Crib Chatter

We’ve chattered about lofts in 1000 W. Diversey Parkway in Lakeview several times in 2013 and now two more units have come on the market including this 2-bedroom plus den.

That means there are 4 units out of 8 in the building currently on the market.

Half the building is for sale.

What’s odd about that is that before 2011, Crib Chatter had never even written about this building before.

But why not strike while the iron is hot?

The two larger units, including one penthouse unit we’ve chattered about in the past, are now under contract even though you had to have 20% down on the second unit which was also a 2 bedroom/1.5 bath 1800 square foot unit.

See our chatter on that unit here.

This latest loft also has 1800 square feet on two levels.

It also has exposed brick and a spiral staircase to a lofted bedroom and den.

The kitchen is all white, including the appliances.

The bathrooms are also all white.

The loft has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is included.

There is a large Starbucks on the first floor of the building and the Brown Line El stop is just a half block away.

Is this the initial signs of owners looking around and realizing they can now sell so they’d better list too? (i.e. while the window is open?)

Eugene DiVito at 33 Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3A: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in March 1996 for $163,500
• Sold in December 1998 for $212,500
• Sold in October 2004 for $365,000 (but I can’t find a record of this in the ccrd but Zillow and Redfin both say it happened)
• Currently listed at $379,900 (includes parking)
• Assessments of $363 a month
• Taxes of $7924
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 22×13 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 23×16 (second floor)
• Den: 16×10 (second floor)

We last chattered about this 2-bedroom duplex down at 3531 N. Sheffield in Lakeview in August 2012.

See our prior chatter here.

If you recall, it is just a half a block away from Wrigley Field and both last summer and now this spring it is being marketed to Cubs fans.

Last summer, most of you cited being this close to Wrigley as actually a negative and also pointed out the El tracks that run right behind the building as a second negative.

The unit didn’t sell and was withdrawn from the market in December.

If you recall, it has 12 foot ceilings.

One bedroom is on the main floor and the second bedroom is on the lower level.

There is also a family room on the lower level.

The kitchen has white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

It has the features that buyers look for including a washer/dryer in the unit and central air.

It also has a unique feature of 3 car tandem outdoor parking spots which is still an extra $20,000.

It didn’t sell last year when it was listed at $309,000 plus $20,000 for the parking.

It has come back on the market for $26,000 MORE.

Is the market hot enough that this unit will get the higher price?

Mckinze Casey at Jameson Sotheby’s now has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1S: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, duplex down, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 1996 for $209,500
• Sold in May 2000 for $300,000
• Sold in February 2001 for $312,000
• Sold in April 2006 for $388,000
• Originally listed in May 2011 for $355,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in August 2012 at $309,000 (plus 3-car tandem parking for $20,000)
• Withdrawn in December 2012
• Re-listed for $335,000 (plus $20,000 for 3-car tandem parking)
• Assessments of $271 a month (includes cable)
• Taxes of $6870
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×11 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×10 (lower level)
• Family room: 15×14 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom in Pearson on the Park at 222 E. Pearson in Streeterville just came on the market.

I can’t tell if it is bank owned or not.

It is being sold “as-is” BUT it looks like it was part of that $17 million bulk sale of foreclosed units that took place in 2009.

This building was converted from apartments to condos just as the housing bust began in 2007. It never sold out. There were bulk sales of some of the units.

This unit does have the renovated kitchen and bathrooms, however.

The kitchen has cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

In some of the models, this unit was converted into a 2-bedroom with that third smaller bedroom transformed into a dining room that was open to the kitchen.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and valet parking is available in the building.

The unit is listed for $200,600 under the 2007 purchase price.

Is this a deal for the location and square footage?

Jeff Mrozek at Realty Executives Target has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1402: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1700 square feet

• Sold in January 2007 for $630,500
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in 2009
• Bulk purchase for $17 million in October 2009
• Currently listed for $429,900
• Assessments of $933 a month (includes a/c, heat, cable, doorman)
• Taxes of $6252
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking is valet
• Bedroom #1: 12×16
• Bedroom #2: 12×14
• Bedroom #3: 10×10

It’s back!

We’ve chattered about this 2-bedroom at 1658 W. Belmont in Lakeview several times over the last 3 years. (Yes, 3 YEARS!)

See our August 2012 chatter here.

Listed as high as $324,900 in 2010, it was reduced to $275,000 the last time we chattered about it in August 2012.

But it didn’t sell and was withdrawn from the market last November.

The unit has come back on the market listed $10,000 higher at $285,000.

If you recall, the vintage building appears to have been converted into condos in 2006-2007.

It is a rare vintage 2-bedroom unit which also has a second bathroom as most are 2/1s.

The kitchen has the new construction finishes with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

It also has the features that buyers look for including central air, an in-unit washer/dryer and parking.

With inventory at multi-year lows, this HAS to sell this spring, right?

Jeremy Fisher at Prudential Rubloff still has the listing. See the pictures and floorplan here.

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

• Sold in March 2008 for $315,000
• Originally listed in February 2010 for $324,900
• Reduced
• Was listed in November 2010 for $310,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in October 2011 at $289,999
• Reduced
• Was listed in August 2012 at $275,000 (parking included)
• Withdrawn in November 2012
• Re-listed at $285,000 (parking included)
• Assessments of $185 a month
• Taxes now $4816 (they were $4590 in August 2012)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 12×11
• Bedroom #2: 10×9

This 3-bedroom triplex loft in the Donohue Building Lofts at 711 S. Dearborn in Printers Row just came on the market.

This is one of the most popular loft buildings in the city. I know many of you love it. If you haven’t been in it, be sure to check out some of the unique lofts in the annual South Loop loft walk (are they still doing that???).

Built in 1883, it was the first building converted into residential lofts in Printers Row in the 1980s.

This particular unit is one of the more unique ones I’ve seen in the building.

The listing says it is 3 one-bedroom units stacked on top of each other and connected with an internal staircase.

The top floor of the triplex is the top floor of the building so even though it has timber ceilings, there is no one above you and only your unit below you on the other two floors.

It has exposed brick on each floor and arched windows on the top floor.

The loft actually faces east so it does NOT face Dearborn.

It also has some quirks like 2 kitchens.

The main kitchen has maple cabinets and black appliances while a smaller white kitchen is on the lowest level.

At 2450 square feet, there is a library on the second floor and a 8×8 laundry room.

The loft has central air.

There’s no parking with this building but it’s available for purchase in the nearby high rise on Plymouth for $35,000.

Curbed Chicago covered this loft a few days ago and said it was bank owned.

I don’t find any indication in the public records that it is owned by the bank.

In fact, the owner appears to be one of the original owners as the last purchase was made before 1985.

That means it’s been nearly 30 years since this unit changed hands.

At $500,000, is this loft a deal for the size and location?

(And if anyone can figure out the layout- i.e. where the bedrooms are actually located – please share.)

Margie Smigel at The Margie Smigel Group has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #808: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2420 square feet

• Sold before 1985
• Currently listed for $500,000
• Assessments of $1336 a month (includes heat and cable)
• Taxes of $7285
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking available for $35,000 extra nearby
• Bedroom #1: 16×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×15 (second floor)
• Living room: 15×30 (main floor???)
• Dining room: 14×16 (main floor???)
• Laundry room: 8×8 (second floor)
• Library: 15×15 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom corner unit in The Grand on Grand at 200 W. Grand in River North just came on the market.

Normally, it would be just like every other 2/2 in the newer high rises in River North that were all built in the last 10 years.

But the listing says it has a “redesigned kitchen” by a Merchandise Mart Designer.

No more dime-a-dozen cherry cabinets and stock granite countertops here.

The seller was nice enough to put a picture of the kitchen “before” so we can compare it with the “after.”

A wall was removed and it now has Wood Harbor custom built-ins, Wolf Commercial, Subzero and Ann Sacks tile.

The unit is located on the floor right underneath the penthouses and has north and east city views.

It is listed, if you include the parking which is being sold for $33,500, about $100,000 more than the 2007 purchase price.

Will putting in the completely custom kitchen pay off?

(By the way- before some people complain about the assessments, remember this building only has 106 units and it has a doorman.)

David Baran at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2106: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in January 2005 but there was no price listed
• Sold in March 2007 for $582,500 (included the parking)
• Currently listed for $659,900 (plus $33,500 for parking)= $683,400
• Assessments of $794 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room)
• Taxes of $3622
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×13
• Bedroom #2: 11×11

This 2-bedroom at 909 W. Washington in the West Loop has been on the market since August 2012.

It’s not your typical newer construction 2-bedroom.

It’s one of two penthouse units in the building.

This corner unit has 2-story floor to ceiling windows with north and east city views.

There are two bedrooms on the main floor and a second story lofted den which is open to the living space below.

The listing describes the kitchen as a “chef’s kitchen” with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The unit has the amenities buyers look for such as central air and in-unit washer/dryer. Parking is available for $25,000.

Since last August, the property has been reduced $54,000.

It is now listed $35,500 under the 2006 purchase price (if you include the parking) at $570,000.

Is this a deal?

Ryan D’Aprile at d’aprile properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1012: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in January 2006 for $605,500 (included the parking)
• Originally listed in August 2012 for $599,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $545,000 (plus $25,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $624 a month (includes doorman)
• Taxes of $8124
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 11×20 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 9×12 (main floor)
• Den/loft: 12×17 (second floor)

This 4-bedroom duplex unit in The Pierre at 2100 N. Lincoln Park West in Lincoln Park came on the market in October 2012.

At 2850 square feet, it has views of Lincoln Park and the lake.

There’s no floor plan with the listing but Redfin agents who have seen the unit said in the notes that there are 2 bedrooms on one level and 2 bedrooms on the second level.

There are also two kitchens.

The main kitchen has Poggenphol cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The second kitchen is smaller, with white cabinets and appliances.

Each floor also has a living room space.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and leased parking in the building.

The unit has been reduced $176,000 since October and is now listed at $999,000.

Is this the perfect floor plan for a family with teenagers?

Chris Stockwell at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #6-7BS: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2850 square feet, 2 – 4 car leased parking

• Sold in October 1996 but I couldn’t find a price
• Originally listed in October 2012 for $1.75 million
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $999,000
• Assessments of $2003 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, pool)
• Taxes of $9596
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 19×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 18×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×18 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×14 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom in Cortina Court, the courtyard building at 427 N. Aldine in East Lakeview, just came on the market.

We’ve been chattering about a lot of $500,000+ vintage units recently, but what about one that’s listed at $315,000?

Built in 1926, this high first floor unit has a formal entry, crown molding and several built-ins including a hutch and book cases.

It also has a stone carved fireplace mantel.

The kitchen has been remodeled and has white cabinets, marble counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

However, this unit is missing some of the features of the more expensive units including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking, which is leased in the neighborhood.

The unit is listed $20,000 under the 2008 purchase price.

Is this an entry level property for vintage lovers in this neighborhood?

Michael Frank at Keller Williams Preferred has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1N: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage

• Sold in April 1988 for $124,000
• Sold in August 2003 for $270,000
• Sold in April 2008 for $335,000
• Currently listed for $315,000
• Assessment of $424 a month (includes heat and cable)
• Taxes of $4517
• No central air
• No washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking (rental available in the neighborhood)
• Drapes excluded
• Bedroom #1: 14×10
• Bedroom #2: 14×10
• Dining room: 17×13
• Foyer: 9×8

This 3-bedroom contemporary style single family home at 1617 W. Hubbard in West Town has been on and off the market since May 2011.

Built in 2001, on a standard 25×125 lot, it has an interesting design with a rare 2-car garage in the front of the house.

It has 20-foot vaulted ceilings in the living space with an open concept floor plan on the main living level.

The kitchen has maple cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Two of the bedrooms are on the second floor with the third in the lower level along with the family room.

It has central air and a back deck.

The house has been under contract at least 3 times since it was first listed in 2011.

The price has also recently been increased by $10,000 to $449,000.

A lis pendens foreclosure was also filed a year ago, in April 2012.

What’s going on with this property?

Is it a deal at this location?

Richard DiVito at Koenig & Strey has the listing. See the pictures here.

1617 W. Hubbard: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage, no square footage listed

• Sold in August 1998 for $30,000
• Sold in May 2001 for $200,000 (new construction then)
• Originally listed in May 2011 for $469,900
• Reduced
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in April 2012
• Was listed at $400,000 in October 2012
• Has been under contract at least 3 times
• Recently raised $10,000 to $449,000
• Taxes of $9573
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 18×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×9 (lower level)
• Family room: 16×12 (lower level)