Crib Chatter

This vintage 4-bedroom brick bungalow at 3800 S. Union in Bridgeport came on the market on Thanksgiving, in November 2023. I don’t have a picture of it but I wanted to crib on it while it was newly on the market.

Built in 1890, 3800 S. Union is a brick bungalow on a 22×124 lot. It has a “new” oversized 2-car garage and the backyard is fenced.

The listing says the house has been “renovated” and has new electrical service and high ceilings with dimmable recessed lighting.

The listing doesn’t say what the floors on the main level are, but from the pictures they appear to be a neutral wideplank hardwood of some kind (luxury vinyl?).

The kitchen has white modern cabinets with black finishes along with with white quartz countertops, a tiled backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

There are 3 bedrooms on the main floor and one bathroom with a dual vanity.

The lower level has a family room, another full bathroom, a “bonus room” and the fourth bedroom. The lower level is carpeted.

This house has central air.

It’s centrally located in Bridgeport, near coffee shops and restaurants and within a few blocks of Guaranteed Rate Field. There is also a Red line stop and bus lines nearby.

The house last sold in 2022 for $185,000 and has been renovated and re-listed for $550,000.

With inventory so low, and buyers loving “new”, will the renovators get their price?

Kim Caton at Kale Realty has the listing. See the pictures here (there’s a 3D walkthrough on the Redfin site).

3800 S Union: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2574 square feet, bungalow

• Sold in October 1990 for $41,345
• Sold in July 2022 for $185,000
• Listed in November 2023 for $550,000
• Taxes of $3207
• Central Air
• 2-car garage
• 22×124 lot
• Bedroom #1: 12×12 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 12×10 (main level)
• Bedroom #4: 12×15 (lower level)
• Living room: 17×10 (main level)
• Dining room: 10×10 (main level)
• Kitchen: 8×18 (main level)
• Family room: 12×24 (lower level)
• Bonus: 13×10 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom duplex up in the St Michael’s High School Lofts at 1660 N. Hudson in Old Town came on the market in September 2023.

St Michael’s High School Lofts was built in 1928 and converted into 41 condos in 1988.

Here’s more from the Chicago Tribune talking about all the development at the St. Michael’s church site in the 1980s:

Chicago Landmark has already begun renovation of the high school, where the last class graduated in 1978, into 42 condominium units priced from $150,000 to $550,000. The largest of those units is 3,800 square feet.

Some of the units are two-story townhouses, while the remainder have lofts. Badner said the ceilings in the school are so high, 14 to 20 feet, that lofts can be added to most units to create an added story.

”There are lots of ideas and lots of views in the building. Nothing is the same,” said Badner. ”Believe it or not, there was even a bowling alley in the old school that we converted to private parking for the six largest end units.”

It does not have a doorman but has an underground attached heated garage and storage.

This building has loft-like features but not the authentic loft finishes like exposed brick, timber ceilings, and beams.

This unit has been “rehabbed by a live-in designer” and has soaring ceilings and white gallery walls.

It faces east and has tree top views along with “warm acacia wood floors” throughout.

The unit has a floor-to-ceiling porcelain tile gas fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases in the living/dining room.

The kitchen is open to the living space and has dark cabinets with gold accents, dark stone counter tops, an island, and a dark tile backsplash.

The primary suite is on the main level has 2 walk-in-closets and a large bathroom with a double vanity and separate shower and soaking tub.

The second bedroom is lofted and has custom-fabricated industrial style black windows overlooking the living space below.

It also has an attached bath and the laundry room.

There’s no private outdoor space but this building has a large shared rooftop deck with an outdoor kitchen as well as a private garden.

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

The St Michael’s High School Lofts are surrounded by shops and restaurants of Old Town and Lincoln Park as well as numerous bus lines and the brown line subway.

This loft was last purchased during the height of the pandemic boom in real estate, in 2021, for $540,000. It has come back on the market “thoroughly rehabbed” for $695,000.

Will this seller get the premium in this low inventory market?

Lucas Blahnik and Anthony Flora at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2M: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, duplex up, no square footage listed, loft

• Sold in October 1988 for $236,000
• Sold in July 2015 for $437,000
• Sold in July 2018 for $483,000
• Sold in March 2021 for $540,000
• Originally listed in September 2023 for $695,000
• Currently still listed at $695,000
• Assessments of $876 a month (includes exterior maintenance and Internet)
• Taxes of $10,585
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×17 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 14×11 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 18×23 (main level)
• Kitchen: 12×11 (main level)
• Foyer: 8×12 (main level)
• Laundry: 5×8 (second floor)

This 3-bedroom in The Seng at Wendelin Park at 869 W. Blackhawk in West Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2023 as new construction but was listed on the MLS in July 2023.

The Seng at Wendelin Park is a new construction 34-unit condo building by Structured Development. It has attached garage parking.

There is no doorstaff but it has an elevator, a rooftop terrace with city views, bike storage and an exercise room.

It is part of a 3-building development overlooking Wendelin Park which is a public space right next to the building.

The Seng is the first large all-affordable condo building in the city.

From Urbanize Chicago:

The Seng offers two-, three- and four-bedroom units for income-qualified households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Buyers also must be preapproved for a traditional, FHA or VA loan and be certified through a homeownership program administered by the Chicago Housing Trust.

The units originally came to the market in February 2023 and it appears there was high demand for the 2/2 units. Here’s what Block Club said happened in February.

• Two-bedroom applications are accepted Feb. 27-March 10. Due to high demand, a lottery drawing will decide buyers March 16.
• Three-bedroom condo applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served bases starting Feb. 27. At least three people must be in a household to apply.
• Four-bedroom applications require four or more people people in a household and are also accepted on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Feb. 27.

In October 2023, Urbanize Chicago announced that 20 out of the 34 units had sold or were under contract, which is more than 50% of the units.

The prices are as follows:

1. Two-bedroom floor plans range from 824-868 square feet and are priced from $285,134;
2. Three-bedroom residences range from 988-1,186 square feet and are priced from $333,734;
3. Four-bedroom homes range from 1,153-1,378 square feet and are priced from $374,696.

This 3-bedroom on the 5th floor is still on the market.

The unit has 9 foot ceilings and exposed ductwork.

There are laminate wood floors in the living/dining room and kitchen. The bedrooms have carpet.

The kitchen has two-toned modern cabinets, quartzite countertops, a Kohler chrome faucet, and GE stainless steel appliances.

According to the floor plan, all 3 bedrooms have windows. None of the bedrooms are en suite.

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

There’s no balcony or private outdoor space.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of North and Clybourn, including the Whole Foods, the Mariano’s and the AMC at New City. The Red Line and multiple bus lines are nearby.

Listed at $333,734, is this a good city home for a small family?

Jordan Euson and Christine Glass at Compass are handling the sales. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #501: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• New construction
• Listed on the MLS in July 2023 for $333,734
• Currently still listed at $333,734
• Assessments of $375 a month (includes parking, security, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are “new”
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Deeded garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 13×10
• Bedroom #2: 13×10
• Bedroom #3: 11×10
• Living room: 12×9
• Kitchen: 13×10
• Dining room: 12×5

This 3-bedroom in the Clock Tower Lofts at 2300 W. Wabansia in Bucktown came on the market in November 2023.

Built in 1916, Clock Tower Lofts was originally the Kling Brothers wholesale clothing business. It was converted into residential lofts in 1996.

The building has an exercise room, a shared rooftop deck, an elevator, and heated garage parking.

This loft has 13 foot timber ceilings and exposed brick walls.

There are diagonal hardwood floors throughout.

The listing says there has been “numerous recent improvements.”

It has a “newer” kitchen with wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island with a breakfast bar with seating for 4.

The loft has a “redone” second bath and a “newer” HVAC and A/C compressor and a new wine fridge.

There’s a wood burning fireplace with built-ins.

Leading to the primary bedroom is a unique set of antique double doors. One of the bathrooms also appears to have a built-in television.

It’s unclear if the other bedrooms have doors or windows.

This loft also has a large balcony overlooking tree-lined Wabansia street.

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

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Bucktown and the 606.

Listed at $549,000, is that a deal for 3-bedrooms?

Scott Green at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan on Redfin).

Or see it in person, in the Open House, on Sunday, November 19, 2023 from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Unit #214: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1425 square feet, loft

• Sold in March 1999 for $242,000
• Sold in February 2004 for $347,500
• Sold in March 2009 for $474,500
• Sold in April 2017 for $507,500
• Currently listed at $549,000
• Assessments of $565 a month (includes cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $9685
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×11
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Bedroom #3: 12×11
• Living room: 17×16
• Dining room: 12×11
• Kitchen: 17×15

This 2-bedroom at 4536 N. Sheridan in Uptown came on the market in November 2023.

I don’t have a picture of this building, but I wanted to crib on it anyway.

Built in 1889, 4536 N. Sheridan has 15 units and gated outdoor parking. There’s also additional storage.

There’s no elevator in the building.

This unit has many vintage details including turreted windows, custom moldings, and wainscotting in the hallways.

The front entry has a custom bench with seating/built-ins.

The kitchen has been opened to the living room which has a gas fireplace with a tile surround and custom built-in bookcases.

The chef’s kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a herringbone backsplash and a matching white island that seats three.

There’s no dining room.

However, there are French doors to the second bedroom which has a beamed ceiling and a built-in Murphy bed.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a double vanity and walk-in-shower along with shiplap walls.

The listing says both bathrooms have been updated.

The unit also has a large deck that overlooks the front yard with enough space for dining and a grill.

It has all the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and outdoor gated parking which is included.

This building is near shops and restaurants of Uptown, as well as the Wilson red line stop and various bus lines.

Listed at $423,955, it last sold during the pandemic, in August 2020 for $379,000.

With inventory so low, will this get an offer this week?

Stacey Dombar at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #203: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1300 square feet

• Sold in December 1997 for $107,000
• Sold in April 1999 for $180,000
• Sold in April 2000 for $192,000
• Sold in December 2008 for $251,000
• Sold in August 2020 for $379,000
• Currently listed at $423,955 (gated outdoor parking space included)
• Assessments of $322 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $5235
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13
• Bedroom #2: 14×13
• Living room: 20×15
• Kitchen: 16×12
• Foyer: 10×6
• Front deck

This 2-bedroom in River Plaza at 405 N. Wabash in River North came on the market in September 2023.

Built in 1977, River Plaza is a massive building with 678 units and attached garage parking. It was converted to condos in 1994.

It’s a full amenity building with an indoor pool, 24-hour door staff, a meeting room, a business center, a sun deck, a fitness center, on-site management, and a grocery store.

This unit has “breathtaking” south and east exposures with both skyline and Chicago River views from the 41st floor.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar.

There’s a separate dining room space.

The unit has a primary suite with a walk-in-closet and en suite bathroom.

It has some of the features buyers look for including central air and deeded garage parking is $35,000 extra.

It doesn’t have washer/dryer in the unit, but some of the other units DO have it so it appears you can add it. Does anyone know? Or are the washer/dryers left over from the apartment conversion?

This building is next to Trump Tower and the Wrigley Building. You have access to the water taxi, Wendella boats, endless buses and subway lines. The shops and restaurants of Michigan Avenue and River North as well as the Riverwalk are steps away.

Listed in September 2023 for $474,900, it has been reduced to $425,000 plus $35,000 for the parking.

Is this the perfect property for those who love skyline views?

Matt Laricy at Americorp has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4109: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1250 square feet

• Sold in July 1995 for $301,000
• Sold in September 1999 for $305,000
• Sold in March 2000 for $345,000
• Listed in September 2023 for $474,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $425,000 (plus $35,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $1401 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal and Internet)
• Taxes of $12,468
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit- laundry room in the building
• Bedroom #1: 33×35
• Bedroom #2: 17×15
• Living/dining room: 36×41
• Kitchen: 12×9

This top floor corner duplex up at 1700 W. Chicago in West Town came on the market in November 2023.

1700 W. Chicago has 15 units and attached garage parking. It was converted into condos in 2002.

This unit has south and east facing windows (replaced in 2021).

The first floor is the kitchen, living/dining room, two bedrooms and a full bathroom.

The kitchen is open to the living room and dining nook which is in the historic turret.

It has white cabinets, jet black granite countertops with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and a white subway tile backsplash.

The guest bathroom on the first floor has a marble dual vanity.

The second floor has the primary suite which has an en suite bathroom with marble throughout, a dual vanity, walk-in-shower and linen closet along with a walk-in-closet.

This unit has 3 outdoor spaces. One deck on the first floor and two on the second floor. One deck is off the primary suite and faces south and one is off the hallway which faces north and the listing says could be used for entertaining. Both decks have skyline views.

It has the features buyers look for including central air (2021), side-by-side washer/dryer (2018) and one car garage parking with an additional tandem exterior spot.

The listing says this building is near “dozens of restaurants (Beatnik, Yuzu Sushi, & Forbidden Root are all a stone’s throw away!) & bars, coffee shops, the Kennedy, & tons of public transportation options.”

Listed at $589,000, is this duplex a townhouse alternative?

Melanie Everett and Courtney Funkhouser at Melanie Everett & Company has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, duplex-up

• Sold in December 2002 for $340,500
• Sold in August 2005 for $432,000
• Sold in May 2011 for $377,500
• Sold in November 2015 for $460,000
• Sold in June 2018 for $521,000
• Currently listed at $589,000
• Assessments of $375 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9696
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer
• Garage parking included (with one tandem exterior spot)
• Bedroom #1: 15×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 20×17 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 11×9 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 7×7 (main floor)
• 3 decks (one on main floor, two on second floor)

This 2-bedroom loft in the Florsheim Shoe Company Lofts at 3963 W. Belmont in Avondale came on the market in November 2023. (Sorry, I don’t have a current photo.)

Built in 1924-26, the Florsheim Shoe Company was one of the world’s largest shoe manufacturers. This building was designed by Alfred Alschuler.

It was converted into 100 loft condos at the height of the bubble, in 2007. There is also an attached heated garage.

The building has door staff and an exercise room.

This loft is a corner with 1200 square feet.

It is an authentic loft with exposed brick walls and two walls of industrial windows. It has tall concrete ceilings and exposed ductwork.

Both bedrooms appear to have full walls and windows.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stone countertops, a breakfast bar and the listing says “all new kitchen appliances” which are stainless steel.

The unit also has a balcony.

The loft has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit (2021) and one heated garage space.

The listing says there are no special assessments and the unit can be rented.

This building is on Belmont and surrounded by the shops and restaurants of Avondale. It is near the Belmont blue line stop and multiple bus lines.

Listed at $385,000, is Avondale still a hot neighborhood after covid?

Andrew Albright at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #413: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1200 square feet, loft

• Sold in April 2007 for $354,500
• Currently listed at $385,000
• Assessments of $550 a month (includes doorman, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6500
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One heated garage parking space included
• Bedroom #1: 11×16
• Bedroom #2: 13×13
• Kitchen: 11×15
• Living room: (no square footage listed)
• Balcony (no square footage listed)

This 3-bedroom penthouse in Erie on the Park at 510 W. Erie in River North came on the market in October 2023.

Built in 2002, Erie on the Park has 118 units and attached garage parking.

It’s a full amenity building with 24/7 door staff, remodeled gym, storage and on-site maintenance.

The listing says this penthouse has been gut rehabbed and is only one of two units on the 24th floor.

It has floor to ceiling windows with “views for miles.”

The unit has white oak wide plank hardwood floors throughout.

It has a Chef’s kitchen with custom oak cabinets and designer quartz countertops and backsplash along with Subzero, Wolf and Miele appliances.

The unit has a “new” primary suite with a custom wood walk-in-closet with built-ins and an en suite bathroom with a steam shower, dual sprays and vanity, Hans Grohe fixtures and a Toto toilet.

A second bedroom is also en suite and has a walk-in-closet.

The unit also has a second family room outside of the third bedroom which has its own entrance and the listing says it can be used as a flex space.

It has two outdoor patios.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 garage spaces are available for $50,000.

This building is near the Chicago River and the Riverwalk, a dog park, the East Bank Club and the shops and restaurants of west River North.

Listed in October 2023 for $1.5 million, it is still listed at that price.

Will the renovation get the sale done on this penthouse?

Christine Egley-Rashkow and Rebecca Snyder at Jameson Sotheby’s have the listing. See the pictures here. (sorry, no floor plan)

Unit #2402: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2500 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in February 2003 for $1.057 million
• Sold in July 2007 for $1.15 million (per Redfin)
• Sold in January 2015 for $1.29 million
• Originally listed in October 2023 for $1.5 million
• Currently still listed at $1.5 million
• Assessments of $2727 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $22,840
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 car garage parking for $50,000
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×12
• Bedroom #3: 20×14
• Living room: 20×15
• Dining room: 14×12
• Kitchen: 16×9
• Family room: 23×14
• 2 patios

This 6-bedroom Italianate row house at 1928 N. Lincoln in East Lincoln Park originally came on the market in November 2022.

We have chattered about it twice, with the last chatter in January 2023. It was originally listed as a single family home but is now listed as a 2-flat.

You can see our chatter here.

Built in 1875, the listing says it was built by Andrew McNally with large blocks of Joliet limestone. The prior listing from last year says that they used limestone because of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. It also said that just 3 families had lived in the house until the prior sale.

It’s on a corner lot measuring 25×100 and has a 1-car garage.

You may recall, the row house has some of its vintage features including the grand staircase with the original wood restored and 12 foot ceilings.

The main unit is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath duplex up and the second unit is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath in the lower level.

The duplex has plaster walls and picture moldings.

The main kitchen has gray cabinets and stainless steel appliances with a breakfast bar that opens into the dining room.

It appears there are two fireplaces in the living/dining room.

There are 4 bedrooms on the second floor floor plan. The primary bedroom has an en suite full bath.

There’s also a second bathroom on that level.

The lower level unit has 2 bedrooms and a full bath. The prior listing said it had been “rehabbed.”

It has a separate entrance, a full kitchen and laundry.

The row house has central air and a wood deck. A prior listing said it had a “California patio.”

Here’s the breakdown for each unit from a prior listing:

• Unit 1: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, rents on Airbnb for $4,000 a month
• Unit 2: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, rents on Airbnb for $8,000 a month

This row house is near Lincoln Park Zoo, the Green City Market and the shops and restaurants of Old Town.

Listed in November 2022 for  $1.295 million, it has come back on the market, reduced $10,000, at $1.285 million.

It went under contract in January 2023 but was relisted at $1.285 million in April 2023.

The row house is still listed at $1.285 million.

What will it take to sell this property?

Matthew Liss and Blazena Bilic at Mark Allen Realty still have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1928 N. Lincoln: 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed but it had 3309 square feet in the first listing, multi-unit row house

• No prior sales price as prior listing said the same family owned it for 70 years
• Sold in January 2022 for $1.129 million
• Originally listed in November 2022 for $1.295 million
• Withdrawn
• Re-listed in January 2023 for $1.285 million
• Contingent in January 2023
• Re-listed in April 2023 for $1.285 million
• Currently listed for $1.285 million
• Taxes are still $17,943 (they were $21,631 in November 2022)
• Central Air
• 1 (or 2?) wood burning fireplaces
• 1 car garage
• 25×100 lot
• Unit #1: monthly Airbnb rent $4,000 (per prior listing)
• Unit #2: monthly Airbnb rent $8,000 (per prior listing)
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×10 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×10 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 13×11 (third floor)
• Living room: 18×13 (second floor)
• Dining room: 13×12 (second floor)
• Sunroom: 12×8 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 13×7 (second floor)
• LL Bedroom #1: 12×11
• LL Bedroom #2: 11×7
• LL Kitchen: 9×8
• LL Living room: 13×11
• Deck