Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 2850 N. Lakewood in West Lakeview came on the market on March 10, 2023 and went under contract withing 4 days.

But it fell out of contract and was re-listed on March 17, 2023.

Built in 1997, this townhouse complex has 16 units. The photo above is of an original brick lofty type building that is on the George side of the street but the rest of the townhouses are built around an interior courtyard on Lakewood. There is heated garage parking.

This townhouse has 3 levels and a private rooftop deck.

The main floor has hardwood floors, the living and dining rooms, the kitchen and an “updated” powder room.

The kitchen has Shaker white cabinets, a farmhouse sink and stainless steel appliances.

The two bedrooms are on the second floor.

The primary suite has a wall of closets and an en suite bath with double vanity and walk-in-shower along with the stackable laundry.

There’s also an “updated” hall bath.

The top level is filled with natural light and is currently used as an office. It leads to the roof deck.

This townhouse has the features buyers look for including central air and one heated garage space.

It is near the shops and restaurants of West Lakeview, the Jewel on Ashland and the Whole Foods at the Lincoln/Belmont intersection.

Originally listed in March 2023 for $610,000, that is $80,000 above the 2020 sales price of $530,000.

Will these sellers get the premium just 2 1/2 years later?

Marlene Rubenstein and Dena Fox at Baird & Warner have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #I: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1500 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in December 1997 for $298,000
• Sold in June 2012 for $350,000
• Sold in September 2016 for $459,500
• Sold in September 2020 for $530,000
• Originally listed on March 10, 2023 for $610,000
• Under contract on March 14, 2023
• Re-listed on March 17, 2023 for $610,000
• Assessments of $65 a month (includes lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,858
• Central Air
• 1 heated garage parking space
• Bedroom #1: 12×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 9×11 (second floor)
• Office: 7×13 (third floor)
• Living/dining room combo: 22×21 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 9×8 (main floor)
• Storage: 8×3 (main floor)
• Rooftop deck

This 3-bedroom penthouse in 1 E. Schiller in the Gold Coast came on the market in June 2022.

One East was built in 1961 and has 77 units and attached garage parking. It has door staff.

The listing for this penthouse says the current owner has done “extensive remodeling to make the unit move-in ready.”

If you wondered what it looked like in the prior sale in 2021, you can still see those pictures here on Zillow.

It is a half-floor penthouse unit with “over 3500 square feet of interior space” including  a wall of windows with views of Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park.

There is the option of having private keyed elevator access opening right into the home.

The listing doesn’t say if the wood floors are hardwoods or luxury vinyl.

There is a wood-paneled den.

The kitchen has white cabinets, some stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar with seating for two.

The primary bedroom has a massive en suite bathroom with a blue soaking tub with corner views overlooking the city and a walk-in-closet.

But the most unique feature is the 12×30 sunroom which has a wet bar and a “custom retractable roof.”

There’s also a spiral staircase that leads to a private rooftop deck which the listing says is the only unit in the building with access to one.

The rooftop deck appears to have a pergola and city views. There seems to be some sort of an outdoor bar in one picture. The listing doesn’t say if there is electric or gas on the terrace.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1 car garage parking is included.

This building is a short stroll to Oak Street Beach, North Avenue Beach, Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park and the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast.

Listed at $1.95 million, it is more than double the 2021 sales price.

Is this a chance to put your mark on a unique property?

Holly Futrell at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #PHW23: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, no square footage listed but listing says “more than 3500”, penthouse

• Sold in December 1985 – no price listed in the CCRD
• Sold in June 2021 for $940,000
• Listed in June 2022 for $1.95 million
• Currently still listed at $1.95 million
• Assessments of $2646 a month (includes doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $15,483
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit (?) (floor plan shows a laundry room)
• Garage parking included
• Double sided fireplace? (shows it on the floor plan)
• Bedroom #1: 25×17
• Bedroom #2: 16×13
• Bedroom #3: 14×11
• Den: 16×13
• Living room: 25×15
• Dining room: 17×13
• Kitchen: 13×7
• Family room: 36×14
• Sunroom: 12×30
• Rooftop terrace: 35×26

This 3-bedroom duplex-up penthouse in Admiral’s Pointe at 645 N. Kingsbury in River North came on the market last October 2022.

Admiral’s Pointe was built in 2002 and has 171 units and attached garage parking. The building has door staff and an exercise room.

The corner unit has floor-to-ceiling windows and appears to be a “true” penthouse with a top floor 950 square foot private terrace with “parks, river, skyline, lake and sunset” views.

The unit appears to have two primary bedrooms and a third bedroom with a “convertible wall” that “works as additional living space.”

Two bedrooms are on the main floor, including a primary suite with en suite bathroom and walk-in-closet, and the third bedroom/office with the “convertible wall.”

There’s also a “gourmet kitchen” on the main level with white cabinets, a professional range, built-in refrigerator and custom millwork which is open to the living/dining room.

The second floor has a family room and a bedroom with two sets of French doors and an en suite bathroom with a walk-in-closet, as well as the terrace.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one car garage parking is $35,000 extra.

This building is near the East Bank Club and shops and restaurants of west River North. It’s across the street from Ward Park with access to the Riverwalk and has a dog park.

Originally listed in October 2022 for $999,000, it has been reduced $99,000 to $900,000.

This penthouse hasn’t sold in 20 years. Is this a chance to live the penthouse dream at under $1 million?

Kevin Sullivan and Daniel Springer at Coldwell Banker have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2601: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1900 square foot, duplex up, penthouse

• Sold in May 2002 for $531,000
• Sold in July 2003 for $515,000
• Originally listed in October 2022 for $999,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $900,000 (plus $35,000 for garage parking)
• Assessments of $1411 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,005
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 11×15 (second level)
• Bedroom #3: 12×12 (main level)
• Living room: 21×11 (main level)
• Kitchen: 19×10 (main level)
• Family room: 22×12 (second level)
• Terrace: 24×9 (second level)
• Terrace: 19×41 (second level)
• Balcony on the main level

This 2-bedroom in 235 W. Van Buren in the Loop came on the market in February 2023.

But it has been on the market before, including as far back as 2019, when we chattered about it.

See our chatter here.

Back in 2019, it was “Investor friendly” and there was “no rent cap.” No surprise, it is STILL “investor friendly” and there is STILL “no rent cap.”

235 W. Van Buren was built just as the housing bust was hitting in 2009. It has 714 units and attached garage parking.

The building has door staff and a convenience store is in the building.

This unit is a corner unit with 10′ concrete ceilings. It has skyline and lake views.

It also has laminate wood floors in the main living area and carpet in the bedrooms.

Both bedrooms are fully enclosed. The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom.

The kitchen has modern cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula with seating for 4.

It is open concept with the living/dining space.

There is a private balcony.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car tandem parking is available for $50,000 extra.

Development is happening in this neighborhood with new restaurants and retail going into the Willis Tower including an upscale restaurant, FoxTrot, Starbucks, an urbanspace food hall, and a Shake Shack. There is also building to the south, along the river, including apartments and condos.

In 2019, this unit was listed at $449,888 plus $50,000 for the parking. In 2023, it is listed at $450,000 plus $50,000 for the parking.

What will it take to finally sell this property in 2023?

Matt Laricy at Americorp has the listing again. See the pictures, the video and 3D Walkthrough here.

Unit #3601: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1292 square feet

• Sold in January 2010 for $487,500 (included the parking)
• Was listed in February 2019 at $449,888 (plus 2-car tandem parking for $50,000)
• Withdrawn
• Re-listed in February 2023 for $450,000 (plus 2-car tandem parking for $50,000)
• Currently still listed at $450,000 (plus 2-car tandem parking for $50,000)
• Assessments are now $579 a month (they were $499 a month in 2019) (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, Internet, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are now $8664 (they were $9909 in 2019)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 11×11
• Bedroom #2: 11×15
• Balcony: 5×7
• Walk-in-closet: 8×4

This 2-bedroom in 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive in Lakeview came on the market in January 2023.

Built in 1927, 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive has 91 units and valet leased garage parking. It has a semi-private elevator with only 2 units per floor.

It has a landscaped yard with seating and grills, an exercise room, bike room, dog run, package room, on-site manager and engineer but no door staff.

This corner unit has been “newly renovated” but has some of its vintage features including extra deep moldings, arches, and a barrel-vaulted foyer.

It has newly refinished hardwood floors throughout and a gas fireplace in the living room, complete with a stone mantle.

The listing says it has larger, newer windows.

Like many vintage units, it has a separate dining room.

The kitchen has been “updated” and has white cabinets, new quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and 2 seats at a peninsula.

It also has a breakfast area and a sitting area, with a window, which could be an office or work-at-home space.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bath with luxe green slated-lined steam shower with body sprays and new dual vanity.

There’s a tub in the second bathroom.

The listing says there’s a new a/c system last year. It also has a washer/dryer in the unit.

If you need parking, there is 24-hour leased valet parking for 2 vehicles along with a weekly car wash and free guest parking.

You’ll get an additional storage locker.

This building is near the lake front golf course and bike paths as well as the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

Listed in January 2023 for $565,000, it has been reduced $16,000 to $549,000.

For 2,149 square feet, is this a deal?

Laura England and Adrienne Giorgolo at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #8E: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2149 square feet

• Sold in October 1996 for $165,000
• Sold in September 2017 for $485,000
• Was listed in September 2022
• Re-listed in January 2023 for $565,000
• Under contract
• Re-listed in February 2023
• Reduced
• Currently listed in March 2023 at $549,000
• Assessments of $1671 a month (includes heat, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $10,456
• Space Pac cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car 24-hour valet leased garage parking available
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×11
• Bedroom #2: 18×11
• Living room: 24×16
• Dining room: 19×14
• Kitchen: 9×16
• Den: 10×7
• Gallery: 15×7
• Breakfast room: 10×8

This 4-bedroom vintage co-op at 223 E. Delaware in Streeterville came on the market in February 2023.

Built in 1917, 223 E. Delaware has just 10 units. The building has parking, which is apparently outdoor parking, as well as 3 free guest parking spaces at the building and an elevator.

It also has a fitness room and storage. There’s no door staff.

This unit has vintage character including a foyer with herringbone wood floors and crown molding.

It has a ventless fireplace in the living room and a separate dining room with French doors and built-ins.

The unit has a family room with mahogany built-ins with brass fixtures which leads to the kitchen.

The kitchen is a “chef’s dream” with white custom cabinets, Subzero, Miele and Viking appliances, limestone floors, a built-in pantry, a huge island, limestone floors and breakfast area.

The primary bedroom has a cedar lined walk-in closet and en suite bath with steam shower.

The third bedroom has a wall of built-in bookcases and an en suite bathroom.

The fourth bedroom is being used as an office.

The unit also has a powder room with honed marble.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit in an actual laundry room, and one “non-taxed parking space.”

It’s rare to get a parking space with buildings from this era.

Because it’s a co-op, many wonder how the taxes work. The listing says:

“TAXES PRORATED AND PAID MONTHLY WITH ASSESSMENTS. ADDTIONAL STORAGE IS LOCATED ON GROUND FLOOR. NO PLANNED OR UNFINISHED ASSOCIATION PROJECTS. THE BUILDING’S ROOF WAS NEW IN 2012. HEAT IS INCLUDED IN ASSESSMENTS, AND THE BUILDING’S BOILER WAS REPLACED IN 2020. THE UNIT’S A/C COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED IN 2018.”

This building is near the Mag Mile, Oak Street Beach, and the shops and restaurants of Streeterville, the Gold Coast and River North.

Listed at $1.195 million, with 3,000 square feet, is this a single family home alternative for those who want to live in Streeterville?

Curt Ratcliff at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

Unit #5W: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3000 square feet

• Can’t get the last sales price because it’s a co-op
• Listed in February 2023 for $1.195 million
• Currently still listed at $1.195 million
• Assessments of $2083 a month (includes heat, Internet, calbe, parking, fitness room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $23,889 (but listing says they are prorated and paid monthly along with assessments)
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×12
• Bedroom #3: 13×12
• Bedroom #4: 12×13
• Living room: 26×16
• Kitchen: 25×16
• Dining room: 14×16
• Family room: 16×15
• Foyer: 13×9
• Laundry room: 7×12

This 4-bedroom duplex in the Carl Street Studios at 155 W. Burton Place in Old Town came on the market in February 2023 but had been on the market prior to the pandemic without ever selling.

The Carl Street Studios were built in 1880 as an original Victorian home and was converted into 13 condos by Edgar Miller and Sol Kogen in 1927. It’s a unique property that has a gated courtyard but no parking.

Studio 2 is one of the bigger units at 4000 square feet.

It has all of the unique features of a Edgar Miller property including mosaics, stained glass windows, art deco tiles, carved doors, arches, built-in seating, painted ceilings and parquet floors.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances including a double oven and an island with seating for 2. There’s also a breakfast room and a separate dining room.

The unit has 3 fireplaces. It looks like at least one is wood burning but others may be decorative.

It has a separate 745 square foot duplex studio that can be used as a guest suite or home office.

This unit has 2 full bathrooms and 2 half baths with 3 bedrooms.

It has a large private rooftop deck.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit but there is no parking with the building. There is parking available to rent in the neighborhood.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and the Gold Coast.

Listed at $1.095 million, that’s $705,000 below the 2003 purchase price of $1.8 million.

Is this a deal?

Michael Horwitz and Charlie Cohen at Peak Realty have the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

Unit #2: 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, 4000 square feet, duplex

• Sold in March 2003 for $1.8 million
• Originally listed in February 2023 for $1.095 million
• Currently listed at $1.095 million
• Assessments of $2955 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes of $38,810 
• Central Air/space pac
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• 3 fireplaces- wood burning and decorative (?)
• Bedroom #1: 13×23 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 8×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 10×12
• Living room: 23×20 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×16 (main floor)
• Sitting room: 14×11 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 13×13 (main floor)
• Study: 9×11 (second floor)
• Breakfast room: 19×10 (second floor)
• Deck: 23×32 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom loft in the Union Square Lofts in River North was first listed in July 2022.

This building was built in 1962 but was converted to lofts in 1999-2000. Union Square Lofts has 217 units and attached heated garage parking.

It has door staff, a dog walk area, a bike room and a dry cleaners is on-site but no exercise room or pool. The listing says the East Bank Club is just a block away.

The listing says this loft was “renovated in 2021/22.”

It has floor-to-ceiling windows with “touches” of exposed brick and exposed ductwork.

There are what looks like wide plank hardwood floors throughout but the listing doesn’t say if its hardwood or luxury vinyl.

The kitchen has been “fully renovated” with tall custom white Omega cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances including Fisher-Paykel built-in coffeemaker, built-in refrigerator and dishwasher, Viking range with range hood, Sharp microwave, a Brizo Smart Touch faucet, EWS filtration and an island with seating for 4.

The loft has a wet bar with wine fridge.

The primary bedroom has a “luxurious, spa-like” 2021 remodeled primary bath with a frameless walk-in Mr. Steam shower, Graff faucet, Moen digital shower and Kohler showerheads along with a Toto Washlet and Toilet and heated floors.

The second bedroom doesn’t have any windows.

The listing says the second bathroom was “rebuilt” in 2022. It has a tub.

The loft has the features that buyers look for including central air, a brand new stacked LG washer/dryer in the unit and heated garage parking is available for $35,000.

It has a balcony.

This building is near the Merchandise Mart, the Chicago River and the Riverwalk and it lists the following as neighborhood favorites: “Lou Malnati’s, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf, Gilt Bar, Chicago Cut Steakhouse, Kinzie Chophouse, Ciccio Mio, HighLine, The Hampton Social – River North, Wildfire, Xoco, Sunny Bowls, Marshall’s Landing, Beatrix, Girl & the Goat, The Doughnut Vault, Firecakes Donuts, Starbucks Reserve Roastery, & Cafe Umbria. Pet Friendly.”

Listed in July 2022 for $849,900, the unit has been reduced $200,000 including another $50,000 reduction just this week to $649,900.

Will this new price get the deal done?

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

Unit #523: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet, loft

• Sold in September 2000 for $416,000
• Sold in October 2006 for $485,000
• Sold in April 2019 for $440,000
• Originally listed in July 2022 for $849,900
• Reduced several times
• Reduced $50,000 in March 2023
• Currently listed at $649,900
• Assessments of $1126 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9853
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking space is $35,000 extra
• Bedroom #1: 16×10
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Living room: 19×19
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Walk-in-closet: 11×9
• Foyer: 7×6
• Laundry room: 3×3
• Balcony: 12×6

This 2-bedroom penthouse at 933 W. Van Buren in the West Loop came on the market in March 2023.

933 W. Van Buren was built in 2003 and has 180 units and attached heated garage parking. It’s been over a decade since we’ve chattered on it.

The building has a doorman, a roof deck with grilling station and views of the Willis Tower, a fitness center and dry cleaning lockers.

This unit is what was termed “soft loft” during the housing boom. Lofts were popular but there were only so many industrial buildings to convert. Developers began to build “loft-like” units with high ceilings and exposed ductwork.

This penthouse unit has unfinished concreted ceilings and exposed ductwork along with newly refinished hardwood floors and fresh paint.

There’s a large foyer with space for an office and a fireplace in the living room.

The listing says the kitchen is “fully renovated” and has contemporary wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances including a wine refrigerator and an island with seating for 2.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a double vanity, a separate tub and walk-in shower and it leads to a private 120 square foot patio.

It appears from the floor plan that the second bedroom does not have windows.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and rare 2-car heated garage parking which is included in the price.

This building is near Mary Bartelme Park, Whole Foods, Mariano’s, the Super Target and all the shops and restaurants of the West Loop.

This unit last sold 15 years ago. Listed at $625,000, that’s $210,000 above the 2008 sales price of $415,000.

Will they get the premium?

Ryan Gossett and Omar Gonzalez at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #917: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1350 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in August 2003 for $427,000
• Sold in April 2006 for $395,000
• Sold in January 2008 for $415,000
• Currently listed at $625,000
• Assessments of $650 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $7514
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car heated garage parking included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×14
• Bedroom #2: 11×7
• Living room: 15×16
• Dining room: 12×8
• Kitchen: 11×10
• Foyer: 7×13
• Walk-in-closet: 7×13
• Balcony: 11×11

This 2-bedroom in 545 W. Roscoe in East Lakeview came on the market in February 2023.

Built in 1923, this courtyard building has 26 units. There’s no parking or elevator but the building has a common patio with furniture and a grill.

This unit is the only unit on its floor and has 3 exposures through vintage windows.

It has an arrival foyer and hardwood floors through the main living spaces.

Like many vintage units, it has a separate dining room.

The kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances including a newer double oven (2019) and dishwasher (2018) along with a checkerboard floor and backsplash.

The primary suite has an en suite bath which, in addition to the bathroom, has a dressing area, wall of closets and in-unit washer/dryer.

The second bedroom is currently being used as a den/office and has wraparound shelves.

The unit has a 6x7x10 storage space and the building has a bike room. There’s no parking but there are rental lots available in the neighborhood.

There’s no central air, but it has window units.

The listing says: “Building has recently updated the lobby and hallways, re-coated the roof, updated the boiler and water lines, landscaped common patio with furniture and grill. Healthy reserves of $128,646 as of 1/23/23.”

This building is near the shops, restaurants and grocery stores of East Lakeview and numerous bus lines and subway stops. It’s an easy walk to Wrigley Field and several movie theaters.

Listed in February 2023 at $460,000, it has been reduced $20,000 to $440,000.

Even with higher mortgage rates, is this a better deal than renting in the neighborhood?

Ann Carson and John Wyman at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures, floor plan and video tour here.

Unit #2: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400 square feet

• Sold in May 1991 for $121,000
• Sold in June 1995 for $162,000
• Sold in August 1997 for $193,000
• Sold in February 1999 for $220,000
• Sold in June 2004 for $344,500
• Originally listed in February 2023 for $460,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $440,000
• Assessments of $640 a month (includes heat, gas, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8508
• No central air. Window units only.
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking but rental available in the neighborhood
• Bedroom #1: 13×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Dining room: 15×12
• Living room: 13×22
• Foyer: 5×8
• Kitchen: 10×12