Crib Chatter

This 4-bedroom at 411 W. Briar in East Lakeview came on the market in July 2017.

The pre-war building, at the corner of Briar and Sheridan, was constructed in 1914 and has 15 units.

There’s no parking with the building, as cars were not widely owned when it was built.

This unit has west and north exposures.

It has some of its vintage features including a wood burning fireplace, a 50 foot gallery with barreled ceilings, and crown molding.

It has a sunroom and a grand entry foyer.

The kitchen has recently been renovated by a professional designer. It has custom wood cabinets, marble countertops, a farm sink, and Liehberr, Wolf, and Miele appliances.

The master bedroom suite also has a gut renovated bathroom with marble finishes.

The listing says the second bathroom has also been renovated. Only the third one appears to have its older finishes.

The unit has hardwood floors throughout.

It has in-unit washer/dryer but no central air.

The listing also says its in the Nettlehorst school district.

Three bedroom condos have been in high demand as being family friendly.

Will this 4-bedroom unit sell quickly simply due to all of its bedrooms?

Steven Acoba at Keller Williams has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #D2: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2600 square feet

• Sold in September 1991 for $205,000
• Sold in July 1998 for $325,000
• Sold in August 2011 for $366,500
• Currently listed for $699,000
• Assessments of $1072 a month (includes heat, gas, security, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8463
• No central air- window units only
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking (but it’s available in the neighborhood)
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2: 14×14
• Bedroom #3: 14×13
• Bedroom #4: 10×9
• Foyer: 13×11
• Sunroom: 15×8
• Gallery: 50×4

The penthouse at 431 W. Oakdale in East Lakeview came on the market in May 2017.

The building was constructed in 1928, just before the Great Depression, when a couple dozen of these luxury apartment buildings (there were no condos then) were being built.

Unit 15C and 15D were combined in the early 2000s.

It now has views in all directions, 2 gas fireplaces and 4000 square feet.

The elevator opens directly into the unit, which also sports a 28×7 barrel vaulted foyer.

The kitchen has dark wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

There’s also a separate wet bar/catering kitchen with wine fridges.

There’s also a master suite with a fireplace, a dressing room and a spa bath.

The unit has a den and a family room.

There’s steam heat and it’s unclear if it has central air. The listing says it does, but there’s a window a/c unit in what looks like the paneled den.

There’s also no in-unit washer/dryer or deeded parking.

Listed at just $244 a square foot, is that a deal for this neighborhood?

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

Unit #15CD: 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 4000 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in February 2005 for $1.287 million
• Sold in March 2005 for $1,055,500
• Originally listed in 2014
• Re-listed in May 2017 at $975,000
• Currently still listed at $975,000
• Assessments of $1981 a month (includes steam heat, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $12,463
• Central Air??? (listing says it has it but there is a window a/c unit in the “den”)
• No washer/dryer in the unit (coin laundry in the building)
• No parking (rental parking nearby)
• 2 gas fireplaces
• Wet bar/catering kitchen with 2 wine fridges
• Elevator opens directly into the unit
• Gallery: 28×7
• Bedroom #1: 18×21
• Bedroom #2: 14×15
• Bedroom #3: 14×15
• Den: 19×13
• Family room: 13×24

This 3-bedroom condo at 1901 W. Division in West Town just came on the market.

This is a 6-unit building that was constructed in 2003. It has an elevator and a heated garage.

This is a corner unit with hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, granite counter tops and Viking stainless steel appliances.

The master bath has been updated with marble countertops and a rain shower.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1-car heated garage parking.

This unit is located on one of the hottest restaurant streets in West Town and is just a block and a half from the Division Blue Line stop.

Three bedroom condos have been in heavy demand.

This unit is listed for $660,000.

What are you willing to pay for 3-bedrooms in West Town?

Joshua Lipton at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

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

• Sold in April 2003 for $405,000
• Sold in June 2006 for $550,000
• Sold in February 2011 for $500,000
• Currently listed for $660,000
• Assessments of $280 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes of $10,660
• Includes garage parking
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• This is an elevator building
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Bedroom #3: 12×11

This 3-bedroom loft triplex at 2222 N. Racine in Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2016.

This is a 16 unit industrial building. The units are more townhouse-like, than condo-like.

This unit has loft features including exposed brick, large windows and timber ceilings. The living room has 16 foot ceilings.

The listing says there’s a “chef’s kitchen” with Viking and Subzero appliances, stone counter tops and a wine cooler.

Two of the three bedrooms are on the second floor with the master suite on the third floor.

There’s also a secluded private deck off the master suite.

This loft has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1-car garage parking. Not all of the units in the building have the parking spot.

Originally listed in September 2016 for $724,900, it was under contract in March 2017 but came back on in April 2017.

It has now been reduced $49,900 to $675,000.

With new construction 3-bedrooms in Lincoln Park now selling for over $800,000, is this a deal for the square footage and location?

Mark Zipperer at Re/Max Edge has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #13: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in May 1992 for $274,000
• Sold in February 1994 for $305,000
• Sold in April 1995 for $325,000
• Sold in June 1998 for $380,000
• Sold in May 2002 for $485,000
• Sold in May 2011 for $565,000
• Originally listed in September 2016 for $724,900
• Reduced
• Under contract but re-listed
• Currently listed at $675,000 (includes 1-car garage parking)
• Assessments of $264 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6737
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 18×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×9 (second floor)

This 4-bedroom duplex up at 628 W. Briar Place in Lakeview came on the market in May 2017.

This graystone was constructed in 1936 and has 5 units.

The listing says this unit was completely gutted in 2015.

It still has some of its vintage features, however, including millwork, crown molding, hardwood floors with inlaids, and wood burning fireplaces with grand marble mantles.

3 of the bedrooms are on the second floor with the 4th on the main level.

The master suite is on the second floor and has 3 closets.

One of the bedrooms has a private terrace. There are two other outside spaces.

There’s also a family room on the main level along with the living room and kitchen.

The chef’s kitchen has cherry cabinets, Viking stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and an oversized island.

It has central air and laundry on the second floor. The unit also has 1 garage spot.

The listing says its in the Nettlehorst school district.

Since May, the property has been reduced $21,000 to $999,000.

Would you expect to pay a million dollars for 4-bedrooms in Lakeview now?

Leigh Marcus at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Or go to the Open House on Saturday, April 12, 2017 from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Unit PENT: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3100 square feet

• I couldn’t find any prior sales prices as the CCRD couldn’t find the PIN
• Originally listed in May 2017 for $1,020,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $999,000 (includes 1-car garage parking)
• Assessments of $202 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes aren’t listed
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 20×20 (fourth floor)
• Bedroom #2: 18×12 (fourth floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×12 (fourth floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×11 (third floor)
• Laundry room: 9×6 (fourth floor)
• Family room: 20×19 (third floor)

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 350 W. Huron in River North recently came on the market.

These townhouses were among the earliest new construction in River North, built in 1997. There are 56 units with garages.

They are built with one unit on the first level and the more expensive unit, such as this one, on top.

This townhouse has 3-levels along with an attached garage with 2-car parking, one in the garage and a second exterior spot.

It has arched oversized windows and a top floor balcony or terrace.

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

The master bedroom is on the second floor with the second bedroom.

The top level has the third bedroom, the recreation room, a full bath and the balcony with city views.

If you want to live in River North, and you don’t want a midrise or high-rise building, is this a good family home option?

Zane Jacobs at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit B: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in May 1999 for $575,500
• Sold in September 2004 for $775,000
• Currently listed for $1.1 million
• Assessments of $701 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $16398
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer on the second floor
• 1-car garage parking with a second exterior spot
• Bedroom #1: 14×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 9×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×13 (third floor)
• Recreation room: 13×15 (third floor)
• Family room: 11×19 (main floor)

This duplex 1-bedroom at 21 E. Goethe in the Gold Coast came on the market in May 2017.

The brownstone was built in 1886 and has 5 units.

I believe this unit is actually in the reddish building next to the white one and that they are both in the association.

While the building is old, the interiors of this unit do not have any of the original features except for a wood burning fireplace.

It has a unique layout with a first floor bedroom and full bath and a second floor living area with a half bath.

It has a Juliet balcony overlooking Goethe and a deck overlooking the back of the building.

The kitchen has white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, which the listing says was just replaced in 2017, washer/dryer in the unit and assigned exterior parking.

It has been reduced $55,000 to $425,000 since May.

For someone with dreams of living among the brownstones, is this a good way to get in?

Alia Kolovic at Century 21 Affiliated has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #23B: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex up

• Sold in January 1989 for $190,000
• Sold in April 1991 for $225,000
• Sold in August 1998 for $270,000
• Sold in July 2004 for $365,000
• Originally listed in May 2017 for $480,000
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed for $425,000 (includes the exterior assigned parking)
• Assessments of $306 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7797
• Central Air (just replaced in 2017)
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom: 15×15 (first floor)
• Living/dining room: 20×17 (second floor)

This top floor 2-bedroom at 2029 W. Pierce in Wicker Park just came on the market.

This building was constructed in 1918 and has 8 units.

This unit still has a few of its vintage characteristics including a wood burning fireplace with marble surround.

Because it’s on the top floor, it has skylights.

The kitchen has white cabinets, white appliances and concrete counter tops.

The listing says the unit has an extra large living room.

It has all the features buyers look for including secure parking, side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit and central air (although there is a window unit air conditioner in one of the bedroom pictures).

The listing says “no dogs” and I don’t believe there is an elevator.

It’s just a block and a half to the Damen blue line stop.

Is this the perfect location for someone who wants to be at the epicenter of the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhoods?

Lala Mahoney at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #4W: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 1993 for $173,500
• Sold in April 1996 for $180,000
• Sold in March 1998 for $230,000
• Sold in January 2000 for $273,000
• Sold in March 2005 for $363,500
• Sold in November 2009 for $384,000
• Currently listed for $430,000
• Assessments of $210 a month (includes exterior maintenance and scavenger)
• Taxes of $7007
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• Secure parking included
• Wood burning fireplace
• No dogs
• Bedroom #1: 10×13
• Bedroom #2: 9×13

This 1-bedroom loft at 225 W. Huron in River North came on the market in June 2017.

This building was converted from apartments to condos in 2006.

It is located in the trendy River North gallery district.

This loft is on the top floor and has exposed brick walls, exposed ductwork and 12 foot timber ceilings.

It faces south.

It has hardwood floors throughout the living/dining and bedroom areas with tile in the kitchen.

The kitchen has oak cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The bedroom is not enclosed, and doesn’t appear to have a window, but that’s common in lofts.

There’s no parking with the building nor is there in-unit washer/dryer. It’s coin laundry in the building.

The loft has central air.

The building has a rooftop deck, with city views. You can see the pictures in the listing.

Since June, it has been reduced $9,100 to $249,900.

Is this a good in-town possibility for someone who wants to be in River North?

Ashley Leavitt at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #601: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 720 square feet

• Sold in May 2006 for $208,500
• Originally listed in June 2017 for $259,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $249,900
• Assessments of $289 a month (includes cable, Internet, doorman, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $2617
• Central Air
• No in-unit washer/dryer. Coin laundry in the building.
• No parking
• Bedroom: 8×12
• Living room/dining room: 14×30
• Kitchen: 11×12

This 3-bedroom duplex up at 1708 W. Chicago in West Town came on the market in June 2017.

This is a 10-unit vintage building above 5-units of commercial space.

2 of the 3 bedrooms are on the main floor with the master suite on the second floor with a walk-in closet, bathroom and outdoor deck.

The kitchen has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

There are also two other outdoor spaces.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car parking. There’s apparently a parking space in a 2-car garage along with a second spot on the driveway behind the car in the garage.

According to one of the agent’s notes on Redfin: “Per listing agent, reserves are under $20K for this 10 residential plus 5 commercial unit building and a deck project is being discussed.”

With condo buildings from the boom years now 10+ years old or older, should buyers be concerned about building maintenance in these smaller condo buildings?

Caroline Weston at Big Shoulders Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, duplex up, 1730 square feet

• Sold in May 2003 for $330,000
• Sold in May 2010 for $390,000
• Originally listed in June 2017 for $479,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $474,900
• Assessments of $302 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7184
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car parking included (one garage space, one space on the driveway)
• Bedroom #1: 14×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×11 (first floor)
• Bedroom #3: 16×14 (first floor)