Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom in the Urban Sandbox at 1615 N. Wolcott in Bucktown came on the market in June 2019.

We’ve chattered about the Urban Sandbox numerous times over the years.

It’s an 8-unit mid-rise modern building originally marketed in 2007.

The architect was Miller Hull and in 2009 it won the Builder’s Choice Urban Infill Grand Award and Project of the Year.

It has an elevator and a heated garage.

The units always sold well, even during the bust years, and they set new record price points for condos in the Bucktown neighborhood.

This unit has south exposures with a 24×6 terrace stretching across the living/dining areas.

It has an open kitchen with modern cabinets, Subzero and Miele appliances and quartz countertops with a large island.

The master suite has a walk-in closet and a bathroom with floating vanities.

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

Originally listed in June 2019 for $749,000, it has reduced $50,000 to $699,000 which is $13,500 under the 2016 sales price of $712,500.

Are prices actually falling in the GreenZone right now?

Jeffrey Lowe at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #301: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2009 for $634,000
• Sold in February 2016 for $712,500
• Originally listed in June 2019 for $749,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $699,000 (includes heated garage parking)
• Assessments of $467 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,840
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 12×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×11
• Bedroom #3: 10×10
• Living room: 20×15
• Dining room: 10×10
• Kitchen: 10×14
• Walk-in-closet: 8×8
• Pantry: 5×9

This 1-bedroom in Chicago Place at 100 E. Huron in River North came on the market in January 2019.

Built in 1991, it has 204 units on top of what used to be the Chicago Place shopping mall which is now occupied by offices.

It’s a full service building with doormen, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, party room, dry cleaner and an exercise room.

There’s leased parking in the attached garage.

This 1-bedroom has west views.

It has diagonal floors in the living and dining room.

The kitchen looks like the original kitchen with white cabinets, granite counter tops and white appliances. The finishes in this building were considered luxury and cutting edge in 1991.

The bedroom has custom built-ins and an en suite marble bath.

There’s also a half bath in the living area.

It has the features that buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. Parking is leased in the building.

Originally listed in January at $425,000, it has been reduced to $345,900 which is $14,100 under the 2000 sales price of $360,000.

Is this a deal?

Or is the price deflation that is hitting the suburbs now hitting parts of the city?

Anita Lynn at ADL Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2607: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1025 square feet

• Sold in February 1992 for $205,000
• Sold in October 1997 for $241,000
• Sold in September 2000 for $360,000
• Originally listed in January 2019 for $425,000
• Reduced numerous times
• Currently listed at $345,900
• Assessments of $774 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $6888
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom: 16×12
• Kitchen: 12×10
• Living room: 24×13

This 2-bedroom loft in the Lincoln Lofts at 3151 N. Lincoln in Lakeview came on the market in July 2019.

We chattered about this loft last August, as it was the first time it had been on the market in 19 years.

See our chatter here.

If you recall, this corner loft is in the Tower portion of the building and on the 5th floor.

It has been completely renovated so it’s basically like new.

It has both south and west exposures with a south facing balcony.

This loft has skyline views from all of its southern facing windows, even one that is next to the bathtub.

It has authentic loft features such as exposed brick and 12 foot concrete ceilings as well as large industrial windows.

It has a newer contemporary kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

Both bedrooms have windows, which is rare for a loft.

The master suite is full enclosed with a renovated bath that has a double vanity and a walk-in-shower.

The second bedroom doesn’t have a door or full walls.

Both bedrooms have carpet while the rest of the living areas have hardwood floors.

The loft has a floor-to-ceiling tiled fireplace in the living room.

It also has the features buyers look for including central air, side-by-side washer/dryer and tandem garage parking for 2 cars, which is included.

This is a rare opportunity to buy one of the higher floor tower units but it’s still sitting on the market 5 months after it was first listed. Oh, and it HAS been re-listed so the current “market time” is just over 40 days.

Listed at $519,000 in July 2019, it’s still listed at $519,000.

What price will it take to sell this loft?

Brooke Vanderbok at @Properties still has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #514: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold in October 1996 for $213,000
• Sold in July 2000 for $317,000
• Originally listed in July 2019 for $519,000
• Currently still listed at $519,000 (includes 2-car tandem garage parking)
• Assessments of $605 a month (includes security, cable, exterior maintenance, Internet, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7172
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×9
• Living room: 15×14
• Dining room: 14×11
• Balcony: 13×5

This 2-bedroom in 4300 N. Marine Drive at 4300 N. Marine Drive in the Buena Park neighborhood of Uptown came on the market in October 2019.

Built in 1929, 4300 N. Marine Drive has 90 units and onsite rental parking. It has a 24-hour doorman.

This unit has tree top views along with 9′ ceilings, arched doorways and the original hardwood floors stained dark.

The listing says the kitchen has been remodeled and has modern wood cabinets, quartz counter tops and black appliances along with a wine refrigerator.

The master suite has an en suite bathroom and walk-in closet.

The listing says this unit is one of just a few in the building that has in-unit washer/dryer, in this case it is in the old hall bath.

It has radiators but doesn’t have central air. Looks like window units only.

Parking is rental from $100 to $200 a month.

Originally listed at $325,000 in October 2019, it has been reduced $10,000 to $315,000.

For vintage lovers on a budget, is this a deal?

Bryan Boomershine at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #201: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1700 square feet

• Sold in September 1993 for $94,000
• Originally listed in October 2019 for $325,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $315,000
• Assessments of $871 a month (includes heat, doorman, cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $3821
• No central air- window units only
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Rental parking onsite for $100-$200 a month
• Bedroom #1: 19×12
• Bedroom #2: 13×17
• Living room: 17×15
• Dining room: 12×19
• Kitchen: 7×12

This 3-bedroom newer construction condo at 5486 S. Woodlawn in Hyde Park came on the market in July 2019.

Built in 2017, this building has 3 large units and garage parking.

This unit has the preferred open floor plan with hardwood floors throughout.

The listing says it has a “gourmet chef’s kitchen” with white cabinets, quartz counter tops and luxury stainless steel appliances.

The master bedroom suite has an en suite bathroom with dual vanities.

There’s a bonus office nook.

The unit also has a laundry room.

This unit has all the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 garage parking spaces.

There’s a Starbucks just steps away and the listing says supermarkets and restaurants are nearby.

Originally listed at $825,000 in July, it’s still listed at $825,000.

If you’re looking for larger newer construction home in Hyde Park, is this a top option?

Alysa Peterson at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2049 square feet

• Sold in March 2017 for $675,000 (according to Redfin)
• Originally listed in July 2019 for $825,000
• Currently still listed at $825,000
• Assessments of $195 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,616
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car garage included
• Bedroom #1: 19×14
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Bedroom #3: 13×11
• Kitchen: 16×15
• Living room: 14×14
• Dining room: 19×15
• Laundry room: 6×8

This 3-bedroom penthouse in 740 Fulton at 740 W. Fulton in the Fulton Market came on the market in July 2019.

740 Fulton is a 14 story building built in 2007 with 132 units and a parking garage. It has a doorman.

We chattered about it in July when it was listed at $1 million, a reflection of the “hot” neighborhood.

See our chatter here.

The building is one of the few at the entrance to the hot Fulton Market neighborhood so shops, restaurants and the hottest hotels are just steps away.

New commercial buildings continue to get built in the Fulton Market corridor, which will bring in thousands of more workers.

If you remember, this penthouse has 180 degree east facing skyline forever views (you can see both day and night pictures in the listing) which includes the Willis Tower.

The listing calls this unit a “loft” as it has 19 foot ceilings and exposed ductwork but it’s not an authentic loft unit.

It’s what was commonly called “soft lofts” that were built during the housing bubble years after most of the viable authentic lofts buildings were converted into residences but loft living remained hot.

2 out of the 3 bedrooms are fully enclosed with 2 of them being en suite.

The master suite has a spa bath with stone tile and dual vanity.

The kitchen has 42? dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, 1.25? granite counter tops and a custom tile backsplash (which is hard to see in the photos).

It has cherry hardwood floors, zoned HVAC, automatic shades and Savant surround sound.

The unit has a 240 square foot covered terrace.

It has central air, a side-by-side washer/dryer and 2 parking spaces available for $35,000 each.

The listing says its in Skinner elementary.

The neighborhood has completely transformed itself from the time of the last sale in 2011.

It sold for $590,000 during the housing bust and came on the market for $1 million.

It has now been reduced to $899,000.

Is the Fulton Market/West Loop market cooling or is it just not quite yet a $1 million penthouse neighborhood?

Paul Ragi at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1403: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2100 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in September 2007 for $762,000 (included 1 car garage parking)
• Sold in April 2011 for $590,000 (include 1 car garage parking)
• Originally listed in July 2019 at $1 million (2 car garage parking extra at $45,000 – not sure if that’s each space or 2 for that amount)
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $899,000 (with 2 car parking available for $35,000 each)
• Assessments of $1157 a month (includes parking, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $16,844
• Central air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2: 17×13
• Bedroom #3: 14×11
• Living room: 26×23
• Laundry room: 7×11
• Walk-in-closet: 9×8
• Terrace: 10×26

This 2-bedroom at 1903 N. Fremont in Lincoln Park came on the market in August 2019.

Built in 1895, this building was converted into condos in 2006 and has 12 units and a shared rooftop deck.

This unit has some of its original features including the original wood floors, a wood burning fireplace in the living room and partially exposed brick walls.

The listing says there have been custom built bookcases put in around the fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has been “updated” with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

There’s also a built-in desk and a bar storage area with a wine refrigerator.

The listing also says the bath has been “completely remodeled.”

This unit has a back porch.

It also has some of the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit and central air but there’s no parking. It is permit parking on the street only.

The listing says that this building is 100% owner occupied and rentals aren’t allowed.

It’s just two blocks from the Armitage brown line stop and the shops and restaurants of the Armitage corridor.

The shops and restaurants of the North/Clybourn neighborhood are nearby as well.

Originally listed at $419,000 in August 2019 it has been reduced $10,000 to $409,000.

Is this a good starter condo in Lincoln Park?

Stacy Karel at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in March 2006 for $278,000
• Sold in November 2009 for $322,500
• Sold in July 2013 for $347,000
• Originally listed in August 2019 for $419,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $409,000
• Assessments of $393 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $8753
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking- street parking only
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×10
• Bedroom #2: 9×12
• Kitchen: 17×11
• Living/dining room: 24×13

This 4-unit vintage building at 2737 N. Hampden in East Lincoln Park came on the market in August 2018.

Built in 1912, this brick building is on a larger than average 35×125 lot and has a 2-car garage plus one outdoor parking space.

It has four units:

• Unit #1: 1 bedroom, 1 bath garden unit rented at $1350 a month
• Unit #2: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2500 square feet with in-unit washer/dryer and window a/c rented at $4150 a month
• Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2500 square feet, with washer/dryer, window a/c and one garage space rented at $3525 a month
• Unit #4: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3500 square feet, duplex up with central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one garage space plus the outdoor parking space: owner’s unit but also says the rent is $8,000 a month

The listing says the penthouse duplex up unit has a top floor zen oasis designed by renowned Japanese architect Masami Takayama (who designed the Sears Tower and Hotel Nikko).

It has a retractable wall of windows in the master suite with a private terrace and water garden as well as a zen oasis.

You could live in the owners unit and rent out the other three units which have vintage features including fireplaces, crown moldings and sun rooms.

The listing also says it’s zoned RM-5:

LOTS OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS HERE: TURN-KEY PROPERTY PROVIDES STABLE INCOME STREAM FROM CLASSICALLY DETAILED VINTAGE APARTMENTS IN HIGH DEMAND ALCOTT SCHOOL DISTRICT OR RE-BUILD INTO MODERN CONDOS

The building also has coin laundry.

Originally listed at $2,947,747 in August 2018, it has been reduced $500,000 to $2,497,747.

Given the prime East Lincoln Park location, will this building be torn down for more “new” million dollar condos?

Michael Rosenblum at BerkshireHathaway KoenigRubloff has the listing. See the pictures and floor plans here.

2737 N. Hampden: 10 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, 4 units

• Sold in 1993 (no price listed)
• Originally listed in August 2018 for $2,947,747
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2,497,747
• Taxes of $30,120
• Central air in the owners unit
• 2 onsite private garages and 1 exterior parking space
• Unit #1: 1/1 garden unit rented at $1350 a month
• Unit #2: 3/2, 2500 square feet, rented at $4150 a month
• Unit #3: 3/2, 2500 square feet, rented at $3525 a month
• Unit #4: 3/3, 3500 square feet, owners unit, rented at $8,000 a month, zen oasis
• Gross Rental Income: $209,400
• Gross: $40,516
• Coin laundry in the building although 3 of the units appear to have washer/dryer in the unit

This 3-bedroom in Three Sixty West at 360 W. Erie in River North came on the market in February 2018.

This is a new construction building by Belgravia with 38 units and a parking garage.

It has a fitness center, yoga, lounge and dog run but no doorman.

This unit has 10 foot ceilings and floor to ceiling windows.

The kitchen has white modern cabinets with Subzero and Wolf appliances and a 11 foot island.

There’s a separate laundry room.

The unit also has a 13 foot private balcony.

The listing doesn’t say if garage parking comes with the unit or if it’s extra.

At 1735 square feet, this unit is listed for $1,174,900.

This building is one of many that have been built in the last few years downtown with large condo units priced over $1 million that were meant for families.

The listing says the building is 70% sold.

Can they sell all these million dollar condos before the next recession?

Elizabeth Brooks at Belgravia has the listings. See the pictures here.

Unit #6B: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1735 square feet

• New construction
• Originally listed in February 2018 at $1,140,900
• Price raised
• Currently listed at $1,174,900 (garage parking included?)
• Assessments of $475 a month (includes gas, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, fitness room)
• Taxes are “new”
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×14
• Bedroom #2: 11×12
• Bedroom #3: 11×10
• Living room: 12×17
• Dining room: 11×13
• Laundry room: 7×6
• Terrace: 13×7

This 2-bedroom in Contemporaine at 201 W. Grand in River North came on the market in July 2019.

Built in 2004, it has 28 units and a parking garage. It’s not a full service building, however, and doesn’t have a doorman.

This unit has floor to ceiling wrap around windows with south and east views along with exposed concrete ceilings and hardwood floors.

The third bedroom has been converted into a master dressing room with custom finishes and built-ins for a huge master suite which also has built-in storage and an en suite bath (and was already converted in the last sale in 2016.)

The kitchen has gray cabinets with gold Waterworks fixtures, a Miele cooktop, a Subzero wine cooler and a built-in banquette, “as well as fabulous book-matched, Calacatta Gold marble.”

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in an actual laundry room, and 2 garage spaces are available for $30,000 each.

This unit also has a balcony which is large enough for an outdoor sofa.

Contemporaine was the hottest modern building around when it first launched in 2004. But since then, a dozen or more modern mid-rises have also been built in River North and other downtown neighborhoods.

This unit came on the market in July 2019 at the same price as the 2016 sale: at $1.1 million.

It has since been reduced and is now listed $60,000 below the 2016 price (if you buy both parking spaces) at $980,000.

Was 2016 peak prices?

Ashley Cox at d’aprile properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #502: 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, no square footage listed but in the 2016 listing it said 1800 square feet

• Sold in January 2004 for $828,000 (included 2 parking spaces)
• Sold in September 2007 for $950,000 (included 2 parking spaces)
• Sold in July 2016 for $1.1 million (included 2 parking spaces)
• Originally listed in July 2019 for $1.1 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $980,000 (2 parking spaces at $30,000 each)
• Assessments of $1114 a month (includes heat, a/c, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $17,652
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Balcony
• Bedroom #1: 17×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Walk-in-closet: 17×10
• Living room: 17×16
• Dining room: 13×13
• Kitchen: 13×9
• Breakfast room with built-in banquette: 10×7
• Laundry room: 4×7