Crib Chatter

The Metro, at 1200 W. Monroe, is a midrise building built in 2003 in what used to be the far edge of the West Loop but now is closer to the center of action thanks to a further push of building to the west.

At the corner of Monroe and Racine the east facing units have downtown views.

This 2-bedroom unit is a west facing unit and has been on the market for a year.

It has hardwood floors in the main living space.

The kitchen, which is open to the living space, has granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available.

This unit is listed $20,000 under its 2006 purchase price.

These units were originally sold as starter condos. Does this make a good starter condo in today’s market?

Stacy Braack at Southport Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #413: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 2003 for $278,500
• Sold in May 2006 for $335,000
• Neither sales shows deeded parking included
• Originally listed in April 2010
• Was listed in September 2010 for $304,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $285,000 (plus $25,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $382 a month (includes a/c, doorman, cable, gas)
• Taxes of $3641
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 12×11
• Bedroom #2: 10×10
• Living room: 15×16
• Kitchen: 13×8

This 3-bedroom single family home at 2164 W. Leland in Lincoln Square recently came on the market.

It is in a prime Lincoln Square location just a block and a half to the shops and restaurants on Lincoln and also easy access to several brown line El stops.

The house has had updates including in the kitchen which is custom with concrete counter tops and stainless steel appliances. (According to the 2008 listing- those updates had already been done by the time of that sale.)

The upstairs bathroom has a double vanity and skylights along with a claw foot tub.

Built on an oversized 37.5×123 lot, the house has a two car garage and central air/space pak (I can’t tell if it has both of those or just one of those.)

The basement is finished and has a half bath and a recreation room and office.

Listed $6500 under the 2008 price, will this sell quickly given its price and location?

Eric Rojas at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See more pictures here.

2164 W. Leland: 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, 2 car garage, no square footage listed

• Sold in August 1995 for $209,000
• Sold in October 1997 for $264,500
• Sold in August 2008 for $805,500
• Currently listed for $799,000
• Taxes of $7925
• Central Air/Space Pak
• Bedroom #1: 12×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×12 (second floor)
• Recreation room: 15×27 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom penthouse unit at 1239 N. State Parkway has something you rarely see in the Gold Coast neighborhood: a private rooftop deck.

The listing says it has 3 decks in total which combine for 1500 square feet of outdoor space.

The private rooftop deck has built-in seating, planters and lighting.

The unit has a soaring cathedral ceilings in the living room with a second floor family room.

All three bedrooms are on the main floor.

The kitchen has cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances and overlooks the courtyard.

There is central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1 deeded attached garage.

The listing also indicates that this is the Ogden school district.

On the market since January, it is listed $59,000 under the 2004 purchase price.

Unit #2, the unit below it, is also on the market. It is a 2600 square foot 3/2.5 without the rooftop deck (but does have a deck that overlooks the courtyard.) It is listed for $899,000 and also has parking. It is the first time it’s been on the market since the building was converted to condos in 1997.

Is this building a good buy given the location and low assessments?

Millie Rosenbloom at Baird & Warner has the listing on Unit #3. See the pictures here.

Mario Greco has the listing on Unit #2. See those pictures here.

Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex, 1 car parking

• Sold in November 1997 for $775,000
• Sold in November 2004 for $1.349 million
• Originally listed in January 2011 for $1.29 million
• Currently still listed at $1.29 million
• Assessments of $169 a month
• Taxes of $10665
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 15×19 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 13×9 (main level)
• Family room: 22×19 (second level)

This 4-bedroom vintage rowhouse at 2423 W. Grenshaw in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood has been on and off the market for nearly a year.

Built in 1900, the rowhouse has 10 foot ceilings and hardwood floors on a 20×125 lot.

It also has 2 fireplaces, skylights and a walk-out basement.

3 of the bedrooms are on the 2nd floor with the fourth in the lower level, along with a family room.

The kitchen has maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

It has central air and a 2-car garage.

Bought in 2008 for 25% under the 2006 purchase price in a distress sale, this seller will now also see a loss as it is listed $8,000 below the 2008 purchase price.

What will it take to sell this rowhouse? 

Craig McShane at Fitzgerald Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures here.

2423 W. Grenshaw: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1800 square feet, 2 car garage

• Sold in May 2004 for $345,000
• Sold in January 2006 for $425,000
• Lis pendens filed in September 2008
• Sold as a short sale in October 2008 for $315,000
• Originally listed in April 2010
• Currently listed for $307,000
• Taxes of $2300
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 14×15 (second level)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (second level)
• Bedroom #3: 11×8 (second level)
• Bedroom #4: 9×12 (lower level)
• Rec reoom: 9×13 (lower level)

This 3-flat at 1059 W. Oakdale in Lakeview makes up a small collection of homes and flats in the Terra-Cotta Row historic district.

It stretches only from 1048 W. Oakdale to 1059 W. Oakdale.

The homes were built for the executives of Northwestern Terra Cotta Company and, obviously, their products were used throughout.

Perhaps the most striking component of the short historic district is the distinctive terra cotta fencing in front of several of the buildings.

1059 W. Oakdale is otherwise known as the Gustav Hottinger flat.

Built in 1901 by architect Theodore Andresen on a 25.5×136.9 size lot, it incorporates many of the elements of the executive mansions across the street.

According to the listing, this 3-flat has been modernized with newer kitchens and baths.

Yet it still has some of its vintage features with hardwood floors and wood trim.

The vintage-looking fireplaces are apparently non-working.

The three units are as follows:

1. Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, window A/C, rents at $1800 a month including one parking space
2. Unit #2: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, owners unit (can’t tell if it has c/a or not)
3. Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath (could be converted back to a 3-bedroom), central air, washer/dryer hook-up, rented for $1990 a month

The listing says there is a partially finished basement with 1-bedroom of living space.

The listing says the building could generate income of up to $80,000.

The building is just a few blocks from several El stations.

It is currently priced $50,000 under the 2006 purchase price.

Would this 3-flat make a good investment?

Caryn Hoeft at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

1059 W. Oakdale: 3-flat, 8 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3484 square feet, 2 car garage

• Sold before 1986
• Sold in April 2006 for $1.2 million
• Currently listed for $1.15 million
• Taxes of $15488
• Expenses of $6950
• Gross Income: $48630
• Not sure where the 4th bathroom is located- possibly the basement.

Someone finally snatched up the 5-bedroom rowhouse at 836 W. Belden in Lincoln Park.

See our February 2011 chatter here.

It sold for 33% under the 2007 purchase price and under the 2000 purchase price.

Built in 1885 in what is now called the McCormick Row House District, this landmark 4 story rowhouse had many of its vintage features intact including 3 soapstone antique mantel fireplaces and original pocket doors and shutters.

The kitchen had white cabinets and a mix of stainless steel, white and black appliances.

Built on a 20×114 lot, the rowhouse had central air.

Did someone get a deal or is the 2000 price now simply the market?

Samuel Tarara at Koenig & Strey Real Living had the listing.

836 W. Belden: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in May 1995 for $630,000
• Sold in October 2000 for $960,000
• Sold in August 2005 for $1.325 million
• Sold in December 2007 for $1.4 million
• Originally listed in May 2010 for $1.295 million
• Reduced several times
• Listed in February 2011 for $979,000
• Sold on April 1, 2011 for $935,000
• Taxes of $14754
• Assessments of $110 a month (includes parking)
• Central Air
• 2-car parking on a driveway?
• Bedroom #1: 19×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 19×15 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 13×12 (third floor)
• Recreation room: 22×19 (lower level)

This 4-bedroom vintage Victorian at 2522 N. Rockwell in Logan Square recently came on the market.

(Sorry for the crappy picture! It doesn’t do the house justice.)

Built in 1889 on a 25×125 lot, it is located just a half a block south of Logan Boulevard.

3 of the 4 bedrooms are on the second floor with the 4th one on the main level.

The house also has a finished basement with 9 foot ceilings and new carpeting.

The house is somewhat unusual in that it has 3 full baths (instead of just 2) with one on each floor.

The kitchen has vaulted ceilings with white cabinets and appliances and Silestone counter tops.

The current owners have installed new windows on the upper floor and restored the original pine floors.

There is also a new brick patio and plantation shutters throughout.

It has central air and a 2-car garage.

The house is currently listed $31,500 under the 2005 purchase price.

Is this a good deal for someone looking for a starter home in this neighborhood?

Catherine Brennan at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

2522 N. Rockwell: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car parking, no square footage listed

• Sold in July 2001 for $412,000 (according to Redfin- but public records don’t give an amount)
• Sold in June 2005 for $520,500
• Originally listed in March 2011 for $489,000
• Currently still listed at $489,000
• Taxes of $4407
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 14×12 (second level)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (second level)
• Bedroom #3: 11×9 (second level)
• Bedroom #4: 12×9 (main level)
• Family room: 1813 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom single family home at 1848 W. Cortland in Bucktown has been on the market since November 2010.

In that time, it has been reduced $90,000.

Built in 1872, the listing says it is a frame Victorian cottage.

It has 11 foot ceilings on the first floor along with a separate dining room.

The kitchen has maple cabinets, granite counter tops and black appliances and also has an 11×9 breakfast room.

All 3 bedrooms are on the second floor.

Built on a 26.5×118 lot, it has both a front and a back deck along with a 2-car garage.

The house also has central air.

It looks as though it may have an unfinished basement.

Is this a good townhouse alternative?

Randie Shapiro at Koenig & Strey Real Living has the listing. See the pictures and the floor plan here.

1848 W. Cortland: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, no square footage listed

• Sold in May 1988 for $86,000
• Sold in January 1991 for $95,000
• Sold in March 1995 for $215,000
• Sold in August 1999 for $318,000
• Sold in February 2004 for $505,000
• Originally listed in November 2010 for $625,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $535,000
• Taxes of $8300
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×12 (second floor)
• Living room: 14×13
• Dining room: 13×12
• Kitchen: 13×13
• Breakfast room: 11×9
• Office: 13×7

This 2-bedroom duplex loft in Dearborn Tower at 1530 S. State in the South Loop has been on the market since January 2011.

The building first sold units in 2001 so most of the finishes are going on 10 years now.

The listing for this 10th floor duplex up says it has been renovated and reconfigured from a 3-bedroom into a 2 bedroom.

It also has a new kitchen and baths.

Surprise! There are no cherry cabinets or granite to be found in the kitchen.

Instead, you’ll get quartz and carerra marble counter tops with a mix of contemporary white and maple cabinets alongside stainless steel appliances.

The living room has a wall of 2-story windows along with a 20×7 terrace.

There is central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking available.

Both bedrooms, and a 9×9 laundry room, are on the second level.

Andrea Geller at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.

Or you can see it at the Open House on Sunday April 3 from 1:30 – 3:30 PM.

Unit #1025: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2016 square feet

• Sold in July 2001 for $355,500
• Sold in May 2006 for $625,000
• Originally listed in January 2011 for $740,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $699,000 (parking $35,000 extra)
• Assessments of $644 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable)
• Taxes of $5470
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 22×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (second floor)
• Laundry room: 9×9 (second floor)
• Terrace: 20×7

There has been a lot of chatter about this 3-bedroom duplex up at 419 W. Grant in East Lincoln Park because it was listed just under $360,000.

See our February 2011 chatter here.

Many of you believed it was a good deal for the location and square footage even if it was in a 1970s-era complex.

The unit had two balconies and a wood burning fireplace.

All 3 bedrooms were on the second floor along with 2 full baths. There was even a half bath on the main floor.

The kitchen had white cabinets and appliances and there was separate dining room.

The unit ended up closing for $355,000, or $30,000 under the 2003 purchase price.

Anne Victoria at @Properties had the listing.

Unit #C: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1620 square feet

• Sold in September 1997 for $225,000
• Sold in August 1998 for $283,000
• Sold in May 2000 for $338,000
• Sold in May 2003 for $385,000
• Originally listed in January 2011 for $359,900
• Was listed in February 2011 for $359,900
• Sold on March 30, 2011 for $355,000
• Assessments of $343 a month (includes cable)
• Taxes of $5031
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Parking included
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×8 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×8