Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom in 444 W. Oakdale in East Lakeview came on the market in June 2023. Sorry, I don’t have a picture of this building but I wanted to crib on it anyway.

I can’t find a date on the building but it is vintage and has 6 units. There is outdoor parking behind the building and basement storage.

This unit was recently sold in February 2023 “as-is.” From that listing:

NOTE: AS-IS sale. Photos have virtual editing and the remainder of the photos are of how the actual space shows currently. Condo needs bathroom, kitchen, electrical, plumbing updates & possible mechanical upgrades as age is unknown but currently are operational. No representations can be made as to viability of what operates correctly or not. No en-suite master bathroom. No private outdoor space. No dog building. 100% owner occupied, but rentals are permitted.

It has come back on the market with “coastal vibes meet vintage charm.”

The unit still has some of its vintage features including crown molding, a foyer, a separate dining room and millwork in the living and dining rooms.

There are hardwood floors throughout (originals?) and new arched doorways.

The living room has a sunroom with a bay window and an art deco chandelier along with vintage sconces and a “statement” electric fireplace with lime wash paint finish surround and built-ins.

The dining room has custom built-ins with a beverage refrigerator.

The kitchen has been gutted and now has cream cabinets with gold pulls, 2 pantry cabinets, veined quartz countertops, and a full quartz backsplash.

The listing says primary bedroom fits a king bed but like the original sale earlier this year, it still has a shared bath with the second bedroom. That bathroom has a walk-in-shower and a double vanity sink.

There’s a second bathroom that has a air jet tub, French Gold Kohler fixtures, custom green vanity with quartz top and pink tile surround in the bathtub.

There’s an office off the kitchen.

It also has some painted exposed brick walls.

This unit has the features buyers look for, which are rare in vintage units, including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one outdoor on-site parking space.

But for those dog lovers, you’re out of luck. Still no dogs allowed.

There is also no outdoor space with this unit.

This building is in the Nettlehorst school district, is near the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview, is near several grocery stores and multiple bus lines as well as Lincoln Park and the lake front.

The February 2023 listing said this unit was rarely available. It was the first resale since at least 1990.

The unit sold in February 2023 for $417,500. It is listed for $332,500 more, at $750,000.

Will this seller get the premium?

Brooke Vanderbok at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here. And be sure to check out the February listing pictures as well.

Unit #1E: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2400 square feet

• Sold sometime before 1990
• Sold in February 2023 for $417,500
• Currently listed for $750,000
• Assessments of $550 a month
• Taxes of $11943
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Outdoor parking space included
• Electric fireplace
• Wine refrigerator
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Bedroom #3: 15×11
• Living room: 21×14
• Dining room: 20×14
• Sunroom: 13×10
• Kitchen: 20×10
• Foyer: 12×5
• Office: 17×8
• Laundry room: 7×4

This 2-bedroom in the Grand on Grand Condominiums at 200 W. Grand in River North came on the market in February 2023.

Built in 2004 during the housing bubble, Grand on Grand has 106 units and attached garage parking.

It has 24/7 door staff, a sundeck and fitness center.

This unit is a “rarely available” southwest tier with city views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

It has an open kitchen with white cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar.

There’s a dining room with wood built-ins and a dry bar in the living room, with white cabinets.

The unit has a balcony off the living/dining room.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and en suite bath with double vanity and soaking tub and shower.

The listing says recent updates include hardwood floors, which are throughout the unit, including the bedrooms, window treatments, the dining room built-ins, fresh paint, refrigerator, microwave, ceiling fans and lights.

The unit has the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit, central air and garage parking is available for $25,000 extra.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of River North, the riverwalk and public transportation.

Listed in February 2023 for $455,000, it has been reduced $25,000 to $420,000.

If you include the parking, it’s also $29,500 under the 2005 selling price of $484,500, which did include the garage parking space.

MikeHG has talked in the comments about being willing to “buy low” in River North, or the West Loop.

Are the prices in River North “low” enough right now? Is this unit a deal at $29,500 under the 2005 price?

Layching Quek at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2003: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1250 square feet

• Sold in December 2005 for $484,500 (included the parking)
• Sold in August 2013 for $442,000 (included the parking)
• Sold in June 2018 for $485,000 (included the parking)
• Originally listed in February 2023 for $455,000 
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $420,000
• Assessments of $915 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $8244
• Garage parking space is $25,000 extra
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×18
• Bedroom #2: 10×13
• Living room: 14×12
• Dining room: 11×13
• Kitchen: 9×8
• Balcony

This 2-bedroom penthouse at 158 W. Huron in the River North Art Gallery District came on the market in May 2023.

Built in 1890, 156 and 158 W. Huron has 14 units. There are no amenities or elevator. The listing calls the building one of the few historic brick buildings in River North.

This is a top floor unit and has south facing windows and skylights along with some exposed brick walls.

There are refinished oak hardwood floors throughout, including the bedrooms.

The listing says it is “move-in ready” and has been “freshly painted.”

It has a new gas fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has been “newly updated” and has white cabinets, quartz countertops, a glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

There is an open concept dining room.

The listing says the primary suite has been “newly renovated” and has an en suite marble bathroom.

The second bathroom has a white vanity, quartz countertops and new fixtures.

It has a “huge” porch off the rear.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, there is a washer/dryer hook-up in the unit, and there is one exterior parking space included although the listing does not show any pictures.

The listing says the HVAC is new.

And if you don’t want to live in it, the listing says short term rentals and airbnb are allowed.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of River North, the Gold Coast, the Mag Mile and is near the Brown/Purple subway stop at Chicago as well as numerous bus lines.

Listed in May 2023 for $485,000, it has been reduced $10,000 to $475,000.

Does the fact that the building allows airbnb rentals make it more attractive to buyers, or less?

Lital Avnet at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

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

• Sold in June 1992 for $163,000
• Sold in February 2001 for $262,000
• Sold in July 2003 for $329,000
• Sold in June 2020 for $455,000
• Originally listed in May 2023 for $485,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $475,000
• Assessments of $476 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9245
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer hook-up in the unit
• Exterior parking space included (on-site?)
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×16
• Bedroom #2: 11×16
• Living room: 22×12
• Dining room: 11×01
• Kitchen: 10×9
• Walk-in-closet: 4×4
• Laundry: 4×6
• Balcony: 11×9

This 3-bedroom in the Cornelia Apartments at 3500 N. Lake Shore Drive in East Lakeview came on the market in June 2023.

Built in 1927, the Cornelia Apartments were designed by Robert DeGolyer and has just 64 units.

It’s a co-op.

The listing describes the building amenities as a “full-amenity Co-Op offering white-glove service with 24-hour door staff, on-site manager/maintenance, updated exercise room, hospitality room with catering kitchen, children’s playroom, bike rooms, and additional storage.”

This unit has been gut renovated in 2021. When it was on the market in 2020, the listing said:

CALLING ALL PROPERTY FLIPPERS AND INVESTORS!! INCREDIBLE REHAB AND RENOVATION OPPORTUNITY!! PRICED BELOW MARKET VALUE AT $59 PPSF! Bring your designers and architects to remodel this space – a complete renovation is required for all baths and kitchen.

You can see the “before” pictures of the unit on Redfin.

While the unit has remained a 3 bedroom, 3 bath, the prior layout had a formal dining room that has now apparently been removed.

The dark hardwood floors were refinished and it has custom millwork. There’s a fireplace in the living room with a matte black stone surround with a floating ledge wood mantel.

The big change came in the kitchen with herringbone porcelain tile floors, white soft close cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, Bosch appliances including a 5-burner gas range, a massive quartz counter table with a solid wood base and seating for 4, and a built-in coffee bar.

The primary suite has 2 walk-in-closets, a built-in vanity, an ensuite bath with tiles and stone, a natural wood floating vanity and frameless glass rainfall shower.

The second bedroom has a walk-in-closet, a white en suite bathroom with rainfall shower/tub combo.

There’s also a third guest bath with a black framed glass stand-up shower.

The unit has some of the features buyers look for including a walk-in-closet/utility room, a Miele smart washer/dryer, and Space Pak cooling. Garage parking is available nearby for rent.

The unit has smart technology including a Ring alarm system and fingerprint door lock.

It’s near the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview as well as the lakefront trail and Lake Michigan. The listing says it’s in the Nettlehorst school district.

Bought in March 2020 for $100,000, it has come back on the market at $495,000.

Buyers love “new.”

Will this sell quickly even though it’s in a co-op?

Thomas Scherpenberg at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here. (no floor plan)

Unit #2A: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2500 square feet, co-op

• Appears to have sold in March 2020 for $100,000 (per Redfin)
• Currently listed at $495,000
• Assessments of $2254 a month (includes heat, a/c, electricity, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $8625 (listing doesn’t indicate that the monthly assessment includes the taxes)
• Space Pak
• In-unit washer/dryer
• No parking but available to lease in the neighborhood
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×13
• Bedroom #2: 18×13
• Bedroom #3: 18×10
• Living/dining room combo: 25×18
• Kitchen: 22×16
• Gallery: 37×7
• Utility room: 6×4
• Walk-in-closet: 5×5
• Walk-in-closet: 7×4

This 2-bedroom at 525 W. Belmont in East Lakeview came on the market in June 2023.

Built in 1904, 525 W. Belmont has 6 units and a shared courtyard. There is storage in the basement but no other amenities and no parking with the building.

This unit has a lot of its vintage features including hardwood floors throughout the entire unit, extensive crown molding in the living room, wood moldings throughout, stained glass windows in the dining room (original?), along with a built-in dining room buffet and wood wainscoting throughout the room, and a stained glass window in the primary bedroom (original?).

It also has a wood burning fireplace in the living room with a brick surround.

The listing says it was originally 3 bedrooms but two of the bedrooms were combined by a prior owner to make a large primary bedroom which has a professionally organized walk-in-closet.

There’s a bay window in the living room which leads to a den/reading nook with a wall of built-in bookcases.

The kitchen has wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances and it leads to a private balcony which overlooks the courtyard.

The listing says both bathrooms have recently been remodeled and that in-unit washer/dryer was added (is it in the half bath?).

There’s no central air but there are window units.

Also, there’s no parking but the listing says there is an option to transfer the owner’s private leased garage parking space.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview and Wrigley Field. Numerous buses lines are nearby as is access to the lakefront trail.

Listed at $399,900, will this sell quickly to a vintage lover?

Ryan Douglas Wells and Gabrielle Davis at KellerWilliams ONEChicago have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2W: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1527 square feet

• Sold in November 1994 for $157,000
• Sold in April 2004 for $330,000
• Sold in March 2007 for $338,000
• Sold in July 2010 for $275,000
• Currently listed at $399,900
• Assessments of $450 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $8121
• No central air. There are window units
• In-unit washer/dryer
• No parking but option to transfer the owner’s leased private garage parking space
• Wood burning fireplace
• Stained glass windows
• Bedroom #1: 12×22
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Den: 10×10
• Living room: 12×19
• Dining room: 16×12
• Kitchen: 10×12
• Balcony

This 3-bedroom duplex down at 1304 W. Cornelia in Southport came on the market in April 2023.

Built in 1912, this building has 3 units and 3 car garage parking. It has a shared landscaped yard.

The listing says it’s been “redesigned” with an amazing layout.

Previously, the unit was not duplexed down but had a large basement storage space.

It still has some of its vintage features including hardwood floors, unpainted wood moldings, a pier mirror in the foyer and a built-in hutch in the dining room.

The main level has the living and dining rooms, the kitchen, a full bath and 2 bedrooms.

The kitchen has been “updated” and has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and stone countertops.

The lower level has been “fully remodeled” and has a family room and the primary suite, which has a walk-in-closet and a designer bath, with a double vanity, tub, and separate shower, along with radiant heated floors.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the lower level and garage parking is included.

It also has a private deck off the back.

This building is steps away from the shops and restaurants on Southport, is close to the Southport Brown Line stop and is walkable to Wrigley Field.

Listed in April 2023 for $675,000, it continues to be listed at that price.

Southport used to be one of the hottest neighborhoods. Has Southport lost its luster with condo buyers as Fulton Market has risen?

Jeffrey Proctor and Kimberly Battles at @properties Christies have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it in person at the Open House on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm.

Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400 square feet, duplex down

• Sold in August 2009 for $345,000
• Sold in May 2014 for $346,000
• Originally listed in April 2023 for $675,000 (now a duplex down)
• Currently still listed at $675,000 
• Assessments of $150 a month (includes water and insurance)
• Taxes of $6971
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 9×13 (lower level)
• Bedroom #2: 10×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×12 (main floor)
• Living room: 16×12 (main floor)
• Dining room: 13×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 9×15 (main floor)
• Family room: 10×28 (lower level)
• Deck

This 4-level penthouse at 400 N. Orleans in River North came on the market in June 2023.

Built in 2007, 400 N. Orleans has 6 units and “private garage spaces.” It’s an elevator building but it has no other amenities. There’s no door staff.

This unit has an open concept layout with floor to ceiling windows.

The main floor has the living room, dining room, with a double sided fireplace, a family room, kitchen, powder room and balcony.

The “chef’s kitchen” has custom white cabinets with an oversized island that seats 3, quartz countertops, and Viking appliances.

The lower level has the primary suite with a balcony, a large walk-in-closet, a spa-like bath with dual vanity, soaking tub and European shower.

There’s also a second bedroom, a full bath, and the laundry room.

The third floor has a bedroom/office with a bathroom.

And the top level, or fourth floor, has a loft room with a wet bar which is directly off the rooftop deck that has skyline views.

There are stairs between the floors and an in-home elevator.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air and there are 2 “private” garage spaces included.

This building is near the Riverwalk, the shops and restaurants of River North, the Merchandise Mart and the East Bank Club.

Listed at $1.4 million, is this a townhouse alternative?

Melissa Siegal at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #C: 3 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4000 square feet, 4 levels, penthouse

• Sold in July 2011 for $1.1. million
• Currently listed for $1.4 million (2 private garage spaces included)
• Assessments of $1150 a month (includes exterior maintenance and scavenger)
• Taxes of $22,812
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 21×22 (lower level)
• Bedroom #2: 18×16 (lower level)
• Bedroom #3: 17×16 (third floor)
• Living room: 20×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 17×15 (main floor)
• Dining room: 16×16 (main floor)
• Family room: 19×19 (main floor)
• Loft: 11×15 (fourth floor)
• 2 balconies
• Terrace: 29×14 (fourth floor)

This 3-bedroom in Kingsbury on the Park at 653 N. Kingsbury in River North came on the market in June 2023.

Built in 2003, Kingsbury on the Park has 121 units and attached garage parking.

It has 24/7 door staff, on-site management and an exercise room.

This unit is unique in that it is just one of two units in the building with 13 foot ceilings, however just one part of the unit has the taller ceilings.

It has floor to ceiling windows with motorized shades.

The unit has two parts, the upstairs that has the foyer, primary suite with a walk-in-closet and en suite bathroom with a walk-in-shower and separate tub, an office/bedroom and the laundry room.

The downstairs has the living/dining room, kitchen, guest bedroom with an en suite bath and a second full bath that is used as a powder room along with a “hidden” bar/pantry that has wine/beverage refrigerators. It’s the downstairs that has 13 foot ceilings.

It has new wide plank luxury wood flooring throughout the downstairs level and stone tile in most other parts of the unit with carpet in the primary suite.

The kitchen has white Bulthaup cabinets, granite countertops, an island with seating for 4 and Subzero and Miele appliances.

There are some built-ins including bookshelves, an office desk and a Murphy bed along with a dresser in the guest bedroom.

All the bedrooms and the living/dining room overlook the massive 2-level outdoor terrace that the listing says measures 2600 square feet.

The listing says it has a mature garden with a pergola, planters and beds for trees, flowers, vegetables and herbs. It has water and power access including an irrigation system and lights. The terrace has a gas hook-up and a storage shed.

It has east skyline views but this is not a penthouse.

This unit has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit in its own laundry room and 2-car garage parking. There is also an additional storage cage.

It appears that this is the first sale of this property since the building was constructed in 2003. The unit next door is also on the market, #703, and the listing says both could be combined for a massive 4000 square foot unit.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of River North and overlooks Ward Park which is on the Chicago River.

Listed at $1.5 million, is this a dream city terrace?

Niko Voutsinas at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan, along with a video, here.

Unit #704: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2000 square feet, 2 levels

• Sold in December 2003 for $656,000
• Currently listed at $1.5 million
• Assessments of $1690 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $18,433
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 car garage parking included
• Additional storage cage
• Bedroom #1: 15×14
• Bedroom #2: 13×14
• Bedroom #3: 11×14
• Living room: 16×14
• Dining room: 16×10
• Kitchen: 15×10
• Laundry room: 6×9
• Terrace: 25×54

This 3-bedroom Crilly Court row house at 1712 N. Crilly in Old Town came on the market in June 2023.

Built in 1886, this is a brick and limestone Queen Anne style row house in the Crilly Court complex that was developed by Daniel Crilly.

There is no parking with any of the row houses as they back up to a unique private gated alley. This makes the backyards very quiet.

The listing says there is “easy street parking” (is that on Crilly? It is permit only) or “multiple rental options within a block.”

The listing says this row house has been renovated to perfection.

Not many of its original vintage features appear to remain except some crown molding. It has two fireplaces, however, one in the living room and one in the primary bedroom.

The kitchen has been remodeled, there are rehabbed bathrooms, custom built-ins and closets, all new lighting, a new deck, windows, doors and roof.

The kitchen has custom high-end white cabinetry, iceberg quartzite counters in a matte leather finish, Waterworks hardware, Ann Sacks tile, Subzero and Miele appliances, an island with seating for 4 and a bar area with a double under counter wine/beverage center.

Off the kitchen is a deck that overlooks the private, gated landscaped alley.

The primary suite and two other bedrooms are on the second floor.

The primary suite has multiple closets and an en suite bathroom with a double vanity and oversized shower.

There is another full bathroom on this floor.

The lower level has a family room, which is currently open to a fourth bedroom, a full bath, the laundry and storage.

The row house has central air and a skylight.

The listing says that this row house is “rarely available” but it last sold just 3 years ago, in 2020.

Listed in June 2023 for $1.65 million, that’s $150,000 above the 2020 sales price of $1.5 million.

Crilly Court is unique. It’s in the Old Town historic district and is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and Lincoln Park, as well as Second City and Zanies.

Will this row house sell quickly even without deeded parking?

Lindsay Everest and Rachel Martell at BerkshireHathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here. (Sorry, no floor plan.)

1712 N. Crilly: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3100 square feet, row house

• No sale back to 1986
• Sold in December 2013 for $1.075 million
• Sold in August 2020 for $1.5 million
• Currently listed at $1.65 million
• Fee simple
• Taxes of $27,483
• Central Air
• No parking but easy street parking or rental in the neighborhood
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 17×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 9×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×10 (second floor)
• Living room: 17×19 (main floor)
• Dining room: 13×16 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 13×21 (main floor)
• Family room: 16×32 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 12×18 (lower level)
• Deck: 16×14 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom in 757 N. Orleans in River North came on the market in June 2023.

Built in 2008, just as the housing bust was hitting, 757 N. Orleans has 198 units and attached garage parking. You may recall that the developer did a bulk sale of 39 units to an investor at the bottom of the housing bust in 2012.

It’s a full amenity building with 24-hour door staff, an exercise room, an outdoor pool, a business center, a party room and a dry cleaner.

The listing says this unit has been “stunningly renovated.”

It has hardwood floors throughout and floor to ceiling windows.

The kitchen has been “newly updated” and has white cabinets, quartz countertops, a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and what looks like a white tile backsplash.

There’s a balcony off the living room.

The unit has a split floor plan with the bedrooms on the opposite sides of the unit.

The primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet and an en suite bath with stone tiles, high end gold fixtures, a soaking tub and a dual vanity.

The second bathroom now has custom tiles and finishes.

Interested in what it looked like before the renovation? Redfin has the 2016 pictures in the sales history.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is included in the price.

The listing says “no rental restrictions or caps.”

It’s near the shops and restaurants of River North and the Gold Coast and is next to the Chicago el stop. There are also several bus routes nearby.

Listed at $559,000, the unit last sold in 2016 for $471,000.

Buyers love “new.”

Will this condo sell quickly?

Anne Fan at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1809: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in August 2016 for $471,000
• Currently listed at $559,000 (includes garage parking space)
• Assessments of $705 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $5267
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 11×16
• Bedroom #2: 15×12
• Living/dining room: 20×14
• Kitchen: 13×10
• Balcony: 10×4