Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 820 W. Wolfram in Lakeview came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 1979, the complex has 6 townhouses and outdoor parking. What is unique is that there are no assessments.

The listing says this townhouse has “full masonry” and has been “abundantly updated.”

It has hardwood floors throughout.

The first floor has the kitchen, dining room and living room with exposed brick, a stylish wood beamed ceiling and a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen has custom wood cabinets, quartz counter tops, a breakfast bar, and “newer” Samsung stainless steel appliances.

The second floor has one bedroom, a full bath, the washer/dryer, and a family room. On the current floor plan it is closed off and is called a “bedroom” but in the prior 2020 listing, it is shown as open space and doesn’t have a wall or door.

The listing calls it a “bonus” area with a fourth bedroom or office.

The third floor has the primary bedroom, a second bedroom and a full bathroom.

The listing says the bathrooms have been “newly renovated” with marble tile and walk-in-shower.

The townhouse has skylights and a fenced brick patio off the main living area on the first floor.

It has the features buyers look for including central air and one parking space.

This townhouse is in south Lakeview and is near shops, restaurants, Trader Joe’s, Dom’s Market, numerous bus lines and the Brown Line stop at Diversey.

Listed at $625,000, is this townhouse a good option for those who want levels?

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

You can also go to the Open Houses on Saturday, February 17 from 10 AM to 12 PM and on Sunday, February 18 from 10 AM to 12 PM.

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

• Sold in March 2000 for $279,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in October 2020 for $559,000 (per Zillow)
• Currently listed for $625,000
• No assessments
• Taxes of $11,723
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer
• 1 parking space
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×11 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (third floor)
• Family room: 15×9 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 10×8 (main floor)
• Dining room: 9×8 (main floor)
• Living room: 15×14 (main floor)
• Terrace: 18×9 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom in 1611 N. Hermitage in Bucktown/Wicker Park came on the market in September 2023, was withdrawn in November 2023, and came back on the market in February 2024.

Built in 2015, 1611 N. Hermitage has 17 units, garage parking and an elevator.

This unit is a corner with windows on 3 sides with north, south and west exposures.

The elevator opens directly into the foyer.

The unit has wide plan oak floors and custom drapes. There are also motorized blinds.

The main living space is open concept with the living room, dining room and kitchen.

The kitchen has contemporary cabinets with “top quality” appliances by Subzero, Wolf and Bosch. The island is Carrara marble with a waterfall edge and seating for 3.

The main living space also has a wet bar with a Subzero wine fridge, refrigerator drawers and separate ice maker.

There’s a built-out front deck off the main living space.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet, an upgraded en suite bath with dual vanity, radiant heated floors and walk-in-shower with rain head.

There’s a Jack-n-Jill bathroom between the second and third bedrooms. The second bedroom is built out as a home office with desks, millwork and storage.

The unit also has a second outdoor space off of the primary suite which the listing says is the “largest private terrace in the building.”

It has a built-in grill, outdoor television and watering system.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, side-by-side LG washer/dryer and 2-car garage parking which is included.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of both Bucktown and Wicker Park. It’s near bus lines, the Blue Line, and the listing says it’s located by the 606 Trail.

Listed at $899,000, that’s only $20,000 above the 2019 purchase price of $879,000.

Has Bucktown cooled off as one of Chicago’s top trendy neighborhood?

Jennifer Ames at Engel & Voelkers has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #201: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1900 square feet

• Sold in June 2015 for $945,216 (per Redfin)
• Sold in April 2019 for $879,000 (per Redfin)
• Originally listed in September 2023 (but no price listed on Redfin)
• Withdrawn in November 2023
• Re-listed in February 2024 for $899,000
• Assessments of $776 a month (includes gas, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $16,964
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car heated garage spaces included
• Bedroom #1: 19×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×13
• Bedroom #3: 13×10
• Kitchen: 13×12
• Walk-in-closet: 5×9
• Living/dining room combo: 22×18
• Bar: 5×7
• Foyer: 9×11
• Balcony: 24×5
• Terrace: 20×28

This 2-bedroom top floor vintage unit at 2861 N. Burling in Lakeview came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 1924, 2861 N. Burling has 9 units, heated garage spaces and a backyard koi pond.

It has bike storage and the RING security system in the front vestibule.

This unit has south, east and west treetop views and the listing calls it a “modern vintage” gem.

It has hardwood floors throughout and 9 foot ceilings with skylights.

The unit has some of its vintage features including a wood burning fireplace in the living room and 2 decorative trumeau mirrors.

There are built-in bookcases next to the fireplace and the listing says there is enough room to put a desk.

The dining room is open to the kitchen and has a wood beamed ceiling.

The fully renovated kitchen has white custom cabinetry with new kitchen hardware, a tile backsplash, undermount sink, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a wine fridge and coffee bar along with a peninsula with seating for 4.

The bathroom has been “totally rehabbed” with modern finishes in 2022.

There’s a custom closet/pantry.

The second bedroom has a balcony with room for a grill.

The unit has some of the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit (in the second bedroom) and a heated garage space but there’s no central air. There’s window units.

This building is near many shops and restaurants of Lakeview including Dom’s Market, Trader Joe’s and the Landmark movie theater as well as buses and the Brown line.

Listed at $519,000, this unit last sold in March 2021 for $425,000.

Vintage units with modern finishes and features like garage parking are rare.

Will they get the premium 2 years later?

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

Unit #3N: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1400 square feet

• Sold in May 1989 for $155,000
• Sold in May 1998 for $185,000
• Sold in February 2003 for $312,000
• Sold in December 2004 for $325,000
• Sold in March 2021 for $425,000
• Currently listed at $519,000
• Assessments of $477 a month (includes heat, parking, scavenger, Internet)
• Taxes of $6849
• No central air- but window units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage space included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×11
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Living room: 23×17
• Kitchen: 17×10
• Dining room: 17×10
• Balcony off second bedroom

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 1648 N. Burling in Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 1986, this complex has 10 units. There is an HOA fee which covers exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal.

The listing says this townhouse was “entirely custom designed and renovated in 2020.”

It has hardwood floors, skylights and built-ins.

The first floor has a 1-car garage and a family room/office, which could be a fourth bedroom. It has closets and a full bathroom.

The laundry room and a large, professionally landscaped outdoor oasis, with brick pavers, completes the first floor.

The second floor is the living room, dining room, kitchen and half bath.

The kitchen is a “chef’s dream” with custom white Shaker cabinets, top of the line stainless steel appliances, and a large island that overlooks the dining space.

There’s also a private south facing balcony to grill or entertain.

The living room is a “cozy retreat” with a new wood burning fireplace with custom built-ins and mantle.

The three bedrooms are on the top level including the primary suite which is a “luxurious” haven. It has an en suite bathroom with a custom built double vanity, quartz countertops and an oversized shower.

There’s also a second bathroom on this floor.

The townhouse has central air.

This property is near the shops and restaurants of the North & Clybourn corridor, including the AMC NewCity movie theater and several supermarkets, including Whole Foods.

It’s also near bus and subway lines.

Buyers love “new.”

Listed at $1.1 million, will this townhouse be under contract by Monday?

Karen Schwartz at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Unit #D: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2800 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in June 1986 but the price isn’t listed
• Sold in November 1992 for $277,000
• Sold in January 1998 for $332,000
• Sold in February 2020 for $685,000
• Listed in February 2024 for $1.1 million
• Assessments of $369 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $16,507
• Central Air
• 1-car attached garage
• Wood burning fireplace
• Skylights
• Bedroom #1: 17×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×10 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×9 (third floor)
• Living room: 19×13 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 17×9 (second floor)
• Dining room: 13×11 (second floor)
• Family room: 16×13 (main floor)
• Laundry: 5×4 (main floor)
• Foyer: 8×6 (main floor)
• Terrace: 22×19 (main floor)
• Balcony: 4×11 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom in 565 W. Quincy on the Near West Side came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 2008-2009 by Belgravia, 565 W. Quincy is a modern high rise on top of an original base which is loft condos. The building has 241 total units and garage parking.

The building has a “Q Room” with billiards, foosball, pool tables, 2 bowling lanes, a full kitchen, movie theater and exercise facility. It also has 24-hour door staff and an 8th floor sundeck with loungers and grills.

This unit has north/west sunset views from floor-to-ceiling windows on the 17th floor.

It has “newer” hardwood floors in the living room but “new” carpet in the bedrooms.

The kitchen has 42″ dark wood cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

Both bedrooms are en suite with dual vanities, Kohler fixtures and soaking tubs. The primary bedroom’s bath is all marble.

It has a private balcony.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking is $30,000 extra.

This building is near Union Station, Willis Tower and it’s restaurants and food hall, the Old Post Office, and the shops and restaurants of the West Loop including Randolph Street, Greektown and Fulton Market.

There are buses and the subway nearby.

Listed for $475,000, or $505,000 if you buy the parking, that’s over $100,000 above the September 2014 purchase price of $377,500.

Is this property competition for the new apartment buildings popping up across the downtown?

Wesley Jonberg at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, February 10 from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Unit #1707: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1100 square feet

• Sold in July 2011 for $349,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in September 2014 for $377,500 (per Zillow)
• Currently listed for $475,000 (plus $30,000 extra for garage parking).
• Assessments of $1388 a month (includes doorman, exercise room, exterior maintenance, snow removal, sundeck)
• Taxes of $7915
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×13
• Bedroom #2: 14×10
• Living/dining room: 18×14
• Kitchen: 9×11
• Balcony: 5×13

This 2-bedroom at 2952 N. Halsted in Lakeview came on the market in January 2024.

I don’t know what year this was built but 2952 N. Halsted has 15 units. The building amenities include extra storage, a common garden, grilling area, bicycle storage and common laundry room.

This is a top floor “dream condo” in the heart of Lakeview.

The listing says it’s fully updated with the perfect blend of modern luxury and historic Chicago charm.

The living/dining room is open concept with the kitchen with hardwood floors, an exposed brick wall and a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen has white and wood cabinets with “modern” stainless steel appliances and an expansive island with seating for four.

The unit has a “spa-like” bath.

The primary bedroom has 2 closets and access to a patio.

The unit has some of the features buyers look for including central air, a Bosch washer/dryer in the unit but there’s no parking. It’s available for lease in the neighborhood or free on the street in front of the building.

This building is in the middle of everything in Lakeview but the listing specifically mentions Dom’s and the Advocate Masonic Hospital. It’s near buses and the subway.

Listed at $415,000, that’s $65,000 above the 2020 purchase price of $350,000.

Is this a good starter Lakeview condo?

Jacqueline Duckett at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it in person on Saturday February 10, 2024 from 10 AM to 12 PM or Sunday February 11, 2024 from 10 AM to 12 PM.

Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1088 square feet

• Sold in December 1986 (can’t find a price)
• Sold in April 2019 for $227,500
• Sold in April 2020 for $350,000
• Originally listed in January 2024 for $415,000
• Currently still listed at $415,000
• Assessments of $307 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $5330
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×18
• Bedroom #2: 10×10
• Kitchen: 8×9
• Living room: 13×16
• Balcony

This 3-bedroom in 60 W. Erie in River North came on the market in September 2022 and was withdrawn in March 2023, before being listed again in February 2024.

Built in 2002, 60 W. Erie is a boutique building with just 24 units and attached garage parking.

The building has door staff and an exercise room.

This unit is a full floor unit with a private entry elevator foyer.

It has south, west and east views.

The listing says it’s an “entertainer’s dream” with an open concept and floor-to-ceiling windows.

It has a formal dining room and a newly built custom bar with 2 integrated wine fridges.

Finishes throughout were by an interior designer with Ann Sacks tiles, custom draperies and shades, California Closets and wood floors.

The kitchen has been “renovated” and has white cabinets, porcelain tile floors, Subzero refrigerator, Thermador range, an eat-in island with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and a balcony with city views.

The bedrooms have a split floor plan with the primary suite in its own wing with a sitting area, a walk-in-closet, an en suite bath with marble chevron floors, and a separate shower and soaking tub. There’s also a double sink vanity with quartz countertops.

The other 2 bedrooms are in the other wing.

There’s also an office.

The unit has the features buyers look for including a side-by-side washer/dryer, central air and 2 car garage parking is available for $25,000 extra (not sure if that is “each” or for both).

The unit has several outdoor spaces, including 2 balconies that face the south and a large, north facing terrace covered with astro turf.

This building is in the middle of all the shops and restaurants of River North and is near the Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s as well as multiple bus lines.

Listed in September 2022 for $1,399,9999, it went under contract that October but then came back on the market.

It was reduced to $1.275 million by March 2023 but was then withdrawn from the market.

The unit has come back on the market this year for $1.275 million plus $25,000 extra for the parking.

At 3400 square feet, is this full floor unit a single family home alternative?

Lital Avnet at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #601: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3400 square feet, full floor

• Sold in November 2005 for $1.298 milion
• Sold in February 2014 for $1.345 million
• Sold in August 2020 for $1.25 million
• Originally listed in September 2022 for $1,399,999
• Under contract in October 2022
• Returned to the market
• Reduced to $1.275 million by March 2023
• Withdrawn
• Re-listed in February 2024 for $1.275 million
• Assessments of $3169 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, internet)
• Taxes of $27,462
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car garage parking for $25,000 (is this each?)
• Bedroom #1: 13×25
• Bedroom #2: 11×19
• Bedroom #3: 11×14
• Dining room: 11×16
• Living room: 27×18
• Kitchen: 17×11
• Office: 12×16
• Balcony (2): 15×5
• Terrace: 35×19

This top floor 2-bedroom at 817 W. George in Lakeview came on the market in February 2024. (Apparently, I don’t have my own photo of this building.)

We have chattered about this building, and even this unit, in the past. This unit was last listed in 2010.

Back then, the chatterati loved it’s vintage features. See our 2010 chatter here.

If you recall, this unit has many of its vintage features including the original woodwork and hardwood floors.

The living room has a decorative fireplace surrounded by book shelves. There’s also a stained glass window above the door that leaves to a shared front porch.

The kitchen has white cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances including a 6-burner Viking stove and an island with seating for 2.

It is open to the family room/dining room area that has a beamed ceiling and a built-in hutch.

There’s a private deck off the kitchen/family room.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit but there is no parking.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Lakeview including Dom’s Market and Trader’s Joe’s as well as the Diversey Brown Line stop and bus lines.

It sold for $325,000 the last time we cribbed about it in 2010, but has come on the market in 2024 for $425,000.

With inventory near record lows, will this be under contract this week?

Violet Jaworska at Dream Town Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3W: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 1991 for $175,000
• Sold in July 1996 for $186,000
• Sold in July 2001 for $315,000
• Sold in April 2005 for $366,500
• Sold in August 2010 for $325,000
• Currently listed at $425,000
• Assessments of $436 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6026
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×12
• Bedroom #2: 9×11
• Living room: 16×16
• Dining room: 11×17
• Kitchen: 9×12
• Front porch
• Private back deck

This 3-bedroom corner unit in 2500 N. Lakeview in Lincoln Park came on the market in January 2024.

Built in 1975, 2500 N. Lakeview has 155 units and attached leased garage parking.

It’s a full amenity building with 24-hour doorstaff, on-site engineer, outdoor pool, sun deck, party room, workout room, and a coin laundry room.

This unit has east views of the lake and park, a northern view and west views. The listing says you can see the sunrise in the morning and the evening sunset.

This unit has been “completely remodeled.”

It has brand new oak flooring throughout, new HVAC wall units with Google nest remote control and new motorized roller shades in all rooms, with the bedrooms having blackout shades.

The kitchen is also brand new with white cabinets and high end white GE Cafe Line appliances, quartz stone countertops with waterfall edge, and a breakfast bar with a wine fridge.

The bathrooms are “completely new” with “beautiful showers and stone work.”

There are custom closets and what looks like one walk-in-closet.

The unit has the features buyers look for including a new Bosch stackable washer/dryer with space for extra storage and parking is available for lease in the building. It doesn’t have central air, but has the wall units.

There’s a balcony off the living room with views of Lincoln Park and, the listing says, some south views of the city skyline.

This building is steps from Lincoln Park, North Pond Cafe, the Lincoln Park Zoo and conservatory, the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park. Several bus lines are nearby.

This unit last sold in May 2023 for $473,000 and has come back on the market completely renovated for $895,000.

Buyers love new.

Will the renovators get their price?

Katarina Maiers at Baird & Warner have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #1205: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in June 1983 for $170,500 (per Redfin)
• Sold in March 1986 for $185,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in July 1990 for $265,000
• Sold in June 1992 for $282,500
• Sold in November 2002 for $382,000
• Sold in September 2009 for $475,000
• Sold in May 2023 for $473,000
• Originally listed in January 2024 for $895,000
• Currently still listed for $895,000
• Assessments of $1525 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $9127
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking is leased
• Bedroom #1: 18×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Bedroom #3: 14×12
• Living room: 18×16
• Dining room: 12×16
• Kitchen: 17×11
• Balcony: 4×6

This 2-bedroom in 600 N. Fairbanks in Streeterville came on the market in January 2024. (Sorry, apparently I don’t have my own picture of this building. I will rectify that.)

Designed by legendary architect Helmut Jahn, 600 N. Fairbanks has 212 units and attached garage parking.

It has 24/7 door staff, a sky fitness center, business lounge areas, a heated indoor stainless steel pool with skyline views, indoor heated dog run, and on-site property management.

The listing says this unit is one of the “rare” ’10 tier units with floor-to-ceiling south facing windows with city views from the 35th floor.

It’s a split 2-bedroom layout with space for a den or office nook.

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

It has a high end chef’s kitchen with imported Italian Snaidero cabinetry with brand new marble countertops and backsplash with Wolf, Miele and Subzero stainless steel appliances.

There are “dual” separate primary en suites with spacious marble bathrooms and designer lighting.

The unit has 2 private balconies.

It also has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available for $65,000 extra.

This building is in the heart of Streeterville, near shops and restaurants, Whole Foods and the AMC River East movie theater. It’s also near the Mag Mile and multiple bus lines.

Listed at $999,000, that is under the 2017 sales price of $1.16 million.

Is this a deal?

Kimberly Becker and Katherine Taylor at @properties Christie’s have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Or you can see it on the Open House this Sunday, Feb 4, 2024, from 11 am to 12:30 pm.

Unit #3510: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1852 square feet

• Sold in March 2008 for $1,058,500
• Sold in March 2017 for $1,160,000
• Originally listed in January 2024 at $999,000
• Currently still listed at $999,000
• Assessments of $1623 a month (includes doorman, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $24,776
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking is $65,000 extra
• Bedroom #1: 13×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×13
• Den: 16×10
• Kitchen: 16×13
• Living room: 17×16
• Dining room: 18×16
• Balcony: 7×5
• Balcony: 7×5