Crib Chatter

Crain’s Dennis Rodkin reports on the “phantom” gold coast building at 1447 N. Dearborn Parkway, that has seemingly been mostly empty since as far back as 1990.

We even chattered about the building ourselves in 2015 (although I used 1445 N. Dearborn as the address, instead of 1447.)

Some of you posted the permits for the building over the years. I thank you.

See our 2015 chatter here.

Crain’s reports that the building has been sold for $10 million and WILL be converted into condos.

As sold, it was just 8 condos with 18 garage parking spaces.

From Crain’s:

“The gorgeousness of the exterior, the brick and limestone,” is all well cared for, O’Malley said. Built sometime before 1925, it was originally a 50-room long-term-stay hotel called Dearborn Manor, a name that lasted at least until the late 1950s, according to archived Chicago Tribune rental ads.

When the building went on the market in the fall, O’Malley said, at least 60 potential buyers toured it, and he was blanketed with questions by passersby. “I’d be at the front gate,” he said, “and people walking by would ask me, ‘What’s going on with the building?'”

Apparently, the new buyer, who is a real estate developer who lives in the Gold Coast, isn’t going to make major changes.

Dohmen said he’ll keep the present eight-unit configuration and finish the units to what he called “an ultra-luxury level” befitting the neighborhood. The finishes and size, he said, will appeal to “people who want to downsize to the Gold Coast.”

The units should be available in mid-2026, Dohmen said. He declined to say what prices he’ll be asking at the time.

The building’s historical stature is slightly misleading, Dohmen said, because much of it was rebuilt in 2010, the result of the street-facing west side collapsing in 2005 when Brown’s firm was rehabbing it into condos. The city issued a stop-work order, according to Chicago Tribune reports. Later, Brown rebuilt the facade, largely duplicating its original look.

In essence, “it’s a brand-new building from 2010,” Dohmen said.

New condos in the Gold Coast are rare.

Will these sell quickly next year when they come on the market?

This 3-bedroom penthouse at 416 W. Deming in East Lincoln Park came on the market in July 2024.

416 W. Deming is a Booth Hanson designed building with 13 units stretching across several addresses. Built in 2014, it has garage parking and elevators.

This top floor unit is all on one level except for the rooftop deck.

Designed by “luxury lifestyle design group” Soucie Horner it has “custom features” including walls of glass, brick and stone.

There are custom wood built-ins including bookcases and storage.

The unit has a massive living, dining and family room.

There’s a den or office.

The kitchen is open and bespoke with custom blue cabinets, stone and wood counter tops including an island with seating for 4.

It has wine storage and a bar.

Each bedroom has balcony access.

The primary bedroom has a massive custom walk-in-closet and a “luxe stone spa bath” with double vanities.

The unit has a powder room.

But the big selling feature is the 3000 square foot private rooftop deck with lpe wood, a tranquil water feature, astro turf, fire pits, a shower, multiple seating areas, a pergola and an outdoor kitchen with television.

It is also fully landscaped with trees and planters.

This penthouse has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 3-car parking is included.

It is located steps away from Lincoln Park, the Zoo, and is near the shops and restaurants of Clark and Diversey and all of East Lincoln Park.

The unit overlooks the private park of Lincoln Park 2520.

Originally listed in July 2024 for $3.695 million, it has reduced $700,000 to $2.995 million.

Is this a deal for the East Lincoln Park location?

Jeff Lowe at Compass has the listing. See the pictures, video and floor plan here.

Unit #4: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3430 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in June 2014 for $1.875 million
• Sold in August 2017 for $2.425 million
• Originally listed in July 2024 for $3.695 million
• Reduced several times
• Re-listed in March 2025 for $2.995 million
• Assessments of $1426 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $47,472
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 3-car garage parking included
• Outdoor kitchen
• Water feature
• Bedroom #1: 23×13
• Bedroom #2: 17×13
• Bedroom #3: 13×10
• Foyer: 19×6
• Dining room: 14×14
• Family room: 15×14
• Kitchen: 21×15
• Living room: 20×19
• Dine: 17×15
• Walk-in-closet: 21×10
• Laundry: 16×10
• Balcony: 37×5
• Rooftop Deck: 79×48

This 2-bedroom duplex up penthouse in 201 E. Chestnut in Streeterville came on the market in February 2025.

201 E. Chestnut was built in 1969 and has 120 units. It’s a full service building with a doorman, an exercise room, a bike room and an indoor pool.

There is valet rental parking available.

If this unit looks familiar, that’s because we last chattered about it in June 2020. If you recall, this penthouse has a rare wood burning fireplace.

Back in 2020, many of you noted that the unit needed “significant updates.”

See our chatter here.

The unit finally sold in 2023.

Was someone reading our chatter? It has come back on the market “reimagined” with “over $180,000 in upgrades.”

If you recall, this penthouse has 17 foot ceilings with a wall of windows which looks north and east and has lake views.

The parquet floors on the main floor have been “refinished.” There is new carpet on the second floor.

The kitchen has been “completely renovated” with all new Bertazzoni appliances, porcelain slab countertops, custom cabinetry in wood and cream, and a breakfast bar with seating for three.

There is no dining room.

However there is a “stately” wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The second bedroom, with french doors, is on the main floor and has an en suite bathroom, along with a private 8×11 terrace.

The primary suite is on the second floor. The listing says the en suite bathroom is “fully renovated.”

The unit also has a lofted space overlooking the living room that could be used as a den or office.

The unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available for $240 a month.

201 E. Chestnut is near the Mag Mile, shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast, the John Hancock, Oak Street Beach and numerous bus lines.

This unit sold in December 2023 for $560,000 and was renovated. It came back on the market in February 2025 for $749,000, and has been reduced $10,000.

Will they get the premium with the kitchen and bathroom renovations?

Maureen Mobarak and Emily Sachs Wong at @properties Christie’s have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #24C: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1570 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in September 1985 for $230,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in June 2005 for $575,000
• Sold in December 2023 for $560,000 (per Redfin)
• Originally listed in February 2025 for $749,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $739,000
• Assessments are now $2062 a month (they were $1514 a month in June 2020) (includes doorman, exercise room, indoor pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are now $13,584 (they were $11,410 in June 2020)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Valet parking available for $240 a month (it was $185 a month in June 2020)
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 17×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 19×18 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×11 (main floor)
• Den: 13×11 (second floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 5×7 (main floor)
• Terrace: 11×8 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom in the John Hancock at 175 E. Delaware in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2024.

Yes, I’m still calling it the Hancock even though the name has been removed. It will forever be named this, naming rights be damned. But it’s been years, and still no one dares to “rename” it.

Built in 1970, it has 703 units and commercial space at the base. It has attached rental garage parking.

It’s a city within the city as the building is full of amenities including a grocery store, USPS office, an indoor pool, a fitness room, 24-hour door staff, onsite maintenance and management, and coin laundry rooms.

The building now allows in-unit washer/dryers.

This unit is a high floor southwest corner which the listing says has “rare extra tall ceilings.”

There are hardwood parquet floors throughout and custom built-ins.

There is a wall which separates the living room and dining room which the listing says could be removed (is it original?).

The kitchen has brown cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

The primary bedroom is en suite with dual sinks, soaking tub and separate shower along with a walk-in-closet.

The third bedroom has been opened to the living room and acts as a “cozy den or office.”

This unit does not have central air but has wall cooling.

It also doesn’t have a washer/dryer but the listing says the washer/dryer can be “added in multiple locations” in the unit.

Garage parking is leased in the building for $385 a month.

In the base of the building there is a Cheesecake Factory, Benihana and Starbucks, along with a Chase Bank. It is next to the Mag Mile and surrounded by restaurants and shops.

There are multiple bus lines nearby.

Originally listed in April 2024 for $625,000, this unit has been under contract twice, but has now been reduced $66,000 to $559,000.

Is this a deal for 1800 square feet in the Hancock or is the lack of an open floor plan what is hurting the sale of the unit?

Jenny Ames at Engel & Voelkers has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #7511: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet

• I couldn’t find a prior purchase price
• Originally listed in April 2024 for $625,000
• Contingent twice
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $559,000
• Assessments of $1805 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, scavenger, snow removal, bike room, party room)
• Taxes of $13,446
• No central air but wall cooling
• No washer/dryer in the unit but can be installed
• Garage parking is available in the building for $385 a month
• Bedroom #1: 20×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×12
• Bedroom #3: 18×10
• Living room: 19×17
• Dining room: 10×17
• Kitchen: 9×10
• Foyer: 14×5

This 2-bedroom loft in a converted church at 1658 W. Superior in West Town came on the market in March 2025.

I’m not sure when this church was built but it was converted to 14 loft condos in 2000. It has “secured” parking.

I’m not sure if it has an elevator in the building or not.

We have chattered about this building several times over the years, going back to 2008. One of you called it “the coolest.”

And it is.

It has kept most of its original features including the huge stained glass church windows.

This 2-bedroom loft has one of those windows along with 30 foot ceilings.

It also has exposed brick and ductwork along with refinished hardwood floors, solid oak doors and trim.

The living room and dining room are a combination with a gas fireplace.

It leads to a private balcony with room for a grill.

The kitchen has 42 inch white cabinets (the listing says maple but they’ve been painted), with granite counter tops, a breakfast bar, a walk-in-pantry, and stainless steel appliances. It is open to the living/dining room combination.

One bedroom is on the main floor and has exposed brick and two windows.

The primary suite is on the second floor and is open to the living room below. It does not have a window but faces directly into the stained glass church window in the living room. It has carpet.

It also has an en suite bathroom with a bathtub and separate walk-in-shower.

This loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit, and 2 secured parking spots, including one covered.

The listing says this loft is steps from Chicago Avenue’s restaurants, bars and coffee shops. It says it is a “short walk” to both Division and Chicago L stops. There are also bus lines nearby.

Listed at $699,999, is this a dream unit for church loft lovers?

Mary Nichols at Harkins & Associates has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #8: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet, loft

• Sold in May 2000 for $295,000
• Sold in June 2004 for $334,000
• Sold in April 2012 for $331,500
• Currently listed at $699,999
• Assessments of $611 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,699
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 secured parking spots included, one covered
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12 (main floor)
• Living/dining room: 30×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 11×8 (main floor)
• Terrace: 12×7 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom at 3505 N. Janssen in the Southport neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in March 2025.

If this building looks familiar, that’s because we have chattered about it in the past but you have to go back to 2011.

Built in 1921, it was fully rehabbed in 2007 during the housing bubble into 4 units. There is garage parking behind the building and extra storage.

In our last chatter in 2011, one person named RCheli was disappointed that they had stripped out all the vintage features in the rehab.

Also, homedelete was commenting about a crib in one of the bedrooms.

If you look at the last three sales, including the current listing, there are cribs in the bedroom.

This site is living up to its name again. Lol.

See our 2011 chatter here.

This unit has tree top views and west facing light in the living/dining room combination.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining room and has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, what looks like granite countertops, a breakfast bar that seats 4, and a tile backsplash.

There are hardwood floors throughout the unit, including in the bedrooms. Are those cherry?

There’s a fireplace in the living room.

The listing says it has “new windows.”

The two bathrooms have been “beautifully renovated” with white subway tiles.

There is a true primary suite, which can be rare in vintage units, with an organized closet and a “fully updated” en suite bathroom with dual vanities and walk-in-shower.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and an assigned garage space included.

It also has a private back deck which is accessed through the hallway, and not a bedroom.

This building is in a prime location in central Southport. It’s near all the shops and restaurants on Southport and is just “blocks” from the Southport Brown line el stop.

This property last sold during the COVID mania in March 2022 for $636,000. It has come back on the market just 3 years later at $675,000.

The agent is hosting two open houses: first one is today, Friday, March 7, 2025 from 2:30 to 3:30 and the second on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm.

The only other competition in the Southport Corridor is this 2/2 at 3539 N. Southport for $635,000.

See those pictures here. You can also go to that Open House on Saturday, March 8, from 11 am to 1 pm.

What price would you bid if you really wanted this property?

Liz Prassas Licata at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in April 2007 for $525,000
• Sold in April 2011 for $470,000
• Sold in December 2018 for $537,000
• Sold in March 2022 for $636,000
• Currently listed at $675,000
• Assessments of $239 a month (includes security, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,997
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Gas fireplace

This 3-bedroom loft at 223 W Lake in the Loop came on the market (again) in December 2024.

Some of you may remember this building, which we chattered about in 2017 when the lofts were first listed for sale.

You can see that chatter here.

If you recall, there are 8 lofts in this industrial building which was built in 1895.

These units have all the features that loft lovers look for including tall reclaimed wood ceilings between 11.4 and 14.5 feet, exposed brick walls and iron and glass double paned window as the El line runs right in front of the building.

These lofts are all 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths. There are 2 units per floor, one facing north (towards the El) and one facing south (towards office buildings).

The 2 penthouse units each have private rooftop terraces.

They have oversized black frame windows.

They have chef kitchens with white modern white cabinets, Wolf and Subzero appliances, quartz counter tops and islands.

The bathrooms are also in the modern style.

There are white oak engineered hardwood floors throughout.

Each loft has a private elevator entry. The building has a heated garage but no doorman.

This block of Lake contains several historic brick buildings, including Monk’s Pub, one of the oldest restaurants in the loop. Monk’s survived the pandemic.

This 3-bedroom has 2700 square feet.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and secure underground parking.

Back in 2017, these lofts ranged in price from $1.48 million to $2.34 million.

They have come back on the market at a lower price ranging from $1.15 million to $1.55 million.

8 years later, is this a better market to try again on these lofts?

Kacia Snyder at Jameson Sotheby’s now has the listings. See the pictures here.

Unit #3N: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2700 square feet, loft

• New construction
• Originally listed in December 2024 for $1.199 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.15 million
• Assessments of $936 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes are “new”
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Underground parking included
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 26×14
• Bedroom #3: 10×12
• Living room: 26×13
• Dining room: 21×14
• Kitchen: 17×13
• Bar: 13×13
• Walk-in-closet: 5×7
• Foyer: 6×8
• Laundry: 6×6

This 2-bedroom loft in the Pac Lofts at 1735 N. Paulina in Bucktown came on the market in February 2025.

The Pac Lofts has 95 units and attached garage parking. It was converted into lofts in 2007.

The building has a shared rooftop deck, a gym, a common party room, a bike room and storage. It does not have door staff.

The listing described the history of the building:

This building is a part of Chicago’s heritage, having been built originally in 1908 as the Felt and Tarrant Manufacturing Company, which created Comptometers, one of the original calculators. It was then turn into the Paulina Arts Center in the 1980s to home some undiscovered and talented artists of the time.

This is a “rare” top-floor corner loft with 14-foot concrete ceilings, exposed ductwork, and exposed brick and concrete walls.

The listing says it has no adjacent units.

There is natural light on 3 sides as the living room and primary suite are on corners.

The loft has hardwood floors in the living room and kitchen and the bedrooms are carpeted.

The kitchen is open concept with dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island with seating for four, and what looks like granite counter tops.

There’s no dining room.

The primary suite is en suite and the bathroom has dual vanities and a shower with a separate tub.

The second bedroom has a window.

The loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one indoor parking space is included.

It does not have a full balcony but there is a juliette balcony off the living room.

This building is near Walsh Park and the 606 Trail as well as the shops and restaurants on North Avenue and in Bucktown like Club Lucky. It’s a few blocks to the Clybourn Metra station and the listing says its a 10-minute walk to the Damen blue line.

There are only 31 properties for sale in Bucktown right now at all price points. This is the only unit available in the Pac Lofts.

At the current asking price of $590,000, at 1100 square feet, it is priced at $536 a square foot.

It appears that this is the first time it’s been on the market since 2008.

Will they get their price?

Brian Malmquist at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here (couldn’t find a floor plan).

Unit #604: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1100 square feet, loft

• Sold in July 2008 for $365,000
• Originally listed in February 2025 for $590,000
• Currently still listed for $590,000
• Assessments of $681 a month (includes exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9234
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Indoor parking included
• Bedroom #1: 15×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×11
• Living room: 15×14
• Kitchen: 12×11
• Juliette balcony

This 2-bedroom duplex up penthouse at 549 W. Belden in Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2025.

Built in 1894, 549 W. Belden has 20 units. There’s no parking and there is no elevator.

It appears it may have been converted into condos in 1987.

The listing says that no dogs are allowed.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we last chattered about it in 2012. We also chattered about its twin, #4FW, in 2021.

See our 2012 chatter here.

This unit is on the top floor, which is the 4th floor.

It has some of its original vintage charm including a wood burning fireplace in the living room, stained glass windows, and intricate moldings.

In the pictures from other listings, it appears that the original wood moldings around the windows have been painted white since the last sale.

The listing says it has “elegant parquet hardwood floors.”

The kitchen is open to the living and dining room, which is unusual for vintage units.

The listing says the kitchen and bathroom have had recent “updates.”

The kitchen has white cabinets, a custom backsplash, an island with seating for two, stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.

The bedrooms have bay windows and are carpeted.

There is a black spiral staircase in the living room leading up to a loft space which the listing says could be a home office, reading nook, or creative studio.

There is small ladder from the lofted space which leads to the private roof deck with city views.

The listing calls it an “oasis in the sky.”

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit but there’s no parking with the building.

549 W. Belden is “steps” from Oz Park, Target, and the shops and restaurants in central Lincoln Park. It is near bus lines on Clark.

Back in 2012, many of you thought this unit wouldn’t sell for more than $350,000. It sold for $430,000 in 2015.

It last sold in the hot pandemic market of 2021 for $400,000.

It has come back on the market at $499,000.

Will it get the premium with only 121 properties available at all price points in Lincoln Park?

Kelly Parker and Crosby Downey at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4FE: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, no square footage listed, duplex up

• Sold in 1987, no price listed
• Sold in November 1991 for $192,000
• Sold in August 2015 for $430,000
• Sold in March 2021 for $400,000
• Originally listed in February 2025 for $499,000
• Currently listed at $499,000
• Assessments of $375 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7655
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×12
• Bedroom #2: 18×10
• Living room: 19×13
• Dining room: 11×7
• Kitchen: 10×8
• Loft: 7×5 (second floor)
• Deck: 15×15 (second floor)

This studio in the Vic Lofts at 3150 N. Sheffield in Lakeview came on the market in February 2025.

The Vic Lofts was built in 1929 and converted into lofts in 2005, during the housing bubble. It has 54 units.

There is no doorman. The building has a sundeck, bike room, and laundry room.

This studio has some loft features including 14 foot concrete ceilings and exposed duct work.

It has herringbone hardwood floors throughout.

This studio loft also has a clever built-in sleeping alcove. The listing doesn’t say if it fits a full or queen bed.

There’s room for a desk/work space under the sleeping alcove.

The kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances with a dishwasher and built-in microwave.

It has some features that buyers look for including central air. There’s no in-unit washer/dryer and no parking. However, there is leased parking available next door.

This building is in a prime location if you are car-less. It is steps away from the Belmont subway stop and buses drive past the building. It is also surrounded by the shops and restaurants on Belmont and in central Lakeview and you can walk to Wrigley Field.

Listed at $259,800, if a buyer puts down 10%, or $25,980, Redfin tells me it has a monthly payment of $2309 with a 7% 30-year fixed mortgage. That includes the PMI, HOA, insurance and taxes.

With rental prices at new highs, is this loft a good alternative?

Anna Schreck and Penny Stratigos at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #612: studio loft, no square footage listed

• Sold in August 2007 for $170,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in February 2009
• Sold in November 2009 for $120,000
• Listed in February 2025 for $259,800
• Assessments of $260 a month (includes snow removal, exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $2892
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Coin laundry in the building
• No parking but rental available next door
• Living room: 15×10
• Kitchen: 8×8