Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom loft in The Donohue at 711 S. Dearborn in Printers Row came on the market in August 2024.

Built in 1886, The Donohue is an authentic brick and timber loft building that has 98 units. One part of the building has timber ceilings and the other has concrete.

It was the first industrial building converted into residential lofts in Printers Row when it was converted in 1984.

It has an elevator and exercise room. There is no door staff or parking but parking is often available at 899 S. Plymouth for $35,000.

This unit has many authentic loft features including exposed brick walls, hardwood floors throughout, timber and steel, 11 foot ceilings and 7 foot industrial windows that face east.

It has custom millwork, trim and doors along with built-ins.

The kitchen has been renovated since the 2019 sale and is open to the rest of the loft. It has white Italian cabinetry, an oversized island with quartz countertops that seats 4, stainless steel appliances and butcher block countertops.

The loft also has an open dining room.

All three bedrooms are enclosed but only 2 of them have windows, including the primary suite.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a new en suite bathroom with a soaking tub, walk-in-shower and double vanity.

In addition to the kitchen and bathroom renovation, the listing says the loft has new electrical and plumbing.

This loft has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. Garage parking can be purchased nearby for $35,000 or rented in the neighborhood.

The Donohue is in the middle of all the action in Printers Row, near shops, restaurants and coffee shops as well as the British International School. Nearby parks include Grant and Millennial Park.

It is near several bus lines and the El.

Listed at $665,000, that is $147,500 above the pre-pandemic 2019 sales price of $517,500.

Buyers love “new” and this loft has been renovated.

Will the seller get the premium?

Brad Lippitz and Stewart Smith at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #505: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1650 square feet, loft

• Sold in November 1984 for $38,500
• Sold in November 1988 for $190,000
• Sold in July 1999 for $251,000
• Sold in April 2002 for $426,500
• Sold in July 2014 for $495,000
• Sold in April 2019 for $517,500
• Originally listed in August 2024 for $665,000
• Currently still listed at $665,000
• Assessments of $1298 a month (includes heat, gas, cable, security, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7845
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Deeded garage parking available nearby for $35,000
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 11×12
• Bedroom #3: 10×12
• Kitchen: 13×14
• Living room: 17×22
• Dining room: 16×10
• Walk-in-closet: 7×6

This 3-bedroom penthouse loft in Folio Square at 124 W. Polk in Printer’s Row came on the market in August 2024.

Built in 1910, the building was converted into loft condominiums in 1994. Folio Square has 66 units.

It has an exercise room, laundry room, shared rooftop deck (? this deck in the pictures is shared, right? I also watched the video of the unit and it doesn’t show the deck) and bike storage. The building is professionally managed and has a maintenance man. However, there is no door staff or attached garage.

It allows pets but is a non-smoking building.

This duplex up penthouse loft has ceilings that soar up to 29 feet.

It’s on the northwest corner of the building with skyline views.

It has many of the features of authentic lofts including big, industrial windows, exposed ductwork and beams, exposed brick walls, and tall ceilings. Are those ceilings concrete?

The first floor is the living room, dining room, kitchen, the third bedroom and a full bathroom.

The kitchen has “freshly painted” white cabinets, black granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and a breakfast area.

The third bedroom on this floor does not have a window and it looks like it is not fully enclosed.

The open staircase connects the floors.

The primary bedroom is open to the lower level and does not have a door, nor walls. But it does have plenty of windows.

It has a walk-in-closet and a “sprawling” private bath with a large vanity, jetted tub, separate shower and towel warmer. The bathroom does not appear to be fully enclosed.

The second bedroom has built-in furniture and the laundry is tucked into the closet. It does not appear to have a door or a window.

There’s also a half bath on this floor.

It has central air and the listing says there is an HVAC on each floor.

Garage parking is also available in a nearby building for $32,000.

It also includes 2 storage cages.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Printer’s Row, near Grant Park and walkable to the Loop’s activities. There are numerous bus lines and El stops nearby.

Originally listed for $699,000 in August 2024, it has been reduced $20,000 to $679,000.

At 2600 square feet, is this ideal for someone looking for that unique property?

Terri Buseman at RE/MAX Premier has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #901: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2600 square feet, duplex up, penthouse, loft

• Sold in March 1994 for $253,500
• Sold in September 1999 for $370,000
• Sold in September 2005 for $503,500
• Originally listed in August 2024 for $699,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $679,000
• Assessments of $1349 a month (includes gas, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $12,254
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Central Air
• No parking in the building but available next door for $32,000
• Bedroom #1: 17×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 18×8 (main floor)
• Living room: 18×19 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×12 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×15 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 9×8 (main floor)
• Foyer: 6×18 (main floor)
• Laundry: 5×5 (second floor)
• Walk-in-Closet: 10×12 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom on the 47th floor in Harbor Point at 155 N. Harbor Drive in Lakeshore East first came on the market in March 2024.

Built in 1974, Harbor Point is one of the oldest buildings in what is now the Lakeshore East community. It is famously on the Lake Shore Drive curve with views south of the city and the lake.

The building is huge, with 742 units. It has a ton of amenities along with 24/7 door staff. One of the other listings in the building says it has never had a special assessment and currently has $12 million in reserves.

The listing describes all of its many features:

A premier full-amenity building that redefines city living. This exceptional residence offers a wealth of amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle. Enjoy year-round relaxation in the indoor pool and hot tub, or maintain your fitness routine in the state-of-the-art exercise facility.The men’s and ladies’ locker rooms feature steam rooms and saunas for a spa-like experience right at home.

For sports enthusiasts, Harbor Point boasts racquetball courts , basketball, ping pong, and pickleball. The expansive sundeck is perfect for outdoor gatherings, complete with grills and ample seating for lounging in the sun. Need a quiet space to work or study? The Wi-Fi-enabled study room provides a serene environment for productivity.

On-site amenities include Bockwinkel’s grocery store, bike storage, dry cleaning services, two party rooms for entertaining, a receiving room, and an indoor children’s playroom, ensuring that all your needs are met without leaving the building. What is Bockwinkel’s? Bockwinkel’s at Harbor Point has served the New East Side since 1995. It is located on the concourse level of Harbor Point, with access to the store via an underground pedway connected to North Harbor Tower and The Parkshore Building, as well as an entrance ramp accessible via Randolph Street.

This unit was “completely renovated” in 2015.

It has what look like cherry hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has been opened and extended to maximize the views. It has elegant walnut cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a stylish backsplash. It has an island with seating for two and “room for a dining table.”

This is a split floor plan with a primary suite. The primary suite has an “expanded bath” that is a “serene retreat” with double sinks, a walk-in-shower, and a soaking tub.

The second bathroom has been “completely renovated” with neutral finishes and a walk-in-shower.

This unit has features that buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit and parking is available for lease in the building for anywhere from $141 to $240 a month.

There is no central air but there are wall units.

It also has a floor-to-ceiling storage cage.

The big selling point of this unit, however, is the “breathtaking panoramic views” of both Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline as well as Monroe Harbor, Maggie Daley Park, Grant Park and DuSable Lake Shore Drive (take a look at the 2014 listing pictures if you want to see just how much the skyline has changed in just the last 10 years.)

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Lakeshore East, including the Mariano’s supermarket. The listing says that the #60 bus stops in front of the building.

Listed in March 2024 at $573,500, it was reduced to $569,500 before it was removed from the market in July 2024.

It has come back on the market at the end of August for the same price of $569,500.

Is this a dream condo for those who love views?

Lauren Dayton and Burt Bhairoo at Jameson Sotheby’s have the listing. See the pictures, including of all the amenities, and floor plan here.

Unit #4702: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1148 square feet

• Sold in December 1983 for $53,500
• Sold in October 2014 for $430,000
• Originally listed in March 2024 for $573,500
• Reduced
• Withdrawn in July 2024 at $569,500
• Re-listed in August 2024 at $569,500
• Currently still listed at $569,500
• Assessments of $990 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, indoor pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet, bike room, storage, health club, manager/engineer, party room, sundeck, receiving room, tennis courts, pickleball court, cleaners)
• Taxes of $9283
• No central air- wall units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Leased parking for $141 a month to $240 a month
• Bedroom #1: 11×16
• Bedroom #2: 11×14
• Living room: 15×18
• Kitchen: 8×9
• Entry/dining space: 11×12 (per floor plan)
• Laundry: 4×6

This 3-bedroom duplex up at 3726 N. Southport in Southport came on the market in September 2024. (For some reason, I felt like I had a picture of this building but I cannot find it in my large photo collection.)

Built in 2001, this building has 6 units and attached garage parking. I don’t believe there is an elevator.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2010, during the housing bust. The chatter was very interesting, given the time period.

In the 2010 chatter, it was listed at $525,000. Many thought they would not get the asking price as prices were, of course, falling during that period.

From homedelete:

This may have sold near ask a few months ago but again, call this “The Ponzi Scheme Continues”. The typical pattern of buy expensive condo in the city, have baby, sell condo for $profit$ and move to suburbs is slowly dying. $525,000 is a lot of money – especially now that e-z 100% financing is gone

SoPo was just as popular in 2001 as it is today. I know of people buying million dollar homes in the area in the late 90’s. I’d like to see this sell just above the 2001 price.

See our chatter here.

This duplex up is on the third and fourth floor of the building.

The listing calls it “modern elegance and urban convenience.”

There are hardwood floors throughout except for the bedrooms, which have carpeting.

The main floor has the kitchen and living/dining room, with 18 foot vaulted ceilings in the living/dining room.

In the 2010 chatter, the space next to the kitchen was used as a living room. But many of you suggested it could be the dining room with the lofted, duplex up family room as the living room.

From Madeline:

However as was pointed out above, the space adjacent to the kitchen could be a dining area rather than a LR/DR and the family room would suffice for the TV, etc.

Apparently, someone was listening to our advice in 2010 as in the 2024 pictures, there IS a dining room table next to the kitchen. The second floor space IS used as the living room.

The kitchen is a “chef’s kitchen” with snowflake white cabinets, “top of the line” stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops, and an island with a breakfast bar and seating for 2.

Also on the main floor are the three bedrooms.

The primary suite is en suite and, according to the 2021 listing, the bathroom was renovated with marble counter tops. It has a dual vanity, jet tub and separate shower.

The second floor is the living room/family room. In the pictures, it appears to have a dry bar with a beverage refrigerator.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit and one attached garage parking space.

There are also three outdoor spaces. A deck off the front of the unit which overlooks the Music Box and Southport, a deck off the primary suite in the back of the unit and a rooftop deck off the living room.

The listing says that this unit has 2 baths, but it really has 2.5 baths. I’m not sure which floor the half bath is located on.

It also doesn’t list any HOA and says it is “fee simple” but in 2010, it had an HOA of $210 a month.

This building is in the heart of Southport, near all the shops and restaurants, the Music Box theater, Wrigley Field, the Jewel and the brown line stop at Southport.

On Redfin, this listing was viewed 1,049 times in the first 9 hours on the market. On Zillow, it was viewed 586 times in the first 9 hours.

Listed at $685,000, that is $35,000 above the 2021 sales price of $650,000.

It will have open houses on Saturday, Sep 7 from 11 AM and 2 PM and Sunday, Sep 8 from 11 AM and 1 PM.

This unit was last on the market in April of 2021. If you recall that was a very hot pandemic market.

It went under contract within 2 days and the agent cancelled the weekend open house. It sold for full asking price.

Will it sell just as quickly this time?

Misael Chacon at Beycome Brokerage has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths (listing says 2 baths), 2100 square feet (2010 listing said it was 2000 sq ft), duplex up

• Sold in June 2001 for $429,000
• Sold in September 2003 for $470,000
• Listed in June 2010 for $525,000 (per the chatter)
• Sold in June 2011 for $485,000
• Sold in May 2021 for $650,000 (under contract in 2 days)
• Currently listed at $685,000
• Assessments aren’t listed but in 2010 they were $210 a month (is it fee simple now???)
• Taxes of $12,000 (in 2010 they were $6782)
• Central Air
• Side-by-Side washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 22×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×9 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×9 (main floor)
• Living room: 10×18 (second floor)
• Dining room: 16×17 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 7×12 (main floor)
• Balcony (off the front)
• Balcony (off the back)
• Roof top deck

The biggest story with Chicago housing in 2024 hasn’t been the slow sales, but the inventory decline. In July 2024, inventory dropped again, even as it rose statewide.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The city of Chicago saw a 5.3 percent year-over-year home sales increase in July 2024 with 2,161 sales, up from 2,052 in July 2023. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in July 2024 was $360,000, an increase of 5.9 percent from July 2023 when it was $340,000.

Here’s the July data since 1997 (thanks, once again, to G for the historic info):

• 1997: 1,694
• 1998: 2,139
• 1999: 2,186
• 2000: 2,013
• 2001: 2,410
• 2002: 2,661
• 2003: 3,105
• 2004: 3,429
• 2005: 3,487
• 2006: 3,088
• 2007: 2,819
• 2008: 2,200
• 2009: 2,040
• 2010: 1,631
• 2011: 1,666
• 2012: 2,088
• 2013: 2,902
• 2014: 2,725
• 2015: 3,082
• 2016: 2,780
• 2017: 2,698
• 2018: 2,803
• 2019: 2,708
• 2020: 2,793
• 2021: 3,350
• 2022: 2,481
• 2023: 2,052
• 2024: 2,161

While sales rose, they still remain near levels last seen in 2012 which was still during the housing bust.

“Closed sales and median sales price increased in July, which is indicative of the summer market,” Erika Villegas, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and broker and owner of RE/MAX In the Village said. “Potential sellers should talk to a REALTOR® to determine the right time to get into the market.”

Statewide inventory was up 6.3% to 20,718 from 19,494 properties last year.

But in Chicago, it fell again, declining 8.5% to 4,955 properties from 5,415 homes in July 2023.

“Our housing market forecast highlights how sales activity and house prices are expected to decline in the coming months following typical seasonal trends,” said Geoff Smith, Executive Director, Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University in Chicago.

“In July, inventories slightly increased statewide and in the Chicago Metro Area but declined in the City of Chicago. Inventories remained near historic lows and suggest that the market will continue to be highly competitive and challenging for homebuyers. Our forecast estimates that the coming three months will have slightly lower levels of sales activity, but higher prices compared to 2023.”

The Chicago inventory decline over the last 4 years:

• 2021: 9392
• 2022: 8238
• 2023: 5415
• 2024: 4955

Days on the market in Chicago remained unchanged at 28 days.

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.84%, down from 6.92% in June 2024 but at the same level as last July.

Median price was at new highs at $360,000 with single family homes up 11.9% to $350,000 and condos up 2.7% to $374,848.

The low inventory issue has apparently continued into August. Just taking a quick look at some of the GreenZone neighborhoods on Redfin (these are active properties only):

• Lincoln Park = 185
• Lakeview = 210
• Bucktown = 66
• River North = 345
• Streeterville = 317
• West Loop = 141
• Logan Square (now in the GreenZone?) = 119

Fall is usually when inventory falls. Will it set another new low later this year?

Illinois home sales, inventory and median prices increase in July [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, August 22, 2024]

This 2-story penthouse at 2035 N. Orleans in Lincoln Park came on the market in July 2024.

Built in 2017, this boutique building has 10 units and attached garage parking. There is no door staff or other amenities.

This was the building where they kept the outer shell and built a modern building behind the walls.

You can see it on this side shot.

This penthouse has all of the living and dining on one floor.

It has a gallery with 22 foot ceilings with an iron and wire staircase with glass panels that leads to a huge rooftop deck with skyline views.

There are white oak floors throughout in the Chevron and straight patterns.

The unit has a 50 foot great room with floor to ceiling windows and a double sided gas fireplace between the living room and dining room.

The kitchen is “custom designed” with high-end Italian Ernestomeda cabinetry, top of the line appliances, Subzero refrigerator, Wolf 5-burner drop-in range, Miele dishwasher, and Subzero wine tower. It also has an island with waterfall edge and seating for four.

The kitchen has a walk-in-pantry with a dry bar with Subzero ice maker.

The primary suite has an Apparatus Cloud19 Chandelier and two tailor made closets. The en suite bathroom has a Bane Ultra freestanding tub, a steam shower and heated floors.

The other three bedrooms are also en suite.

There’s also a half bath on the main floor. But there’s no bathrooms on the second floor.

The top floor terraces have skyline and city views.

The listing says there is 2813 square feet of rooftop outdoor space constructed by Frasier Construction.

It is an “outdoor oasis” with custom landscaping, including planters with native Chicago wildflowers, a stone fountain, a custom outdoor kitchen with pergola, a sound system and infrared heaters.

This unit also has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 3 side-by-side parking spaces, including one with electric charging and storage behind the spaces (see picture) for $50,000 each, with the EV space extra.

This building is in East Lincoln Park, near the Lincoln Park Zoo and nature walk, shops and restaurants, bus lines, and schools.

Listed at $4.7 million, that’s $1.15 million above the 2019 purchase price of $3.55 million.

Will the seller get the premium in this tight market?

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

Unit #PH-W: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4406 square feet, duplex penthouse

• Sold in October 2019 for $3.55 million (per Redfin)
• Listed in July 2024 for $4.7 million
• Currently still listed at $4.7 million
• Assessments of $1845 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $74,181
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 3 car parking for $50,000 each with one EV spot being extra
• Double sided gas fireplace
• Pergola with outdoor kitchen
• Fountain
• Bedroom #1: 20×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×15 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×15 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 13×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 22×38
• Dining room: 22×14
• Kitchen: 15×20
• Foyer: 7×10
• Gallery: 22×6
• Loft: 8×10 (second floor)
• Laundry: 8×12 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 11×12
• Terrace: 7×31 (main floor)
• Deck: 22×24 (second floor)
• Deck: 32×24 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom in The Pinnacle at 21 E. Huron in River North came on the market in August 2024.

Built in 2004, The Pinnacle was designed by Lucien Lagrange and has 213 units and attached garage parking.

It has 24/7 door staff, an exercise room, sundeck, indoor pool and “state of the art” dog run.

This unit is west facing and has floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are hardwood floors in the main living area, and den, with carpet in the bedrooms.

The unit has a gas fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining room. The listing calls it a “chef’s kitchen” with dark wood cabinets, Subzero, quartzite countertops and a marble backsplash. It has a breakfast bar.

The den looks to be a space next to the living room with no door or window but you could put a desk there.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and bath with dual vanities, soaking tub and a separate shower.

The second bedroom has a custom office space.

The balcony is off the living room.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and heated garage parking is available for $44,000.

The Pinnacle is near the shops and restaurants of the Mag Mile, River North, the Trader Joe’s, the Whole Foods, and the Eataly. It is near multiple bus lines and El stops.

Listed at $699,900, that is just $87,900 above the original 2006 sales price of $612,000.

Is this a deal?

Akos Straub at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #1601: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1332 square feet

• Sold in July 2006 for $612,000
• Originally listed in August 2024 for $699,900
• Currently still listed at $699,900
• Assessments of $1101 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, cable, Internet, doorman, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $11,400
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking space available for $44,000
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Living room: 18×16
• Dining room: 16×7
• Kitchen: 13×9
• Den/Office: 11×9
• Balcony: 9×6

This 2-bedroom in the Lofthaus Lofts at 321 S. Sangamon in the West Loop came on the market in July 2024.

Built in 2004, the Lofthaus Lofts are new lofts, not a loft conversion from an older industrial building. There are 70 lofts and attached garage parking.

There is no door staff. Amenities include a bike room.

This loft is on the penthouse level and has 14-foot exposed concrete ceilings.

There are 7.5 inch “dogwood” engineered wood plank flooring throughout, including the bedrooms.

The kitchen has Shaker style white cabinets with black pulls, quartz countertops and a Jenn-Air stainless steel appliance set with a beverage cooler.

It also has a quartz island with a waterfall edge that seats 4 in the area designated a dining room in the floor plan.

There is a west facing balcony off the living room.

The primary suite which the listing says is “king-sized”, also faces west and is en suite.

The second bedroom is enclosed but has no window.

The bathrooms have custom floating vanities.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, a black stackable LG laundry in the unit and garage parking is available for an extra cost (not sure how much it is.)

The unit also has other features including “two specially designed 60-inch Pix Stix suspension lighting by lightology” and motorized Hunter Douglas shades.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the West Loop including Greektown and Target and is a few blocks from the Mary Bartelme Park.

Originally listed in July 2024 for $638,000, it has been reduced to $595,000. However, I’m not sure if the first price included the parking as the current price does not.

Buyers love “new” and renovated properties.

Will the price cut get it done?

Arnell Cordero at Fulton Grace Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here. (No, the dog doesn’t come with the loft.)

Unit #903: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1040 square feet, loft

• Sold in June 2004 for $339,000
• Sold in November 2008 for $335,000
• Sold in May 2016 for $460,000
• Sold in October 2021 for $488,000 (included the parking)
• Originally listed in July 2024 for $638,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $595,000
• Assessments of $485 a month (includes heat, air conditioning, gas, parking, lawn care, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8218
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking is extra (not sure how much- listed at $25k in the 2021 listing)
• Bedroom #1: 15×11
• Bedroom #2: 1010
• Kitchen: 13×5
• Dining room: 13×11
• Living room: 15×15
• Foyer: 11×6
• Balcony: 14×5

This 5-bedroom vintage home at 1520 N. Dearborn Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2023.

Built in 1898, it’s on a 22×149 lot. It has an attached 3-car heated garage.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2019. Back then, it was listed at $4.95 million.

See our chatter here.

The listing says this house has a “new style” and a “new look.”

It says it has been “freshly painted white” in a total restoration and that “no detail has been overlooked.”

It has some of its original features including the original staircase and many vintage features such as stained glass windows, crown moldings  including massive ornate moldings in the living room, built-ins, and murals.

There are 3 gas fireplaces: one in the living room, one in the library and one in the primary suite.

It has an “updated” cook’s kitchen with wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances which leads to a family room that has a landscaped deck.

Five bedrooms are on the second and third floors. Two bedrooms are on the second floor, including the primary, and three are on the third floor.

There is no floor plan included so it’s unclear where the bathrooms are and if the primary has its own.

There’s also an office on the second floor.

The lower level has a family room, a wet bar, wine cellar, laundry room and mudroom.

The house has 4 HVAC systems, sprinklers and a security system with cameras.

In addition to the terrace off the first floor, there’s also a rooftop terrace.

The home has skylights.

The listing also says the light fixtures and sconces are excluded from the sale.

This house is near Lincoln Park, the shops and restaurants of Old Town and the North Avenue beach.

It has been on, and off, the market since 2017.

Re-listed in September 2023 at $3.995 million, that’s just $45,000 above the 2005 purchase price.

What will it take to finally sell this house?

Suzanne Gignilliat at @properties Christies has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

1520 N. Dearborn Parkway: 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 7,065 square feet, single family home

• Sold in February 1983 for $520,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in October 1999 for $2.5 million (per Redfin)
• Sold in May 2005 for $3.95 million
• On and off the market since 2017
• Originally listed in September 2023 for $3.995 million 
• Currently still listed at $3.995 million
• Taxes of $54,842
• Central Air
• 3-car attached heated garage
• Skylights
• 3 gas fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 21×20 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 9×20 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 11×12 (third floor)
• Kitchen: 15×19 (main floor)
• Dining room: 15×17 (main floor)
• Office: 7×10 (second floor)
• Library: 17×17 (main floor)
• Living room: 13×23 (main floor)
• Foyer: 7×12 (main floor)
• Pantry: 9×5 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 8×6 (second floor)
• Great room: 18×34 (lower level)
• Laundry: 11×18 (lower level)
• Deck: 20×12 (main floor)
• Terrace: 18×18 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom penthouse in 2846 N. Southport in West Lakeview came on the market in August 2024.

Built in 2001, this elevator building has 6 units and heated attached garage parking. There are no amenities and no door staff.

The unit has 10.5 foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout, including in the bedrooms.

There are floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room with Juliette balconies.

It has an open concept living room, dining room and kitchen.

There are built-in bookcases and an entertainment center along with a fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has white cabinets, black granite counter tops and backsplash, an island with seating for 2, stainless steel appliances and a beverage refrigerator.

The primary suite has an organized custom closet and an “updated” primary bath.

This penthouse has the features that buyers look for including central air, side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit and one heated garage space which is $15,000 extra.

The listing says it has “exclusive roof rights” and it also has a balcony off the back of the unit, accessed from the sliding door in the primary suite.

This building is near shops and restaurants on Diversey, Southport, Lincoln and Ashland and is just on the edge of the Lakeview/Lincoln Park border.

It’s near the Diversey bus.

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

Originally listed in August 2024 at $725,000, it has been reduced $25,000 to $700,000.

Is $700,000 the new price for a 1675 square foot 2/2 in this neighborhood?

Brendan Murphy and Taylor Nirchi at Jameson Sotheby’s have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #3S: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1675 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in April 2002 for $487,500
• Sold in July 2015 for $545,000
• Sold in April 2018 for $580,000
• Originally listed in August 2024 for $725,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $700,000
• Assessments of $489 a month (includes exterior maintenance and scavenger)
• Taxes of $11,221
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking is $15,000 extra
• Fireplace
• Exclusive roof rights
• Bedroom #1: 16×15
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Living room: 22×13
• Dining room: 17×12
• Kitchen: 17×13
• Balcony: 22×9