Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom townhouse in Dearborn Park II at 1236 S. Federal in the South Loop came on the market in March 2024.

Built in 1994, Dearborn Park II has 118 townhouses with attached 1-car and 2-car garages. They vary from 1 to 3 bedrooms.

Because it’s an older development, it’s surrounded by mature trees and landscaping which are maintained by the HOA.

This townhouse is in one of the “quiet landscaped” courtyards.

It’s an end unit that has not only a private deck but also a rare 748 square foot private yard that is maintained by the HOA.

The listing says the townhouse has been “upgraded throughout” and that it “lives like a single family home.”

The first floor has a 1-car garage, the foyer, a full bathroom and the third bedroom which the listing says could also be a living room, office or playroom.

It leads through sliding doors to a concrete patio and the private yard.

The second floor has the living room, dining room, the kitchen and a large balcony for grilling.

The kitchen has 42-inch wood cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The third floor has two bedroom and one full bathroom which the listing says has been “newly remodeled.”

This townhouse has central air and the washer/dryer is on the third floor.

The listing says this about the location:

Close to South Loop Elementary, British International School, and Jones College Prep. Target, Jewel, Walgreens, Mariano’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Icon Movie Theater, Museum Campus, Grant Park, lakefront, easy access to highways, and Roosevelt CTA station with Red, Green, and Orange lines all nearby.

Listed at $615,000, it last sold before the pandemic in September 2019 for $535,000.

During the pandemic, buyers were desperate for outdoor space.

Will the private yard make the sale in 2024?

Jorge Romero at Realty One Group has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit B: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1460 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in September 1994 for $169,500
• Sold in February 1998 for $225,000
• Sold in September 2002 for $327,000
• Sold in June 2006 for $480,000
• Sold in August 2015 for $500,000
• Sold in September 2019 for $535,000
• Currently listed for $615,000
• Assessments of $375 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9816
• Central Air
• 1-car garage
• Fireplace
• Skylights
• Private side yard measuring 748 square feet
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×9 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 16×13 (second floor)
• Dining room: 9×9 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 10×9 (second floor)
• Laundry: 6×6 (third floor)
• Balcony (second floor)

This 3-bedroom at 500 W. Armitage in East Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2024.

I spent a few hours looking through my picture collection because I thought I certainly had a picture of this building as we’ve all walked/driven by it hundreds/thousands of times. But, alas, I don’t have one.

Built in 1889, 500 W. Armitage has 24 units. I’m not sure if any of the units in this building have parking.

There is a bike room and extra storage. The listing also implies that the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This unit is on the third floor and is a “sunny” Southeast corner with 3 exposures: North, South and East.

It has some vintage features but they may not be original.

It has 11 foot ceilings, crown moldings, wainscoting and a fireplace in the living room (decorative or wood burning? An old listing says its wood burning.)

The listing says the unit has “massive” windows which have been replaced with thermal pane Pella windows.

The unit has “masterful” built-ins, including bookcases in the living room.

The kitchen is a “newer” chef’s kitchen with Cafe Suite appliances, a white tile backsplash, open shelves, and beige/light gray(?) cabinets.  It also has a small kitchen island with a butcher block counter top.

Like many vintage units, it has a separate dining room.

One of the bedrooms is en suite.

There is a built-in desk space and walk-in-closet in the second bedroom.

The third bedroom is being used as an office.

This unit has a “massive” private, secured deck off the back of the unit.

It has some of the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit but there is no parking. The listing says there is “easy street parking.”

This building is near the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Listed at $535,000 for a 3-bedroom, will the lack of parking be an issue on this sale?

Danielle Inendino at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures, floor plan and 3D walk-through here.

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

• Sold in September 1971 for $23,482 (per Redfin)
• Sold in February 1990 for $225,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in August 1993 for $339,750
• Sold in October 1997 for $264,000
• Sold in August 2002 for $405,000
• Sold in May 2008 for $447,000
• Sold in August 2019 for $485,000
• Currently listed for $535,000
• Assessments of $441 a month (includes security, exterior maintenance, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9374
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Fireplace (decorative or not????)
• Bedroom #1: 14×11
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Bedroom #3: 11×10
• Kitchen: 14×16
• Living room: 15×15
• Dining room: 13×14
• Laundry: 7×8
• Deck

This 2-bedroom in the Grand Orleans at 330 W. Grand in River North came on the market in March 2024. Surprisingly, I don’t have a picture of this building. We have only chattered about it twice in the last 17 years.

Built in 2006, the Grand Orleans has 98 units and attached garage parking.

It has an exercise room and door staff.

This unit has a split floor plan with eastern city views.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has modern white cabinets, dark stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and the listing says it has a “large island” but it’s really a peninsula.

The primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet and en suite bathroom with tub and walk-in-shower along with a one sink vanity.

The second bedroom has a “high-end” modern glass wall system which acts like an interior window where you can see into the living room. It does have full walls.

There is a second bathroom with a walk-in-shower.

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

It also has a large east facing balcony off the living room.

The listing says there are “no pet restrictions” and that the building is “investor-friendly.”

This building is near the shops and restaurants of west River North including Al’s Italian Beef and Lou Malnati’s as well as the Brown Line and bus lines.

Listed at $449,900 plus $25,000 for the parking, or $474,900, this unit is also having an open house tonight, Thursday, Mar 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.

Is demand so strong that they are having a mid-week open house to meet the request for showings?

Will this go under contract quickly?

Darrell Scott at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1907: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in January 2006 for $418,500 (included the parking)
• Currently listed at $449,900 (plus $25,000 for parking) = $474,900
• Assessments of $940 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, exterior maintenance, exercise room, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8432
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 11×15
• Bedroom #2: 9×16
• Living room: 16×14
• Kitchen: 11×9
• Laundry: 4×4
• Balcony: 20×6

This 3-bedroom in 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive in East Lakeview came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 1927, 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive has 91 units and valet leased garage parking. It has a semi-private elevator with only 2 units per floor.

The building is “full service” and has a landscaped yard/garden with seating and grills, an exercise room, bike room, dog run, package room, EV charging, on-site manager and engineer but no door staff.

There are also some unique amenities such as free heated garage parking for guests and 1 car wash per week.

This unit has many of its vintage features including a barrel arch foyer, high ceilings, millwork moulding and trim.

It has hardwood floors throughout and a carved stone fireplace in the living room.

The listing says it has “large upgraded windows.”

The unit has a separate dining room.

The kitchen has white stacked custom cabinetry, “crisp” granite counter tops, a “newer” Bosch refrigerator, dishwasher and GE induction range along with a breakfast space that can fit a small table and chairs (according to older listing pictures).

The three bedrooms are each en suite, have brand new ceiling fans and remote control window treatments.

The unit has central air, a brand new separate full size GE laundry and on-site garage parking is available.

The listing says it has “all new electrical wiring/upgraded 100 AMP service” and the HVAC was replaced last year.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview, jogging and bike trails, and the lakefront, including a golf course.

Listed in February 2024 for $849,000, it has been reduced to $799,000. That’s just $50,000 above the 2020 sales price.

Is this a deal?

Frank Jeffery and Melinda Jakovich at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #14D: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2200 square feet

• Sold in February 1994 for $266,250
• Sold in June 2000 for $469,000
• Sold in March 2007 for $627,000
• Sold in May 2013 for $570,000
• Sold in December 2020 for $749,000
• Listed in February 2024 for $849,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $799,900
• Assessments of $2063 a month (includes heat, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $11,692
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Central Air
• Fireplace
• Storage unit: 6×5
• Bedroom #1: 18×12
• Bedroom #2: 17×11
• Bedroom #3: 14×11
• Living room: 18×30
• Dining room: 15×20
• Foyer: 7×15
• Breakfast nook: 10×10
• Kitchen: 12×13

This 2-bedroom in 2626 N. Lakeview in Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2024.

2626 N. Lakeview was built in 1968 and has 492 units and and attached rental garage.

It’s a full amenity building along Lincoln Park with a doorman, pool, exercise room, party room, bike room and sun deck. The listing also says it’s a non-smoking building.

This unit is on the 27th floor and has north, east and west exposures.

The listing says the unit is renovated, but it is also bank owned. Surprisingly, just looking at the pictures, the appliances appear to still be in the unit.

There are oak hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has a walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances and “new” dark, modern cabinets.

There is a combination living and dining room.

The listing says each bedroom is en suite.

The primary bathroom has been “remodeled” and has a double vanity and an oversized glass enclosed shower.

In addition to the two bedrooms there is also a den.

This unit has a washer/dryer in the unit, central air and parking is available for lease.

2626 N. Lakeview is on Lincoln Park, near the North Pond restaurant and the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park. There are several bus lines nearby.

This unit last sold in June 2016 for $587,500 but has come back on the market owned by the bank at $575,000.

Is this a deal?

Thomas Cardoni at Cardoni Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #2712-10: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1764 square feet

• Sold in June 2007 for $617,500
• Sold in June 2016 for $587,500
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in February 2022
• Bank owned in January 2024
• Currently listed at $575,000
• Assessments of $1431 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal,)
• Building also has pool, exercise room, party room, cleaners, coin laundry, bike room (not sure if included in HOAs)
• Taxes of $9096
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Rental parking in the building available
• Bedroom #1: 22×12
• Bedroom #2: 17×12
• Living/dining combo: 16×29
• Kitchen: 8×14
• Library: 12×12

This 2-bedroom townhouse in Fulton Court at 310 N. Desplaines in Fulton Market came on the market in March 2024.

Built in 1999, Fulton Court has 48 townhomes with a center courtyard and a heated attached garage that is underneath the complex. Owners can park and walk right into their townhouses from the garage.

The picture above is one of the outside of the complex.

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

There are hardwood floors on the main level and the top floor while the primary bedroom has carpet.

The kitchen has been “updated” with “freshly painted” white cabinets (they were cherry previously), a new tile backsplash and new quartz counter tops (they were granite in the last sale). It has stainless steel appliances and a peninsula island.

The second floor is the primary suite with a walk-in-closet and bathroom with double vanity and tub/shower combo.

The third floor has the second bedroom, a full bathroom and direct access to a “sunny” rooftop deck that the listing says will be “upgraded with a wooden floor as part of the building upgrades.”

The townhouse has a lower level that connects to one heated garage space, a foyer, and the laundry room.

The listing says it’s in the Skinner elementary school district.

Additionally, it’s near shops and restaurants with the listing stating:

A+ location: easy access to I-90/94, short walking distance to several CTA’s Blue, Pink, and Green Lines (all less than 0.5 mile), numerous CTA bus routes, dog-friendly Fulton River Park (0.1 mile), cafes, grocery stores (Jewel – 0.1 mile and many others a short distance away), restaurants, nightlife spots, and more. You’ve got everything you need to start enjoying city living today!

This townhouse as listed 3 years ago, to the day, on March 8, 2021, for $530,000, went into contract just 4 days later, on March 12, 2021, and closed in May 2021 for $511,000.

Listed again this year on March 8 for $550,000, will it go under contract just as quickly as 3 years ago?

Mike Checuga at Re/Max Next has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit B: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1900 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in April 2000 for $341,000
• Sold in June 2004 for $360,000
• Sold in May 2021 for $511,000
• Currently listed at $550,000
• Assessments of $626 a month (includes heat, gas, parking, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,779
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Attached heated garage parking space included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×24 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×12 (third floor)
• Living/dining room combo: 27×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 13×8 (main floor)
• Laundry: 9×7 (lower level)
• Rooftop deck (third floor)

This 3-bedroom in 680 N. Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville came on the market in February 2024.

680 N. Lake Shore Drive is a unique building.

According to Wikipedia, it was completed in 1926. it was originally called the American Furniture Mart and was the largest building in the world when finished.

It has a total of 415 units in 3 different condo associations: The Tower, The Lake and the South Residences.

The South Residences has 120 units, the Tower has 131 units, and the Lake, 264.

This is a full amenity building with an indoor pool, exercise room and 24-hour door staff. It has attached garage parking.

There is commercial space in the building as well as a shopping concourse with a restaurant, coffee shop, Walgreens, a bank and other amenities.

The listing doesn’t say which building this is in.

It’s been “fully renovated” and has modern, luxurious finishes including new LED can lights throughout.

The listing says “every surface has been touched.”

The unit has new wide plank hardwood floors throughout and custom wood details.

The kitchen is a “chef’s dream” with white and modern wood cabinets along with a 10 foot island with waterfall edge and high end appliances.

There appears to be a living/dining combo.

The primary bedroom is en suite with a walk-through closet and an en suite bath with separate tub, shower and a double vanity.

The unit has features buyers look for including a laundry room with a side-by-side washer/dryer, central air and parking is available in the building.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Streeterville including the AMC River East movie theater and Target.

Originally listed in February 2024 for $750,000, it has been reduced $50,000 to $700,000.

Buyers love “new”.

Will this 3-bedroom find a buyer soon?

Julie Latsko at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it in person at the Open House on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Unit #619: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2150 square feet

• Sold in March 1989 for $195,500
• Sold in December 1993 for $265,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in November 2021
• Bank owned
• Sold in March 2022 for $315,000
• Originally listed in February 2024 for $750,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $700,000
• Assessments of $1616 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $8268
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking available in the building
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 16×11
• Bedroom #3: 9×10
• Living/dining combo: 29×17
• Kitchen: 11×20
• Laundry room: 6×7

This 5-bedroom single family home at 333 W. Barry in East Lakeview came on the market in May 2023.

Built in 2008, 333 W. Barry is on a larger than standard lot measuring 40 feet wide. It has a 2-car heated garage and space on a driveway for 2 more cars.

The listing says this is a “private, gated enclave” in East Lakeview. It has an HOA of $42 a month, which apparently covers snow removal.

This home has wood floors on the main floor and a living/dining room which overlooks the manicured front grounds.

It has some exposed brick walls and 2 fireplaces.

The eat-in kitchen has been “newly renovated” with white cabinets, two islands, high-end appliances and stone counter tops.

Also on the main floor is a 2-story family room with 25 feet of soaring glass overlooking the landscaped, enclosed backyard, a terrace and the 2-car heated garage.

The second floor has the primary suite with an enormous walk-in-closet, which used to be a bedroom and, the listing says, can be turned back, and an en suite bath. There’s also a second bedroom and bath.

The third floor has a great room, another bedroom and a roof terrace in the trees.

The house has a lower level with the fourth bedroom, and another bathroom, and flex spaces including a playroom, storage, and office.

The listing says the house has “elaborate security” and automated sprinkling systems.

There’s a laundry room in the lower level but the pictures also indicate a second washer/dryer in the primary walk-in-closet on the second floor.

The house has central air.

This property is near the lake front including Belmont Harbor, the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview, as well as several bus lines.

Listed in May 2023 for $3.45 million, it was reduced in August 2023 to $2.999 million where it still sits.

Single family homes this close to the lakefront in Lakeview are rare.

What will it take to sell this property?

Brad Lippitz and Stewart Smith at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

333 W. Barry: 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 6365 square feet, single family home

• I can’t find a 2008 sales price
• Sold in June 2015 for $2.85 million
• Listed in May 2023 for $3.45 million
• Reduced
• Listed in August 2023 for $2.999 million
• Currently still listed at $2.999 million 
• Assessments of $42 a month (includes snow removal)
• Taxes of $30,210
• Central Air
• 2-car heated garage
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 17×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×19 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 13×15 (lower level)
• Bedroom #5: 12×14 (second floor)
• Foyer: 11×6 (main floor)
• Den: 19×15 (third floor)
• Kitchen: 14×16 (main floor)
• Family room: 14×18 (main floor)
• Living room: 22×20 (main floor)
• Dining room: 11×11 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 12×11 (main floor)
• Recreation room: 24×13 (lower level)
• Utility room: 6×11 (lower level)
• Laundry: 6×13 (lower level)
• Play room: 13×19 (lower level)
• Deck: 39×17 (third floor)
• Balcony: 14×3 (third floor)
• Terrace: 20×5 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom penthouse at the Residences at the Vic at 3140 N. Sheffield in Lakeview came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 2007, Residences at the Vic has 51 units and attached heated garage parking. The building has no door staff and doesn’t appear to have any amenities.

The listing says you can “immerse yourself in luxury” with this penthouse unit.

It has floor-to-ceiling windows, 9-foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.

The unit also has built-in surround sound speakers.

It has an open kitchen, dining room and living room layout with a 1000 square foot wraparound rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.

The gourmet kitchen has dark cabinets, stone counter tops and high-end appliances.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

The unit has a split floor plan with the primary suite in a separate wing. It has a sitting room and a massive walk-in-closet that leads to a “spa-like” en suite bathroom with a tub and walk-in-shower.

It appears that the second bedroom doesn’t have any windows but the listing says there is a skylight.

The unit has the features that buyers want including a separate laundry room with side-by-side washer/dryer, air conditioning and 2 side-by-side heated garage parking spaces, which are included in the price.

This building is in the heart of Lakeview, just steps from the Belmont brown line stop, near hundreds of shops and restaurants, is a quick walk from Wrigley Field and near many bus lines.

This sale would be only the second sale of this penthouse since it was built in 2007.

Listed at $1.06 million, will the terrace and views sell this unit?

Christine Sullivan and Leonard Benefico at Dream Town Real Estate have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #701: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, penthouse

•  Sold in April 2008 for $920,000 (parking included)
• Originally listed in February 2024 for $1.06 million
• Currently still listed at $1.06 million
• Assessments of $914 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $18,190
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 side-by-side heated garage spaces included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×11
• Bedroom #3: 12×12
• Kitchen: 16×12
• Dining room: 14×14
• Living room: 14×25
• Foyer: 6×7
• Walk-in-closet: 11×16
• Terrace: 11×45

This 1-bedroom duplex in 340 On the Park at 340 E. Randolph in Lakeshore East came on the market in July 2023.

340 On the Park was built in 2007 and has 344 units and an attached parking garage.

The building has extensive amenities including a 4000 square foot exercise room, a wintergarden, a 75 foot indoor lap pool, sauna and steam room along with a club room. It also has 24/7 door staff.

The listing says this unit is a “one of a kind” duplex in the building.

It has south facing views with 2 terraces overlooking Millennial Park.

This unit has had a “masterful rehab” with a fully renovated kitchen and primary bath.

It has hardwood floors on the main floor and carpet in the bedroom on the second floor.

The kitchen has Snaidero Nordic white lacquer cabinetry, Pietra quartz countertops, and Inax Yoehn border backsplash.

The appliances include a Miele induction range, a Miele dishwasher, a Thermador integrated fridge/freezer and an LG cooking micro/convection oven.

The primary bathroom has Snaidero Rift white oak cabinetry, Pietra quartz countertops, a walk-in-shower and 2 custom mirrors.

On the first floor, there is a custom built credenza underneath the stairs that is “perfect” for work-from-home.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a “prime” parking space.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Michigan Avenue, the Loop, and Lakeshore East. It has easy access to the Lake Michigan waterfront, bike trails, Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain. The Lakeshore East Mariano’s is nearby.

Listed in July 2023 for $895,000, this unit was under contract in February 2024.

It came back on the market at the same list price, at $895,000.

If you like having levels, is this the ideal unit?

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

Unit #2702: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, duplex up, 1314 square feet

• Sold in January 2008 for $626,500 per Zillow (CCRD is down for maintenance)
• Originally listed in July 2023 for $895,000
• Contingent in February 2024
• Re-listed in March 2024 for $895,000
• Assessments of $971 a month (includes gas, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $18,110
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking space included
• Bedroom: 14×13 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 21×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 12×8 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 13×5 (second floor)
• 2 terraces: 23×5 each