Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom penthouse in the Rowe Building at 714 S. Dearborn in Printers Row came on the market in September 2020.

The Rowe Building was built in 1891 and has 9 units. It’s a live/work building with no parking.

I still don’t have a good picture of this building in my collection but it’s the loft building on the far right of the picture of 720 S. Dearborn above.

The top floor penthouse unit is actually a 2-story single family home.

It has east, west and north exposures.

The unit also has 4 outdoor spaces including a 400 square foot terrace and 3 balconies.

If this looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2017, when it was last on the market for the first time in 16 years.

You can see our 2017 chatter here.

Back then, the unit had a wood deck with landscaping (see the 2017 listing pictures) which was accessed out the living room sliding doors, but the 2017 listing said the decking had been removed to replace the roof.

The current pictures don’t show any decking for the terrace. There’s also no landscaping anywhere.

Dennis Rodkin at Crain’s recently had the inside scoop about the story with this property over the last few years.

The couple bought the house for $875,000, more than they are asking for it now, when they moved to Chicago from San Francisco for Gass to become director of the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art. She left that post in September 2019 to return to California and is now director of a contemporary art museum in San Jose. 

They did not move in to the Printers Row house. They rented a home in Hyde Park while Hathaway, an architect, designed a rehab. His design included enlarging the windows on the north walls to enhance the interior’s views of the skyline.

“We were going to make it more contemporary,” Gass said, “and build out the roof decks,” which would make the outdoor spaces feel more like a yard than a rooftop.

He also talks about how the house got built on the roof, and who the architect is.

On the interior, the primary bedroom is on the main floor along with the living/dining and kitchen.

The second floor has the other two bedrooms and a family room along with several balconies.

There are skylights.

The kitchen has wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

The property has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. It doesn’t have parking but that’s available in the neighborhood to rent or to buy.

According to Rodkin, the house is accessed by taking the elevator up to the 8th floor of the building and then walking up a flight of stairs.

The current listing says it’s “waiting for your design ideas.”

It was listed in September 2020 for $850,000, which is $27,500 above the previous purchase price of $822,500.

Will they get the premium for this unique property 3 years later?

Bohdan Gorczynski at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #9-PH: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2533 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in June 1991 for $392,000
• Sold in October 2001 for $615,000
• Sold in November 2017 for $822,500
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $850,000
• Currently still listed for $850,000
• Assessments are now $959 a month (they were $950 a month in 2017) (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are now $10,086 (they were $9500 in 2017)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Can rent it nearby for $210 a month or buy at 801 S. Plymouth for $35,000 to $70,000
• Bedroom #1: 15×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 19×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 22×13 (main floor)
• Living/dining room: 26×25 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×12 (main floor)
• Family room: 35×11 (second floor)
• Terrace: 23×22
• 3 balconies

The Rowe Building was built in 1891 and has 9 units.

While it is the top floor unit, it looks, and acts, more like a single family home as it was built on top of the existing brick loft building.

The 2-story unit has east, west and north exposures.

It has 4 outdoor spaces including a 400 square foot terrace. The listing says the decking has been removed to replace the roof.

The kitchen has wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

It has a second floor family room.

This duplex has central air and an in-unit washer/dryer (you can see it in the bedroom closet picture.)

This 3-bedroom greystone condo at 1130 W. Armitage in Lincoln Park came on the market in October 2020.

Built in 1920, this greystone has 8 units and garage parking.

This unit is a south facing front unit with views over Armitage from a private balcony.

It has some vintage features including millwork, crown moldings and a wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The unit has oak hardwood floors in the main living area.

The living room, dining room and kitchen are open concept along with a bonus office nook off the living room.

The listing calls the kitchen a “Chef’s kitchen” with gray 42″ cabinets, a newer backsplash, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and an island with storage.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and an en suite marble bath.

There’s a second full bath along with two smaller bedrooms that the listing says can be used as guest suites or offices.

In addition to the front balcony overlooking Armitage, it has a back deck.

This unit has all the features today’s buyer is looking for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking.

This building is right in the heart of the shops and restaurants of Armitage and near the shops of the Clybourn Corridor. It’s also just a few blocks to the Armitage brown line stop.

Listed at $589,000, will this vintage condo sell quickly?

Bari Levine and Diana Grinnell at @Properties have the listing. See the pictures here (no floor plan but the 2016 sale has one if you are interested).

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

• Sold in February 1995 for $254,500
• Sold in July 1995 for $274,000
• Sold in December 1999 for $370,000
• Sold in June 2001 for $410,000
• Sold in June 2005 for $505,000
• Sold in February 2016 for $515,000
• Currently listed at $589,000 (garage parking included)
• Assessments of $185 a month (includes parking, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes of $9728
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Front balcony
• Back deck
• Bedroom #1: 16×11
• Bedroom #2: 10×9
• Bedroom #3: 10×9
• Living room: 20×14
• Dining room: 12×12
• Kitchen: 12×12
• Laundry room: 5×6
• Private storage: 13×8

This 2-bedroom at 3306 N. Clifton in the Southport neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 1998, this 6-unit building has garage parking.

This unit has hardwoods throughout.

The kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops, a tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar.

The kitchen is open to the combined living and dining room which has a fireplace and built-ins.

The primary bedroom is en-suite with an upgraded bath that has granite counter tops and double vanity sinks.

The listing says there’s a brand new furnace and a/c.

It also says there’s a 50-gallon hot water heater that is 5 years old.

The unit has a big private back deck.

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

The listing says the building was tuck pointed in 2020 and was sealed 5 years ago.

Listed at $549,000, that is $149,000 above the 2015 purchase price of $400,000.

The 2/2 north side condo was a big seller during the housing bubble years.

Is it still in demand in 2020?

Erin Murphy-Retzloff at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in June 1998 for $273,500
• Sold in July 2003 for $395,000
• Sold in August 2006 for $425,000
• Sold in October 2015 for $400,000
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $549,000
• Currently still listed at $549,000
• Assessments of $168 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $5657
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Living/dining room: 20×19
• Kitchen: 15×10
• Back deck

This 4-bedroom greystone at 2732 N. Francisco in Logan Square came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 1902, it is on a larger than standard Chicago lot measuring 33×125. It has a 2.5 car heated garage.

While this house is vintage, it has many modern features.

The kitchen has dark wood cabinets and a large island with Subzero, Miele, Thermador and Viking appliances.

It also has a breakfast nook and doors which lead out to a deck.

The house has a separate dining room.

3 of the 4 bedrooms are on the second floor along with the primary suite which has an en suite bathroom and walk-in-closet.

It also has French doors that lead to a balcony overlooking the back yard.

There’s another full bath on the second floor and a washer/dryer.

The lower level has a family room, the fourth bedroom, a full bathroom, a kitchenette with a big breakfast bar and a laundry room.

According to the listing, the floors in the basement and bathrooms are all heated.

The house has central air.

The listing says its a smart home with connectivity for lighting, irrigation, HVAC/security and interior/exterior music.

But the big selling point has to be a the rare in the heated in-ground backyard pool and spa along with an outdoor barbecue kitchenette.

Originally listed in July 2020 for $1.6 million, it has been reduced $125,000 to $1.475 million.

Will pools still be in demand in 2021?

Alfredo Medina at Kale Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

2732 N. Francisco: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3841 square feet

• Sold in February 2003 for $408,000
• Sold in July 2005 for $559,000
• Sold in March 2012 for $860,000
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $1.6 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.475 million
• 2.5 car heated garage
• Central Air
• 1 fireplace
• 2 washer/dryers (second floor and lower level)
• Heated, in-ground pool and spa
• Outdoor barbecue kitchenette
• Bedroom #1: 14×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×10 (lower level)
• Walk-in-closet: 10×6
• Living room: 15×14 (main floor)
• Dining room: 14×11 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 22×22 (main floor)
• Family room: 27×16 (lower level)
• Kitchenette: 10×8 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 11×8 (lower level)

This 4-bedroom brick bungalow at 5501 W. Cullom in Portage Park came on the market in September 2020.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2009 where we called it the “ultimate bungalow” given its amazing interior features.

You can see our 2009 chatter here with interior pictures.

Built in 1926, it’s on an oversized corner lot measuring 36×125 and has a 2-car garage.

In 2009, we got some insider info from a tipster on the house:

The listing says it has french walnut walls, traycery ceilings, carved woodwork and stained glass.

The lower level has a 1950s lounge, a wine cellar, a walk in meat smoker (which apparently still works) and a full shuffleboard court in the basement floor.

It was built in 1926, according to a tipster, allegedly by an attorney to the mob who deeded the house in his girlfriend’s name with the intent to use it as a home “outside” of  the city.

For those of you inclined to figure out appreciation, it apparently cost $12,000 to build when other homes in the neighborhood cost $3500 due to steel I beam construction, all face brick and floor joists every 12” on center.

The kitchen and baths were remodeled in the 1950s in the art deco style, in which they remain today.

Since 2009, there have apparently been some renovations, to the basement, because there is no more 1950s lounge or full shuffleboard, and to the kitchen.

There’s a recreation room along with a family room, laundry room and utility room now in the basement.

And the listing says nothing about a wine cellar or walk-in meat smoker. It’s unclear if those remain.

The kitchen has been remodeled sometime since the 2009 listing and has white cabinets, a breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances except for a red oven.

The primary bedroom is on the main floor along with a full bathroom.

Three other bedrooms are on the second floor, along with a full bathroom.

There’s also an enormous 28×25 room that is just listed as “storage” on the second floor.

The half bath is in the lower level.

The house still has the art deco style baths, the stained glass, the moldings, ceilings, walnut paneling and chandeliers.

It also has central air.

The house has a garden, a deck and a small balcony off one of the bedrooms on the second floor.

This bungalow has come on the market at $575,000.

Is this house still the “ultimate” bungalow?

Rizwan Gilani at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

5501 W. Cullom: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3405 square feet, bungalow

• Sold in January 1995 for $293,000
• Sold in December 2002 for $525,000
• Sold in April 2010 for $580,000
• Sold in November 2011 for $522,500
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $575,000
• Currently is still listed at $575,000
• Taxes of $10,336
• Central Air
• 2 fireplaces (decorative)
• Bedroom #1: 16×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 24×17 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 17×10 (main floor)
• Foyer: 14×13 (main floor)
• Sunroom: 20×12 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 14×12 (main floor)
• Mud room: 7×5 (main floor)
• Storage: 28×25 (second floor)
• Family room: 21×17 (lower level)
• Recreation room: 38×25 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 25×14 (lower level)
• Balcony: 9×5 (second floor)

This 4-bedroom in the John Hancock at 175 E. Delaware in Streeterville came on the market in April 2020.

Built in 1969, the John Hancock currently has no real “name”, as John Hancock withdrew it, but I’m going to continue to call it the Hancock until someone else pays for the naming rights.

It’s one of the world’s tallest residential structures with 705 units and attached rental parking. There are offices on the lower level.

This unit has views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.

It is a combined unit consisting of two 2 bedroom/2 bath apartments.

The listing says it has contemporary modern/art deco styling with a gray palette.

It has crown molding and custom carpeting.

The listing describes it as a chef’s kitchen with white cabinets, black granite counter tops, a wine cooler and Dacor range with a built-in breakfast table.

The primary suite has 2 full baths plus a sitting room.

It has wall air conditioning units and no washer/dryer in the unit, but the washer/dryer can now be installed.

Rental parking is available in the building for between $375 to $410 a month.

The listing says there are $15 million reserves for the building.

Originally listed at $849,000, it was recently reduced by $200,000 to $649,000.

Is this a deal for a 4-bedroom unit with nearly 3000 square feet?

Margaret Nagel at BerkshireHathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #6406-07: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2988 square feet

• Sold in November 2002 for $505,000
• Originally listed in April 2020 for $849,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $649,000
• Assessments of $2082 a month (includes doorman, cable, pool, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,156
• No central air- but wall units
• No in-unit washer/dryer but it can now be added to the unit
• Parking is rental in the attached garage between $375 and $410 a month
• Bedroom #1: 19×12
• Bedroom #2: 19×12
• Bedroom #3: 18×11
• Bedroom #4: 18×11
• Kitchen: 12×26
• Living/dining combo: 66×28
• Sitting room: 9×9
• Foyer: 7×9

This 6-bedroom farmhouse at 633 W. Melrose in East Lakeview came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 1876, the listing says it’s one of Lakeview’s original farmhouses.

It’s on an oversized 35 x 157 lot and has a rare 3-car garage.

The house has 3 fireplaces, built-ins in the living room and detailed millwork.

It has a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops, a Shaw’s farmhouse sink, and a unique rehabbed solid oak island.

The kitchen also has a walk-in pantry and reclaimed wood beams.

4 of the 6 bedrooms are on the second floor along with 2 bathrooms, including one Jack-n-Jill bathroom.

The primary suite is on the top floor and has cathedral ceilings and skylights.

The listing says it has a luxurious new spa-like primary bath.

The primary suite also has 3 walk-in-closets, an atrium/sun room, an office with built-in bookcases, an exercise room and a private 13×14 balcony.

The 6th bedroom is in the lower level, along with a full bath and a recreation room.

The listing says the rear yard was redesigned and landscaped in 2017.

The house has central air and the listing says it’s in the Nettlehorst school district.

This property is located in the middle of the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

Listed at $2.299 million, it has been reduced to $2.175 million.

This house seems to have it all. Is it a good suburb substitute?

Megan Tirpak at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

633 W. Melrose: 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 6150 square feet, farmhouse

• Sold in October 1998 for $600,000
• Sold in January 2003 for $1.825 million
• Sold in September 2013 for $1.775 million
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $2.299 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.175 million
• Taxes of $37,609
• 3-car garage
• Oversized lot of 35 x 157
• Central Air
• 3 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 26×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 22×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #6: 13×12 (lower level)
• Living room: 20×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 14×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×14 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 12×14 (main floor)
• Family room: 12×15 (main floor)
• Recreation room: 17×14 (lower level)
• Office: 14×13 (third floor)
• Exercise room: 11×15 (third floor)
• Balcony: 13×14 (third floor)
• Terrace: 25×17 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 72 W. Schiller in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2020.

The picture above is not the exact listed unit but is one of the complex.

Built in 1968, this complex has 20 townhouses with private patios. It is fenced in and has gated entries with  landscaped interior courtyard areas.

This townhouse has some mid-century modern features including a 2-story atrium with a skylight, an exposed brick wall, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The listing says it has an updated kitchen with 42″ wood cabinetry with frosted glass inserts, granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances.

The listing also says the bathrooms have been updated. The primary bathroom has quartz counter tops and double vanities.

The bedrooms are on the second floor and have vaulted ceilings.

It has central air and garage parking is available for $130 with guest parking available as well.

And for those looking for outdoor space during the pandemic, it has a brick walled patio measuring 24×15.

Listed at $650,000, it has been reduced to $620,000.

Will the patio sell this townhouse?

Juliya Talmacheva at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

72 W. Schiller: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, townhouse, no square footage listed

• Sold in June 1987 (no price listed)
• Sold in December 2017 for $577,500
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $650,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $620,000
• Assessments of $307 a month (includes cable, security, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,175
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the kitchen
• Bedroom #1: 15×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 27×20 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 13×8 (main floor)
• Foyer: 6×10
• Walk-in-closet: 10×5 (second floor)
• Terrace: 24×15

This 3-bedroom brick vintage single family home at 1740 N. Sedgwick in Old Town came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 1886, just after the Chicago Fire, it’s on an oversized lot measuring 25×144 and has a 2-car garage.

The house was apparently renovated by a top designer prior to the last sale in 2010.

It has vaulted ceilings with cypress beams on the second floor and beamed ceilings on the first floor.

The house has plantation shutters and hidden built-ins behind mirrors.

The kitchen has gray cabinets with stone counter tops and a large island which appears to seat 5.

There’s a Butler’s pantry with 2 wine fridges.

The house has a family room and separate dining room off the kitchen, as well as a sunroom that wraps around the back of the house with a fireplace that overlooks the landscaped yard.

The house has the preferred family layout with all 3 bedrooms on the second floor.

For a vintage house, it also has a rare primary suite, with 2 closets, including a walk-in closet, and an en suite bathroom with a double vanity, shower and tub.

The other 2 full baths are also on the third floor.

The backyard has a brick patio and a rare 2-car garage (rare for Old Town).

There’s no lower level.

The house has central air.

It’s located near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and Lincoln Park as well as the Sedgwick Brown Line stop.

Listed in August 2020 for $1.649 million, it has been reduced $50,000 to $1.599 million.

If you’re a fan of vintage and Old Town, does this house check all the boxes?

Christopher Mundy at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1740 N. Sedgwick: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in November 1993 for $256,000
• Sold in November 1998 for $1.5 million
• Sold in May 2010 for $1,312,500
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $1.649 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $1.599 million
• Taxes of $32,098
• Central Air
• 2 fireplaces
• 2 car garage
• Oversized lot of 25×144
• Bedroom #1: 18×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×11 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 18×12
• Dining room: 14×11
• Living room: 26×12
• Family room: 17×13
• Sunroom: 18×7

This 2-bedroom penthouse in 433 W. Briar in East Lakeview came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 1929, the building has 34 units and an elevator. Converted by Belgravia Group in 2007, it has an exercise room, storage and a landscaped garden with grill.

Because it’s the penthouse, this unit has several unique features.

It has extra high ceilings measuring 14 feet along with extensive crown moldings.

The unit has the original arched and leaded windows with custom window treatments.

The listing says the ebony hardwood floors have been redone.

There’s a gas fireplace with a stone mantle.

The kitchen is open to the full size dining room and has bar seating with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Both bedrooms are en suite and the listing says the baths have new vanities.

The primary bedroom also has a walk-in-closet.

There’s a powder room.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking is included and deeded in the lot across the street at 450 W. Briar.

The listing says there’s no roof rights, so you can’t put on a rooftop deck. There are stairs in the 2017 listing. Do those go to the roof???

Neither listing says it’s a duplex.

But for those who love vintage, does this unit check all the boxes?

Pamela Holt at Holt Residential has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #11C: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1690 square feet

• Sold in October 2007 for $630,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in May 2011 for $423,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in May 2017 for $590,000 (per Redfin)
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $599,000
• Currently still listed at $599,000 (includes deeded parking across the street at 450 W. Briar)
• Assessments of $687 a month (includes exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,206
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×14
• Living room: 31×15
• Dining room: 17×14
• Kitchen: 13×12