Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom brick and timber loft in River Bank Lofts at 550 N. Kingsbury in River North came on the market in June 2021.

Built in 1910, River Bank Lofts has 150 units and an attached parking garage. It was converted into condos in 1995.

It has doorstaff, an exercise room and a common, shared rooftop deck.

This loft is a top floor unit with hardwood floors throughout, exposed brick and timber ceilings.

It has western exposures over the River.

The primary bedroom has a window, an en suite bathroom with a dual vanity and walk-in spa rain shower along with a walk-in-closet.

The second bedroom doesn’t appear to have a window.

The listing says the kitchen is “high end” and has wood cabinets, stone counter tops and an island that seats 3.

There’s a balcony overlooking the River off the living room.

The loft has a dining space.

You access the rooftop deck via a spiral staircase.

The listing says “no expense spared” for the fully applianced and redesigned rooftop with north, west and south views including the River, city and skyline views.

The rooftop is made out of Ipe fire retardant wood decking and it has gas, water and electric.

It has residential appliances including refrigerator drawers and slide top, ice machine, kegerator, beverage center, Weber Summit 6 burner grill, gas fire pit, television, shade sail, an island that seats 5 and weather poof storage.

There is space for both the appliance/grill area and island, lounge seating and a dining table.

The unit also has a large, detached bonus room on the same floor.

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

The listing says that the association is putting a charging station in for electric cars.

Development has shifted to the north branch of the Chicago River. New apartments, the casino, offices, restaurants and music venues are going in.

This building could be at the hub of a lot of new construction.

Originally listed at $1.1 million in June 2021, it has been reduced to $850,000.

That is under the 2018 sales price of $895,000.

Is it a deal?

Monica Klein at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #607: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, loft

• Sold in March 1996 for $244,000
• Sold in October 1998 for $325,000
• Sold in December 2004 for $456,000
• Sold in June 2013 for $480,000
• Sold in June 2018 for $895,000
• Originally listed in June 2021 for $1.1 million
• Reduced 
• Currently listed at $850,000 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments of $949 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $12,129
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×11
• Bedroom #2: 15×11
• Living room: 19×13
• Dining room: 14×12
• Kitchen: 12×9
• Bonus: 11×16
• Storage: 16×9
• Balcony: 6×13
• Rooftop deck: 30×32

This large 1-bedroom at 1516 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2022.

Built in 1974, it has 64 units and attached rental parking.

The building has just 4 units per floor, doorstaff, an exercise room, an outdoor pool, a live-in engineer, and a laundry room.

This unit has been reconfigured from a 3-bedroom to a big 1415 square foot 1-bedroom (although the floor plan listed in the prior listing shows it as a 2-bedroom.)

The listing says it is “Zen inspired.”

There is bleached white oak wide plank flooring throughout.

The bedroom is separated from the living room by sliding opaque glass panels.

The bedroom has a huge walk-in-closet and a bath with a soaking tub. The second bath has a pulsing shower.

The kitchen has “high end” white Italian kitchen cabinets with integrated Subzero and Wolf appliances and a built-in espresso machine.

The unit has floor to ceiling windows, with remote blinds, that look out over the private 700 square foot walled terrace which has grass, concrete and planters.

The listing describes it as a great place for your dog and says there is no weight limits on pets in the building.

It has central air and rental parking is available for $190 a month. However, there is no in-unit washer/dryer.

This building is at the north end of the Gold Coast, putting it just steps away from Lincoln Park and near the shops and restaurants of Old Town.

Listed in April 2022 at $625,000, this unit went under contract once already. It is still listed at $625,000.

Is this a perfect home for a dog lover?

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

Unit #5D: 1 bedroom, 2 baths, 1415 square feet

• Sold in November 2106 for $384,000
• Originally listed in April 2022 for $625,000
• Under contract in July 2022
• Re-listed at $625,000
• Assessments of $1438 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, Internet, exercise room, outdoor pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8217
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit (laundry room in the building)
• Rental parking for $190 a month
• Bedroom: 14×25
• Living room: 14×15
• Dining room: 18×9
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Terrace: 14×51

This 5-bedroom contemporary single family home at 54 E. Scott in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2022.

Built in 2010, it’s on a 45×145 lot and has a 5-car garage with a gated driveway.

It has an elevator.

The listing says it was the first LEED Gold certified home in Illinois. It also won the Historic Preservation Award for New Construction due to its compatibility with the 19th century historic homes surrounding it.

The house has a multi-story glass atrium and floating staircase.

It has 3 fireplaces and central air.

The house has a “state-of the art” contemporary kitchen with an island.

The living room and dining room face a courtyard with an Asian style water feature.

The kitchen, family room and breakfast room open to the terraced landscaped garden which has mature trees and multiple seating areas.

3 bedrooms are on the second floor including the primary suite which has a spa bath and a dressing room. The other 2 bedrooms on this floor are also en suite.

The remaining 2 bedrooms are on the third floor, and one could be configured into an in-law suite with a living/media room as there is a second kitchen.

Work from home? There’s a den and what looks like two offices, one on the main floor and one on the second.

There are also 2 rooftop gardens with container gardening including a sink and drainage.

The lower level has a “one-of-a-kind steampunk-style” game room and adjacent wine room.

There’s also a full bath, workshop and the 5 car garage with an electric car charger.

This house is in the heart of the Gold Coast and is near the shops and restaurants of Division and Rush street.

Listed at $9.4 million, is this a unique opportunity to get a “new” property in this historic neighborhood?

Jennifer Ames at Engel & Voelkers Chicago has the listing. See the pictures here.

54 E. Scott: 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 10,400 square feet, single family home

• Previous home/land sold in April 2007 for $3.75 million
• Listed in April 2022 for $9.4 million
• Currently still listed at $9.4 million
• Taxes of $142,845
• Central Air
• 5 car garage
• 3 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 19×20 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 13×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 13×16 (third floor)
• Den: 12×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 13×21 (main floor)
• Living room: 18×30 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×21 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 12×10 (main floor)
• Office: 13×8 (main floor)
• Family room: 13×17 (main floor)
• Laundry: 13×11 (second floor)
• Office: 13×9 (second floor)
• Second kitchen: 13×13 (third floor)
• Media room: 19×24 (third floor)
• Recreation room: 15×34 (lower level)
• Terrace: 19×16 (main floor)
• Rooftop gardens
• Courtyard with water feature

This 3 bedroom in Park Plaza at 508 W. Melrose in East Lakeview came on the market in July 2022.

Park Plaza was built in 2005 and has 22 units and garage parking.

It’s an elevator building.

This unit has an open living/dining room with hardwood floors and a fireplace.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has an island, what looks like wood cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.

The bedrooms have carpet.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 side-by-side garage spots available for extra.

It also has a balcony.

It’s in the Nettlehorst school district.

This building is near the shops and restaurants in East Lakeview.

Listed at $625,000, that is under the 2018 sales price of $640,000 but that sale included the parking.

How are the 2005 housing boom era buildings holding up 17 years later?

Sanjay Marathe at Keller Williams Infinity has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry no floor plan).

Unit #6B: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1732 square feet

• Sold in February 2006 for $609,000
• Sold in December 2018 for $640,000
• Currently listed at $625,000 
• Assessments of $394 a month (includes exercise room, exterior maintenance). The listing says that it excludes the parking spot and Internet.
• Taxes of $12,565
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 side-by-side garage spots available
• Bedroom #1: 18×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Bedroom #3: 13×9
• Living/dining: 24×16
• Kitchen: 11×10
• Walk-in-closet: 5×5
• Foyer: 20×6
• Laundry: 8×6
• Balcony

This 3-bedroom duplex-up in 1320 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in July 2022.

1320 N. State Parkway was designed by Robert S. De Goyler in 1927. It has 40 units and a brick and limestone façade. There’s no parking with the building.

It is a co-op building with a doorman, bike storage, a “new, state of the art” exercise room, a communal courtyard with tables, grills and a garden, a new residents lounge and individual mail delivery to each apartment. It also has on-site maintenance and large private storage.

The listing says this unit has been “completely redesigned and remodeled in 2021 by architect and designer Julie Fisher of FC Studios.”

It has a great room with 20-foot ceilings, historic leaded windows and a smokeless gas fireplace.

The unit has all new plumbing, wiring, mechanicals, and new windows.

The listing says the elevator accesses both floors.

The kitchen is a Christopher Peacock kitchen and butler’s pantry with white and wood cabinets, an island, a peninsula with seating and luxury Subzero, Cove and Wolf appliances which is open to the dining room.

It also has a full wet bar with wood cabinets and a peninsula that overlooks the family room with built-in bookshelves.

Each of the three bedrooms are en suite. The third bedroom is on the main floor with the primary and second bedroom upstairs.

The primary bathroom has a soaking tub, double vanity and walk-in shower.

The unit has the features buyers look for including space pac cooling and washer/dryer in the unit on the second floor.

As there is no parking with the building, the listing says it is available to rent across the street at 1325 N. State Parkway.

This building is in the heart of the Gold Coast, near the shops and restaurants of Rush Street.

Listed at $1.695 million, is this a steal for a fully renovated unit in this neighborhood?

Oliver Levy at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #10-11B: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2812 square feet, duplex-up

• It’s a co-op and I couldn’t find a prior sale. It has been on and off the market since 2016, however.
• Currently listed at $1.695 million
• Assessments of $5540 a month (includes heat, doorman, cable, exercise room, taxes, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are included in assessment
• Space pac cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking available to rent at 1325 N. State Parkway
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×8 (main floor)
• Foyer: 17×7 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 18×12 (main floor)
• Laundry: 11×3 (second floor)
• Dining room: 13×9 (main floor)
• Family room: 19×15 (main floor)
• Living room: 29×14 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom duplex up loft in the Surrey Court Lofts at 1250 W. Fullerton in Lincoln Park came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 1906, Surrey Court Lofts were converted into condos in 1987. It has 22 lofts, an elevator and outdoor parking.

The listing says this loft has been “highly upgraded.”

It has authentic loft features including exposed brick and timber ceilings along with skylights.

The main floor has the living room, dining room, family room, kitchen and both bedrooms.

The second bedroom is fully enclosed and has custom sliding door.

The primary bedroom has custom electric block out shades, a large walk-in-closet and a “brand new” bathroom with fully enclosed steam shower and custom vanity.

The second bathroom has a custom 17′ Duravit soaking tub.

The kitchen has white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

There’s a private balcony off the living/family room as well as a wood burning fireplace and built-in bookshelves.

There’s a spiral staircase to the second floor which has a loft, a bonus space and a den which the listing calls a “rooftop lodge” that is currently being used as a music room.

The “lodge” is enclosed and has a Poggenpohl wet bar.

The loft has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one outdoor parking space is included.

In addition to the private balcony on the first floor, it also has a private rooftop deck with built-in seating, planters, lighting, gas and electrical outlets.

This loft is near the DePaul campus, the Fullerton and Armitage el stops, and the Clybourn Corridor.

Listed at $849,900, is this a dream loft for loft lovers?

Christine Droegemueller Car at Luxury Living Chicago Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3F: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2200 square feet, loft, duplex up

• Sold in October 1988 for $287,500
• Sold in May 1991 for $237,000
• Sold in September 2000 for $387,500
• Sold in May 2009 for $437,500
• Currently listed at $849,900 (includes outdoor parking space)
• Assessments of $564 a month (includes the Internet)
• Taxes of $10,087
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×9 (main floor)
• Living room: 17×20 (main floor)
• Dining room: 21×12 (main floor)
• Family room: 16×20 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×6 (main floor)
• Loft: 10×14 (second floor)
• Den: 8×17 (second floor)
• Bonus: 7×15 (second floor)
• Balcony: main floor
• Deck: 37×28 (second floor)

We’re finally seeing a cooling in the red hot Chicago housing market thanks to higher mortgage rates.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in June 2022 was $367,000, a 4.7 percent increase from June 2021, when it was $350,500.

In Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in June 2022 totaled 3,293 homes sold, down 15.7 percent from June 2021 sales of 3,908 homes.

Reminder that last June was the hottest for June home sales since our data began in 1997.

Thanks to G for the historical sales data:

• June 1997: 1,817
• June 1998:  2,214
• June 1999:  2,435
• June 2000: 2,513
• June 2001: 2,451
• June 2002: 2,590
• June 2003: 2,891
• June 2004: 3,752
• June 2005: 3,850
• June 2006: 3,557
• June 2007: 3,127
• June 2008: 2282
• June 2009: 1981
• June 2010: 2526 (tax credit sales)
• June 2011: 1841
• June 2012: 2246
• June 2013: 2729
• June 2014: 2846
• June 2015: 3202
• June 2016: 3321
• June 2017: 3380
• June 2018: 3191
• June 2019: 2850
• June 2020: 2072
• June 2021: 3908
• June 2022: 3293

Here is the monthly median price data:

• June 2008: $309,945
• June 2009: $242,050
• June 2010: $234,250
• June 2011: $207,000
• June 2012: $216,700
• June 2013: $254,900
• June 2014: $275,000
• June 2015: $288,250
• June 2016: $299,900
• June 2017: $306,750
• June 2018: $314,900
• June 2019: $319,000
• June 2020: $329,000
• June 2021: $350,500
• June 2022: $367,000

“In June, the median sales price increased despite concerns about inflation and interest rates,” said Antje Gehrken, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and president and designated managing broker of A.R.E. Partners. “This shows that there is still buyer demand this summer, although it’s restricted by inventory, impacting sales.”

Statewide inventory fell 18.9% in June to 25,781 homes from 31,807 homes last year. The average home sold in 21 days down from 27 last June.

Chicago mirrored the statewide trends. Chicago inventory fell 18.8% to 7,312 homes from 9,008 last year. Days on the market also fell to 26 from 32 days in 2021.

“Price growth has continued throughout Illinois while sales remain low,” said Dr. Daniel McMillen, head of the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate (SHDRE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration. “Increases in interest rates and concerns about inflation have led consumers to become cautious about home purchases, which is likely to lead to declines in house price growth in the future. However, we do not foresee any major changes in the trends for prices or sales over the next three months.”

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 5.52% in June 2022 up from 5.23% in May and up from 2.98% last year.

With sales slowing, inventory is rising.

But will it be enough to give buyers the advantage this summer and into the fall market?

Illinois homes continue to sell briskly in June [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, by Bill Kozar, July 20, 2022]

This corner 3-bedroom loft in the Regal Lofts at 1735 W. Diversey in Lincoln Park came on the market in June 2022.

I don’t know when this building was built, but Regal Lofts was converted into condos in 2000. There are 107 units with both indoor and outdoor parking.

It’s an elevator building with no doorman. It has a fitness center, storage and a fenced dog park.

This is an authentic loft with 11 foot timber ceilings, timber structural beams and exposed brick walls.

It has diagonal hardwood floors in the main living/dining/kitchen and carpet in the bedrooms.

All 3 bedrooms are fully enclosed and have windows, which is rare for a loft.

The listing says the kitchen was renovated in 2018. It has white cabinets, a large island that can seat 5, quartz counter tops, custom backsplash and a double wall oven.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a “spa-like” bath with separate shower and Jacuzzi tub.

This loft has the features buyers look for including central air and a full size front load washer/dryer in the unit. The listing says there is a new July 2022 HVAC.

One outdoor parking space is included in the price and there is an indoor garage space available for $30,000 extra. The listing indicates there are 107 units in the building but only 30 indoor garage spaces.

It has outdoor space with a large brick private patio with side yard off the living room.

This loft is located in West Lincoln Park, near the Ashland corridor and the Menards and Costco.

Listed in June 2022 at $519,900, it was under contract but has re-listed and reduced to $479,900.

Is this a deal for 3-bedrooms?

Mark Glusker and Jane Leslie Ehlert at Mark Allen Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #121: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet, loft

• Sold in April 2000 for $278,000
• Sold in September 2006 for $407,000
• Sold in September 2009 for $270,000
• Sold in October 2016 for $379,000
• Originally listed in June 2022 for $519,900
• Under contract
• Re-listed
• Reduced in July 2022 to $479,900 
• Assessments of $529 a month (includes exercise room, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7807
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One outdoor parking space included
• Indoor garage space available for $30,000
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 22×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×10
• Bedroom #3: 14×10
• Living/dining room combo: 22×17
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Walk-in-closet: 6×5
• Deck: 28×8

This 2-bedroom in Fulton House at 345 N. Canal on the Near West Side came on the market in 2021 and was withdrawn and then was re-listed in May 2022.

Built in 1903, Fulton House was originally an old cold storage warehouse.

It was converted to apartments in the 1970s by Harry Weese and then was converted into condos in the 1990s. There are 104 units.  However, it’s also a live-work building where businesses can operate.

It has a doorman but no garage parking and a common deck overlooking the River.

This unit has been remodeled and has hardwood floors throughout and barrel vaulted ceilings.

Both bedrooms have walk-in-closets.

The kitchen is “gourmet” and has white cabinets, granite counter tops, with an island, stainless steel appliances and a new dishwasher and cooktop.

There is an extra vanity outside of the bathroom.

The unit has a walk-out balcony with city views.

It has washer/dryer in the unit, wall heat/ac units and valet parking is available for $225 a month next door.

This building is near the Metra, East Bank Club and stores and restaurants of Fulton Market.

Listed in May 2022 for $337,500, it has been reduced $22,500 to $315,000.

Is this a deal?

Angie Schneider at @Properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #902: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1250 square feet

• Sold in July 1992 for $90,000
• Originally listed in May 2022 for $337,500
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $315,000
• Assessments of $781 a month (includes doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $4012
• No central air- wall unit heat/ac units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking but valet is available next door for $225 a month
• Bedroom #1: 14×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Living room: 25×19
• Kitchen: 13×8
• Balcony: 6×8

This 3-bedroom in Lake Point Tower at 505 N. Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1968, Lake Point Tower is the only condo building east of Lake Shore Drive. It has 750 units and attached garage parking.

It’s nearly a mini-city unto itself with the following amenities: “24-hour door staff, health club, pet friendly, business center, event spaces, mini-market, indoor and outdoor pool, and 2.5-acre park with manicured gardens, giant playground for kids, outdoor barbecue/kitchen area.”

This unit is on the 61st floor which the listing says is a “top 10” floor in the building. It has views of the city skyline, the River and the Lake.

The listing says it has been “COMPLETELY RENOVATED” and has hardwood floors throughout.

The chef’s kitchen is open to the living/dining room and has white Shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, SubZero and JennAir appliances and a breakfast bar.

French doors lead to the first and second bedrooms.

The primary suite can fit a king bed, has a walk-in-closet and the en suite bath has quartz counter tops, floor to ceiling marble-like tile, a double vanity, a luxury free standing tub and walk-in-shower.

The unit has electric wall heating/cooling units which were common in high rises of the 1960s and early 1970s era.

It has washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is available to lease in the building.

Originally listed in March 2022 at $1,099,000, it has been reduced $159,001 to $939,999.

Buyers love “new.”

After the price reductions, is this a deal?

Ryan Cherney at Circle One Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #6112: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2200 square feet

• Sold in November 2004 for $680,500
• Originally listed in March 2022 for $1,099,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $939,999
• Assessments of $1550 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $15,250
• No central air but wall heat/cooling units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Leased parking in the building
• Bedroom #1: 17×16
• Bedroom #2: 16×13
• Bedroom #3: 16×12
• Living/dining combo: 32×16
• Kitchen: 18×11
• Walk-in-closet: 13×13
• Foyer: 12×6