Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom at 510 W. Surf in East Lakeview is one of 8 properties that will be open this Sunday, April 17, from 11-2 PM for a unique vintage home tour.

I meant to crib on this yesterday and forgot so I thought I’d do a rare weekend post so you vintage lovers would be aware of the opportunity to see a bunch of these properties on the same day.

Here are the properties that will be having an Open House:

1. 932 W. Wolfram: Single family greystone, 4/4, listed at $885,000
2. 559 W. Surf #400: The Green Brier, 2/2 listed at $385,000
3. 559 W. Surf #209: The Green Brier, 1/1 listed at $215,000
4. 330 W. Diversey #2409: Mies Van Der Rohe, 4/3 listed at $724,000
5. 445 W. Briar #3: 3/2 listed at $650,000
6. 3168 N. Cambridge #3N: 3/1.5 listed at $319,000
7. 871 W. Cornelia #2: 2/1 listed at $255,000
8. 421 W. Melrose #19A (by appointment only): The Eddystone, 3/2 listed at $509,000

510 W. Surf was built in 1915 by architect R.F. France. The building was originally called the “Chesterfield Apartments.”

At nearly 2200 square feet, the unit has many of its vintage features intact including french doors and a Caen limestone fireplace.

There is an in-unit washer/dryer but no central air.

The kitchen has white cabinets but the listing says “Price reflects need for updated kitchen….” The bathrooms have been updated.

Originally listed in September 2008, it has been reduced $99,000.

If anyone goes on the tour of any of these properties, please check back in.

Jody Wise at Prudential Rubloff has the 510 W. Surf listing and is coordinating the home tour. See more pictures here.

And you can see it in person on Sunday, April 17 from 11 – 2 PM.

510 W. Surf #2: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2187 square feet

• Sold in December 1990 for $210,000
• Sold in May 1998 for $296,500
• Sold in March 2000 for $410,000
• Originally listed in September 2008 for $599,000
• Reduced
• Withdrawn in July 2009 at $539,000
• Re-listed in March 2011 for $500,000
• Currently still listed at $500,000
• Assessments of $590 a month (includes heat and cable)
• Taxes of $7184
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No central air- window units only
• No parking? It looks like it is rental parking nearby.
• Bedroom #1: 20×12
• Bedroom #2: 18×11
• Bedroom #3: 14×12
• Family room: 15×14

This 3-bedroom at 1210 N. Astor in the Gold Coast has been on the market nearly a year.

In that time it has been reduced $99,000.

The Holabird & Roche designed building was constructed in 1897 for John McConnell, who had recently purchased the corner lot.

Called the McConnell Apartments, there were 2 units per floor in the 8 story structure. According to Neil Harris’ Chicago Apartments, the units were rented by socially prominent families with the top floor housing the servants quarters.

According to Harris, the red-brick, limestone and terra-cotta structure is supported by a steel frame, similar to some of the early Loop high rises.

The building is now 14 condominium units. Masonry facade work was done on its 100th birthday- in 1997.

The building also has the original European style elevator.

This 3-bedroom unit has the high ceilings and large room sizes of its era.

There are also 3 fireplaces, including one in the master bedroom, and pocket doors.

The kitchen has white cabinets and granite counter tops.

While it has space pak cooling, I can’t find anything about a washer/dryer. The other unit also on the market, #1A, also doesn’t mention anything about a washer/dryer (either in the unit or in the building.)

Parking is rental nearby.

The unit is currently listed $66,000 under the 2001 purchase price.

Is this a deal?

Janice Smith at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #4B: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 1989 for $355,000 (? it’s unclear from the record)
• Sold in April 1998 for $490,000
• Sold in November 1998 for $525,000
• Sold in August 2001 for $765,000
• Originally listed in May 2010 for $798,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $699,000
• Assessments of $1741 a month (includes heat)
• Taxes of $12,603
• Space Pak
• Washer/Dryer isn’t mentioned in the listing
• No parking- rental nearby
• Bedroom #1: 17×17
• Bedroom #2: 15×13
• Bedroom #3: 13×11

Given what happened the last time we chattered about this 3-bedroom duplex down at 848 W. Roscoe in Lakeview on Christmas Eve, I thought about doing an update on it on, say, Good Friday but then thought I’d better not tempt fate.

Yes- we all know about the bar at the end of the street. Let’s not get into that again. (And yes- the comments have been removed.)

See our December 2010 chatter here.

Since our last chatter, the unit has been reduced another $17,000.

After 2 1/2 years on the market, the seller is now “motivated.”

The listing also says the property is in the Nettlehorst school district.

Built in 2003, two of the three bedrooms are on the main floor with the third in the lower level.

It also has a 18×17 family room in the lower level.

It has two outdoor spaces with a south facing patio as well as a rear deck. The unit also has a garage with a heated driveway.

The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

How low will this one go before it finally finds the market?

Keith Goad at Keller Williams still has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, duplex down, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2003 for $540,000
• Originally listed in September 2008 for $715,000
• Reduced many times
• Was listed in December 2010 for $576,900 (parking included)
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $559,900 (parking included)
• Assessments of $228 a month
• Taxes of $7729
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 13×10 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom unit in The Pearson, at 250 E. Pearson in Streeterville, has been on and off the market since 2008.

Originally listed in November 2008 for $1.34 million it was reduced as low as $1.298 million in 2009 before being withdrawn from the market.

It was re-listed in early April 2011 for $1.25 million only to see its price raised several days later to $1.35 million.

It is now listed for $10,000 more than 2008’s list price.

The unit has south and east facing views with 2 terraces.

The kitchen has granite counter tops and black appliances.

There are hardwood floors.

The unit is listed $225,000 over the 2003 purchase price.

Will this unit sell for more than the 2003 purchase price (which is when it was new construction)?

Chezi Rafaeli at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2705: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2017 square feet

• Sold in October 2003 for $1.125 million
• Originally listed in November 2008 for $1.34 million
• Reduced to $1.298 million by September 2009
• Withdrawn
• Re-listed in April 2011 for $1.25 million
• Raised
• Currently listed at $1.35 million (parking is extra)
• Assessments aren’t listed but Unit #2606 with 1900 square feet pays $946 a month
• Taxes of $13166
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking is extra
• Bedroom #1: 13×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×12
• Bedroom #3: 11×12

This 2-bedroom loft at 2250 W. Ohio in West Town has been on the market for a year.

It is listed for $25,000 under the 2004 purchase price.

It has all the features of an authentic loft including exposed brick and timber ceilings.

The loft is a corner unit with a wall of west facing windows.

At 1550 square feet it has the wide open authentic loft space as well.

The kitchen has white cabinets and appliances. There are no pictures of the baths.

The loft has central air, in-unit washer/dryer and a heated garage parking spot included.

How low will this go before it finds a buyer?

Justin Brown at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #205: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1550 square feet

• Sold in November 1994 for $176,500
• Sold in December 1996 for $198,000
• Sold in October 2004 for $350,000
• Originally listed in April 2010 for $375,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $325,000
• Assessments of $270 a month
• Taxes of $4855
• Central Air
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Bedroom #1: 15×15
• Bedroom #2: 15×13

This vintage 2-flat at 5341 W. Berteau in Portage Park recently came on the market for the first time in 20 years.

Built in 1918 it has some of its vintage features intact including hardwood floors, stained glass, crown molding and dining room built-ins.

According to the listing, it has also had updates, including skylights, new copper plumbing, new electric and windows.

The units consist of the following:

1. Unit #1: 3 bedrooms/1 bath
2. Unit #2: 5 bedrooms/2 baths duplex up

Yes, I know the listing says it is a 4/3 and not an 8/3.

The first floor rental unit has a new kitchen and bath.

Built on a 33×125 lot, it does not have a garage but the listing says one can be added.

The property is just a few houses east of Portage Park and is across from Portage Park school.

Is this a good starter property for someone who wants to live in one unit and rent out the other?

Heather Lange at Koenig & Strey Real Living has the listing. See the pictures here.

5341 W. Berteau: 2-flat, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3000 square feet, no garage

• Sold in November 1991 for $135,000
• Originally listed in March 2011 for $469,000
• Currently still listed for $469,000
• Taxes of $5274
• Central Air
• 1st floor 3/1
• 2nd floor duplex up 5/2

We last chattered about this 2-bedroom duplex penthouse at 435 W. Erie in July 2010.

See our prior chatter here.

It was a short sale.

Apparently listed for as high as $1.4 million, by the time we chattered about it last summer it had been reduced to $895,000.

Many of you were in love with the property.

It had a wraparound terrace with southeast facing views (which agent Jennifer Ames supplied stunning night city view pictures for in the listing.)

It had a 2-story living area with a lofted den.

The kitchen had upgraded appliances including Miele and SubZero.

Some of you thought it was a steal at $895,000.

Then prepare yourselves- because it actually sold for just $625,000 which included 2 car tandem parking.

Check out the pictures here.

Jennifer Ames at Coldwell Banker had the listing.

Unit #2201: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car tandem parking, no square footage listed, duplex

• Sold in March 1999 for $340,500
• Originally listed in May 2009
• Withdrawn
• Lis pendens filed in May 2010
• Re-listed in June 2010 as a “short sale” for $995,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in July 2010 at $895,000
• Sold in April 2011 for $625,000
• Assessments of $1241 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman)
• Taxes of $9633
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×13 (second floor)
• Family room: 15×11 (main level)

This 2-bedroom in The Fordham at 25 E. Superior in River North has been on the market since September 2010.

Originally listed for $720,000 it was reduced to $699,000 by early February.

In early April it was then reduced to $649,900.

But then the price was mysteriously raised back to $694,900 just 3 days later.

The unit has 1575 square feet with south and east views.

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

The Fordham is a full service building with an indoor pool, movie theater, 2 party rooms and a sundeck.

Was the price reduction simply a typo that wasn’t caught for 3 days? Unit #1705 in the same tier is listed for $669,000.

Or are some sellers thinking the market has picked up enough to warrant a price increase?

I’ve seen some other price increases recently that don’t appear to be typos which makes me ask the question.

Terry McAuley at Koenig & Strey Real Living has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2605: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1575 square feet

• I couldn’t find a prior sales price but other 05 units sold in 2005/2006 for anywhere from $690,000 to $725,000
• Originally listed in September 2010 for $725,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in February 2011 for $699,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in April 2011 for $649,900
• Raised
• Currently listed for $694,900 (parking is $45k extra)
• Assessments of $995 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, pool)
• Taxes of $8968
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×11

This 4-unit building at 443 W. Aldine in East Lakeview was built in 1925 and was recently renovated into 4 condos.

We last chattered about the building in May 2010.

See our prior chatter and pictures here.

At that time, many of you thought these were beautiful and “elegant” units.

However, several of you thought the price tags on the bigger 5 bedroom, 3 bath units of $1.475 million each was still too pricey- even for the location.

Since that time 2 out of the 3 larger units have sold and the third one is pending.

1. Unit #2: Listed for $1.475 million. Sold in November 2010 for $1.4 million.
2. Unit #3: Listed for $1.475 million. Under contract.
3. Unit #4: I don’t have an original list price. Sold in February 2011 for $1.45 million.

However, the first floor 3-bedroom unit is still on the market and has now been reduced $60,000.

The unit has been completely renovated and has central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

It has an open layout for the kitchen/dining/living room and a unique step up to a family room or third bedroom.

There is also a private 1-car garage.

Does this building reflect what is going on in the broader GZ market- that the upper bracket is recovering but the lower bracket has not?

Brad Lippitz at Prudential Rubloff still has the listing. See more pictures here.

Or see it in person at the Open House on Sunday April 17: 1- 3 PM.

Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, one car garage included

• Listed in May 2010 for $475,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $419,000
• Assessments of $150 a month
• Taxes are “new”
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×15
• Bedroom #2: 12×18
• Bedroom #3: 12×10

This 4-bedroom single family home at 1253 W. Wellington in Lakeview has been on and off the market for 17 months.

It has been reduced $254,900 and is now listed under $1 million.

At 4100 square feet, 3 of the bedrooms are on the second floor with one in the lower level.

The house has 10 foot ceilings on the main floor.

The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.

There is also a unique double sided fireplace in the kitchen and family room.

The master suite has a sun room and cathedral ceilings.

There is also a lower level recreation room.

Built on a 23×123 lot, the house has a small patio and a 2-car garage.

Is this a deal for the square footage and location?

Joanne Nemerovski at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See more pictures here.

1253 W. Wellington: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4100 square feet, 2 car garage

• Sold in August 1989 for $395,000
• Originally listed in October 2009 for $1,249,900
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $995,000
• Taxes of $18,040
• Central Air
• Double sided fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 18×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 17×14 (lower level)
• Recreation Room: 25×18 (lower level)