Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom penthouse at the Residences at the Vic at 3140 N. Sheffield in Lakeview came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 2007, Residences at the Vic has 51 units and attached heated garage parking. The building has no door staff and doesn’t appear to have any amenities.

The listing says you can “immerse yourself in luxury” with this penthouse unit.

It has floor-to-ceiling windows, 9-foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.

The unit also has built-in surround sound speakers.

It has an open kitchen, dining room and living room layout with a 1000 square foot wraparound rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.

The gourmet kitchen has dark cabinets, stone counter tops and high-end appliances.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

The unit has a split floor plan with the primary suite in a separate wing. It has a sitting room and a massive walk-in-closet that leads to a “spa-like” en suite bathroom with a tub and walk-in-shower.

It appears that the second bedroom doesn’t have any windows but the listing says there is a skylight.

The unit has the features that buyers want including a separate laundry room with side-by-side washer/dryer, air conditioning and 2 side-by-side heated garage parking spaces, which are included in the price.

This building is in the heart of Lakeview, just steps from the Belmont brown line stop, near hundreds of shops and restaurants, is a quick walk from Wrigley Field and near many bus lines.

This sale would be only the second sale of this penthouse since it was built in 2007.

Listed at $1.06 million, will the terrace and views sell this unit?

Christine Sullivan and Leonard Benefico at Dream Town Real Estate have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #701: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, penthouse

•  Sold in April 2008 for $920,000 (parking included)
• Originally listed in February 2024 for $1.06 million
• Currently still listed at $1.06 million
• Assessments of $914 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $18,190
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 side-by-side heated garage spaces included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×11
• Bedroom #3: 12×12
• Kitchen: 16×12
• Dining room: 14×14
• Living room: 14×25
• Foyer: 6×7
• Walk-in-closet: 11×16
• Terrace: 11×45

This 1-bedroom duplex in 340 On the Park at 340 E. Randolph in Lakeshore East came on the market in July 2023.

340 On the Park was built in 2007 and has 344 units and an attached parking garage.

The building has extensive amenities including a 4000 square foot exercise room, a wintergarden, a 75 foot indoor lap pool, sauna and steam room along with a club room. It also has 24/7 door staff.

The listing says this unit is a “one of a kind” duplex in the building.

It has south facing views with 2 terraces overlooking Millennial Park.

This unit has had a “masterful rehab” with a fully renovated kitchen and primary bath.

It has hardwood floors on the main floor and carpet in the bedroom on the second floor.

The kitchen has Snaidero Nordic white lacquer cabinetry, Pietra quartz countertops, and Inax Yoehn border backsplash.

The appliances include a Miele induction range, a Miele dishwasher, a Thermador integrated fridge/freezer and an LG cooking micro/convection oven.

The primary bathroom has Snaidero Rift white oak cabinetry, Pietra quartz countertops, a walk-in-shower and 2 custom mirrors.

On the first floor, there is a custom built credenza underneath the stairs that is “perfect” for work-from-home.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a “prime” parking space.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Michigan Avenue, the Loop, and Lakeshore East. It has easy access to the Lake Michigan waterfront, bike trails, Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain. The Lakeshore East Mariano’s is nearby.

Listed in July 2023 for $895,000, this unit was under contract in February 2024.

It came back on the market at the same list price, at $895,000.

If you like having levels, is this the ideal unit?

Nancy Nugent at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here. (Sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #2702: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, duplex up, 1314 square feet

• Sold in January 2008 for $626,500 per Zillow (CCRD is down for maintenance)
• Originally listed in July 2023 for $895,000
• Contingent in February 2024
• Re-listed in March 2024 for $895,000
• Assessments of $971 a month (includes gas, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $18,110
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking space included
• Bedroom: 14×13 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 21×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 12×8 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 13×5 (second floor)
• 2 terraces: 23×5 each

This 2-bedroom in One Chicago at 14 W. Superior in River North came on the market in September 2023 but it was also listed in 2021 and 2022.

Built in 2022, One Chicago has 77 units and valet garage parking.

It’s a full amenity building with door staff and a private amenities floor. The listing says: “Residents will enjoy a membership to Life Time Athletic Resort and Spa’s diamond level private club.”

This unit is on the 65th floor and has eastern views from the living/dining room.

There’s a family room off the living room.

The unit has an O’Brien Harris kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and a large island with seating.

Off the kitchen is a large “laundry/mud room” with storage, a sink, and what looks like a large wine refrigerator as well as a stackable washer/dryer.

The unit has wide plank hardwood floors throughout except in the primary suite which has carpet.

The primary suite has north-east exposures, a walk-in-closet and a “spa-like bath” which offers floor-to-ceiling slab porcelain and Kalista fixtures along with a large soaker tub with city views.

The second bedroom is also en suite.

But this unit also has a rare feature for this building, it’s own private outdoor space. There is a 500 square foot south facing terrace accessed off the kitchen with unobstructed skyline views. The terrace appears to have water access.

It has central air and 2 valet parking spaces are available for $50,000 each.

This building is in the heart of River North, near shops, restaurants and is on top of the new Whole Foods. It is just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue and many forms of transportation including buses and the Red Line subway.

Zillow says this unit was originally listed for $4.2 million in 2021. It went pending twice. It is currently on the market for $3.995 million.

Will the terrace make the sale?

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

Unit #6501: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2783 square feet

• Originally listed in August 2021 for $4.2 million
• Went pending twice in 2021 and 2022
• Re-listed in September 2023 for $3.995 million
• Assessments of $2499 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes are “new”
• 2 car valet parking available for $50,000 each
• Bedroom #1: 23×12
• Bedroom #2: 17×18
• Family room: 15×11
• Living/dining combo: 23×23
• Kitchen: 20×11
• Laundry/mudroom: 16×19
• Terrace: “nearly” 500 square feet

This 5-bedroom single family home at 2825 N. Cambridge in East Lakeview came on the market in January 2024.

Built in 1894, this house is on a “rare” 33×150 lot and has a rare 3-car garage with epoxy flooring.

The listing says it has been “completely renovated” and has been updated and appointed by award winning designers at James Thomas Chicago which has preserved the home’s vintage character.

It still has the original hardwood floors on the main floor, which have been refinished.

It has a big entry foyer with custom millwork.

There are 2 wood burning fireplaces on the main floor,  one in the living room with a marble surround, and one in the family room.

The house has a formal dining room with a built-in buffet, a hand painted wall mural and silver leaf treatment on the ceiling.

There’s a den on the first floor with a coffered ceiling and built-in media center.

The chef’s kitchen has white custom cabinets, natural stone countertops, an island, professional grade appliances include a wine station, a walk-in pantry and a breakfast nook which overlooks the landscaped backyard and garden.

The second level has 3 bedrooms including one with a private 16×4 terrace and the primary suite which has a “spa-like” en suite bathroom with a dual vanity, soaking tub and glass enclosed shower.

The laundry room is also on the second floor.

The third level has a recreation room and a fitness room with a beverage center. (Is the fitness room the 4th bedroom?)

The fifth bedroom is in the lower level and the listing calls it a “guest suite” with a kitchenette.

The lower level also has another den, an office, a mudroom with heated floors, and a 1200 bottle wine cellar.

The house has central air.

It also has 4 full baths and 2 half baths.

There are 3 outdoor spaces with the main one being the backyard patio that has a 33×32 bluestone patio with an outdoor kitchen and exterior audio.

This house is near the Diversey, Clark and Broadway intersection in East Lakeview/East Lincoln Park with shops, restaurants, the Landmark Cinema and coffee shops. The Trader Joe’s is just a few blocks away as are numerous bus lines.

The listing says this house is “in a class of its own.”

Listed in January 2024 at $3.195 million, will it get its list price in a market with little inventory?

Timothy Salm at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and a video here.

2825 N. Cambridge: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 half baths, 5000 square feet

• Sold in October 1978 for $130,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in March 2016 for $2.425 million
• Listed in January 2024 for $3.195 million 
• Currently still listed at $3.195 million
• Taxes of $18,343
• Central Air
• 3-car garage
• 33×150 lot
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 13×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 11×21 (lower level)
• Recreation room: 23×22 (third floor)
• Family room: 12×16 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 18×20 (main floor)
• Living room: 14×16 (main floor)
• Dining room: 12×15 (main floor)
• Den: 12×12 (lower level)
• Office: 14×8 (lower level)
• Library: 10×13 (main level)
• Foyer: 8×24 (main level)
• Mudroom: 13×6 (main level)
• Walk-in-closet: 10×9 (second floor)
• Laundry: 7×10 (second floor)
• Storage: 9×17 (lower level)
• Kitchenette (lower level) with green cabinets, stainless steel appliances and white tile backsplash
• Private terrace: 16×4 (second floor)
• Patio: 33×32

This 3-bedroom at 2708 N. Halsted in Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2024.

Built in 2007, 2708 N. Halsted is a boutique elevator building with 8 units and attached heated garage parking.

There is no door staff or amenities.

The listing says this unit has a “rehabbed” interior.

It has hardwood flooring throughout, as well as wainscoting and crown molding.

The living room, dining room and kitchen are open concept.

The living room has a fireplace and access to an 8 foot front facing balcony.

The kitchen has white Shaker cabinets, granite counter tops, to of the line Bertazzoni appliances along with a stainless steel hood, and an island with seating for 3.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a “spa-like” en suite bath, which the listing says was renovated in 2019. It has a whirlpool tub and a walk-in steam shower with multiple jet sprays.

The primary suite also has an “updated” gas fireplace, pre-wired surround sound and a private terrace.

The listing says there is sound proofing concrete floors.

The unit has the features that buyers look for including a separate laundry room with a Samsung washer/dryer and a utility sink, central air and a heated garage space.

This building is near the Dom’s Market, all the shops and restaurants of the southern portion of Lakeview and the northern portion of Lincoln Park. It’s near the Brown Line station at Diversey.

The listing says its in the Alcott Elementary school district.

It also says that the building is investor-friendly and allows rentals.

Listed at $995,000, is this price of nearly a million dollars the new reality for a rehabbed 3-bedroom condo with parking in Lincoln Park?

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

Unit #2N: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1950 square feet

• Sold in May 2007 for $275,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in July 2010
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in April 2013
• Bank owned in January 2016
• Sold in March 2016 for $471,000
• Sold in July 2016 for $625,000
• Currently listed at $995,000
• Assessments of $580 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $12,400
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking space included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×14
• Bedroom #2: 13×10
• Bedroom #3: 13×10
• Living/dining room combo: 23×18
• Kitchen: 11×10
• Foyer: 4×5
• Laundry: 7×10
• Walk-in-closet: 8×5
• Balcony: 8×5
• Terrace: 19×41

Inventory has been near record lows in Chicago for months. This impacts home sales. You can’t buy what isn’t on the market.

January sales fell to the lowest levels since 2011, which was near the bottom of the housing bust.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The city of Chicago saw a 3.4 percent year-over-year home sales decrease in January 2024 with 1,059 sales, down from 1,096 in January 2023. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in January 2024 was $315,000, up 6.3 percent in January 2023 when it was $296,408.

Sales Data Since 2006 (thanks to G for the older data):

• January 2006: 2009 sales and median price of $258,000
• January 2007: 1850 sales and median price of $279,900
• January 2008: 1203 sales and median price of $290,000
• January 2009: 918 sales and median price of $205,000
• January 2010: 1237 sales and median price of $195,000
• January 2011: 1034 sales and median price of $150,000
• January 2012: 1123 sales and median price of $149,000
• January 2013: 1521 sales and median price of $157,000
• January 2014: 1383 sales and median price of $200,750
• January 2015: 1348 sales and median price of $220,000
• January 2016: 1398 sales and median price of $227,750
• January 2017: 1574 sales and median price of $255,000
• January 2018: 1444 sales and median price of $265,000
• January 2019: 1347 sales and median price of $255,000
• January 2020: 1462 sales and median price of $267,500
• January 2021: 1698 sales and median price of $310,000
• January 2022: 1831 sales and median price of $310,000
• January 2023: 1096 sales and median price of $296,408
• January 2024: 1059 sales and median price of $315,000

“In January, an increase in median sales price and a decrease in inventory are indicative of a steady drive in homebuyers,” said Drussy Hernandez, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and vice president of brokerage services for Coldwell Banker Realty in Chicago.

“The notable surge in single family sales price in a pinched inventory market demonstrates buyers’ commitment to making homeownership a reality.”

Statewide, inventory fell another 22.1% to 15,186 from 19,501 last year. In Chicago, inventory hit a new low in January, falling another 28.1%. Here’s the 3 year statistics.

• January 2022: 6,084
• January 2023: 5,329
• January 2024: 3,829

“The housing market is continuing its long-running trend of low sales and relatively high prices,” said Dr. Daniel McMillen, professor of real estate and associate dean for faculty affairs at the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Business Administration.

“However, consumer confidence has turned up markedly, and sales traditionally increase significantly in spring. We expect the recent trends toward lower inflation rates, interest rates, and unemployment rates to lead to a rebound in the housing market in the coming months.”

Days on the market fell 12.2% in Chicago to 43 days from 49 days last year.

The 30-year average fixed rate mortgage was 6.64%, down from 6.82% in December 2023. But that is still higher than a year ago, when it averaged 6.27%.

It seems like inventory falls every month to a new low.

What will turn this trend around?

Illinois’ home sales and median prices rise as the number of available homes shrinks again [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, by Bill Kozar, February 22, 2024]

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 2736 N. Hampden in East Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2024.

2736 N. Hampden was built in 1981 and has 16 units and attached heated garage parking.

This townhouse is two stories and has hardwood floors throughout.

The listing says it has had a “plethora of updates.” Those include:

• A/C (2021)
• Washer/dryer (2021)
• Furnace (2022)
• Pella sliding door in the primary bedroom (2023)

The first floor has an open floor plan with the living room, dining room, kitchen and half bath.

There is a fireplace in the living room along with built-in bookcases.

The kitchen has white cabinets, black stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances, including a wine refrigerator, and a white tile backsplash.

The second floor has all three bedrooms including the primary suite which has a “spa-like” en suite bathroom.

The listing says the second and third bedrooms have been “newly renovated.”

There is also a second full bathroom on the second floor.

The townhouse has a walled, brick private patio.

It has the features that buyers look for including central air and one heated garage space. It also has additional storage.

The listing says the complex got a new roof in 2023 and the special assessment for it was paid in full by the seller.

This building is just a few blocks to Lincoln Park, near the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park and the southern part of East Lakeview, near the Trader Joe’s and numerous bus lines.

The listing also says it is in the Alcott school district.

Listed at $725,000, is this townhouse a single family home alternative in this popular neighborhood?

Paige Montgomery at Keller Williams Infinity has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #102: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1800 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in June 1984 for $210,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in August 1986 for $227,500 (per Redfin)
• Sold in May 1993 for $223,500
• Sold in June 1995 for $230,000
• Sold in October 2001 for $408,500
• Sold in March 2012 for $435,000
• Sold in May 2015 for $562,000
• Sold in March 2021 for $660,000
• Currently listed at $725,000
• Assessments of $733 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $13,393
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer
• Heated garage parking included
• Additional storage
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×10 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 16×12 (main floor)
• Living room: 18×20 (main floor)
• Dining room: 9×11 (main floor)
• Patio: main floor

This 2-bedroom in the Harrison Street Lofts at 547 S. Clark in Printers Row originally came on the market in November 2023. It was removed in mid-December and then relisted on December 30.

Harrison Street Lofts is an industrial building which was converted into lofts in 1998. The top floors were added at that time. There are 60 units and attached garage parking.

The building does not have door staff but it does have an exercise room.

This unit is on the 11th floor, which is one of the floors added later. Is it even a loft?

It appears to have 9 foot ceilings and it has exposed duct work but none of the other features of authentic lofts such as timber ceilings, exposed brick or industrial windows.

The listing says it is “newly renovated.”

There’s a gas fireplace with built-ins.

It has maple hardwood floors in the main living area and berber carpet in both bedrooms.

The kitchen has white and gray cabinets and “all new” stainless steel appliances, white counter tops, a “new” white subway tile backsplash and a peninsula with a breakfast bar.

The primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom with a whirlpool tub, walk-in-shower and double sink.

The second bedroom does not have windows.

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

It also has a balcony.

The building is located in the heart of Printers Row near shops and restaurants and near Grant Park. Transportation is easy as it is near numerous bus lines and the subway.

Listed at $450,000, that’s $5,000 below the 2007 sales price of $455,000.

Buyers love “new.”

Will the new kitchen make the sale in 2024?

Blake Smith at Epique Realty has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #1101: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1407 square feet

• Sold in January 1999 for $251,000
• Sold in July 2007 for $455,000
• Sold in August 2010 for $394,500 (to a relocation service)
• Sold in June 2011 for $325,000
• Originally listed in November 2023 for $450,000
• Removed in December 2023
• Re-listed in December 2023 for $450,000
• Currently still listed at $450,000
• Assessments of $784 a month (includes cable, Internet, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $5266
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 12×15
• Kitchen: 9×13
• Living/dining combo: 23×27
• Balcony: 6×9

This 2-bedroom loft in the Grand Ohio at 211 E. Ohio in Streeterville came on the market in February 2024.

The Grand Ohio was built in 1984 as apartments. It’s a full amenity building with 595 units, an indoor pool, a basketball court, tennis courts and an exercise room along with a parking garage.

It was converted into condos in 1999.

Most of the units don’t have washer/dryer in the unit, although there is a unique loft floor on the 5th floor that has them in the unit. That floor also has its own separate elevator bank, higher ceilings and outdoor space.

This unit is on the 5th floor.

It has hardwood floors in the living areas and carpet in the bedrooms.

The kitchen is open to the living and dining room.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, black appliances, an island with seating for 2 with the stove embedded in it.

The second bedroom doesn’t have any windows as it’s interior.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom and a walk-in-closet along with windows.

The loft also has a large 27×7 terrace off the living room and primary bedroom.

It has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is included.

This building is in the heart of Streeterville, near shops and restaurants and Whole Foods. It’s also near the Mag Mile and various bus routes.

Listed at $545,000, that’s $288,000 above the 2015 purchase price of $257,000.

Will the seller get the premium in this low inventory market?

James Kinney at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #307: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1423 square feet, loft

• Sold in August 1999 for $182,500
• Sold in January 2006 for $232,500
• Sold in August 2015 for $257,000
• Currently listed at $545,000
• Assessments of $1083 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $7238
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×9
• Living/dining room: 27×14
• Kitchen: 13×8
• Foyer: 15×5
• Terrace: 27×7

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)