Crib Chatter

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

This 3-bedroom loft in One River Place Condominiums at 758 N. Larrabee in River North came on the market in February 2025.

One River Place is the former Montgomery Ward warehouse. It was converted into 241 loft condos in 2002.

It has 24-hour door staff, an exercise room, bike storage, a rooftop deck with grills and heated attached garage parking.

This loft is east facing so it has city views from its private balcony.

The listing says it has been “beautifully remodeled” and has high-end finishes.

The loft has 16 foot concrete ceilings.

There are new hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen is sleek and modern with white custom cabinets, a huge island which seats four, quartz counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

It is open to the dining and living rooms.

There are two bedrooms on the main floor including the primary suite which has double closets and a “spa-like” bathroom with a Japanese whirlpool soaking tub, a separate shower, a double vanity and heated floors.

It is not a fully enclosed bedroom, although it does have a door and a window.

The second bedroom looks to be enclosed with a door but no outside window. It only has an interior window to the dining room.

There are two staircases to the second level.

One leads to the third bedroom which is open to the lower level primary suite and the other to an office or loft space which only has an interior window.

There is a second full bathroom.

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

There’s also additional storage with the unit.

It appears that they removed the fireplace, which was previously in the living room.

This building is along the Chicago River with it’s walking trails and near shops, restaurants and cafes of western River North. The listing says its near the bus and the Brown/Blue and Red line subways.

Buyers love “new.”

The listing says to bring your “highest and best by Monday 2/24/25 – 4 pm.”

Listed at $649,900, how high will buyers bid this loft up?

Maggie Zahradnicek at Happy Homes Realty has the listing. See the pictures and video here.

Unit #517: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1900 square feet, loft

• Sold in August 2002 for $339,500
• Sold in October 2005 for $420,000
• Sold in June 2007 for $430,000
• Sold in November 2013 for $425,000
• Sold in August 2024 for $270,000 
• Currently listed at $649,900
• Assessments of $968 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, bike room)
• Taxes of $9397
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated parking space included
• Additional storage included
• Bedroom #1: 20×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 21×12 (second floor)
• Living room: 18×16 (main floor)
• Dining room: 10×8 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 17×10 (main floor)
• Office: 12×12 (second floor)
• Balcony: 16×6 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom duplex up at 2836 N. Southport in Lakeview came on the market in February 2025. I don’t have a picture of this building so you’ll have to make due with St. Alphonsus Church up the street.

Built in 2001, it has 4 units and covered parking for 3 cars behind the building.

The listing calls it a “quiet section of Southport.”

This unit has been “thoughtfully updated” including with refinished hardwood floors on the main level.

The main level includes the living room, which has a gas fireplace, the kitchen/dining room combination, a half bath and the laundry.

It has a “contemporary” kitchen with upgraded green cabinets that reach the ceiling, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, a wood island with seating for 2, an area for a dining table and a board and batten accent wall.

The second floor has both bedrooms, which are carpeted, and a jack-n-jill bathroom with a marble double vanity, a glass shower and a separate bathtub.

But the big feature of the unit is the large private terrace off the kitchen which has lush landscaping, 2 gas hookups, an outdoor television and a retractable pergola along with privacy fences.

It is enough space to have a full sectional sofa and a dining table.

This duplex has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one covered parking space.

This building is located in central lakeview near the shops and restaurants on Lincoln, Diversey and Ashland. It’s near several bus lines and the listing says it’s “conveniently close” to the brown, purple and red line trains (red line?) but I leave that up to all of you to tell me if this is “close” to the Brown/Purple line stop.

Listed at $575,000, that is $110,000 above the 2021 sales price.

I recommend checking out the pictures from the 2021 listing for “before” and “after” comparisons.

Will the updated kitchen seal the deal?

Stephen Hnatow and Ashley Volden at KellerWilliams ONEChicago have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or you can also see it at the Open House on Saturday, February 15 from 11 am to 1 pm.

Unit #B: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1283 square feet

• Sold in June 2003 for $364,000
• Sold in June 2011 for $303,500
• Sold in June 2017 for $467,000
• Sold in April 2021 for $465,000
• Currently listed for $575,000
• Assessments of $250 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $10,338
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Covered parking space included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom  #2: 13×10 (second floor)
• Living room: 13×20 (main floor)
• Dining room: 6×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 10×11 (main floor)
• Terrace: 23×13 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom in The Alcove at 1648 W. Division in Wicker Park came on the market in February 2025.

Built in 2021, the Alcove is a collection of an 8-story mid-rise elevator building and townhomes.

It has attached garage parking and the mid-rise has a common roof deck with a grill, firepit and RH furniture with city views. It also has a turfed dog run.

The listing says this unit is “practically new” and “fit for the pages of a magazine.”

It has east and south exposures with “top of the line” finishes.

There are wideplank hardwood floors throughout and 9 foot ceilings.

There’s floor-to-ceiling windows in the living/dining room but not in the bedrooms.

The unit has a “gourmet” kitchen that is open to the living/dining room with premium white and light wood Italian Copatlife cabinetry, pro-grade Viking appliances, quartz countertops, and a 9′ peninsula which seats 4.

It has a 10×7 walk-in pantry with in-unit washer/dryer.

The unit has a split floor plan.

The primary suite has 2 closets, including one that is a walk-in-closet, with a spa-like en suite bathroom with a double vanity and expansive shower.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air and attached garage parking which is included.

There’s also a 15×8 balcony that stretches across the living room.

The Alcove is at the crossroads to both Wicker Park and Bucktown.

The listing describes the neighborhood as the following:

“You’re just a two-minute walk from the Blue Line, and The Alcove offers you the perfect balance: immediate access to urban conveniences like boutique Target, Philz Coffee, Starbucks, WPAC gym, Foxtrot market, and the acclaimed Tortello’s, while being thoughtfully positioned away from the street energy.”

Listed for $675,000, that’s just $25,000 above the original sales price from the developer in 2021 of $650,000.

There’s just 19 homes listed in “Wicker Park” on Redfin and only 2 properties priced between $600,000 and $750,000.

Will this sell for more than list?

Lisa Long-Brown at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #304: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1365 square feet

• Sold in August 2021 for $650,000
• Currently listed at $675,000
• Assessments of $441 a month (includes heat, gas, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,946
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking space included
• Bedroom #1: 15×11
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Kitchen: 16×11
• Living room: 16×10
• Dining room: (says 16×10- is this included with the living room?)
• Foyer: 6×7
• Walk-in-closet: 7×5
• Laundry/pantry: 10×7
• Balcony: 15×8

This 2-bedroom at 17 E. Division in the Gold Coast came on the market in February 2025.

Built in 1900, 17 E. Division has 6 units and some outdoor parking.

The listing called this top floor unit a “French-inspired penthouse.”

The unit has some of its vintage features including custom moldings, 12 foot ceilings, a vintage skylight and a wood burning fireplace in the living room.

The listing says it was “rehabbed in 2023-2024.”

It has an “all new” kitchen with white cabinets (but the upper cabinets are mostly missing), stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and lighting.

If you look at the pictures in the 2022 listing, you’ll see the kitchen was your standard dark wood, stainless steel appliances with an island kitchen.

The current kitchen has replaced the island with a wood table/island which I wonder if it will be included in the sale.

There are hardwood floors throughout, including the bedrooms, which had carpet in the 2022 sale.

The listing says the bathrooms have been “updated.”

The unit also has an office/butler’s pantry which now has built-in cabinets (see pictures from the 2022 to see what it looked like before.)

The unit has some of the features that buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. There is no parking but it’s available in the neighborhood.

It also has a private back deck with a water hook-up.

This building is located near the shops and restaurants at State and Division as well as the Rush Street corridor. The Jewel on Division is nearby. You can also easily get to Oak Street Beach. It is near multiple bus lines and the Red line stop at Clark.

This unit came on the market at $640,000, which is $75,000 above the 2022 purchase price of $565,000.

Listed on February 6, it went under contract on February 8.

I’m cribbing about it today because a little birdie told me there were multiple offers. They didn’t even wait until Monday for the “best and final offer.”

Inventory is near record lows in many Chicago neighborhoods.

What should be the strategy of sellers agents in this market?

1. Price it low, have two open houses on Saturday and Sunday, accept offers on Monday by 5 pm?
2. List it, have showings, take in offers as they come but continue to show it for “back-up offers”?

What should be the strategy of buyers?

1. See the property within 24 hours of listing?
2. Be prepared for multiple bids and have a strategy as to what you’re willing to go over?

Any guesses on sales price?

Anne Rossley at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here. No floor plan but there is one in the 2022 listing.

Unit #3E: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in September 1992 for $236,000
• Sold in December 2001 for $377,000
• Sold in May 2006 for $482,000
• Sold in June 2022 for $565,000
• Originally listed on February 6, 2025 for $640,000
• Under contract in 3 days on February 8, 2025
• Was told it was multiple bids
• Assessments of $595 a month (security)
• Taxes of $10,419
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking- available to rent in the neighborhood
• Wood burning fireplace
• Vintage skylight
• Bedroom #1: 14×11
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Living room: 23×22
• Dining room: 15×11
• Kitchen: 15×11
• Office: 23×7
• Balcony with water