Crib Chatter

The painting of brick, both interior and exterior, has always been controversial on the Internet.

There are those who say you should NEVER do it. Others think it’s fine as long as you’re aware of the added maintenance involved.

Homeowners have been painting brick in the Georgetown neighborhood in Washington DC for years. I was recently there and was taken by how pristine the homes looked. These pictures are all of homes in Georgetown.

There was no bleeding or flaking of the paint to be seen. And the whites were crisp.

White brick homes are “in” right now.

We have chattered, in the past, about lofts that have had painted brick interior walls.

It was even the title of this post: Should You Paint Your Brick? A 3-Bedroom Loft at 154 W. Hubbard in River North.

You can see that chatter here.

Would you buy a house with painted brick on the outside?

What about if it was painted interior brick like the loft at 154 W. Hubbard?

This 1-bedroom in Tribune Tower Residences at 435 N. Michigan in Streeterville came on the market in May 2024.

Tribune Tower was built in 1925 and was converted into condos in 2021. It has 162 units and attached garage parking.

It’s a full amenity building with 24/7 door staff and 55,000 square feet of amenity space including an all-season pool, a private park, and the infamous Crown Terrace in the crown of the building.

This unit is a large 1-bedroom.

The listing calls it a “haven of sophistication.”

The unit has a formal foyer, Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and automated Hunter Douglas window treatments.

It has a “chef’s inspired” kitchen with Bovelli custom cabinetry, oversized island with quartzite countertops and luxury appliances by Subzero, Miele and Wolf.

There are RH light fixtures.

The listing says the owner spared “no expense” with custom closets.

The bedroom is en suite and the bathroom has a soaking tub, separate shower, double vanity and marble inlay.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one parking space is available for $55,000.

Tribune Tower is at the south end of Michigan Avenue, near the shops and restaurants of Michigan Avenue, Streeterville, River North and the Riverwalk. There are multiple bus lines in front of the building.

Listed at $1.060 million, including the parking space, that is $185,000 above the 2023 sales price of $875,000. I’m not sure if that 2023 price included the parking.

Will this seller get the premium just one year later?

Carrie McCormick at @properties Christies has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1009: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in May 2023 for $875,000
• Currently listed at $1.05 million 
• Assessments of $926 a month (includes heat, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes are not listed
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One car parking is $55,000 extra
• Bedroom: 14×12
• Living room: 23×17
• Kitchen: 12×10
• Walk-in-closet: 7×6

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 820 N. Dearborn in the Gold Coast came on the market in May 2024.

I can’t find a date for when this complex was built but the first sale is listed as 1988. It has 4 units and a shared garage.

This unit is the Dearborn facing corner unit directly over the garage door.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The main level has the living room, dining room and kitchen which is open to the room.

It has a newly tile fireplace, designer lighting and crown molding.

The kitchen is a “chef’s delight” with “freshly” painted white cabinets, quartzite countertops and backsplash, a built-in Subzero refrigerator, a breakfast bar and a pantry.

There’s also a half bath on the main floor.

The second floor has two bedrooms and one full bath along with a walk-in-closet.

The third floor is the primary suite with an en suite bathroom with a large walk-in-shower, a double vanity, marble floors and marble countertops.

The primary suite has new patio doors which lead to an east facing balcony which has new outside flooring. This is the only outdoor space.

There are 2 skylights.

This townhouse has the features buyers look for including central air, a laundry room in the lower level, and 2.5 car parking plus a parking pad.

Realtor notes on this property from several years ago states that the parking spots are tandem in the garage.

The listing says this townhouse is in a “prime” Gold Coast location. It’s near the big River North Whole Foods, Washington Park, Newberry Library, the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast, the Mag Mile and River North.

The listing says it’s in the Ogden school district.

Listed at $850,000, is this a good 3-bedroom condo alternative in this neighborhood?

John Lyons at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #A: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in August 1988 for $270,000
• Sold in January 1994 for $240,000
• Sold in February 2017 for $600,000
• Currently listed at $850,000
• Assessments of $210 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $9667
• Central Air
• 2.5 car garage parking plus parking pad
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×17 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 17×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 25×11 (main floor)
• Dining room: 12×9 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 11×8 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 7×5 (second floor)
• Laundry: 12×11 (lower level)
• Balcony: 15×5 (third floor)

This 3-bedroom full floor unit in a Victorian Brownstone at 2733 N. Hampden in East Lincoln Park came on the market in May 2024.

Built in 1911, it has 4 units and outdoor parking behind the building.

There’s also storage in the basement and it would seem washer/dryer there as well.

This unit has many of its original features including the original hardwood floors, casings, picture moldings, pocket doors, built-in bookcases and soaring ceilings.

There are also exposed brick walls in several rooms.

It has 2 wood burning fireplaces with one in the living room and one in the family room.

The listing says there are 21 Marvin windows.

The kitchen has green cabinets and what looks like some stainless steel appliances. It also has a breakfast nook and overlooks the family room.

There’s a separate dining room.

The listing says there is 2.5 “updated” bathrooms. One of the bathrooms has a claw foot bathtub.

It has four rooms that have closets, but is only listed as a three bedroom. The other room could be used as an office.

It has a rear porch.

The unit has features that buyers look for including central air and 2 outdoor parking spaces. It does not have a washer/dryer in the unit but the listing says a “W/D can be installed with a separate tankless water heater.”

There’s a storage room in the basement.

This building is near Lincoln Park, the shops and restaurants on Diversey, Clark and Broadway, near multiple bus lines and the listing says its in the Alcott school district.

It appears that there has only been one owner of this condo over the last 31 years.

Listed at $799,000, is this a deal for the location and 2-car parking?

William Becker and Amy Rapp at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2FR: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1800 square feet, full floor

• Sold in February 1993 for $155,000
• Currently listed at $799,000
• Assessments of $483 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $12,803
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit but listing says it can be added
• 2-car outdoor parking included
• 2 wood burning fireplaces (living room and family room)
• Pocket doors
• Bedroom #1: 14×14
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Bedroom #3: 16×10
• Living room: 13×15
• Kitchen: 7×12
• Breakfast nook: 9×12
• Dining room: 18×12
• Pantry: 4×4
• Family room: 18×12
• Office/4th bedroom: 9×15
• Deck: 8×10

This 4-bedroom duplex down at 912 W. Webster in Lincoln Park came on the market in May 2024.

Built in 2020, this is a 4-unit building that has “extra-wide” interiors. It is all brick construction and has garage parking.

This is newer construction from Bak Homes.

It is 55′ wide open floor plan with south facing floor to ceiling windows.

There are wide plank oak hardwood floors throughout the main floor and the bedrooms are carpeted.

It has an Ann Sacks tiled fireplace in the living room.

The unit has a custom Italian kitchen with luxury appliances including Subzero and Wolf along with a 10 foot quartz waterfall island.

There’s a family room on the main floor that leads to an oversized covered deck with an outdoor fireplace which is wired for a television.

But that’s not the only outdoor space. The unit also has another “massive” outdoor space with a custom pergola (on top of the garage?)

There’s also a half bath on the main floor.

All four bedrooms are on the lower level along with the three full baths.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet as well as a en suite bathroom with a double vanity, soaking tub, steam shower and heated floors.

One other bedroom is also en suite.

The bathroom fixtures are by Toto, Hansgrohe and Duravit.

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

This building is in central Lincoln Park, just a few minutes from the Athenian Room restaurant. The listing says it’s in the Oscar Meyer school district.

Listed at $1.5 million, that’s $250,000 above the 2020 sales price of $1.25 million.

The listing calls this condo a “single family home alternative.”

Is $1.5 million the new price for luxury duplex downs in Lincoln Park?

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

Unit #1E: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, duplex down, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 2020 for $1.25 million (per Redfin)
• Currently listed at $1.5 million
• Assessments of $284 a month (includes lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes aren’t listed but Zillow says they would be $28,350
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1 garage space included
• 2 fireplaces (living room and covered patio)
• Bedroom #1: 16×14 (lower level)
• Bedroom #2: 11×10 (lower level)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (lower level)
• Bedroom #4: 12×10 (lower level)
• Living/dining room combo: 24×18 (main level)
• Kitchen: 16×15 (main level)
• Family room: 15×13 (main level)
• Laundry: 6×4 (lower level)
• Walk-in-Closet: 9×7 (lower level)
• Deck: 18×15 (main level)
• Deck: 25×18

This 2-bedroom at 3205 N. Paulina in Lakeview came on the market in May 2024.

I’m not sure when this vintage building was built but it was converted into condos at the height of the housing bubble in 2007-2008.

It has 8 units and outdoor parking.

We’ve chattered about other units in this building previously. Those chatters are under the Belmont street address at 1658 W. Belmont.

The listing calls this unit a “vintage gem.”

It’s a top floor unit that has crown moldings, hardwood floors throughout, and a brick enclosed fireplace in the living/dining room.

The kitchen has cherry cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating for 2.

The kitchen also has a separate built-in desk also with a granite counter top. Could this be a home office?

The primary bathroom has a “Parisian” style skylight (not sure what that means).

Both bathrooms have granite counter tops on the vanity and marble and ceramic finishes.

There’s also a private deck off the back.

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

The building is also the home to the famous Scooter’s Frozen Custard on the first floor.

It is near the shops and restaurants on Belmont, including a Walgreens, and is just a few blocks from the large West Lakeview Whole Foods. Southport and Roscoe Village restaurants and shops are also nearby.

The Brown line stop at Paulina is just a few blocks away. The Redfin “commute” feature tells me it is a 6 minute walk.

Listed at $440,000, this is a rare 2/2 in this neighborhood that has parking and is listed under $450,000.

At this price, will this unit be under contract by the end of the month?

Susan Radzinowicz at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here. (the prior 2016 listing has a floor plan)

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

• Sold in June 2007 for $378,000
• Sold in May 2016 for $373,000
• Currently listed at $440,000
• Assessments of $386 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6765
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking space included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×11
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Living/dining combo: 24×17
• Kitchen: 20×11
• Laundry: 3×4
• Deck: 9×7

This 2-bedroom at 1216 N. Astor in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2024.

Built in 1891, 1216 N. Astor has 9 units. The listing says it has a recently renovated lobby and elevator.

The building does not appear to have any parking.

Although this is a vintage building, the unit does not have any of its vintage features.

It has wood laminate floors throughout along with a marble gas fireplace in the living room.

The unit has a separate dining room.

The listing says the kitchen and baths have been “recently renovated”.

The kitchen is “sophisticated” with white Shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a tile backsplash and a pantry.

There is a primary suite with a spacious closet and a “luxurious” spa-like bathroom with a double vanity.

The unit has a deck off the living room.

It has the features that buyers look for including central air and laundry in the unit but there’s no parking. The listing says that there are “parking options within a 1-block radius.”

The listing says that this building is “one of the lowest” HOA buildings in the Gold Coast. It has a monthly HOA of $688 a month.

This property is near the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast, including Rush Street and Division Street.

Originally listed in April 2024 for $600,000, it has been reduced $25,000 to $575,000.

Buyers love “new.”

Will the renovated kitchen and baths make the sale?

Hayley Westhoff and Anna Theofanous at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in January 1993 for $185,000
• Sold in January 2016 for $260,000
• Originally listed in April 2024 for $600,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $575,000
• OR, it had been listed for rent in February 2024 for $4,000 a month
• Reduced
• Had been listed for rent for $3995 a month but was withdrawn in April 2024
• Assessments of $688 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9049
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13
• Bedroom #2: 14×13
• Living room: 19×15
• Dining room: 15×12
• Kitchen: 13×10
• Laundry: 5×6
• Balcony: 5×15

This 3-bedroom at 223 E. Delaware Place in Streeterville came on the market in April 2024.

223 E. Delaware Place was built in 1919 and is a co-op. It has 10 units and assigned parking, including 3 free guest spots. There are only 2 units per floor.

It has an elevator and an exercise room. There is no door staff.

The listing says this unit has been “recently renovated” and is a “vintage masterpiece.”

It has some of its vintage features including a foyer, separate dining room, high ceilings, and crown moldings.

There is a fireplace in the living room.

The unit has a family room and a bespoke bar area.

The Chef’s kitchen has white and black custom cabinetry with Subzero, Miele and Wolf appliances with an island.

There’s a butler’s pantry with black cabinetry to the ceiling and a 140 bottle wine cooler, ice maker, beverage center and a second dishwasher .

The unit has a laundry room with a window off the kitchen.

All three bedrooms are en suite but the third bedroom has been turned into a den and is missing its fourth wall. From the prior listing, it does, apparently, still have a closet so it can be returned to its bedroom status if need be.

The primary suite has two walk-in-closets and an en suite bathroom with heated floors.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air and one assigned parking space.

This building is near all the shops and restaurants of Streeterville, including the Mag Mile, and Oak Street Beach.

We last chattered about this building last year when the sister unit to this one, 5W, came on the market. That listing described the HOA this way:

“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.”

5W was listed at $1.195 million but did not sell. It was withdrawn from the market in December 2023.

5E has come on the market at $1.35 million, or just $50,000 above the 2020 sales price of $1.3 million.

It’s rare to see a pre-war building with parking in Streeterville.

Is this a deal for vintage lovers?

Mike Larson at Gold Coast Realty has the listing. See the pictures, floor plan, and video here.

Unit #5E: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3400 square feet

• Sold in October 2010 for $900,000 (per Redfin due to it being a co-op)
• Sold in October 2016 for $1.565 million (per Redfin)
• Sold in October 2020 for $1.3 million (per Redfin)
• Listed in April 2024 for $1.35 million 
• Currently still listed at $1.35 million 
• Assessments of $4077 a month (or $2,083 a month without the taxes) which includes heat, parking, cable, exercise room, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, exterior maintenance
• Taxes of $23,889 (includes in monthly assessments)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 21×16
• Bedroom #2: 19×12
• Bedroom #3: 16×14 (being used as a den)
• Office: 11×9
• Kitchen: 28×16
• Family room: 17×14
• Living room: 25×16
• Pantry: 10×10
• Foyer: 13×8
• Dining room: 14×13
• Laundry room: 13×6

This 3-bedroom duplex in the Metropolitan Tower at 310 S. Michigan in the Loop came on the market in July 2023.

Metropolitan Tower was built in 1924. It was converted into condos in 2008 and has 210 units and attached garage parking.

It has 24/7 door staff, an exercise room, a party room and sundeck.

This unit is a southeast facing unit with “forever views” that includes the Lake, Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, the Art Institute and Millennium Park as well as the lakefront skyline.

It has a grand foyer with a rotunda style steel staircase along with custom moldings, crown moldings and a fireplace in the living room.

The living room faces east and southeast with views of the Lake.

The unit has a separate dining room with a walnut built-in with a hidden bar space.

The kitchen is not open to the rest of the unit. It has white custom inlay cabinetry, marble counter tops, commercial appliances and storage as well as a unique feature for a condo as the sink has a window over it.

There’s also a half bath on the main floor.

The 3 bedrooms are on the second floor along with 3 full bathrooms.

The primary suite has sitting area, a dressing room with a vanity, a huge closet with an island and a en suite bathroom with a soaking tub and separate steam shower.

This unit has a private elevator that is just for 2 residences which will take you directly to your 3 first floor garage spaces, which are included in the price.

It has the features buyers look for including central air and the laundry room is located on the second floor, with the bedrooms.

But the most unique feature of this property is the 1900 square foot private terrace on the first floor. It was designed by acclaimed Hoerr Schaudt and has imported limestone, a fountain, irrigated planters with full landscaping and a custom copper pergola with lighting.

The listing calls it an “outdoor oasis.”

This building is near Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Art Institute, Buckingham Fountain, the shops and restaurants of the Loop, too many bus lines and subway stops to count.

Originally listed in July 2023 for $4.649 million, it has been reduced $200,000 to $4.449 million.

It has also come on the market for rent at $20,000 a month.

Will this unit rent before it sells?

Joy Larkin at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures, floor plan and video here.

I also recommend checking out Redfin’s “redesign” feature if you want to know what the rooms would look like in a “redesign. For instance, if the furniture was in the Boho or Scandinavian design style, among others.

Unit #2502: 3 bedroom, 3.5 baths, 3817 square feet, duplex

• Sold in October 2008 for $3,246,500
• Originally listed in July 2023 for $4.649 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $4.449 million
• Assessments of $4118 a month (includes parking, cable, doorman, exercise room, party room, sundeck)
• Taxes of $43,398
• OR Listed for rent in April 2024 for $20,000 a month 
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 3 parking spaces included
• 2 large storage rooms included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×20 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×12 (second floor)
• Foyer: 12×10 (main floor)
• Living room: 36×18 (main floor)
• Dining room: 19×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 20×11 (main floor)
• Gallery: 20×8
• Laundry room: 8×13 (second floor)
• Other room: 14×12 (second floor)
• Terrace: 36×51

Sorry, but some family things have come up this week and there’s no way for me to get to Crib Chatter. Therefore, I’m taking the week off.

I’ll leave you with some of the inventory numbers from the GreenZone. Chicago inventory remains among the lowest of any major city.

• Lincoln Park: 1989
• Lakeview: 192
• Bucktown: 71
• River North: 362
• Streeterville: 347
• Loop: 305

Move fast if you’re a buyer.