Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom in the Park Newberry at 55 W. Delaware in the Gold Coast just came on the market.

The Park Newberry was built in 1996 and has 182 units and a parking garage.

It’s a full amenity building with an exercise room and doorman.

The listing says this unit has a 4-season view of Washington Square Park and the Newberry Library which means it faces north.

It has seen some updates including “remodeled” hardwood floors.

There’s a brand new gourmet kitchen with white contemporary cabinets, as well as black cabinets on the island, and top of the line stainless steel appliances along with what look like stone counter tops.

The master suite has 2 walk-in California closets and an en suite marble bath with dual vanity and spa bath, which was not remodeled from the prior sale.

The unit has an actual laundry room.

It has the features buyers look for including central air and main floor deeded parking which is included in the price.

This property sold in 2017 for $680,000 and has come back on for $210,000 more, at $890,000.

When this building was originally constructed, white kitchens weren’t in. Maple cabinets and black appliances were.

If you want to sell in 2020, do you need a white kitchen?

Joe Zimmerman at Keller Williams Lincoln Park has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #301: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1607 square feet

• Sold in July 1998 for $364,500 (included the parking)
• Sold in August 2000 for $578,000 (included the parking)
• Sold in October 2004 for $615,000 (included the parking)
• Sold in September 2017 for $680,000 (included the parking)
• Currently listed at $890,000 (includes the parking)
• Assessments of $1091 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $15252
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×14
• Bedroom #2: 11×14
• Living room: 14×19
• Dining room: 11×16
• Kitchen: 13×9
• Laundry room: 6×6
• Balcony: 6×16
• Walk-in-closet: 7×5

This 5-bedroom duplex in 2430 N. Lakeview in Lincoln Park came on the market in April 2015.

This building was constructed in 1927 and has just 17 luxury units and parking.

It’s a doorman building that faces Lincoln Park and the lake.

This 5600 square foot co-op has many of its vintage features including restored wood paneling in the living room and library.

It also has a grand interior staircase along with a foyer.

The unit has 3 gas fireplaces and a formal dining room.

The kitchen has white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

The master suite has his and her baths along with custom closets.

The unit also has the features that buyers look for in 2020 including washer/dryer in the unit, 2-car parking and space pak cooling.

There’s no private outdoor space with the property.

Listed in April 2015 for $3.49 million it has been reduced to $2.9 million, but that reduction was in August 2018.

This is a “cash only” building.

The taxes, heat and doorman are included in monthly HOAs.

Do GenX or the Millennials have any desire to buy in the older co-op buildings?

What’s the future of co-ops?

Michael Zucker at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #11-12N: 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 5600 square feet, duplex, co-op

• No previous sales price as it’s a co-op
• Listed April 2015 for $3.49 million
• Reduced in August 2018 to $2.9 million
• Currently still listed at $2.9 million
• Assessments of $10,671 a month (includes heat, taxes, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are included in assessment
• Space Pak cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car parking included
• 3 gas fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 24×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 20×9 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 19×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5: 21×14 (second floor)
• Office: 10×7 (second floor)
• Living room: 31×18 (main floor)
• Dining room: 27×16 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 24×11 (main floor)
• Library: 22×14 (main floor)

This 4-bedroom brick bungalow at 2434 N. Sawyer in Logan Square just came on the market.

Built in 1912, it’s on a bigger than standard Chicago lot measuring 31.5 x 186.5. It has a 2-car garage.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we last chattered about it in 2009. Thanks to DSquareD who pointed out that it was back on the market 11 years later.

You can see our 2009 chatter here wherein many thought that even at $525,000 it was overpriced for the neighborhood.

How times have changed.

This house has extensive gardens including a treehouse, patios and flagstone paths.

The listing says the kitchen has been completely renovated in 2012. It has modern cabinets, granite counter tops and Thermador and Bosch appliances.

The listing also says the bathrooms were updated in 2016 with Carrera marble, Grohe and Toto fixtures, rain showers and granite floors.

Three of the four bedrooms are on the second floor with the fourth on the main level. The master bedroom has an en suite bath.

Space pac cooling was added in 2011.

The listing says copper water lines and gas lines were updated in 2016.

It also says the roof has been replaced, most windows were replaced and it has a finished basement.

After selling in August 2009 for $525,000, it has come back on the market 11 years later, with a much stronger economy and a hot Logan Square, at $800,000.

Is this the price of entry in Logan Square if you want a single family home?

Jeffrey Beck at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

2434 N. Sawyer: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 3000 square feet

• I couldn’t find a prior sales price- but it was in the 1980s
• Sold in August 2009 for $525,000
• Currently listed at $800,000
• Taxes are now $9021 (they were $4624 in 2009)
• Space pac cooling
• Bedroom #1:  15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 19×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×8 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 30×12 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 11×11 (main floor)
• Family room: 13×13 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 11×10 (main floor)
• Recreation room: 27×13 (lower level)

This 1-bedroom in 530 N. Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville came on the market in June 2019.

530 N. Lake Shore Drive was built during the housing boom years, in 2004. It has 180 units, a parking garage, a doorman, and common amenities like a shared deck, clubhouse and exercise room.

The listing says this unit has north and east views. It looks like it has some views of the lake from the balcony.

There are hardwoods in the main living area.

The bedroom has a walk-in closet.

The kitchen has the finishes that were common in the housing boom years, including cherry cabinets, black granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

This unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car tandem parking is available for $55,000 extra.

Originally listed in June 2019 for $430,000 it has been reduced to $419,900.

The condo last sold in July 2005 for $412,500.

Are 1-bedroom condos among the most difficult property type to sell in this market?

Gail Spreen at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2002: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1028 square feet

• Sold in January 2014 for $368,000 (no parking included)
• Sold in July 2005 for $412,500 (no parking included)
• Originally listed in June 2019 for $430,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $419,900 (2-car tandem parking is $55,000 extra)
• Assessments of $642 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, Internet)
• Taxes of $8597
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Balcony
• Bedroom: 15×13
• Living room: 20×14
• Kitchen: 11×9

This 5-bedroom historic home at 1328 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in October 2018.

Built in 1938, the house, known as the Florsheim Mansion, was designed by Andrew Rebori and then added onto by Bertrand Goldberg in the 1950s.

There are actually two separate townhouses with a courtyard and a large galley kitchen (designed by Goldberg) connecting the structures.

If it looks familiar, that’s because it has been on and off the market since 2010.

See our 2013 chatter here.

We also chattered about it in September 2019 when it had been reduced.

See our 2019 chatter here.

If you recall, this house is on a smaller than standard 18.6 x 125 foot lot but still has a 2-car attached garage.

The listing says there are lake views from the living room and master bedroom.

It has a 2-story family room and renovated baths.

The Goldberg kitchen is stainless steel and it’s a galley kitchen in between the two townhouses.

Watch an older interesting video tour of the house with the owners describing its special features here.

This house has been under contract several times over the years but hasn’t sold.

Originally listed in October 2018 for $2,397,747, it had now been reduced to $1.69 million.

That’s $540,000 under the 2006 purchase price of $2.3 million.

Is this a deal?

Michael Rosenblum at Berkshire Hathaway still has the listing. See the pictures here.

1328 N. State Parkway: 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, 4500 square feet

• Sold in July 1998 for $517,500
• Sold in April 2006 for $2.23 million
• Originally listed in February 2010 for $2.5 million
• Off and on the market
• Re-listed in October 2018 for $2,397,747
• Reduced
• Under contract in August 2019
• Re-listed and now listed at $1,997,747
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.69 million
• Taxes are still $45,938 (they were $31,834 in 2013) (they were $31,384 in 2011)
• Central Air
• 2 car attached garage
• 3 wood burning fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 19×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×7 (main floor)
• Bedroom #5: 11×7 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom in Lake Shore Plaza at 1000 N. Lake Shore Plaza in the Gold Coast came on the market in November 2019.

Built in 1964, Lake Shore Plaza has 132 units and valet parking. It’s a full service building with a pool, exercise room and doorman.

According to Emporis, 1000 N. Lake Shore Plaza, at 55 stories, was actually the tallest building in Chicago to have balconies until Park Tower, near Water Tower Place, was built in 1999.

And an interesting construction fact: This is the tallest building in Chicago with significant areas of brick in its façade.

This southwest corner unit has had a “high quality renovation.”

It has custom millwork throughout by European craftsmen.

The listing says there are all new windows and balcony door.

The kitchen has white and wood modern cabinets with Thermador appliances and a wine fridge.

All baths have Kohler fixtures.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and valet parking.

Originally listed in November 2019 at $1,095,000, it has been reduced to $999,999.

Buyers want “new.”

Will the price cut get a quick sale?

Joseph Gasbarra at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #20C: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2100 square feet

• Sold sometime before 1986
• Sold in February 2019 for $545,000
• Originally listed in November 2019 at $1,095,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $999,999
• Assessments of $1983 a month (includes air conditioning, doorman, cable, Internet, exercise, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $13,472
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking is valet in the building
• Bedroom #1: 20×14
• Bedroom #2: 17×13
• Living room: 18×18
• Dining room: 17×13
• Kitchen: 18×10
• Library/family room: 17×13

This 3-bedroom penthouse at 2800 N. Lincoln in Lakeview recently came on the market.

This is a 7 unit building that was constructed by Noah Properties in 2017. It has an elevator which is key entry into the units.

This building is on the 6-corner intersection of Diversey, Lincoln and Racine.

These were all built as luxury units and have upscale finishes.

It has floor-to-ceiling windows and 3 outside spaces including a balcony off the master bedroom, a private terrace and a big private rooftop deck which is access via the elevator.

The kitchen has white custom cabinets, stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The master bedroom has a large bathroom with steam shower.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and it appears that one car parking is included.

Two years ago, this sold “new” for $981,000 but has come on the market for $94,000 more, or $1,075,000.

Will it get the premium?

Barbara O’Connor at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #4D: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, penthouse

• Sold in December 2017 for $981,000
• Currently listed at $1,075,000
• Assessments of $331 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are still “new” (or not seemingly listed in the public listing)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Bedroom #3: 13×12
• Living room: 46×24
• Laundry room: 9×6
• Rooftop deck: 35×17
• Terrace: 10×13
• Balcony: 10×6

This 4-bedroom single family home at 1224 E. 57th in Hyde Park came on the market in May 2019.

Built in 1887, the listing calls it a “unique campus cottage, built around the Columbian Worlds Fair.”

It’s on an irregular 34×100 lot but doesn’t have a garage or any onsite parking.

This house has many of its vintage features including original trim (not painted), exposed brick, pocket doors, an original clawfoot tub and unique cobble stone flooring in the lower level.

The listing says the house has mostly new windows, hardwood flooring and mechanicals.

It has been electrically rewired.

There’s also an en suite master bath, which the listing says is “brand new,” which is an unusual feature in a house from this era.

The house has 3 full bathrooms, including two on the second floor and one in the basement. (See the floor plan for more info on the layout.)

The listing says the kitchen is “newer” and “modern” with wood cabinets, a farmhouse sink and white appliances.

The house doesn’t appear to have central air however.

Originally listed in May 2019 for $995,000, it was reduced to $949,000 by August 2019 before being re-listed back at $995,000 in October.

It’s still listed at $995,000.

This house is in the middle of everything in Hyde Park. It’s within steps to the University of Chicago, the Lab School, shops and restaurants.

It hasn’t changed hands in 22 years.

Why isn’t this selling?

Madelaine Gerbaulet-Vanasse at Meliora Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1224 E. 57th: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2765 square feet

• Sold in July 1995 for $150,000
• Sold in August 1998 for $282,000
• Originally listed in May 2019 for $995,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in August 2019 for $949,000
• Raised
• Was listed in October 2019 for $995,000
• Currently listed at $995,000
• Taxes of $8424
• No central air
• No parking/garage
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 17×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 10×8 (basement)
• Living room: 16×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 15×13 (main floor)
• Family room: 26×21 (basement)
• Sunroom: 13×6 (main floor)
• Den: 13×8 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 21×11 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom duplex-up at 1515 S. Prairie in the South Loop came on the market in May 2019.

1515 S. Prairie was built during the last housing boom, in 2003, and has 186 units in a high rise and a low rise building.

It’s a full amenity building with a doorman, clubhouse and exercise room. It has an attached garage.

This unit is one of the rare low-rise units.

It has its own private entrance which opens into a foyer.

The first floor has the living/dining and kitchen along with a recessed balcony.

The second floor has both bedrooms and a second recessed balcony.

The listing describes the kitchen as “gourmet” with stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops and a breakfast bar.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car garage parking is available for $18,900 each.

Originally listed at $699,000 in May 2019, it has been reduced to $539,000 or $576,800 with the parking.

This unit was bank owned and sold from the bank in 2015 for $475,500, including the 2-car parking.

Will this unit sell for a premium over the 2015 price 5 years later?

Kevin Maloney at Exclusive Real Estate Services has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #201: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2000 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in July 2003 for $606,000 including 2-car parking
• Sold in June 2008 for $650,000 including 2-car parking
• Sold in March 2011 for $612,000 including 2-car parking
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in September 2013
• Bank owned
• Sold in August 2015 for $475,000 including 2-car parking
• Originally listed in May 2019 for $699,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $539,000 (2-car parking for $18,900 each) = $576,800 with the parking
• Assessments of $1174 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet access)
• Taxes of $10,689
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 17×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×10 (second floor)
• Living room: 18×16 (main floor)
• Dining room: 17×11 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×11 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 11×7 (second floor)
• Foyer: 11×8 (lower level)
• Utility room: 9×3 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom duplex up loft at St. Michael’s Lofts at 1660 N. Hudson in Old Town came on the market in August 2019.

Built in 1928, St. Michael’s Lofts was a former high school until it was converted into lofts in the 1980s. It has 41 units and garage parking.

The building does not have a doorman but does have a shared rooftop deck.

This is a penthouse unit with 18 foot vaulted ceilings and skylights.

It has a balcony with views of St. Michael’s church.

There are 3 gas fireplaces.

The master bedroom is on the main floor with two other bedrooms and a family room on the second level.

The kitchen has maple cabinets and white appliances.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a rare 2-car heated garage parking.

This unit has not been sold since the original buyer bought it in 1989.

The listing says it was “tenant occupied for 20 years.”

It also says to “bring your designers.”

Originally listed in August 2019 for $1.1 million, it has been reduced $240,100 to $859,900.

Is this priced low enough for a rehabber to take a chance?

William Karner at Re/Max Cityview has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3C: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, duplex up, no square footage listed

• Sold in April 1989 for $260,500
• Originally listed in August 2019 for $1.1 million
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $859,900 (includes 2-car heated garage parking)
• Assessments of $1082 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,590
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 3 gas fireplaces
• Balcony
• Bedroom #1: 19×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 24×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×8 (second floor)
• Laundry room: 15×8 (second floor)
• Family room: 20×19 (second floor)
• Dining room: 13×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 16×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 21×12 (main floor)