Crib Chatter

This vintage 3-bedroom in 3300 N. Lake Shore Drive in Lakeview just came on the market.

The building was constructed in 1920 and has 84 units but no parking garage. Its age makes it a “pre-war” building.

The unit has some of its vintage features intact including a barrel ceiling in the entry foyer and plaster crown molding.

The listing says it also has a cedar closet.

It has lake views from the living room.

One of the hallmarks of vintage units are the large bedrooms and 2 out of the 3 bedrooms here are larger than you’d find in any modern construction.

Two bedrooms also have en suite baths.

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

This unit also has in-unit washer/dryer, installed in the half bath. It’s a rare feature in the building. Not all of the units have it.

There’s no central air or parking, but the listing says there’s a nearby indoor heated space available for $50,000.

Over the weekend, the New York Times had an article talking about how the pre-war “look” was out. Apparently, some home owners in New York City are stripping out vintage features, including crown molding, in the hope of modernizing these older units.

From the New York Times:

Millennials also “tend to be very conscious of the aesthetics and also the function” of finishes, said Jos Dudgeon, a principal of Tristate Sustainable, a general contractor in Manhattan. “Moldings, profiles, traditional cabinets — they’re not really interested in that. They’re really interested in something more modern and definitely more linear.”

For starters, crown molding is out — “I find it tends to close in the space, especially when you’re dealing with apartments,” said Mr. Dudgeon — and baseboards are becoming flatter, permitting the eyes to look up rather than being drawn downward.

“That’s definitely where you see a lot of the modern detailing,” said Andrew Mikhael, an architect who has spent the past five months overhauling a co-op in Park South Tower, a 1927 building in the Kips Bay section of Manhattan, for Diego Gomez and Jeanne Haney, a couple in their 40s. Some baseboards are flush to the wall, Mr. Mikhael said, while others feature what is known as a “gap reveal,” or “separation of wall and floor” that “creates a feeling that the wall is just floating.”

Fireplaces, often a showstopper in prewar apartments, are also looking more streamlined these days, thanks to the replacement of bulkier old surrounds with sleek new Carrara marble or granite. These are simpler than intricate millwork or mantels, Mr. Dudgeon said, “because the proportion of the space becomes more important,” say, for showcasing artwork.

And in an era when tidying up is a life-changing philosophy, the desire for built-in bookshelves and nooks for small items is waning. If clients request them at all, they’ll be “very clean” with a lot of square edges, single-panel Shaker-style doors, and narrow edge trims, Mr. Dudgeon said.

Housing trends usually start on the coasts and take 3 to 5 years to make their way to Chicago.

Is the pre-war apartment, and even its newer construction cousin like 9 W Walton in the Gold Coast which has “vintage” features, on the way “out”?

Amy Morro at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #4C: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in June 1998 for $190,000
• Sold in December 2001 for $374,000
• Sold in January 2005 for $460,000
• Currently listed for $534,000
• Assessments of $1056 a month (includes heat and scavenger)
• Taxes of $7121
• No central air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking is available nearby for $50,000
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2: 19×12
• Bedroom #3: 10×8

This 2-bedroom in Altgeld Court at 1300 W. Altgeld in Lincoln Park recently came on the market.

This complex was built in 1991 and has 44 units.

The units are all loft-style duplexes.

There aren’t any interior pictures with this listing. It’s being sold “as-is.”

From the listing:

Property is occupied and occupants are not to be disturbed or contacted under any circumstances. Interior inspections are not available. Property is at Auction, all Auction terms apply.

The auction will apparently take place from March 18 – 22.

A lis pendens was originally filed on this property all the way back in May 2008. From public records, it appears that the bank took it back in April 2015.

But buyers still can’t get in to see it (see above).

Will this sell at auction or not?

Who’s a target buyer for this? It appears from the listing that it might be cash purchases only.

Peter Koconis at Rising Realty has the listing. See the outside pictures here (no interior pictures).

Unit #104: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, duplex, no square footage listed

• Sold in November 1991 for $272,500
• Lis pendens filed in May 2008
• Appears to be bank owned in April 2015
• On and off the market since 2008
• Re-listed in March 2017 at auction and sold “as-is” for $585,000
• Unclear if that includes the parking (but parking WAS part of the original 1991 sale)
• Looks like it might also be a “cash only” sale
• Assessments of $397 a month (includes scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $8434
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer hook-ups in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12

This 4-bedroom townhouse at 1000 N. State in the Gold Coast came on the market in June 2016.

It’s located at the prime corner of Oak and State but you might not have ever noticed this group of 15 townhouses because it’s built on top of the parking garage, several stories above the street.

Given that they were constructed in 1973, when this neighborhood was more dicey, building up off the street probably was seen as a selling point.

The complex has a center courtyard with a pool and basketball court (but no picture of this in the listing.) Is this included in this complex or the high rise building next door?

This is a large property, with 3800 square feet.

At 3 stories, it has a unique 40-foot center atrium with a massive skylight (see the pictures).

It also faces south, with the Ogden School directly across the street.

The master suite has a dressing room and a marble bath.

The kitchen, which is on the main level along with the living and dining rooms, has white cabinets and white counter tops along with Subzero and other stainless steel appliances.

The townhouse also has another unique feature, a 26×12 “attic.”

While the townhouse has central air, it has leased parking in the rental garage starting at $285 a month.

Originally listed in June 2016 for $1.475 million, it has been reduced $176,000 to $1.299 million.

Is this a deal to get 4-bedrooms and this much square footage at this price in this neighborhood?

Nick Kluding at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #10: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3800 square feet, 3 stories

• Sold in August 1984 for $488,000 (per Zillow)
• Originally listed in June 2016 for $1.475 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.299 million
• Assessments of $1667 a month (includes cable, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $17,068
• Central Air
• Rental parking in the building from $285 to $300
• Bedroom #1: 18×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 22×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×11 (third floor)
• Den: 13×8 (second floor)

It’s time to go to the beach even though we haven’t had any winter.

But who knew when I booked this trip 6 months ago?

If anyone else is going to be in Aruba, I’ll see you by the pool and that lovely beach.

As always, please talk among yourselves. There’s a lot going on in the housing market this spring. I have a bunch of properties in the stable to post on when I return, if they’re not already under contract by then.

We shouldn’t feel bad. Apparently, some homes in Los Angeles are getting 60 offers.

While I’ve heard of multiple bids here in Chicago, and some properties selling for over ask, I’ve not heard of anything as crazy as what’s happening in Los Angeles.

Check out the story here.

So rejoice! Chicago’s housing market is hot, but not THAT hot.

Thanks for checking in and talking about housing. It’s never boring.

See you later this month.

Sabrina

This 3-bedroom duplex in the Silver Tower at 303 W. Ohio in River North just came on the market.

But most of you will probably remember it from last year when we chattered about it in April 2016.

Back then, it was listed for about double what they had paid for the unit just 6 years before.

We wondered if they’d get the price. See our chatter here.

They didn’t.

It never sold and has now returned to the market.

The new listing calls it “River North meets Santa Monica.”

A Northeast corner unit, it has 13 foot ceilings on the main level of this unit and a 1000 square foot lighted and covered terrace with a 25 foot high ceiling and city views.

The Modani outdoor furniture, Weber grill and outdoor television appear to still be included in the sale.

There’s also a deeded storage corridor on that level.

The main floor of this unit includes the living/dining room and kitchen and study.

It’s not clear from the new listing where the bedrooms are located. In the old listing, the master suite was on the second floor and the two other bedrooms on the main level. The new listing puts all three on the second floor.

The unit has a smart home upgraded thermostat and Bluetooth lighting system.

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

There’s central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 side-by-side deeded parking spaces are available. The prior listing said the parking was $70,000.

This unit has come back on the market reduced $249,999 to $1.15 million.

Will the new price get the sale done?

Keith Wikey at BerkshireHathaway KoenigRubloff now has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1201: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, duplex, now 1910 square feet (was 1800 square feet last year)

• Sold in January 2010 for $720,500 (included 2 parking spaces)
• Sold in July 2014 for $815,000 (included 2 parking spaces)
• Was listed in April 2016 for $1,399,999 (2 parking spaces are $70,000 extra) = $1,469,999
• Withdrawn in June 2016
• Re-listed in March 2017 for $1.15 million (2 parking spaces available- still $70,000?)
• Assessments now $1012 a month (they were $927 a month last year) (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes now $12,357 (they were $8890 last year)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Outdoor furniture, Weber grill and outdoor television still included in the sale?
• Bedroom #1: 12×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (main level or second floor?)
• Bedroom #3: 12×9 (main level or second floor?)
• Study: 7×7 (main level)
• Covered terrace: 22×41

This full-floor 3-bedroom at 45 E. Cedar in the Gold Coast recently came on the market.

This building was constructed in 1996 and has 4 units and parking.

The listing says the unit has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

There’s 10 foot ceilings, crown moldings and built-ins.

The unit has marble floors in the living room, dining room and kitchen.

The kitchen has De Guilio cabinetry and Brazilian Azul granite on the island.

There’s a walnut paneled library.

The master suite has walk-in closets.

All the bedrooms have en suite baths.

It also has central air, washer dryer in the unit and 2 indoor heated attached parking along with a private elevator.

But the crowning glory of the unit is the 1300 square foot private deck with a pergola, lighting and ceiling fans.

Will this unit sell quickly thanks to the unique outdoor space?

Mary McCauley at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #200: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 1996 for $976,500
• Sold in August 2000 for $2.2 million
• Currently listed for $3.195 million
• Assessments of $900 a month (includes exterior maintenance and snow removal)
• Taxes of $20,528
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 heated garage parking spaces included
• 1300 square foot private deck
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Bedroom #3: 11×10

This 3 bedroom townhouse at 1159 N. Cambridge in South Old Town came on the market in October 2016, was withdrawn, and recently was listed again.

Is this area South Old Town?

Old Cabrini Green?

North River North?

It is two stories and has a private yard and 1 car garage parking. I’m assuming this is in a common garage- but it’s unclear.

Two bedrooms are on the second floor with the third and a den on the first floor along with the living/dining rooms and the kitchen.

The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

The listing says it has new carpet and paint.

This complex was built in 2010. The HOAs are high for a townhouse and include an exercise room. The listing also says this complex has 79 units.

Is it part of the mid-rise building association behind it on Divison?

Originally listed for $539,000 last year, it has been reduced $14,000 to $525,000.

This area is constantly selling out new construction mid-rises and townhouse developments.

There’s also a new high rise apartment building being built to the east on Division near the El.

Will this sell quickly at the reduced price?

Daniel Merrion at City Point Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

1159 N. Cambridge Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1489 square feet, 1 car garage

• There’s no prior sales price listed but it sold in a special warranty deed in October 2011.
• Originally listed in October 2016 for $539,000
• Withdrawn in November 2016
• Re-listed in February 2017 for $525,000
• Assessments of $587 a month (includes heat, gas, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care)
• Taxes of $4720
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×11 (main floor)
• Den: 10×8 (main floor)

This 1-bedroom in Aqua at 225 N. Columbus in Lakeshore East just came on the market.

Built in 2009, it has 82 stories and is the tallest building in Lakeshore East.

There are apartments on the lower floors and condos on the top floors. Everyone shares the amenities which includes an indoor and outdoor pool, basketball court and exercise room.

This unit isn’t your standard 700-square foot condo. It has 1209 square feet and a den.

On the 75th floor, it has panoramic north views, including of Trump Tower and the John Hancock building.

The listing says it has $60,000 in upgrades including an aluminum art wall and a media wall by Jesse Chicago.

The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and a backsplash.

The listing says the furnishings are negotiable.

This unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and tandem parking is available for $70,000.

If you buy it with the parking, it’s listed for $238,800 more than the 2012 purchase price at $918,800.

Will it get the premium?

Nancy Furth at Magellan Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #7504: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1209 square feet

• Sold in November 2012 for $680,000 (included the parking)
• Currently listed from $848,800 (plus $70,000 for tandem parking) = $918,800
• Assessments of $810 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, cable, Internet, doorman, pools, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, exercise room, basketball courts, hot tubs)
• Taxes of $10,947
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom: 14×13
• Den: 9×9

This 2-bedroom loft in the Union Square Lofts at 333 W. Hubbard in River North recently came on the market.

It’s a top floor unit with high loft ceilings but it’s missing the industrial loft look.

Outside of exposed air ducts, there are no concrete beams or exposed brick.

It does have crown molding throughout and a custom designed limestone pass through fireplace.

The kitchen and bathrooms have been remodeled.

The kitchen has custom wood cabinets, granite counter tops, Dornbracht fixtures and Wolf, Subzero and Bosch appliances.

The master suite has a walk-in closet and a limestone bath.

The loft also has a private 1000 square foot terrace that has city views.

The loft has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one parking space is included with another one available for $40,000.

Is this loft the epitome of River North loft living?

Jennifer Mills at BerkshireHathaway KoenigRubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #704: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in May 1999 for $451,500
• Sold in July 2001 for $585,000
• Sold in November 2005 for $617,500
• Currently listed for $999,000 (includes one parking space with another one available for $40,000)
• Assessments of $1246 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, Internet, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,536
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Terrace: 1000 square feet
• Bedroom #1: 11×18
• Bedroom #2: 11×19

This 3-bedroom at 725 W. Sheridan in Lakeview just came on the market.

This courtyard building was constructed in 1924 and has 43 units and outdoor parking.

This unit has been completely renovated and now has an open kitchen with a large island.

The kitchen has custom Omega cabinets, Arctic Blue granite counter tops from Finland, Ann Sacks tile backsplash and quartz counter tops on the island.

There’s stainless steel appliances along with a wine refrigerator.

The 3 bedrooms are larger than what you might find in new construction three bedroom units.

The white oak floors have a walnut stain and the vintage trim is NOT painted.

It has a washer/dryer in the unit, space pac cooling and 2 outdoor parking spaces, which are included.

At $440,000, is this a deal for a 3-bedroom in Lakeview?

Kevin Tatum at Re/Max Edge has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #607: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet

• Sold in September 1998 for $165,000
• Sold in December 2004 for $380,000
• Sold in May 2006 for $345,000
• Currently listed for $440,000 (includes 2-car parking)
• Assessments of $583 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $4590
• No central air- but space pac
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 18×18
• Bedroom #2: 17×17
• Bedroom #3: 16×10
• Laundry room: 7×6