Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom in the Tiara at 6145 N. Sheridan in Edgewater came on the market in March 2019 (sorry- I don’t have a picture of this building).

The Tiara was built in 1970 along Lake Michigan and has just 50 units.

It’s a full amenity building with an outdoor pool, exercise room and 24-hour doormen. It also has an attached rental parking garage.

The listing says this unit is the only one in the building with a built-in fireplace.

It also says it was “fully remodeled” with an upgraded open kitchen with new stainless steel appliances. It has white cabinets and a black and white tiled floor which is now popular in design magazines.

The unit has a balcony which the listing says faces the lake.

The listing says the building has installed new windows, there’s been balcony work, a new roof and tuck pointing.

It has wall unit cooling, but no in-unit washer/dryer. There’s coin laundry in the building along with leased parking.

This building has two addresses, both 6145 and 6147, if you’re looking for units.

Originally listed at $279,900, it has been reduced to $274,500 for 1600 square feet.

Are high rises right on the lake in Edgewater a deal?

Ioannis Floros at Fulton Grace has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #30A: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet

• Sold in August 2002 for $190,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in May 2018
• Bank owned
• Sold in January 2019 for $177,000
• Originally listed in March 2019 for $279,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $274,500
• Assessments of $993 a month (includes doorman, cable, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $3117
• Wall unit cooling
• No in-unit washer/dryer (coin laundry in the building)
• Bedroom #1: 18×15
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Balcony: 15×5

This 5-bedroom vintage row house at 1520 N. Dearborn Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in May 2019.

Built in 1898 on a 22×149 lot, it has a 3 car heated attached garage.

The listing says there was a “total restoration” and no detail was overlooked.

It has many of its original features including moldings, marquetry (according to Wikipedia: Marquetry is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures), the original wood staircase, stained glass, built-ins and murals.

There are 3 gas fireplaces.

The cook’s kitchen has stainless steel appliances and is adjacent to a family room which leads to a landscaped deck.

All five bedrooms are on the second and third floors, including the master bedroom which is on the second floor.

There’s also a terrace off the second floor.

The baths are stone.

The lower level has a great room, wet bar, wine cellar, storage and large laundry room.

The row house, at 7623 square feet, has 4 HVAC systems, sprinklers, smart-wiring and a security system.

The listing says the light fixtures and sconces are excluded from the sale.

This row house was on the market in 2018 for 10 months.

The current listing says: “New style. New look. Move right in! Freshly painted white.”

Listed at $4.95 million, the upper bracket has been even hotter than last year, when a new record high number of luxury properties was sold.

Will the new style and fresh white paint get this row house sold in 2019?

Suzanne Gignilliat at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

1520 N. Dearborn Parkway: 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 7623 square feet

• Sold in October 1999 for $2.5 million
• Sold in October 2004 for $3.7 million
• Sold in May 2005 for $3.95 million
• Originally listed in February 2018 for $4.65 million
• Removed in November 2018 at $4.65 million
• Re-listed in May 2019 for $4.95 million
• Taxes of $51,685
• Central Air
• 3-car attached heated garage
• 3 gas fireplaces
• Deck: 20×12 (main level)
• Terrace: 18×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #1: 21×20 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 9×20 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 11×12 (third floor)
• Laundry room: 11×18 (lower level)
• Office: 7×10 (second floor)
• Library: 17×17 (main level)
• Great room: 18×34 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom penthouse in Case Study at 156 W. Superior in River North recently came on the market.

Some of you may remember this property because we chattered about it in 2013 and 2017. You can see our 2017 chatter here.

If you recall, Case Study was designed by Miller Hulls in 2006 and has just 11 units.

There is no doorman or amenities.

This penthouse is a duplex with the living areas on the main floor and the private rooftop terrace on the upper floor.

It has a private keyed elevator and 3 outdoor spaces, including a huge 1200 square foot terrace.

The kitchen has Arclinea high gloss white cabinets, Gaggenau appliances and a 14-foot kitchen island.

It looks like there are concrete floors throughout.

There is also an Elan G smart home system with central remote.

For those with cars, a rare 2-car garage is included in the price.

In 2013, Case Study was in its own little world with an old motel across the street and empty parking lots nearby. But over the last 6 years, new construction luxury apartment high rises went up all over the neighborhood.

In 2013, this unit went under contract in just 3 months.

But if failed to sell in 2017 and is now listed for $305,000 under the 2013 selling price of $2.4 million, at $2.095 million.

Will this lower price get the sale done?

Brooke Venderbok at @Properties has the listing again. See the pictures here– with plenty of pictures of the rooftop terrace and views.

Unit #PH: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3000 square feet, duplex, 2 car garage

• Sold in August 2006 for $1.635 million
• Sold in November 2013 for $2.4 million
• Was listed in April 2017 for $2.495 million
• Withdrawn
• Currently listed at $2.095 million
• Assessments are now $955 a month (they were $910 a month in 2017 and $639 a month in 2013) includes exterior maintenance and snow removal
• Taxes are now $33,555 (they were $29,927 in 2017 and $21607 in 2013)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Private rooftop deck that is 1200 square feet
• Bedroom #1: 21×13 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 19×13 (main level)
• Gallery: 26×5

This 2-bedroom in this vintage 4-flat at 1539 N. Wells in Old Town came on the market in April 2019.

Built in 1895, it is one of the few remaining original vintage residential buildings still on this section of Wells Street in Old Town.

This unit is on the third floor and has hardwood floors.

Some of the vintage features remain including what looks like a stained glass window in the front of the unit, pocket doors between the living and dining rooms and a wood burning fireplace.

It also has some vintage moldings, which have been painted white.

The kitchen appears to have wood cabinets and a mix of stainless and black appliances along with exposed brick.

There’s no parking and no central air. It has window a/c units.

It does have a washer/dryer in the unit.

There’s also a large shared backyard.

This building is next door to Woodie’s Flat, a casual restaurant which has an outdoor patio on the patio in front of the building and on the sidewalk.

You’re also right in the middle of all the other Old Town restaurants and bar scene.

Originally listed at $385,000 in April 2019, it was reduced to $374,900.

On a street with a lot of new luxury apartment rentals and modern condos, what’s the market for a vintage 2/1?

Will a developer simply buy this whole building out?

Damian Kosydar at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in August 1999 for $217,000
• Sold in April 2003 for $291,000
• Originally listed in April 2019 for $385,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $374,900
• Assessments of $286 a month (includes heat, security, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $5061
• No central air. Window a/c units only.
• No parking but available to rent in the neighborhood.
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 22×8
• Bedroom #2: 9×8
• Living room: 18×12
• Dining room: 15×12
• Kitchen: 15×11
• Laundry room: 5×4

This 4-bedroom single family home at 1652 N. Cleveland in Old Town came on the market in May 2019.

Built in 1876, the listing simply says the lot size is less than .25 an acre. It’s unclear if it’s a smaller than average Chicago lot.

Located across from St. Michael’s Church, it has hardwood floors on the first level which includes the kitchen, the living room and the family room.

The laundry can also be found on the first floor.

The kitchen has white cabinets and counter tops along with stainless steel appliances and an island.

There’s a 25×8 deck off the family room but no back yard, per say.

The house has the preferred layout of 3 bedrooms on the second floor including the master bedroom which has skylights.

There’s also two bathrooms on the second level and one has a double vanity.

The lower level includes a recreation room and a fourth room which, the listing says, could be a fourth bedroom.

There’s also space for storage.

It has other features buyers look for including central air and a rare attached 2-car garage (the attached part is rare.)

The listing says its in the Lincoln elementary school district.

With many duplex downs now selling around $1 million, is this house a deal?

Anik Zampini at d’aprile properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1652 N. Cleveland: 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths, 2297 square feet

• Sold in August 1994 for $380,000
• Currently listed for $985,000
• Taxes of $14,328
• Central Air
• 2-car attached garage
• Deck: 25×8
• Bedroom #1: 14×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 16×10 (lower level)
• Living room: 14×13 (main floor)
• Family room: 19×14 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom at 3534 N. Hermitage in Lakeview came on the market in May 2019.

This building has a Hermitage address but fronts both Hermitage and Lincoln. The picture above is of the Lincoln street side of the building.

Built in 2009, it has 8 units and indoor garage parking.

This unit has hardwood floors throughout and millwork.

The kitchen has dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops with what looks like a granite backsplash.

The master suite ahs a steam shower and double sink along with a sliding door that leads to the private deck.

But the unique feature is the 900 square foot, private brick terrace which appears to overlook tree-lined Hermitage.

The listing says it is wired for outdoor speakers, has custom exterior lighting, a built-in island and a fire pit.

The property has the features that buyers look for including central air, side-by-side washer/dryer and deeded garage parking is included.

The listing says its in the Hamilton school district. It’s also near to the Brown line Addison stop and the shops and restaurants of Lincoln.

Now that the weather is heating up, do you dream of having a patio like this to fulfill your summer night entertaining fantasies?

Ashley Leavitt at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #202: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in January 2009 for $489,000
• Sold in November 2015 for $450,000
• Currently listed at $559,900 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments of $394 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $10,165
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• Fire pit
• Outdoor island
• Bedroom #1: 15×15
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Living/dining room: 20×18
• Kitchen: 10×9
• Terrace: 31×28

This 3-bedroom top floor duplex unit at 1547 N. Leavitt in Wicker Park just came on the market.

This building is a former church that was converted to condos in 2004. It has 6 units and heated garage parking.

We’ve chattered about this building several times in the past but never about one of the top floor units.

This unit has unique slanted beam ceilings along with exposed brick.

The main level has the living room, dining room, kitchen and family room.

The kitchen has modern white cabinets, quartz counter tops and Bosch and Subzero appliances.

Two of the three bedrooms are also on the main level, including the master suite which has an en suite bathroom with marble tile.

The third bedroom is on the second level, which is accessed by a spiral staircase.

There’s also a full bathroom on the top floor along with a lofted area that is, I believe, the third bedroom but that could be used as an office or workshop etc.

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

It also has additional storage in the building.

The listing doesn’t say anything about an elevator so presumably there isn’t one.

This is the first sale of this unit since the building was converted in 2004.

Will this church unit be under contract this week?

Kathryn Schrage at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures here.

You can also see it in person at the Open House on Saturday, June 1 from 12-2 PM.

Unit #3S: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2100 square feet

• Sold in February 2004 for $460,500
• Currently listed at $699,900
• Assessments of $345 a month (includes parking and scavenger)
• Taxes of $14,868
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 17×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 19×10 (second floor)
• Living room: 17×13 (main floor)
• Family room: 15×11 (main floor)

This 1-bedroom loft in the Mergenthaler building at 531 S. Plymouth in Printers Row came on the market in May 2019.

Built in 1886, this building has 20 units and a side parking lot which has only a few spots.

It was among the first batch of loft buildings to be converted in this neighborhood as it was converted in the 1980s.

At 1,417 square feet, it has many authentic loft features including exposed brick and 12 foot timber ceilings.

It faces west (although the listing says south. However, the 2007 listing, and unit pictures, indicate it is west facing.)

It has hardwood floors throughout.

The loft has a unique open concept kitchen with white lower level cabinets (and no upper cabinets) along with 20 feet of counter space.

It looks like it has white appliances.

The bedroom doesn’t have a full wall, as was common in the older lofts, but it does have a full wall of closets.

There’s also a 6×16 den with windows.

This loft has features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit (although there is also a laundry room in the building.)

It doesn’t have parking. That is rental in the neighborhood.

Since 1987, this loft has only changed hands two times. This would be the third sale.

Are truly open, authentic lofts, still in vogue with buyers?

Craig Easly at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #201: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1417 square feet

• Sold in April 1987 (no price listed)
• Sold in September 1990 for $159,500
• Sold in May 2007 for $315,000
• Currently listed for $350,000
• Assessments of $783 a month (includes heat, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal and Internet)
• Taxes of $6172
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking but rental in the neighborhood from $150 to $250 a month
• Bedroom: 15×20
• Den: 6×16
• Living room: 19×23

This 1-bedroom in 201 E. Chestnut in Streeterville came on the market in May 2019.

This building was constructed in 1967 and has 120 units and valet parking.

It’s a full service building with a doorman, pool and exercise room.

This unit faces south and has a private terrace.

The listing says it has had a “high end renovation by New York designer Danielle Richter.”

It has all new natural white wide plank oak floors, custom doors, millwork and specialty lighting.

There’s a new chef’s kitchen with white and stainless steel cabinets including Italian SCIC stainless steel lower cabinets, a herringbone marble backsplash, a Subzero refrigerator, Gagganau cooktop and oven and a Bosch dishwasher.

The bathroom has Carrara marble with heated floors.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, in-unit washer/dryer and there is valet parking in the building.

This 1-bedroom sold 5 years ago with an “updated kitchen” with white cabinets and black appliances for $220,000. You can see the pictures here if you are a Redfin subscriber.

It’s come on the market for $155,000 more, or $375,000.

These are the finishes that buyers who are renting nearby in luxury apartment buildings would be looking for.

Do full renovations like this pay off?

Keith Wilkey at Berkshire Hathaway KoenigRubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #12D: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1050 square feet

• Sold in September 2014 for $220,000
• Currently listed at $375,000
• Assessments of $580 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are $4182
• Parking is valet rental in the building (not sure how much that costs)
• Bedroom: 11×17
• Living room: 19×18
• Kitchen: 12×11
• Laundry room: 3×3
• Balcony: 11×8

This 3-bedroom greystone at 657 W. Roscoe in East Lakeview just came on the market.

Built in 1901, it’s on a 25×134 lot.

Thanks to Micah for noticing that we chattered about it in 2009.

Back then, it ended up selling for less than the 2002 price. The chatterati comments are interesting as we clearly had no idea what was yet to come with declining prices.

You can see our chatter, and some interior pictures, here.

This single family home still has many of its vintage features including the original wood floors which have been sanded and stained.

The house has original moldings and, on the second floor, the original doors and transom windows.

There’s one gas fireplace.

The house has the layout buyers like, with all three bedrooms on the second floor, including the master suite with a built-in shower.

The chef’s kitchen appears to be the same kitchen as in 2009. It has wood cabinets, what look like stone counter tops and commercial grade stainless appliances including the range, refrigerator, oven and built-in microwave.

The house has a back deck and a large unfinished basement which was also unfinished in 2009. In both listings, it said it could be finished.

There’s central air but there’s no garage or parking.

The listing says this about the parking situation:

“LL unfinished basement could be finished to include attached garage below the home.”

Listed at $1.165 million, which is $265,000 above the 2009 selling price of $900,000, in a much better market and economy, will this sell quickly this time?

Carrie McCormick at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, May 25 from 12 to 1:30 pm.

657 W. Roscoe: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2000 for $565,000
• Sold in October 2002 for $925,000
• Was listed in September 2009 for $999,000
• Sold in October 2009 for $900,000
• Currently listed at $1.165 million
• Taxes are now $15,914 (they were $11,297 in 2009)
• Central Air
• No parking
• Living room: 17×12
• Dining room: 16×11
• Family room: 16×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #1: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×9 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×9 (second floor)
• Storage: 33×22 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 22×11 (lower level)