Crib Chatter

This 4-bedroom single family home at 2828 N. Racine in Lakeview came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 1987 it is on a smaller than standard Chicago lot measuring 81x25x92x27 and has a 1-car garage.

The first level has a family room, the fourth bedroom and a full bathroom.

The second level has the kitchen/dining room and living room along with a wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. It is open concept  to the living room but the island does not have seating (see the pictures to see why.)

The house has the preferred buyer layout with the majority of the bedrooms on one floor as 3 of the 4 bedrooms are on the third floor.

The master suite has an en suite bathroom while there is a second full bathroom for the other two bedrooms.

There’s a double tiered deck off the living room.

The listing also says all three full baths have been gut rehabbed.

The house has central air and the listing says a second HVAC was installed for the top floor.

The listing says its in the Agassiz school district. It’s also within walking distance to shops and restaurants of both Lincoln Park and Lakeview.

At $899,900, it’s a rare single family home listed under $900,000 in this neighborhood.

Is this a good starter home for those who don’t want to do a townhouse or duplex down?

John Campas at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

2828 N. Racine: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2850 square feet

• Sold in March 1988 for $365,000
• Sold in July 2006 for $750,000
• Sold in July 2012 for $665,000
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $899,900
• Taxes of $14,034
• Central Air
• 1-car garage
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 20×18 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 17×9 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 17×9 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 18×12 (main floor)
• Living room: 20×18 (second floor)
• Dining room: 18×12 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 12×11 (second floor)
• Family room: 19×18 (main floor)
• Laundry room: 4×5 (main floor)
• Deck: 20×10

This 5-bedroom single family home at 1053 W. Wellington in Lakeview came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 1896, it’s on an extra wide lot measuring 37.5 x 122.75 and has a 2-car garage.

The listing says it was fully renovated in 2017.

The kitchen has white cabinets, a farmhouse sink, a Subzero built-in refrigerator and other luxury stainless steel appliances, along with a massive island with Colorado Lincoln marble which seats 5.

It overlooks the family room which has built-in bookcases.

There’s also a breakfast nook with a built in banquette.

The first floor also has an office.

The second floor has 3 bedrooms, including the master suite which has a walk-in-closet and spa bath. There’s also a second bathroom on the second floor and both bathrooms have heated floors.

The laundry is also located on the second floor.

There’s a lower level which is a walk-out to the backyard patio with full size floor to ceiling windows stretching across the back of the house.

It has a recreation room with a wet bar, full bath and 2 additional bedrooms.

The lower level also has heated floors.

There’s a custom 6-zone whole house audio system.

It also has four outdoor spaces: the front porch, a balcony off the master suite accessed through French doors which overlooks the backyard, a patio off the walk-out lower level and a rooftop deck on the garage with a pergola.

It has central air and skylights.

The house is in a prime part of Central Lakeview with easy access to the Brown Line, shops, restaurants and grocery stores.

Is this a vintage lover’s dream house?

Joel Holland at Keller Williams-Lincoln Park has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

• Sold in September 1995 for $480,000
• Sold in March 2008 for $855,000
• Sold in July 2014 for $1.25 million
• Currently listed at $1.9 million
• Taxes of $24,130
• Central Air
• 2-car garage
• Oversized lot of 37.5 x 122.5
• 2 gas fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 18×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×15 (lower level)
• Bedroom #5: 10×9 (lower level)
• Office: 11×12 (main level)
• Laundry: 5×6 (second floor)
• Living room: 12×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 18×12 (main floor)
• Family room: 25×12 (main floor)
• Recreation room: 20×14 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom at 3150 N. Southport in Lakeview came on the market in February 2020.

This is a new construction building by Mavrek Development with 13 units, attached garage parking and an elevator at the corner of Southport and Belmont.

This building has only 2 and 3 bedroom units.

It has sold quickly. This 2-bedroom is the last unit available.

The unit has 10′ ceilings and white oak hardwood floors.

It has a custom kitchen with white and black cabinets with Thermador appliances and quartz counter tops.

The baths have heated floors.

This unit is one of the few that has a large deck off the living room which is on top of the garage.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and attached garage parking is included.

Originally listed for $675,000, it has been reduced to $649,000.

Is new construction still the hottest type of housing in Chicago?

Jeffrey Lowe at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #203: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1357 square feet

• New construction
• Originally listed in February 2020 for $675,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $649,000 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments of $257 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are “new”
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Living room: 19×17
• Kitchen: 17×9
• Laundry room: 4×4
• Deck: 27×17

This 3-bedroom penthouse at 508 W. Melrose in East Lakeview came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 2004, this boutique building has 22 units and a heated parking garage. It also has an elevator and a fitness room.

This penthouse has 3491 square feet, which makes it as large as many single family homes, which is all on one level.

It has hardwood floors throughout and 2 wood burning fireplaces.

There are 4 skylights.

The unit has a custom built entertainment center with speakers.

The kitchen is described as a “Chef’s kitchen” with a large island with seating for 4, Thermador appliances with a wine cooler and a tiled backsplash.

There’s a large library and a bonus room that could be a private office.

The master suite has an attached bath with a duel vanity and walk-in-shower.

The other two bedrooms also have en suite baths.

There’s 2 terraces and the large front terrace has a gas line.

It has all the features buyers look for including central air, side-by-side washer/dryer, and two heated garage parking spaces that are included.

This building is in the middle of all that East Lakeview has to offer and is in Nettlehorst school district.

Originally listed in July 2020 for $1.475 million, it has been reduced $90,000 to $1.385 million.

For the square footage and amenities, is this a deal?

Steven Sims at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #7B: 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3491 square feet

• Sold in April 2005 for $1.466 million
• Sold in May 2011 for $1,011,500
• Looks like it sold in 2018 (I couldn’t find a price)
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $1.475 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.385 million
• Assessments aren’t listed (anyone know?)
• Taxes of $23,964
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 car heated garage parking included
• 2 wood burning fireplaces
• 2 terraces
• Bedroom #1: 17×17
• Bedroom #2: 15×13
• Bedroom #3: 15×12
• Library: 15×12
• Office: 10×9
• Living room: 33×16
• Dining room: 14×11
• Kitchen: 22×14
• Laundry room: 7×5

This 2-bedroom loft in the Clocktower Lofts at 2300 W. Wabansia in Bucktown came on the market in July 2020.

The Clocktower Lofts was converted into lofts in 1996 and has 113 units, a garage, an exercise room and a rooftop deck.

This loft has authentic loft features including timber ceilings, exposed brick walls and big, industrial windows.

This is a corner unit which has sliding glass doors which lead to a private, fenced patio in the courtyard of the building with mature trees and greenery.

One bedroom overlooks the patio but the other bedroom appears to have no windows.

The kitchen has white cabinets with an island breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room and diagonal hardwood floors.

The loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking, which is included in the price.

Originally listed in July 2020 for $449,900, it has been reduced $25,000 to $424,900.

The Clocktower Lofts is a popular loft building with unique lofts. This is the only unit currently for sale in the building.

Will the private patio get this loft sold this summer?

Michelle Liffick at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #127: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed, loft

• Sold in January 1997 for $135,500
• Sold in April 1999 for $193,000
• Sold in August 2003 for $290,000
• Sold in April 2012 for $285,000
• Sold in June 2017 for $391,500
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $449,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $424,900
• Assessments of $397 a month (includes cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6264
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×11
• Bedroom #2: 17×11
• Living room: 18×16
• Kitchen: 18×10
• Deck: 17×14

This 3-bedroom corner penthouse at 40 N. Carpenter in the West Loop came on the market in July 2020.

The building was constructed in 2018 and has 40 units and a parking garage.

It’s an elevator building and there’s a private elevator to this penthouse unit.

The listing says this is the largest unit in the building at 2321 square feet.

The listing also says the unit was bought as raw space and customized.

It has an open concept kitchen, living and dining room with a built-in bar with 3 Subzero wine and beverage refrigerators.

The kitchen has custom blue, white and wood cabinets, a Subzero refrigerator, Wolf 6-burner stove and Bosch dishwasher, with quartz counter tops and a tile backsplash.

There’s a balcony off the main living space.

The master bedroom has its own private balcony, en suite bathroom with dual vanity and walk-in shower along with heated floors, motorized window shades and an attached office.

The listing says one of the bedrooms is being used as an exercise room.

It has the other features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car garage parking.

But the big selling point, especially after the COVID lockdown, is the built-out private rooftop deck which the listing says is the largest in the building.

It has an automated pergola, custom cabinetry, a Lynx grill, a gas fire pit and a water feature.

(Question- how do you get up to the deck? Do you have to take the elevator? There’s no floor plan with the listing.)

Currently listed at $1.69 million, that is $471,500 above the 2018 selling price of $1,218,500.

Is the West Loop luxury market still so hot that this penthouse will sell within the first week on the market?

Lauren Mitrick Wood at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #PHN: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2321 square feet

• Sold in April 2018 for $1,218,500
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $1.69 million (plus 2-car garage parking)
• Currently still listed at $1.69 million
• Assessments of $571 a month (includes gas, exterior maintenance and snow removal)
• Taxes of $25,177
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 3 outdoor spaces
• Bedroom #1: 17×14
• Bedroom #2: 11×13
• Bedroom #3: 12×11
• Living room: 16×21
• Dining room: 11×14
• Kitchen: 9×16
• Office: 9×8
• Media Room: 11×11

This 2-bedroom loft in the Gaertner Building at 1201 W. Wrightwood in Lincoln Park came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 1926, the Gaertner Building has 24 lofts and attached garage parking. An elevator building, it was converted into condos in 2002.

This loft has exposed brick and ductwork with an open concept living/dining and kitchen.

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

There’s a master suite with a walk-in-closet and a master bathroom with dual vanity and walk-in shower.

However, it appears that neither bedroom has windows.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and coveted 2-car heated garage parking which is included.

But for those looking for outdoor space during the pandemic, this loft actually has a private fenced in patio with new pavers and bar space.

Will the patio make the sale?

Courtney Welsch at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, August 1 from 12- 2PM.

Unit #9: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1557 square feet, loft

• Sold in April 2002 for $435,000
• Sold in May 2007 for $500,000
• Sold in June 2012 for $430,000
• Currently listed for $585,000 (includes 2 car garage parking)
• Assessments of $441 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,209
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Private patio
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 16×11
• Living room/dining room: 27×16
• Kitchen: 12×12
• Foyer: 13×7

This 3-bedroom coach house in 119 W. Chestnut in the Gold Coast came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 1920, there are 9 units but this is the 3-story coach house in the back.

The listing says it has both front and back entrances.

The living room, which has soaring ceilings, is on the second floor, along with the dining room, kitchen and a powder room.

The kitchen has been remodeled and has contemporary cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a large kitchen island with seating and what look like stone counter tops.

All three bedrooms are on the third floor, including the remodeled master suite which has a walk-in-closet and an en suite bath with heated floors, dual vanities, and spa-like marble shower.

The fourth floor has a private roof deck with city views, although you also have access to the front building’s shared rooftop deck, also with city views.

There’s a first floor family room and full bath, along with basement storage and a mudroom.

The coach house has central air.

But one of the most unique features is the amount of parking the property has.

The listing says it has an attached 2-car garage and 2 tandem outdoor parking spaces for 4-car parking.

Listed at $1.049 million, with 3603 square feet, is this a good townhouse alternative?

Nancy Tassone at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #5: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3603 square feet, coach house

• Sold in January 1987 (no price)
• Sold in November 2012 for $885,000
• Currently listed at $1.049 million
• Assessments of $785 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $16,501
• Central Air
• 2-car attached garage
• 2 tandem outdoor parking spaces
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 13×21 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×13 (third floor)
• Living room: 21×14 (second floor)
• Dining room: 11×19 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 10×16 (second floor)
• Family room: 21×15 (main floor)
• Storage: 19×18 (lower level)
• Deck: 14×22 (fourth floor)

This 1-bedroom in the Greenbrier at 559 W. Surf in East Lakeview came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 1904, the building has 78 units and a doorman.

This one bedroom has many of its historic features including wood paneling, moldings, what looks like a built-in bookcase and boxed ceilings in the living room.

It has a “chef’s kitchen” with what look like custom wood cabinets that match the color of the historic woodwork in the living room. It also has luxury appliances including a Wolf range, Subzero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and soapstone counter tops.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

It has a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. There’s no parking, however rental parking is available in the neighborhood.

This property went under contract within 5 days when it first came on the market. It has been re-listed.

With mortgage rates at record lows, does it make sense to buy a 1-bedroom now?

Susan Morrow at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #406: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 950 square feet

• Sold in November 1991 for $86,000
• Sold in October 1995 for $110,000
• Sold in October 2007 for $235,000
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $264,999
• Was under contract
• Re-listed at $264,999
• Assessments of $456 a month (includes doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $4436
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Bedroom: 13×12
• Living room: 18×16
• Kitchen: 16×14

This 2-bedroom in No. 9 Walton at 9 W. Walton in the Gold Coast came on the market in July 2020.

Built in 2017, this building has 66 units on 37 floors and an attached parking garage which is valet.

It is a full service building with doormen, a 2-story exercise room, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and 2 guest suites.

The building sold out quickly to a who’s who of Chicago including sports stars and billionaires. Several units have been flipped for a profit.

This is the first resale of this low floor 2-bedroom unit.

It has north and west views with 10-12 foot ceilings.

There are espresso stained walnut floors throughout with an open concept living/dining and kitchen.

The listing says it has an O’Brien/Harris kitchen with Bulthaup white cabinetry and Subzero, Wolf, and La Cornue appliances.

All bathrooms have heated floors.

But the star of the unit is the 1000 square foot private terrace that is on the west side of the unit. The brick wall next to the terrace appears to be the church next door.

The terrace has a hot tub, built-in seating and a separate grilling area.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one car valet parking is included.

Listed at $2.559 million, that is $209,000 above the 2018 sales price of $2.35 million.

Will it get the premium?

Eileen Brennan at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #404: 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1950 square feet

• Sold in September 2018 for $2.35 million
• Originally listed in July 2020 for $2.559 million
• Currently still listed at $2.559 million (includes one car valet parking)
• Assessments of $1213 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, exercise room, indoor pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $37,786
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 16×10
• Study: 12×10
• Living room: 17×13
• Dining room: 16×9
• Kitchen: 20×13
• Laundry room: 10×6
• Terrace: 49×19