Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom penthouse in 60 W. Erie in River North just came on the market.

This is a boutique building that was designed by Lucien Lagrange and has only 24 units and garage parking.

It was constructed in 2003-2004.

This penthouse has unobstructed 240-degree city views from both a private top floor terrace and other balconies.

The unit has a double tray ceiling, an antique Italian stone fireplace and 10 inch custom crown molding.

The listing says the floors range from Brazilian walnut hardwood, French limestone, granite and marble.

Do you hate cold feet in the kitchen in the morning?

It has heated kitchen floors as well as white Ultracraft cabinets, quartzite countertops, and luxury appliances including Subzero refrigerator, Viking stove, Miele dishwasher and microwave.

There’s also a master suite with a walk-in closet. The master bath has heated floors.

The other two bedrooms are en suite.

This is an unusual duplex in that there is no internal staircase. You have to take the elevator, from the private elevator vestibule.

The second floor has a sunroom, a powder room and a wet bar along with the 40×14 private south facing terrace.

The square footage listed provides the main floor at 3300 square feet with the second floor at 429 square feet, with most of it being the terrace, for a total of 3,729 square feet.

The listing says the unit is in the Ogden Elementary school district.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and comes with a coveted 3-parking spaces.

Despite its size, this is a doorman building and also has an exercise room.

In a year with penthouses starting over $3 million, is this a rare “affordable” River North high rise penthouse?

Bruce Glazer and Nicole Betti have the listing. See the pictures and the interesting floor plan here.

Unit #PH: 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, 3,729 square feet

• Sold in March 2004 for $1.975 million (included 2 parking spaces)- I’m not sure where Redfin gets the 2009 sale as the CCRD doesn’t show it
• Currently listed for $2.25 million (includes 3 parking spaces)
• Assessments of $2,854 a month (includes gas, doorman, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal
• Taxes of $29,824
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×11 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 12×12 (main level)
• Laundry room: 8×8 (main level)
• Kitchen: 21×15
• Sunroom: 14×11 (second level)
• Terrace: 39×12 (second level)

I’ll be on vacation on the beach in the Caribbean this week, so there won’t be any new posts.

Please try and behave yourselves while I’m away.

I don’t know about you, but it seems really quiet this spring.

There simply isn’t much inventory coming on the market outside of million dollar luxury units.

Anything priced under $500,000 is going under contract pretty quickly, unless they’re asking an unrealistically high price on it for the features and neighborhood.

And what about higher mortgage rates?

Even though they’ve spiked to start the year, they have since stabilized and haven’t yet breached the 5% level. That’s still historically low.

If you’re out there looking to buy, what’s your strategy?

See you on the 26th!

This 4-bedroom penthouse in Aqua Tower at 225 N. Columbus Drive in Lakeshore East just came on the market.

Aqua was built in 2009 and has both apartments and condos.

There are 270 condo units along with a parking garage.

It’s a full service building with a large exercise room, a billiards room, a half basketball court, a rooftop deck, and both indoor and outdoor pools.

This unit is on the 81st floor which is a top floor penthouse floor.

It has floor-to-ceiling windows that are south facing over a balcony that extends the length of the unit.

Those windows have Lutron motorized remote controlled blinds.

The unit has crown molding, millwork and a gas fireplace.

The kitchen has white Plain and Fancy cabinets with a 48″ Subzero refrigerator, a Subzero wine cooler, Miele dishwasher and Wolf range with double ovens.

The counter tops are Calacatta gold marble, including on the 13 foot island.

The master suite has a walk-in closet finished by Closet Works.

The master bath has a Mosaic marble shower, Airbath Jacuzzi tub and the same Calacatta gold marble counter tops as the kitchen.

It has a laundry room, central air and 2 parking spaces are available for extra cost.

At 3,000 square feet, and with the rare set-up of 4 bedrooms, is this an ideal high rise family home?

Jennifer Ames at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures and the floor plan here.

Unit #8108: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3000 square feet

• Sold in April 2013 for $1,731,000 (looks like it included 2 parking spaces)
• Currently listed for $3,750,000 (parking is “available”)
• Assessments of $2557 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, Internet, exercise room, pools, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $35,920
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×15
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Bedroom #3: 13×14
• Bedroom #4: 17×13
• Walk-in closet: 9×12
• Laundry room: 9×6

This vintage 3-bedroom duplex down at 913 W. Belle Plaine in the Buena Park neighborhood of Uptown came on the market in February 2018.

This is a 6-unit building with outdoor parking that was converted into condos during the condo craze of 2007-2008.

This unit has 9 1/2 foot ceilings and custom plantation shutters.

It has 7 1/4 inch crown molding, wainscoting and hardwood wide plank cherry floors.

The kitchen has 42 inch cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances along with an island.

There’s one bedroom on the main floor with two in the lower level.

The master suite has a spa bath with a double vanity and a steam/rain shower.

There’s also a family room in the lower level.

The listing says there was all new electrical, plumbing, windows and roof “when rehabbed”, which would have been in 2007.

There’s central air, side-by-side washer/dryer and one outdoor parking space.

Originally listed for $550,000 in February 2018, it has been reduced $5,100 to $544,900.

But this is still higher than the 2008 sales price of $489,000.

Has Buena Park recovered fully from the housing bust?

Dorothy Wulf at Keller Williams Lincoln Park has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1W: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2500 square feet, duplex down

• Sold in January 2008 for $489,000
• Originally listed in February 2018 for $550,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $544,900 (includes one outdoor parking space)
• Assessments of $300 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $10,022
• Central Air
• Side-by-side Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 12×15 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 14×11 (lower level)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 6×3 (main level)
• Family room: 20×13 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom at 506 W. Roscoe in East Lakeview came on the market in February 2018.

This is a 9 unit elevator building that was built in 2004 and has garage parking.

The listing says this 2,000 square foot unit was the builder model and has been upgraded.

The master suite has his and her walk-in closets and a master bath with a walk-in marble shower, dual vanities and a Jacuzzi tub.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, black granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and the listing says “unique” lighting.

There’s a 20×10 balcony.

This unit also has 2 indoor parking spots with direct elevator access to the unit.

The listing also says the unit has its own a/c and heating controls.

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

The property is located just steps to the Lake Shore underpass which gives you access to the Lake front.

It’s difficult to find new or newer construction in East Lakeview as it was the first area in the neighborhood that was developed so most construction is vintage.

Buyers love big 3-bedroom units.

Is this a good single family home alternative in this popular neighborhood?

George Ayling at Select-a-Fee RE System has the listing. See the pictures here.

Or go to the open house on Saturday, March 17 or Sunday, March 18 from 12 to 2PM.

Unit #202: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2000 square feet

• Sold in December 2004 for $595,000
• Currently listed for $857,888 (includes 2 garage parking spaces)
• Assessments of $479 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $10,778
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Bedroom #3: 11×11
• Family room: 19×16

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

Contemporaine is a 28 unit building and parking garage that was constructed in 2004.

It won architectural awards and is often considered one of the top modern condo buildings downtown.

This full floor unit has only had one owner.

It has some unique features including a 27 foot glass atrium living room.

The listing calls the kitchen “high end.” It has modern dark cabinets and luxury stainless steel appliances along with a wine refrigerator.

The third bedroom has been opened to the living/dining/kitchen space and is now a study.

There’s some finished ceilings and some concrete ceilings throughout the unit along with floor to ceiling windows.

A second unique feature is the 8×54 private landscaped terrace with city views.

There’s a master suite with a walk-in closet and a large bathroom with dual vanities.

The building doesn’t have a doorman but there’s a private elevator access.

A question I always have is, where do all the package deliveries go? In a room off the lobby? Or what? Many buildings actually log in packages now but that takes staff.

There’s washer/dryer in the unit, central air and 2 parking spaces are available for $100,000, or $50,000 each.

When you think of a downtown penthouse, is this the type of property what fits the bill?

Mary Hanburger at Conlon has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #PH1: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, penthouse

• Sold in April 2005 for $1.425 million (included 2 parking spots)
• Currently listed for $1.999 million (2 parking spots are $50,000 each)
• Assessments of $1973 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $29,874
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 12×20
• Bedroom #2: 10×7
• Bedroom #3 (now a study): 14×16
• Dining room: 10×19
• Terrace: 8×54

This 2-bedroom duplex loft at 1000 W. Diversey Parkway in Lakeview recently came on the market.

This is one of the penthouse units, but it doesn’t have outdoor space.

It does have 17 foot ceilings with exposed brick and ductwork.

Because of the tall ceilings, a second story was added with a spiral AND a regular staircase.

The master bedroom is on the main level and has a fireplace and an en suite bathroom with heated floors, a Jacuzzi and a full body shower.

The second bedroom is on the second floor along with a big lofted space.

According to the listing, this loft was rehabbed in 2014.

The kitchen has teak modern cabinets and a big island with waterfall quartz counter tops.

It has stainless steel appliances as well as a wine fridge.

From the pictures in the listing in 2013 and 2016, it appears that the half bath is the only part of the loft that hasn’t been renovated.

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

If you love Starbucks, this loft is right above the big Starbucks at Diversey and Sheffield.

The Diversey Brown Line El stop is also just a half a block away for a quick commute.

This unit last sold just 2 years ago, in 2016.

It has come back on the market for 4.9% higher than the 2016 sale, at $489,900.

Will it get the premium?

Litsa Lekatsos at Re/Max Suburban has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3A: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1900 square feet

• Sold in November 2013 for $303,500
• Sold in October 2016 for $467,000
• Currently listed for $489,900 (includes the heated garage parking)
• Assessments of $394 a month (includes security system, exterior maintenance, scavenger, and snow removal)
• Taxes of $6737
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 23×11 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 20×16 (second floor)
• Loft: 16×10 (second floor)

This 1-bedroom in the Grand Ohio at 211 E. Ohio in Streeterville just came on the market.

The Grand Ohio has 598 units.

It was an apartment building that was converted into condos in the early 2000s.

This unit is on the 5th floor and faces south.

The listing says the unit has been “completely renovated.”

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The bedroom has a barn door.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has dark cabinets with stainless steel appliances, a custom backsplash and what looks like stone counter tops.

There’s also a combo washer/dryer unit in the kitchen.

There are just a few units on this floor but all of them have bricked walled private terraces.

This unit has a 500 square foot patio with a two story brick wall on one end. It also has outdoor electrical outlets.

The Grand Ohio is a full service building with an indoor pool, a sauna and steam room, an exercise room, tennis courts and rare basketball and racquetball courts.

There’s parking in the building both for rent and for purchase.

It has come on the market at $295,000, which is an affordable price point for the neighborhood.

If you’re a fan of outdoor space, and on a limited budget, is this property a dream come true?

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

Unit #516: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2002 for $220,000 (per Redfin because the CCRD is “down” again. Sigh)
• Sold in September 2006 for $283,000 (per Redfin)
• Currently listed for $295,000
• Assessments of $448 a month (includes cable, Internet, doorman, health club, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, tennis courts, basketball court, racquetball court, exterior maintenance, snow removal, scavenger)
• Taxes of $3687
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer combo in the unit
• Bedroom: 14×11
• Living room: 15×13
• Kitchen: 13×7
• Patio: 27×15

This 3-bedroom top floor loft in 154 W. Hubbard in River North came on the market in February 2018.

Some of you may remember it from our 2015 chatter.

Back then, it was under contract within a week even though it was listed for 22% more than the seller had paid just 22 months earlier.

You can see our chatter here.

If you recall, this building was converted into 18 luxury lofts by Studio Dwell just as the market bust was beginning to hit in 2008.

This loft has many authentic loft features including the original industrial windows, 14-15 foot ceilings, exposed brick and timber ceilings.

The kitchen has custom Italian cabinetry with an oversized island and Viking, Jenn Air, Bosch appliances.

The master bathroom has a steam and rain shower.

There’s also a side-by-side washer/dryer in the separate laundry room.

But the big selling feature is the 1500 square foot private roof top deck with a covered outdoor gourmet kitchen. The deck also has an exterior television.

It has central air and 1-car garage parking is included.

The loft sold in December 2015 for $1.54 million.

It has come back on the market at 10.1% higher, at $1.695 million.

But it has competition. The “sister” penthouse, Unit #603 next door, is also on the market.

That listing says it was remodeled in 2017. But it too has a 1500 square foot rooftop deck with an outdoor kitchen.

It’s listed at $1.750 million. You can see those pictures here.

What’s the demand for not just one, but two, 3-bedroom lofts with rooftop decks in River North?

Kevin Wood at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #601: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2284 square feet

• Sold in September 2008 for $1,010,000
• Sold in November 2013 for $1,225,000
• Was listed in September 2015 for $1,495,000
• Sold in December 2015 for $1,540,000 (included parking)
• Originally listed in February 2018 for $1.695 million (includes the parking)
• Currently still listed at $1.695 million
• Assessments are still $470 a month (includes water, snow removal, scavenger and exterior maintenance)
• Taxes are now $23,472 (they were $14804 in September 2015)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• 1-car garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 14×14
• Bedroom #2: 10×14
• Bedroom #3: 14×11

This 1-bedroom in 2020 N. Lincoln Park West in Lincoln Park just came on the market.

The listing says it’s a corner unit with 45 feet of wall to wall windows and a balcony that faces the park.

It has diagonal hardwood floors and 2 new HVAC units.

The kitchen has modern white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a glass backsplash.

The listing says it has an updated bathroom with glass shower doors.

There’s no washer/dryer in the unit but there’s coin laundry in the building.

There is attached garage parking for $200 a month.

This is a full amenity building with an outdoor pool, a sauna and tennis courts. The HOA also includes heat, central air and the Internet.

But this building is also known for its views.

The listing photos for this unit show the various views which includes the lake, during the air show and at sun rise, Lincoln Park, in both summer and in all its winter white glory, and of the Chicago skyline, with its views of the Hancock and Willis Tower.

If you love views, is this one of the best in the entire city in terms of having parks, water and skyline?

Linda Breedlove at Berkshire Hathaway KoenigRubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #11G: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in April 2011 for $326,000 (per Redfin as the CCRD was “down” again)
• Currently listed for $399,900
• Assessments of $827 a month (includes heat, a/c, cable including premium channels, Internet, pool, doorman, tennis courts, gym, yoga, sauna, Jacuzzi, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $5572
• Garage parking available for $200 a month
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Coin laundry in the building
• Bedroom: 17×11
• Living room: 24×13
• Kitchen: 10×10