

There’s only one bathroom but it has 2 separate vanities and sinks.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, which the listing says was new in 2016, washer/dryer in the unit and an attached heated garage space.

But a big selling point of this loft is the large, private, fenced in and landscaped patio off the living room which has plenty of space for entertaining and for a grill.

This loft is within just a few blocks of the shops and restaurants of Southport and is near Wrigley Field and all the shops and restaurants now around the park.

Is this a perfect summer home for after the pandemic?

Kristin Gonnella and Margaret Bergin at Coldwell Banker have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #110: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1500 square feet, loft

• Sold in April 1988 for $145,000
• Sold in August 1990 for $162,500
• Sold in April 1999 for $209,000
• Sold in March 2005 for $345,000
• Sold in July 2013 for $314,000
• Sold in November 2015 for $332,000
• Currently listed at $369,000 (includes heated garage parking space)
• Assessments of $277 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6192
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 21×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (main floor)
• Living room: 21×17 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 17×13 (main floor)
• Storage: 9×6 (second floor)
• Terrace: 22×17

This 2-bedroom corner vintage unit at 619 W. Addison in Lakeview came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 1916, this courtyard building is a co-op with 27 units.

It also has garages behind the building as well as a common laundry room and storage.

This unit has been renovated but still has some of its vintage features.

It has crown molding throughout the living and dining rooms and unique barrel vaulted ceilings in the dining room.

The listing says the chef’s kitchen has been renovated and has white cabinets, a stainless steel farmhouse sink, quarter counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a white tile backsplash and a walk-in pantry.

The bedrooms both have several walls of windows.

The listing says there is custom Elfa closets.

The bathroom has also been renovated and has a walk-in shower.

It doesn’t have central air, but has window units, but the listing says that central a/c is allowed with board approval.

Additionally, according to the floor plan, it appears to have in-unit washer dryer, but is it already installed?

The listing says:

“In unit full size washer/dryer, as well as option to add unit dedicated w/ d in common laundry area”

This unit is one of those that has a 1.5 car private garage available for an extra $49,000. According to the listing, it’s available to the buyer or a current shareholder only.

There are no pets allowed in the building.

There are also no rentals allowed.

Because it’s a co-op, the monthly assessment includes taxes.

This building is located in the heart of Lakeview, just blocks from the lake, Belmont Harbor, Wrigley Field, shopping, restaurants and the Red Line.

Originally listed in August 2020 for $275,000, it has been reduced $25,000 to $250,000 plus $49,000 for the parking.

The listing says that the board allows 90% financing.

Is this a better deal than renting in this neighborhood?

Leigh Marcus at @Properties has the listing. You can see the pictures, including the 2017 listing pictures for some reason which shows what they did to the unit, as well as the floor plan, here.

Unit #1: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1150 square feet (according to Zillow)

• Co-op
• Sold in November 2017 for $230,000 (according to Zillow)
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $275,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $250,000 (plus $49,000 for private garage parking space)
• Assessments of $635 a month (includes taxes, heat, gas, scavenger, snow removal, exterior maintenance)
• Taxes are in the assessment (co-op)
• No central air- window units. Listing says central air can be added with board approval
• Washer/dryer in the unit? (can’t tell but it’s on the floor plan)
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×7
• Living room: 19×12
• Dining room: 16×12
• Kitchen: 8×8
• Laundry room: 8×3
• Foyer: 9×6
• Deck: 13×8

This 5-bedroom bungalow at 5639 W. Sunnyside in Portage Park came on the market in September 2020.

Built in 1926, it’s on a corner 33×125 lot and has a 2-car garage.

I don’t have a picture of this house, but I felt like I should cover some of the single family homes that are on the market in the non-GreenZone neighborhoods.

The listing says this house has new windows.

There’s wainscoting and some stained glass windows.

The kitchen has white soft-closed cabinets, a 10 foot island with quartz counter tops and backsplash along with stainless steel appliances.

3 bedrooms are on the second floor along with a bath.

One bedroom is on the main floor and the fifth bedroom is in the lower level.

The lower level also has a family room and a wet bar with a wine fridge along with a bathroom.

The house has central air and a deck.

Originally listed in September 2020 for $595,000, it has been reduced $45,000 to $550,000.

It went under contract in early November but has now been re-listed.

Redfin says this listing has been viewed over 8,000 times.

How high will single family home prices go if this hot market continues into 2021?

Diana Morales at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

5639 W. Sunnyside: 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, no square footage listed, 2 car garage

• Sold in May 1987 for $125,000
• Sold in December 1988 for $149,000
• Sold in February 2020 for $225,000
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $595,000
• Reduced
• Under contract on Nov 2, 2020 at $550,000
• Re-listed at $550,000
• Taxes are $732 (senior exemption)
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 16×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 18×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×11 (main floor)
• Bedroom #5: 13×12 (lower level)
• Living room: 23×17 (main floor)
• Dining room: 16×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 21×14 (main floor)
• Family room: 26×22 (lower level)
• Deck: 15×13 (main floor)

This 4-bedroom duplex down at 2116 N. California in Logan Square came on the market in September 2020.

This building was constructed this year, in 2020, and has 8 units and a parking garage.

Several of them are already under contract but this 4-bedroom is still available.

It has white oak hardwood floors throughout the unit.

The kitchen has custom-made grey cabinets, custom quartz counter tops with a waterfall finish and a quartz backsplash along with a breakfast bar and a beverage center.

It has Bosch appliances.

3 bedrooms are on the main floor with the fourth in the duplex down.

The listing says the primary suite has a spa-like bath with steam shower and heated tile floors, body sprays and double vanity along with 2 walk-in-closets.

The unit has central air, a Whirlpool washer/dryer in the unit and 1-car garage parking.

It also has outdoor space in the form of an 8×20 balcony off the front of the unit.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Logan Square and Bucktown as well as just a block and a half from the California blue line stop.

Originally listed at $745,000, it has been reduced $20,000 to $725,000.

Is this property a townhouse or single family home alternative in this neighborhood?

Lukas Pluta at Wilmot Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2400 square feet, duplex down

• New construction
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $745,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $725,000
• Assessments of $204 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are “new”
• 1 car garage included
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×10 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×10 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×10 (lower level)
• Living/dining room: 24×20 (main level)
• Kitchen: 14×10 (main level)
• Laundry room: 3×3 (main level)
• Balcony: 8×20

This 2-bedroom corner penthouse loft in the Pope Building at 633 S. Plymouth in Printers Row just came on the market.

The Pope Building was built in 1891 and has 91 lofts. It was converted to condos in 2000.

There is no parking with the building, nor a doorman.

This loft has features that loft lovers would like including huge, original industrial windows and an 11-foot barrel ceilings (you can’t see the barrel well in the pictures).

It doesn’t have exposed bricks, or timber beams, however.

At 1680 square feet, it has an open kitchen with maple cabinets, granite counter tops, an island with seating and stainless steel appliances.

French doors lead to the master bedroom which has two walls of industrial windows and a private bathroom with marble and cherry finishes.

The second bedroom also has industrial windows and an en suite bathroom.

It has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

There’s no parking with the building but there is rental or for purchase in the neighborhood.

This loft apparently hasn’t sold since it’s original purchase 20 years.

Is this a rare chance for loft lovers to get this unique corner penthouse space?

Cynthia Bauer at Re/Max Premier has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1202: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1680 square feet, loft, penthouse

• Sold in April 2000 for $230,000
• Currently listed at $485,000
• Assessments of $899 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal and Internet)
• Taxes of $6152
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 20×14
• Bedroom #2: 13×10
• Living room: 17×15
• Dining room: 18×11
• Kitchen: 15×13

This top floor 3-bedroom at 626 W. Belden in East Lincoln Park just came on the market.

Built in 1889, this greystone has 3-units and garage parking.

It looks like it was converted into condos in 1995.

This unit has some of its vintage features including ceiling medallions in the living and dining rooms along with a wood burning fireplace with a carved wood mantle.

It has 10 foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen is at the front of the unit and has a window. It has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and white counter tops.

The listing says the bathrooms have been renovated.

This is a rare vintage unit which has a master suite, with its own full bath and walk-in-closet, which the listing says is currently being used as an office as it, too, has a window.

It has the other features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking.

It even has a 7×8 deck off the master bedroom.

The property is in the coveted East Lincoln Park neighborhood and the listing says its within walking distance to Lincoln Elementary.

Francis Parker is also nearby.

Listed at just $600,000, is this a starter home for this neighborhood?

Thomas Brown at Sparrow Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 1997 for $345,000
• Sold in March 2006 for $520,000
• Sold in August 2012 for $470,000
• Sold in July 2015 for $577,500
• Currently listed at $600,000
• Assessments of $325 a month (includes parking, exterior maintenance and scavenger)
• Taxes of $9761
• Garage parking included
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×23
• Bedroom #2: 9×11
• Bedroom #3: 11×14
• Living room: 12×21
• Dining room: 12×9
• Kitchen: 13×8
• Deck: 7×8

This 1-bedroom in The Churchill at 1255 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2020.

The Churchill was built in 1924 and has 64 units. It’s a doorman building.

This unit has some of its vintage features including hardwood floors throughout and crown molding.

The kitchen has white cabinets, Carrara marble counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The listing says it has a fully updated marble bathroom with heated floors.

The bedroom has a custom cedar walk-in-closet which the listing says an in-unit washer/dryer COULD be added.

It doesn’t have central air but has window a/c units.

There’s no parking with the building but it’s available in the neighborhood.

But this unit also has a feature that is somewhat rare with vintage units: outdoor space.

Not only does it have a 12×4 balcony, but it has a 12×8 secret terrace that is fenced for privacy.

The property has come on the market at $324,900 for 1000 square feet.

In this pandemic year, does outdoor space seal the deal?

Jennifer Owen at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2J: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1000 square feet

• Sold in April 1988 for $99,000
• Sold in January 1995 for $91,500
• Sold in October 1998 for $174,000
• Sold in February 2001 for $240,000
• Sold in October 2007 for $330,500
• Sold in April 2013 for $240,000
• Sold in December 2016 for $311,000
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $324,900
• Currently still listed for $324,900
• Assessments of $1226 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, electric)
• Taxes of $4956
• No central air- window units
• No in-unit washer/dryer but listing indicates it can be added
• No parking
• Bedroom: 16×12
• Living room: 21×14
• Dining room: 8×8
• Kitchen: 11×8
• Foyer: 10×6
• Balcony: 12×4
• Terrace: 12×8

This 3-bedroom in Carmichael Place at 1038 W. Monroe in the West Loop just came on the market.

Carmichael Place was constructed in 1999 and has 36 condo units, an elevator and heated attached garage parking.

The listing says this unit has been “completely updated and customized” in the past 5 years.

It says there are high end designer finishes throughout.

There’s a gourmet kitchen which was “completely remodeled and reconfigured” with custom white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, a tile backsplash, custom lighting, stainless steel appliances, and a massive quartz island with seating.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The listing says the 2 bathrooms have been “completely redone” with designer tiles and high end Restoration Hardware brass finishes.

The unit has a side-by-side washer/dryer along with a new a/c and furnace.

It has central air and heated attached garage parking is included.

This property last sold in 2017 for $639,000 but has come on the market at $750,000.

The West Loop was one of the hottest neighborhoods before the pandemic hit.

Will it still get the premium?

Michael Hoover and Benjamin Lissner at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #34: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet

• Sold in December 2000 for $291,500
• Sold in November 2007 for $392,000
• Sold in October 2017 for $639,000
• Currently listed for $750,000
• Assessments of $240 a month (includes parking, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,891
• Central Air
• Side-by-Side washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 10×13
• Bedroom #3: 14×10
• Living/dining room: 17×20
• Kitchen: 17×10
• Foyer: 5×8

This 8-bedroom vintage mansion at 3000 W. Logan Boulevard in Logan Square came on the market in June 2020.

Built in 1924, the brick house is on an oversized Chicago corner lot measuring 37×162 and has a 2-car garage.

It has 5,748 square feet on four floors.

The listing says it has the original 1920s craftsmanship.

That includes stained glass windows, a paneled dining room and carved moldings.

The listing says there’s 3 bathrooms but the floor plans seem to indicate 3 full bathrooms and 2 half baths.

There’s white cabinets in the kitchen.

The listing says there are “no restrictions on interior renovations.”

The house has central air.

Originally listed in June 2020 for $2.2 million, it has been reduced to $1,999,900.

What price will it take to get a vintage lover to dive in?

George Selas at Dream Town Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

3000 W. Logan Boulevard: 8 bedrooms, 3 baths (but maybe 2 half baths too?), 5748 square feet

• Sold in November 1983 for $150,000 (per Redfin)
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in October 2014
• Originally listed in June 2020 for $2.2 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1,999,900
• Taxes of $22,869
• Central Air
• 2 car garage
• 37 x 162 lot
• Bedroom #1: 19×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×15 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 17×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #6: 14×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #7: 13×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #8: 13×10 (main floor)
• Living room: 25×17 (second floor)
• Dining room: 17×16 (second floor)
• Library: 15×11 (second floor)
• Breakfast room: 11×11 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 17×16 (second floor)
• Attic: 36.13 (fourth floor)