Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom authentic loft in the Anchor Lofts at 215 W. Illinois in River North originally came on the market in February 2020.

It has been on and off the market. We last chattered about it in February 2022. You can see our rather infamous chatter here.

Built in 1923, the Anchor Lofts has 17 lofts and an attached garage although the current listing says it has 11 lofts. It was converted in the 1980s and does not have door staff or other amenities.

The prior listing said parking was available for rent from the HOA but this current listing doesn’t mention parking at all and doesn’t even say it’s available in the neighborhood.

This loft has an open floor plan with southern and western exposures along with exposed wood beams and 11 foot ceilings. The current listing says it has timber ceilings, but the ceilings are white so are they painted or have they put up drywall?

The prior listing called this loft a “true New Yorker’s dream.” It has original architectural and decor details.

The kitchen has white cabinets with black cabinets on the island which seats 2, along with marble counter tops and luxury appliances including a Wolf gas range, glass door refrigerator and separate wine fridge.

This loft is now a 2 bedroom instead of a 3 bedroom but it now had a den which could be a “nursery, charming office or workspace.” According to the floor plan, both bedrooms and the den have windows.

The primary bedroom has a wall-to-wall closet and a “dedicated” bath.

This loft has features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit but parking isn’t mentioned.

This building is near the Wells Street restaurant corridor, the Merchandise Mart Brown line stop, the East Bank Club and the shops and restaurants of River North.

Originally listed in February 2020 for $1.2 million, it was on, and off, the market for three years.

It came back on the market in May 2023 at $899,900. It has been under contract twice this year. But it has been re-listed and reduced and is now priced at $750,000.

Will the reduced price finally get the sale done?

Gisela Attlan at Engel & Voelkers has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #5C: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2300 square feet, loft

• Sold in July 2010 for $395,000
• Sold in February 2013 for $780,000
• Originally listed in February 2020 for $1.2 million
• Reduced and on and off the market
• Re-listed in May 2023 at $899,900
• Under contract twice
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $750,000
• Assessments of are now $714 a month (they were $526 a month in February 2022)(includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes are now $22,948 (they were $14,448 in February 2022)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking? Prior listing said you could rent it from the HOA
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×16
• Bedroom #2: 15×13
• Den: 12×9
• Living/dining room: 33×24
• Kitchen: 14×12
• Laundry: 7×6
• Gallery: 30×4

This top floor 2-bedroom in Fulton Station at 560 W. Fulton on the Near West Side came on the market in August 2023.

Built in 2000, Fulton Station includes condos and townhouses. This building has 40 units and heated, attached garage parking.

There is no doorman or amenities.

The listing on this corner unit says it was “gut rehabbed in 2015.”

It has wide plank white oak hardwood floors in the main floor living areas as well as the primary suite.

The listing says the unit has fresh paint.

The modern kitchen has a combination of white and wood-looking style cabinets with quartz countertops, a breakfast bar that seats 3 and “updated” state of the art appliances by Miele, Fisher & Paykel and Lieber.

The listing says the living room has space for a formal dining room but there’s also a “family room” space near the fireplace where a dining room could also be added.

There’s a wet-bar with what looks like a beverage refrigerator and a built-in den/work space which has a desk and can be hidden behind a door.

There’s a balcony off the living room with a gas line hookup.

The unit has a “fully upgraded” bathroom on the main floor with a frameless glass shower and heated floors.

The second bedroom is also on this floor.

The primary suite is on the second floor and has a walk-in-closet and en suite bathroom with high end Grohe finishes, a Japanese soaking tub, a large steam shower and heated tile floors.

The private roof deck is accessed off the primary suite and has skyline views.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car heated garage parking is available for $35,000.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Fulton Market and the Near West Side, the Jewel supermarket and is a quick stroll to the Chicago Riverwalk.

Listed in August 2023 at $799,000, that’s $240,000 above the 2013 sales price of $549,000.

Will the sellers get their asking price even with mortgage rates at new 21-year highs of 7.5%?

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

Unit #604: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1930 square feet, duplex up, top floor

• Sold in July 2000 for $433,000
• Sold in March 2003 for $450,000
• Sold in September 2013 for $559,000
• Currently listed at $799,000
• Assessments of $887 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $14,391
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car heated garage parking for $35,000 extra
• Fireplace
• Skylights
• Bedroom #1: 16×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×13 (main floor)
• Living room: 18×19 (main floor)
• Family room: 14×15 (main floor)
• Office: 5×6
• Kitchen: 10×15 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet (second floor)
• Balcony
• Roof top deck
• Main floor square footage: 1348 sq ft
• Second floor square footage: 582 sq ft

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 511 N. Bishop in West Town came on the market in July 2023. Sorry, I don’t have a picture but I still wanted to crib on it.

511 N. Bishop is a group of fee simple townhouses that were built in 1999.

This is an end unit which has side yard and 2 other private decks. The listing says it’s a “rare opportunity” to own a fee simple end unit.

The first level has a one car garage, including space on the driveway for a second car, the foyer, the third bedroom or “flex space,” the laundry and a powder room.

The second floor has the main living spaces including the living room, dining room and kitchen.

The living and dining room is a half flight up from the kitchen and has a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, black granite counter tops, a peninsula with seating for 3, a tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. It opens to a private back deck.

The third floor is the other two bedrooms along with two full baths. The listing says both bathrooms have been renovated including one featuring white marble herringbone floors, a walk-in-shower and gold accents.

A spiral staircase leads to a rooftop deck with city views.

The townhouse has central air.

This townhouse is near the shops and restaurants of both Grand and Chicago Avenue and is close to popular Fulton Market. There are several bus lines nearby.

Listed in July 2023 at $600,000, it went under contract that month but has fallen out and has now been relisted at the same price of $600,000.

As of the evening of Aug 20, 2023, Redfin said this property had been viewed 4,079 times.

Will this townhouse go under contract for a second time this week?

Amanda McMillan and Samuel Liochon at @Properties Christie’s have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

511 N. Bishop: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in June 1999 for $270,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in December 2003 for $380,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in November 2009 for $408,000
• Originally listed in July 2023 for $600,000
• Under contract in July 2023
• Re-listed in August 2023 for $600,000
• No assessments. Fee simple.
• Taxes of $9183
• Central Air
• 1 car garage
• Wood burning fireplace with a gas starter
• Bedroom #1: 15×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×10 (main level)
• Living room: 17×14 (second floor)
• Dining room: 11×5 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 17×11 (second floor)
• Foyer: 7×6 (main floor)
• Deck: 10×10 (second floor)
• Rooftop deck: 20×14 (fourth floor)

This 2-bedroom at 811 W. Webster in Lincoln Park came on the market in August 2023.

Built in 1886, 811 W. Webster has 6 units and was converted into condos in 1986. There’s garage parking and outdoor decks.

The building appears to have gotten a new garage door since I took my picture, above, in 2021.

This unit has a private entrance and the listing calls it an “urban oasis.”

It is a duplex up with the living spaces on the main floor and the 2 bedrooms on the second floor.

There are hardwood floors throughout and some unique features such as exposed brick and ductwork on the main floor.

The living room has a gas fireplace and doors that open to a deck.

It has an “updated” kitchen open to the dining room with wood cabinets, an island with seating for three, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a “chic” backsplash.

There’s also a powder room on the main floor.

The primary suite has a renovated gas fireplace, an en suite updated bath with “spa-like” rain shower, dual sink vanity and a soaking tub.

The primary has a private outdoor terrace.

The second full bath is also on the second floor. There also appears to be outdoor space off the second bedroom as well.

The listing says the furnace was replaced in 2022.

The unit has skylights and the listing says it has 3 terraces and roof rights. It also has the features buyers look for including central air and garage parking which is included.

This building is in the middle of Lincoln Park, near shops and restaurants on Webster and Halsted. It’s also a quick stroll to Oz Park.

This unit was last on the market in June 2020. I thought I had cribbed about it during that time, but I hadn’t. I think it went under contract too quickly.

It’s back on the market at $825,000, or $109,000 more than the 2020 sales price of $716,000.

Will this unit sell quickly again in 2023?

Lauren Mitrick Wood and Laura Davis at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here. No floor plan but it’s in the prior listing.

Or see it at the open house on Saturday, Aug 19, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM.

Unit #F: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1700 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in March 1997 for $295,000
• Sold in September 2003 for $465,000
• Sold in July 2005 for $560,000
• Sold in May 2006 for $608,500
• Sold in October 2009 for $565,000
• Sold in April 2017 for $627,500
• Sold in August 2020 for $716,000
• Currently listed at $825,000
• Assessments of $362 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $12,400
• Central Air
• 2 gas fireplaces (living room and primary bedroom)
• Bedroom #1: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 20×17 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 17×10 (main floor combo)
• Listing has a family room of 17×17 (main floor)???
• Private deck (second floor)
• Second deck (second floor) (shared???)
• Deck off the living room (main floor)- private or shared???

This 3-bedroom in The Pinnacle at 21 E. Huron in the Cathedral District in River North came on the market in May 2023.

Built in 2002, The Pinnacle has 213 units and attached parking.

It’s a full amenity building with 24/7 door staff, an indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, exercise room, wine storage cellar, a private movie theater, a reading room and several shared patios.

The listing says this unit is a “rarely available” 03 tier with unobstructed east and southeast city views.

The listing also says it was “recently gutted and impeccably rehabbed.”

It has new dark oak hardwood floors throughout, including in the bedrooms.

The chef’s kitchen has been “redesigned” with frameless cabinetry, Subzero 42″ Classic French door refrigerator, a 2nd Subzero 2 drawer refrigerator/freezer for extra temperature controlled food storage.

The countertops are polished Vicostone Bella Blanco with WAlker Zanger porcelain and marble backsplash, a Wolf 48″ stainless steel dual fuel natural gas range with 6 burners and an infared griddle. Above the range is a stainless steel built-in range hood with iQ12 blower system to ensure clearance of all smoke and odors.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a “redesigned” custom bath with a walk-in-shower, dual vanity, and an elevated tube with award winning Billie Ombre backsplash.

There’s another full bath for the two other bedrooms.

The unit has a foyer and other features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available.

It also has 2 balconies with city views.

This building is in the eastern portion of River North, in the Cathedral District, near shops and restaurants, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, the Mag Mile, a movie theater, the Starbucks Reserve, the Eataly Market, and also the new Bally’s Casino.

Listed in May 2023 for $1.495 million, it has been reduced $150,000 to $1.345 million.

At 2100 square feet, and rehabbed, is this a deal?

Christian Griffin at Canzell Realty has the listing. See the pictures here. (no floor plan)

Unit #1603: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2100 square feet

• Sold in November 2004 for $979,000
• Sold in October 2012 for $1.1 million
• Originally listed in May 2023 for $1.495 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.345 million 
• Assessments of $1831 a month (includes a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $21,809
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking is available (it doesn’t say how much)
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×16
• Bedroom #2: 16×12
• Bedroom #3: 11×16
• Living/dining combo: 23×25
• Kitchen: 16×12
• Foyer: 6×7
• 2 balconies: 10×6 each

This 3-bedroom in 2016 W. Rice in Ukrainian Village came on the market in August 2023.

Built in 2018 by Ranquist, 2016 W. Rice has 8 units and attached garage parking. There are no amenities with the building.

This unit has the modern features that Ranquist is known for.

You enter into the family room, which is open to the lower level. Also on this main level are two bedrooms and one full bath.

There is a floating staircase to the lower level which has the living and dining rooms, the kitchen, a half bath and a primary suite. The lower level has tall ceilings and 2-story windows.

The kitchen has custom white and gray cabinets, quartz counter tops and backsplash, a huge pantry and top-of-the-line Thermador stainless steel appliances.

There’s no island but, instead, the dining room is adjacent to the kitchen.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a spa bath which “adds a touch of luxury.”

The unit looks out to a private outdoor oasis.

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

The listing says this unit is a “perfect canvas for your creative vision.”

This building is near the shops and restaurants on Chicago and Division in Ukrainian Village and Wicker Park as well as the Chicago Avenue Mariano’s.

Listed in August 2023 at $849,900, is this duplex a townhouse alternative?

Melanie Giglio at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #103: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex down

• Sold in March 2019 for $750,000
• Currently listed at $849,900
• Assessments of $385 a month (includes scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $13,964
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One car garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 15×12 (lower level)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 13×11 (main level)
• Living/dining room: 23×15 (lower level)
• Kitchen: 15×10 (lower level)
• Walk-in-closet: 6×6 (lower level)
• Family room: 16×15 (main level)
• Outdoor oasis: 18×15 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom penthouse in Streeterville Center at 233 E. Erie in Streeterville, came on the market in July 2023.

Built in 1972, Streeterville Center has 160 units and attached public parking that is valet. This is the first time we’ve ever chattered about this building, apparently.

The building has door staff, a party room and a rooftop pool with city views. There is a laundry room on the top floor.

This unit is on the penthouse level, or 25th floor, and the listing says “everything is brand new.”

It has wide plank hardwood floors throughout, including in the bedrooms.

The kitchen is open concept with white cabinets, an island with seating for four, quartz counter tops and Bosch stainless steel appliances.

There appears to be a nook area for a dining room table.

The living room has a 60 inch electric fireplace.

The listing says the bathrooms have marble vanities.

The primary suite has a massive bedroom measuring 25×15 with a walk-in-closet, en suite bathroom with double vanity, porcelain finishes and personal towel heater.

There’s a den but I can’t tell if that’s the room just to the right of the entrance.

The unit has central air but no in-unit washer/dryer. The laundry room is one floor above, on the 26th floor. There’s valet parking available for lease in the building.

This building is in the heart of Streeterville, across from Northwestern Hospital, and near shops and restaurants, including on the Mag Mile.

Listed in July 2023 at $697,000, it has been reduced to $675,000.

Buyers love “new.”

Will the complete renovation close the deal?

Mimi Luna and Aminah Yassin at Remax Legends have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2500: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in July 1993 for $195,000
• Sold in October 2002 for $425,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in March 2019
• Bank owned in November 2020
• Sold from the bank in June 2022 for $220,000
• Originally listed in July 2023 for $697,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $675,000
• Assessments of $1700 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, clubhouse, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7431
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Laundry room in the building.
• Leased valet parking in the building available
• Electric fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 25×15
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Living/dining: 27×10
• Kitchen: 10×8
• Den: 12×6

This 3-bedroom townhouse in Landmark Village at 2809 N. Wolcott in West Lakeview came on the market in August 2023. The picture above is not the listed townhouse, but it’s of other townhouses in Landmark Village. Because it’s a gated community, I had to shoot from outside the fence.

Built in 1995, Landmark Village is a gated community of townhouses and some single family homes. I couldn’t find how many units are in the community.

The listing for this townhouse says its the largest floor plan in the village.

It has a newly remodeled foyer. The first floor has the garage, a full bathroom and “flex space” which could be used as the third bedroom, an office or family room. It leads to a small patio.

The second floor has refinished hardwood floors and the living room, dining room and kitchen along with a balcony over the driveway.

There is a wood burning fireplace in the living room with a mosaic marble surround.

The kitchen is a “chef’s dream” and was “completely updated” in 2022. It has green cabinets and quartz counter tops with brass details and stainless steel appliances.

The third floor has skylights and two bedrooms along with one full bathroom with a double vanity. The bathroom is “new” in 2022.

The townhouse has central air and a one car garage.

The listing says this is near “famous” Hamlin Park and in the Jahn school district. It also says you can live a “life of unparalleled comfort and quiet, charming luxury.”

Listed in August 2023 at $565,000, that’s $115,000 above the 2020 sales price.

Will this seller get the premium?

Olivia Carlson and Paul Siebert at @Properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here. No floor plan but there is one in the 2020 listing photos.

Unit G: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in May 1996 for $207,500
• Sold in July 2003 for $350,000
• Sold in July 2009 for $400,000
• Sold in July 2020 for $450,000
• Currently listed at $565,000
• Assessments of $494 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal and Internet)
• Taxes of $9048
• Central Air
• Laundry on the second floor
• 1-car attached garage
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×13 (main floor)
• Living room: 15×14 (second floor)
• Dining room: 12×9 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 12×11 (second floor)
• Foyer: 7×19 (main floor)
• Patio: 8×7 (main floor)
• Balcony: 10×8 (second floor)

This 3-bedroom in The Mayfair at 189 E. Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast came on the market in May 2023.

Built in 1924, The Mayfair has only 28 units and an attached heated garage which is operated under a separate condo association called 180-190 East Walton Garage Condominiums. The building was converted into condos in 1996.

It has door staff, a fitness center, Pilates studio, on-site manager and on-site maintenance.

This unit has refinished hardwood floors throughout and crown molding. It also has a grand foyer.

The living room faces north over Lake Shore Drive with views of Oak Street Beach.

It has a separate dining room.

All three bedrooms are en suite but it looks like one that is used as an office doesn’t have any windows.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet, a “spa” bath with heated floors and towel rack, a large shower with rain shower head, soaking tub, double granite vanity and separate commode.

The custom kitchen has white cabinets with a large island and high-end stainless steel appliances by Subzero, Bosch and Thermador.

French doors lead to a family room  which is south facing and overlooks a landscaped private terrace with 2 custom water fountains, outdoor gas grill, dining area and firepit.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including 3 HVAC units and a new air filtration system, a full laundry room with side-by-side washer/dryer and sink, and 2 deeded parking spaces included in the separate, heated, fully staffed garage.

It also has a “huge” private storage space.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast and Mag Mile, including the shops on Oak Street. The beach is across the street and most of Streeterville, River North and the Gold Coast are easily accessible.

Listed in May 2023 for $1.7 million, it has been reduced $75,000 to $1.625 million.

That price is the lowest it’s been since the 1997 sale. Is this property a deal?

Millie Rosenbloom at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2E: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square feet

• Sold in October 1997 for $1.11 million
• Lis pendens filed in March 2010
• Bank owned in August 2010
• Sold as a bank sale in November 2010 for $1.9 million
• Sold in July 2020 for $1.807 million
• Originally listed in May 2023 for $1.7 million 
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.625 million 
• Assessments of $4,207 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, parking costs included, security, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $37,148
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 car parking at 189-190 East Walton Condo Assoc.
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 17×20
• Bedroom #2: 13×15
• Bedroom #3: 11×18
• Family room: 15×17
• Kitchen: 14×26
• Living room: 24×19
• Dining room: 12×18
• Foyer: 15×18
• Deck: 32×18

This top floor 1-bedroom in the Theophil Studios at 143 W. Burton Place in Old Town came on the market in August 2023.

Built in 1892, the Theophil Studios is one of the Edgar Miller historic buildings in the West Burton Place Historic District. It has 6 units and there are some outdoor parking spaces behind the building.

There is no elevator. The building has storage and laundry in the basement.

From the Chicago Landmark Commission Report on West Burton Place:

Original construction: 1892; artist renovation: 1940

The Theophil Studios complex is a three-story, six-unit condominium building. Originally built in 1892 as a three-story flat building, the property today is a rectangular red brick, stucco and stone corner structure that fills the lot lines. The original structure was substantially remodeled in 1940. Generally Art Moderne in style, the geometrically composed principal façade has a vertical stucco panel with stacked circular windows beside a red brick panel with rectangular windows. Portions of the windows feature stained glass elements.

The east and south eleva-tions are comprised of white stucco accented with red brick and painted wooden features, in-cluding a partially concealed outside staircase. Decorative sculptural panels by artist Edgar Miller accent the ground floor and principal entry. The architect for the remodeling was Frank LaPasso. The front yard wall and fence at grade and cantilevered entryway roof were designed as part of the 1940s renovation and are considered significant.

This unit has most of its original features including original storage cabinets, parquet floors and a wood burning fireplace.

It has a skylight in the living/dining room.

It also is a corner unit with two walls of casement stained glass windows. There is a round window in the bedroom.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances along with a peninsula that seats two.

The unit has a wall cooling unit but no washer/dryer in the unit. There is laundry in the basement (prior listing pictures shows 2 sets of washers/dryers.) There’s no parking but it’s available in the neighborhood.

It has a balcony with views over LaSalle.

This building is just steps away from the shops and restaurants on Wells in Old Town as well as the Gold Coast.

Listed at $249,900, it sold during the start of the pandemic, in August 2020, for $242,000.

Is this a deal for Edgar Miller lovers?

Colin Hebson and Robert Grilli at Dream Town have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3N: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 800 square feet

• Sold in April 1994 for $90,500
• Sold in May 1998 for $150,000
• Sold in April 2001 for $203,000
• Sold in October 2006 for $250,000
• Sold in March 2014 for $222,000
• Sold in August 2020 for $242,000
• Currently listed at $249,000
• Assessments of $314 a month (includes heat, laundry, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes of $4222
• No central air- but wall units
• No washer/dryer in the unit but laundry room in the basement
• Designated storage
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom: 10×14
• Living room: 12×14
• Dining room: 12×9
• Kitchen: 7×9