Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom loft in One River Place at 758 N. Larrabee in River North came on the market in January 2020 and was withdrawn in March 2020 when the state shutdown began.

It has now been re-listed.

Built in 1929, One River Place was the old Montgomery Wards administration building.

It’s famous for the bronze statue of a woman titled “Spirit of Chicago” from the 1933 Century of Progress World’s Fair which was mounted on the tower.

The statute was preserved in the conversion into lofts which happened in 2002.

It has 241 units and garage parking. It’s a full service building with doormen.

The listing calls this a “rehabbed” designer loft.

It has high ceilings and two walls of industrial windows along with a balcony overlooking the Chicago River.

It has a fully renovated Talora by Décor kitchen with white modern cabinets, open shelving, a custom backsplash, high-end stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops and an expanded island which seats 4.

There’s a gas fireplace with built-in wall paneling with storage drawers.

Both bedrooms have windows, which isn’t common for many lofts.

The loft has a custom glass wall which looks into the master bedroom which has a renovated master bathroom with ceramic floors, dual vanity and marble counter tops along with a big stand-up shower.

The second bedroom is fully enclosed, which isn’t always the case with loft bedrooms.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking is $35,000 extra.

This loft has views over the Chicago River.

With the big Lincoln Park and Chicago Tribune developments coming in the next several years on the North Branch of the Chicago River, will properties with views get a premium?

Lance Kirshner at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #701: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in June 2003 for $536,500
• Sold in March 2008 for $605,000
• Sold in April 2014 for $602,500
• Originally listed in January 2020 (I don’t have the original price)
• Cancelled on Mar 21, 2020
• Re-listed in May 2020 for $734,900 (plus $35,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $1107 a month (includes parking doorman, cable, Internet, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $16,026
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×15
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Living/dining room: 39×15
• Kitchen: 16×9
• Balcony: 14×5

This 2-bedroom on a penthouse level floor in Trump Tower Chicago at 401 N. Wabash in River North came on the market in March 2019.

Built in 2008, Trump Tower Chicago has 486 units and garage parking. There’s a hotel on the lower level, condo hotels, and then hotels on the upper floors.

It’s a full amenity building with an exercise room, an indoor pool and all the services of the hotel.

This unit is on the 86th floor and has views for miles.

The listing says there are only 4 units on this floor and the penthouse level has restricted access.

The listing says this is the first re-sale on this floor.

It has 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows.

The listing says it has been customized and has a Calacatta marble master bathroom and custom closets.

This was one of only a handful of units I saw that had a custom kitchen (i.e. not the original one from the developer).

It has white cabinets and counter tops with stainless steel appliances.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one car parking is included. There’s also a tandem parking space available.

Originally listed in March 2019 for $3.1 million, it has been reduced to $2.2 million.

There are 59 units for sale in the building including 12 condo-hotel units, one of which is a short sale, 2 parking spaces and 45 condos.

We chattered about Trump Tower Chicago just after the 2016 election after the Women’s Marchers gathered near it.

Protesters have been gathering at it again in 2020 during the George Floyd/BLM protests.

What will happen to sales in the building this year?

Margaret Baczkowski at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #86B: 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2400 square feet

• Sold in December 2012 for $1.7 million
• Originally listed in March 2019 for $3.1 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.2 million (includes one car parking)
• Assessments of $3012 a month (includes gas, pool, exercise room, doorman and other hotel amenities)
• Taxes of $46,064
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×13
• Living/dining room: 32×18
• Kitchen: 11×12
• Den: 15×18

This 3-bedroom vintage row house at 552 W. Belden in East Lincoln Park came on the market in October 2019.

Built in 1876, it is on a smaller than normal Chicago lot of 20×127 but still manages to have a 2-car garage.

It has some of its original features including the original wood staircase, molding and trim.

The row house has 2 fireplaces.

Are those original mantles? The listing doesn’t say.

It has a different layout than you’d see in modern construction.

The entry level floor has a library, family or bedroom, a powder room, laundry room and storage.

The second floor has the living/dining room and kitchen, which leads to a deck.

The kitchen has white cabinets, exposed brick walls, what look like granite counter tops and customized white and stainless appliances.

Two other bedrooms, including the master, are on the top floor and share a bathroom.

The yard has a brick patio.

It has space pak cooling.

There are also skylights.

It appears from the floor plan that the family room/bedroom on the main level was added on at some point. The deck is on top of that room.

The listing says:

Floor plans represent how the owners are currently living in the home. Decorate, renovate, reconfigure, or add on to customize to your taste and needs.

Currently listed at $1.195 million, are you ready for a project?

Brad Lippitz at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

552 W. Belden: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2529 square feet

• Sold in September 1985 for $398,500 (per Redfin)
• Originally listed in October 2019 for $1.195 million
• Went temporarily de-listed in February with no showings (COVID shutdown issue?)
• 2 car garage
• Space pak cooling
• 2 fireplaces
• Original staircase
• Bedroom #1: 19×17 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 17×15 (main floor)
• Living room: 15×20 (second floor)
• Dining room: 11×15 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 9×11 (second floor)
• Den: 11×17 (main floor)
• Storage: 14×7 (main floor)
• Foyer: 7×6 (main floor)

This 4-bedroom penthouse in Tower II at 1400 S. Michigan in the South Loop came on the market in December 2019.

Built in 2008, Tower II has 257 units and a parking garage. It’s a full amenity building with a doorman, pool and exercise room.

This is a true penthouse with North, South and East views and takes up a half floor on the 28th floor.

It has been completely customized with crown molding throughout, boxed ceilings with gold medallions, arched doorways, columns, barreled hallway ceiling and designer chandeliers.

There are hardwood floors, Italian porcelain tile, Italian marble tile and solid core doors throughout.

The listing describes the kitchen as a “chef’s dream kitchen” with custom handmade Italian wood cabinets, a hood that vents outside for indoor grilling, quartz counter tops, a full piece quartz island backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar.

The unit has custom programmable remote lighting and window treatments.

All bedrooms are en suite and the bathrooms have heated floors and Toto toilets.

The master suite has 2 walk-in-closets, double sinks with custom cabinetry, a marble shower with a rain shower, and a bidet.

There’s central air and a laundry room.

The unit also has a private heated garage for 4 cars with extra storage and water and a drain for car washing for $175,000 extra. But the listing says you don’t have to buy the parking and can buy single spaces in the building. (Is this private garage also in the building, or separate?)

If you love terraces, this unit has two 650 square feet terraces with city and lake views.

The listing doesn’t say if the outdoor planters would be included.

Originally listed in December 2019 for $2,474,900 this penthouse has been reduced to $1,999,000.

It’s in the heart of the South Loop, near restaurants and supermarkets.

At 4800 square feet, is this a deal?

Lauren Dayton at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2801: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4800 square feet, penthouse

• I couldn’t find an original sales price as the CCRD isn’t finding anything in this building.
• Originally listed in December 2019 for $2,474,900
• Reduced in April 2020
• Currently listed at $1,999,900 (4 car private heated garage available for $175,000)
• Assessments of $1698 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $26,674
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 26×17
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Bedroom #3: 14×12
• Bedroom #4: 15×12
• Living room: 24×18
• Dining room: 21×12
• Kitchen: 15×15
• Breakfast room: 16×12
• Laundry room: 6×8
• Terrace #1: 27×24
• Terrace #2: 27×24

This 2-bedroom at 3126 N. Clifton in Lakeview came on the market in May 2020.

Built in 1910, this building makes up part of a multi-building condo association called Clifton Row, that has 26 units and a shared rooftop deck on the building to the north of this one.

The listing says that this condo can be rented as long as the rental cap, which is 5 units, has not been hit.

This 2/2 has a classic vintage 3-flat layout with a bay window and a oak trimmed gas fireplace.

The listing says the hardwood floors have been refinished.

It has a separate dining room which leads to a 4×7 balcony where you can grill.

This unit has a split bedroom floor plan.

The listing says both bathrooms were redone in June 2019 and have marble floors and tiling with new grey vanities.

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

It has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit but there is no parking.

But who needs parking when it’s less than 5 blocks from the Red/Brown Belmont El stop and several bus lines?

In the housing bubble years, the 1200 square foot 2/2 condo was “the dream” for young buyers.

Listed at $385,000, is this condo still the dream?

Donna Wilkens at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold in May 1998 for $218,000
• Sold in April 2008 for $341,000
• Sold in March 2016 for $325,000
• Currently listed at $385,000
• Assessments of $321 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7027
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×10
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Living room: 17×11
• Dining room: 11×9
• Kitchen: 9×8
• Balcony: 4×7
• Storage: 8×6

This 3-bedroom in 454 W. Deming in East Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2020.

Built in 1890, this building was converted into luxury condos in 2007 and has 8 units and exterior outdoor parking.

It’s also a rare boutique building that has a semi-private elevator that opens directly into each unit.

This is a penthouse unit with 14-foot ceilings and south, west, and north exposures.

It has a fireplace in the living room but not many of its other vintage features.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining room which is the modern, open concept layout.

It has dark cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The master suite has an en suite bath with dual sinks and 2 walk-in-closets.

It has a large private outdoor deck off the back of the unit.

One exterior parking spot is included in the price and the listing says the owner can transfer the lease in a second space that’s in a nearby lot.

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

This building is on a prime East Lincoln Park street which is steps from Lincoln Park and also near the shops and restaurants on Clark Street.

Originally listed for $1.15 million in February 2020, it went under contract in March and then fell out. It has since reduced $25,000 to $1.125 million.

Another unit in the building, #2E, with a similar layout and finishes, although the kitchen was closed off to the living and dining room, recently closed for $1,030,000 in early May.

If you have a Redfin account, you can see those pictures here.

Deming is one of East Lincoln Park’s special streets.

Why isn’t this selling?

Elizabeth Ballis at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #4W: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed (but #2E said that unit was 2200 square feet)

• Sold in October 2007 for $996,000
• Sold in August 2013 for $1.105 million
• Originally listed in February 2020 for $1.150 million
• Under contract in March 2020
• Re-listed
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.125 million (includes exterior parking space)
• Assessments of $563 a month (includes parking, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $19,858
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Bedroom #3: 12×11
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Living/dining room combo: 25×22
• Deck: 13×13

This 2-bedroom duplex up condo at 2157 N. Lincoln in Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2020.

This complex, which spans both sides of Lincoln, was constructed in 1970. I don’t know how many total units they are.

The listing doesn’t call this a townhouse, as there is two units in this particular building.

The listing says it has had a “full-gut renovation” and it has many of the finishes that are popular right now for buyers.

It has new hardwood floors throughout and custom millwork along with a brand new HVAC, water heater and washer/dryer.

It has southern exposure with floor to ceiling windows.

The kitchen is described as a “chef’s kitchen” with gray cabinets, white quartz counter tops and a white tile backsplash with stainless steel appliances.

It also has a small dining area with open wood shelving and a half bath.

Both bedrooms are on the second level along with the 2 full baths.

The master suite has a walk-in-closet with a sliding barn door, millwork and a “spa-like” bathroom with separate double vanities, matte black finishes and a walk-in shower.

The second bathroom has a white wash vanity and a rain shower with soaking tub.

It has 3 outdoor spaces including a 15×2 balcony off the living room, an 8×4 deck off the kitchen with stairs that leads to a 21×11 terrace with a big brick privacy wall and room for a full dining table.

This complex has assigned outdoor parking and the unit has central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

This complex is located near the popular Oz Park and a new Target is going in up the street.

Buyers love “new” and are moving towards properties with outdoor space.

Is this the perfect property to sell during a pandemic?

Here’s a picture of some of the other units in the complex.

James D’Astice at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #A2: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, duplex up, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2004 for $328,000
• Sold in May 2006 for $410,000
• Originally listed in March 2020 for $569,000
• Currently still listed at $569,000
• Assessments of $240 a month (includes parking, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9166
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Assigned outdoor parking space included
• Bedroom #1: 12×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 18×15 (main floor)
• Dining room: 10×8 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 18×10 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 7×3 (second floor)
• Laundry room: 5×3 (second floor)
• Balcony: 15×2
• Deck: 8×4
• Terrace: 21×11

With the state’s economy shut down due to COVID-19, it’s not a surprise that April home sales plunged in Chicago and around the state.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The city of Chicago saw year-over-year home sales decrease 22.2 percent with 2,018 sales in April, compared to 2,595 a year ago. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in April was $339,450 up 9.5 percent compared to April 2019 when it was $310,000.

This was the lowest number of sales since 2012.

Here are the sales statistics for April since 2007:

• 2007: 2419 sales
• 2008: 1886 sales
• 2009: 1407 sales
• 2010: 1984 sales
• 2011: 1466 sales
• 2012: 1816 sales
• 2013: 2392 sales
• 2014: 2256 sales
• 2015:  2435 sales
• 2016: 2706 sales
• 2017: 2647 sales
• 2018: 2700 sales
• 2019: 2595 sales
• 2020: 2018 sales

Here are the median prices:

• 2007: $289,800
• 2008: $300,000
• 2009: $218,000
• 2010: $225,000
• 2011: $169,000
• 2012: $182,000
• 2013: $223,500
• 2014: $250,000
• 2015: $271,325
• 2016: $286,000
• 2017: $297,500
• 2018: $307,500
• 2019: $310,000
• 2020: $339,450

“We’re beginning to see a fuller picture of COVID-19’s effect on the housing market,” said Maurice Hampton, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and owner of Centered International Realty. “While closed sales are down 22.2 percent, demand is still there—although constrained by inventory—as the median sales price ticked up and days on the market declined. While the process may have changed, the need to transact real estate hasn’t with 2,018 closed sales in the city of Chicago last month.”

The 30-year average mortgage rate fell to 3.31% down from 3.45% in March and 4.14% in April 2019.

Inventory plunged statewide, and in Chicago, as sellers took properties off the market and others that wanted to list, decided to wait due to the virus.

Statewide inventory fell 18.2% to 45,848 from 56,024 a year ago.

In Chicago, inventory fell 19.5% to 7,658 properties from 9,512 properties last year.

The number of days on the market before a sale in Chicago declined 7.7% to 36 days from 39 last year as inventory remained tight.

“The impact of the precipitous decline in employment is beginning to make its way into the housing market” said Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory at the University of Illinois. “However, many analysts believe that while sales will decline, prices may remain sticky at least for the next several months. Consumer indices already reflect the heightened uncertainty about the labor market, and this will no doubt dampen both additions to the housing inventory as well as housing demand.”

Will April be the worst of the sales plunge from the COVID shutdown?

Or will it extend into the summer?

Illinois median home prices increase in April; sales and inventory slip [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, May 21, 2020]

This top floor 3-bedroom in 500 W. Barry in East Lakeview just came on the market.

Built in 1926, this is a 10-unit building with an elevator and rare, for buildings of this vintage, garage parking behind the building.

This unit has some of its original features including the original carved stone mantle and a wood burning fireplace with a gas starter.

The living room has a south facing bay window and built-in bookshelves.

The listing says the dining room can seat 12.

The unit has what the listing calls a custom chef’s kitchen with white cabinets, soap stone counter tops, a white farmhouse sink, antique glass cabinets, exposed brick, and high-end Thermador stainless steel appliances including a 6-burner stove top, double oven/microwave, a built in refrigerator and warming shelves.

There’s a coved hallway to the 3 bedrooms.

This is a rare vintage unit that has an actual master suite with 4 windows and an attached bath with double vanity, heated floors and a marble shower.

The second bedroom has 2 French doors, one which leads to the 13×10 balcony which has a natural gas hook-up for barbecues. With this being a top floor unit, there’s no other balcony above this one.

The third bedroom is also en suite.

The unit also has other unique features including all of the lights on dimmers and whole house stereo.

It has the features that buyers look for, that you can rarely get in vintage units, including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking.

Additionally, there’s parking for guests, private storage and common bike storage.

If you love vintage, but want modern updates and outdoor space, is this a unicorn unit?

Scott Curzio at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #5E: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, no square footage listed, top floor

• Long time owner
• Sold in April 2017 for $550,000
• Currently listed at $839,900 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments of $1030 a month (includes heat, parking, cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,956
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2: 15×13
• Bedroom #3: 13×8
• Living room: 22×17
• Dining room: 17×15
• Kitchen: 15×9
• Foyer: 10×8
• Deck: 13×10

This 2-bedroom duplex-up penthouse at 1910 S. Indiana in the South Loop came on the market in October 2019.

This complex was converted and/or built in 2004. The listing says it has 7 units but the entire building appears to have over 118 units. It includes an old bank building, which has authentic lofts.

This smaller building that faces the courtyard looks to be newer construction. And it’s unclear if there is an elevator or if it’s accessed via staircase.

This unit doesn’t have any authentic loft features but it does have high ceilings and exposed duct work.

There are hardwood floors on the main floor along with a family room and a half bath.

Both bedrooms are on the second floor along with 2 full baths and the master suite, which is en suite and has a walk-in-closet.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and polished concrete counter tops.

But the big selling point of this property is that it has not just one, but two, private terraces.

The first one runs the length of the unit on the main floor and wraps around the living/dining and family rooms.

The second one is off the master bedroom on the second floor.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is $25,000 extra.

Originally listed in October 2019 for $550,000, it has been reduced to $524,900.

For those who are facing quarantine fatigue, is the possibility of 2 terraces a dream come true?

Layching Quek at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #311: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1700 square feet, duplex up, penthouse

• Sold in January 2004 for $428,500 (included the parking)
• Sold in July 2016 for $530,000 (included the parking)
• Originally listed in October 2019 for $550,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $524,900 (plus $25,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $646 a month (includes cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 21×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×14 (second floor)
• Living room: 14×22 (main floor)
• Dining room: 11×9 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 16×9 (main floor)
• Family room: 13×14 (main floor)