Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom in 542 W. Brompton in East Lakeview came on the market in May 2022.

Built in 1922, this courtyard complex has 61 units built from terra cotta, brick and limestone. The picture above is of 544-552, which is the building next door but they look identical on the exterior.

The listing says the building was tuck pointed in 2020, has a new water heater in 2019, has a common patio and laundry in the building.

The listing calls this property the perfect blend of vintage details and modern upgrades.

This unit has east and west facing windows with hardwood floors and vintage millwork, including crown molding.

It has a foyer and a separate dining room.

The kitchen has modern dark wood cabinets with professional grade Viking, Bosch and LG Kitchen appliances.

The unit has “renovated/updated” baths.

It does not appear to have central air nor washer/dryer in the unit, but rental garage parking is available nearby.

Listed in May 2022 at $399,500, it has been reduced $10,000 to $389,500.

It’s near the lake front and shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

For fans of Chicago’s vintage courtyard buildings, is this a must see?

Mario Greco at BerkshireHathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2S: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold in July 1993 for $140,000
• Originally listed in May 2022 for $399,500
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $389,500
• Assessments of $408 a month (includes heat, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $4207
• No central air?
• No washer/dryer in the unit but laundry in the building
• No garage parking but rental available in the neighborhood
• Bedroom #1: 16×10
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Living room: 19×13
• Dining room: 15×12
• Kitchen: 16×9
• Foyer: 8×7
• Walk-in-closet: 5×4

This top floor 3-bedroom in the Kilmer House at 1555 N. Sandburg Terrace in the Gold Coast (or Old Town) came on the market in June 2022.

Built in 1971, Kilmer House is part of Sandburg Village. It has 96 units and has a pool, sundeck, tennis courts and exercise room.

The building has a doorman and valet garage parking.

This unit is a southeast corner with a recessed balcony overlooking the east side.

At 1711 square feet, it has 3 bedrooms plus a flex office/den space.

The primary suite faces south and has a walk-in-closet and en suite bath with a separate shower and dual vanity.

The kitchen is “newer” with white cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, silestone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a dry bar with pantry cabinet storage.

The unit has a walk-in mud room/laundry closet with a full size stackable washer/dryer.

It also has central air.

Kilmer House is located on the edge of the Gold Coast and Old Town with access to both neighborhoods and Lincoln Park.

Listed at $619,000, is this a townhouse alternative for those who want space but also amenities?

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

Unit #602: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1711 square feet

• Sold in August 1996 for $172,000
• Sold in March 2013 for $375,000
• Sold in November 2016 for $500,000
• Listed in June 2022 for $619,000
• Currently still listed at $619,000
• Taxes of $10,115
• Assessments of $1453 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Association includes doorman, pool, exercise room, tennis courts
• Valet Parking (cost?)
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 13×15
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Bedroom #3: 10×11
• Living room: 22×15
• Dining room: 11×19
• Kitchen: 11×8
• Laundry room: 5×7
• Walk-in-closet: 10×11
• Foyer: 4×11
• Balcony

This 2-bedroom in One Museum Park West (I thought they changed the name to The Grant???) at 1201 S. Prairie in the South Loop came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 2008, One Museum Park West (or The Grant) was built at the height of the housing boom. It has 298 units and attached garage parking.

The building is a full amenity building and has “24hr door staff, hospitality room with skyline views, fitness center, indoor pool, sauna, kid’s playroom, theater, business center, dog run & grooming, and patio w/grills & fire pit.”

This unit has Lake and city views from floor-to-ceiling windows with window treatments.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

It has a split bedroom floor plan along with a small “den” which isn’t listed in the rooms but you can see it on the 3D walk through if you walk to the second bedroom.

The primary suite has a marble bath, with a whirlpool tub, walk-in shower and double vanity, and a walk-in-closet.

The second bath has been “upgraded.”

The kitchen has white and wood modern cabinets, with stainless steel appliances including a Wolf stove, quartz counter tops and a backsplash.

The unit has a balcony off the living room.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking which is $35,000 extra.

The listing says that the sellers will pay a “$1,500 credit to repaint the primary suite in buyer’s color choice.”

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the South Loop, the Museum Campus, Soldier Field, Grant Park and various bus and subway lines.

Listed in March 2022 at $784,900, it has been reduced $20,000 to $764,900.

Is this unit the dream for those who want lake and city views?

Jacqueline Colando at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry no floor plan).

Unit #3005: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1639 square feet

• Sold in June 2014 for $692,000 (per Redfin and Zillow- CCRD was “down”)
• Originally listed in March 2022 for $784,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $764,900
• Assessments of $817 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $13,240
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking is $35,000 extra
• Bedroom #1: 12×24
• Bedroom #2: 11×13
• Living/dining combo: 23×17
• Kitchen: 12×11
• Den? – not listed
• Balcony

This 4-bedroom Sky 360 penthouse in the St Regis at 363 E. Wacker Drive in Lakeshore East came on the market in July 2022.

The St Regis is a condo/hotel tower built in 2020. Designed by Jeanne  Gang, it has 406 units in the condo tower along with self-park or valet parking.

It’s a full amenity building with an outdoor pool on the 47th floor along with a sky lounge, Zen garden terrace, hot tub and fire pit. It has a golf simulator, exercise room, wine tasting room and indoor dog exercise room.

This unit is a full floor penthouse on the 78th floor with 360 degree views of the Lake, Millennial and Grant Parks, the John Hancock and all other city views.

It has 11 foot ceilings with recessed lighting and ceiling speakers.

The listing says the interior have been crafted by design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates.

There are hardwood floors throughout and motorized Lutron window treatments on all of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

It has two terraces, east and west facing, and access to gas and electric lines.

The ultra luxury chef’s kitchen has Gaggenau and Thermador appliances and wine cooler, Snaidero cabinets, gas fireplace, natural stone countertops.

The bathrooms are “spa caliber” with walk-in showers and soaking tubs with Kallista fixtures. The primary bathroom has heated floors.

The primary suite also has 2 expansive walk-in-closets.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 self-park stalls, or optional valet parking.

This is actually a resale of this unit.

After selling for $8.19 million in December 2021, it has come back on the market at $9.35 million.

Is this the ultimate in Chicago high rise living?

James Qiu at Kale Realty has the listing. See the pictures here (no floor plan).

Unit #7801: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 6121 square feet, full floor penthouse

• Sold in December 2021 for $8.19 million
• Currently listed at $9.35 million
• Assessments of $5440 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are “new”
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 car self-park or valet optional included
• Bedroom #1: 28×17
• Bedroom #2: 12×19
• Bedroom #3: 13×18
• Bedroom #4: 18×10
• Dining room: 19×11
• Living room: 28×19
• Kitchen: 20×15
• Family room: 23×20
• Den: 16×18
• 2 terraces facing east and west

This 3-bedroom penthouse at 1555 W. Pearson in the Noble Square neighborhood of West Town came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 2007, this building has 6 units with an elevator, attached garage parking, storage and a central shared courtyard with a fireplace.

This unit is a penthouse and has tall ceilings.

The main level has the living/dining combo and kitchen along with two bedrooms, one which is en suite.

All bedrooms have blackout shades.

The listing calls the kitchen a “chef’s dream.” It has a pantry, a giant island with waterfall edge, Subzero refrigerator, wine cooler, a Viking stove, and 2 Fisher & Paykel drawer dishwashers.

It has a marble fireplace and surround sound.

The second floor has the primary bedroom with an ensuite bath that has a Jacuzzi and a separate frameless glass steam shower and double vanity. It also has a walk-in-closet with custom shelving.

You can access a partially covered terrace from the primary bedroom.

The unit also has a massive private rooftop deck with an urban garden, firepit and 360 degree views.

Both patios have irrigation systems and flower gardens.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one car garage with a Tesla charger is included. There is also extra storage just behind the parking spot.

The listing says the unit has “newer” AC and furnace.

Listed at $779,000, is this a townhouse alternative?

Dave Stanton at KW Elite has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Or you can see it in person at the Open House on Saturday, July 16 from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Unit #F: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, penthouse duplex up, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2007 for $647,000
• Sold in September 2014 for $660,000
• Currently listed at $779,000
• Assessments of $403 a month (includes security, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $15,058
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking with a Tesla charger included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×12 (first floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×12 (first floor)
• Living/dining combo: 18×25 (first floor)
• Kitchen: 18×9 (first floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 8×4 (second floor)
• 2 private terraces including a rooftop deck

This 2-bedroom duplex up at 1712 N. Wood in Bucktown came on the market in May 2022.

This is a vintage building but I don’t have a year that it was built. It has 6 units on a bigger than standard lot as it has a “half lot side yard and garden.” There are some garages.

The building was converted to condos in 2001.

This duplex-up is on the third and fourth floors. Both floors have hardwood floors.

The main floor has an open concept living room, dining room and kitchen along with a half bath and balcony.

The kitchen has what look like wood cabinets, granite countertops, a breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances.

The second floor has both bedrooms and 2 full baths, with one of them en suite. There are also skylights in one of the bathrooms.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit (not sure which floor it’s on) and garage parking is included.

The listing says it’s on a street with million dollar homes and is near the 606 and shops and restaurants of Bucktown.

Listed in May 2022 at $575,000 it was reduced to $540,000 and then went under contract in June 2022.

It has since come back on the market and is now listed at $515,000.

Is this now a deal in this popular neighborhood?

Sabine Rolnick at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3E: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex up

• Sold in August 2001 for $435,000
• Sold in June 2012 for $360,000
• Originally listed in May 2022 for $575,000
• Reduced to $540,000
• Under contract in June 2022
• Re-listed
• Currently listed at $515,000 
• Assessments of $354 a month (includes exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $7632
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 15×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×20 (second floor)
• Living room: 17×24 (main floor)
• Dining room: 12×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 9×14 (main floor)
• Balcony (main floor)

This 2-bedroom at 1049 W. Barry in Lakeview came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 1910, this building has 16 units and outdoor parking. There’s also storage.

The listing calls this “vintage yet updated.”

It has 10 foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.

The living room has built-ins and a wood burning fireplace with brick surround. There’s no dining room.

The kitchen is “new” as of 2021 and has white cabinets, stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a white tile backsplash and a breakfast bar which is open to the living room and seats 3.

The bathroom is also “new” as of 2021 and has a walk-in-shower.

The rear bedroom has a den area that the listing says would be perfect for a home office.

The unit has a south facing deck.

It has the features that buyers look for that are somewhat rare in vintage buildings including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and outdoor parking. The listing says the space is wide and can fit 2 cars.

The building is in the heart of Lakeview near the Wellington brown line station and shops and restaurants.

Listed at $365,000, does this property check all the boxes for first time buyers?

Robert Clifford at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2E: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in March 1989 for $90,000
• Sold in May 1992 for $135,000
• Sold in June 1999 for $225,500
• Sold in December 2003 for $299,000
• Sold in August 2013 for $288,500
• Sold in August 2016 for $318,500
• Currently listed at $365,000
• Assessments of $269 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $5578
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1 large or 2 side-by-side outdoor parking spaces included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 20×13
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Living room: 18×12
• Kitchen: 12×12
• Deck

This 2-bedroom in 527 W. Surf in East Lakeview came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 1920, this building has 24 units, a laundry room, a bike room and private storage.

This unit has many of its original features including the hardwood floors, crown moldings throughout the living and dining rooms (unpainted), huge vintage windows and 10 foot ceilings.

It has a foyer and separate dining room.

The living room has a wood burning fireplace with wood mantle and built-in bookcases.

The listing says the kitchen has been “completely remodeled” in 2021 and has gray and white cabinets with gold finishes, a white farmhouse sink, white subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a 2-seats at a counter.

It leads to a private deck.

While the building has a laundry room, this unit has washer/dryer in the unit.

There’s no central air but there are window units. It doesn’t have parking but the listing says there are public garages nearby.

This building is in a prime East Lakeview location near the shops and restaurants at the Diversey, Clark and Broadway intersection, the Landmark movie theater, Trader Joe’s, Mariano’s and Walmart.

It’s near buses, Lincoln Park and the lake front.

Buyers love “new.”

Listed at $350,000, is this a better deal than renting?

Chris Stockwell and Michael Laubach at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 927 square feet

• Sold in April 1993 for $119,500
• Sold in September 1997 for $139,500
• Sold in July 2006 for $283,000
• Sold in June 2012 for $250,000
• Sold in July 2017 for $309,000
• Currently listed at $350,000
• Assessments of $331 a month (includes heat, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6461
• No central air but window units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking but available to rent in the neighborhood
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×14
• Bedroom #2: 12×13
• Living room: 14×12
• Dining room: 11×10
• Kitchen: 15×9
• Foyer: 10×6
• Deck: 5×16

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 2709 N. Racine in Lincoln Park came on the market in June 2022.

Built in 1975, this townhouse development has 10 units and outdoor parking. It has an assessment.

If this townhouse looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2013 when it was a short sale.

9 years ago, many of you commented that it was cramped and some of you who saw it in person said it was in poor condition.

See our 2013 chatter here.

But since then, it has been renovated while keeping its unique features.

This is a corner unit which fronts on Schubert, not on Racine.

It has a 20-foot timber ceiling in the living room with a stone wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen has white custom cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a 2-seat peninsula along with space for a dining table.

The kitchen leads to the 800 square foot outdoor stone patio with a side garden.

The primary bedroom, a second bedroom and full bath, with double vanity and walk-in-shower and skylights, are on the third floor.

The third bedroom is on the second floor also with a full bathroom.

The listing says the windows have been replaced in “both bedrooms.”

The townhouse has central air, washer/dryer and an exterior parking space which is accessed directly through the fenced garden/outdoor terrace area.

In 2013, it sold as a “short sale” for $370,000 and then resold in 2017 after it was renovated for $595,000.

It has come back on the market at $699,000.

Are you kicking yourself for not buying it 9 years ago?

Mariah Dell at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in May 1990 for $207,500
• Sold in January 1994 for $210,000
• Sold in May 1996 for $230,000
• Sold in November 2003 for $400,000
• Sold in November 2006 for $507,500
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in January 2012
• Originally listed as a “short sale” in February 2013 for $425,000
• Sold as a “short sale” in November 2013 for $370,000
• Sold in June 2017 for $595,000
• Originally listed in June 2022 for $699,000
• Currently still listed at $699,000
• Assessments are now $317 a month (they were $136 a month in 2013)
• Taxes are now $11,395 (they were $7223 in 2013)
• Central Air
• Exterior parking space included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×13 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×12 (second floor)
• Living room: 24×16 (main floor)
• Dining room: 14×9 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 13×6 (main floor)
• Terrace: 16×13

This 3-bedroom in 5718 S. Dorchester in Hyde Park came on the market in June 2022.

Built in 1898, 5718 S. Dorchester has 6 units and a communal backyard with a garden.

It does not have parking.

The listing says this unit has been “completely renovated.”

It has vintage features like wainscoting, crown molding, and a wood burning fireplace.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The unit has a separate dining room and a sunroom that overlooks the communal backyard.

The kitchen has “brand new” white kitchen cabinets, quartz counter tops and new stainless steel appliances.

The bathrooms also have current on trend finishes like gold and black light fixtures, mirrors and faucets.

The listing says there are new, high-quality windows.

It has washer/dryer in the unit but there’s no central air. It does have window units, however. It also doesn’t have parking.

The building is in the heart of Hyde Park, near the shops and restaurants on 57th, the University of Chicago and the Lab School.

Originally listed in June 2022 at $537,330, it was reduced to $498,220.

Buyers love “new.”

Does this vintage unit check all the boxes?

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

Unit #2: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in August 1990 for $130,000
• Sold in September 1999 for $150,000
• Originally listed in June 2022 for $537,330
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $498,220
• Assessments of $450 a month (includes heat, gas, exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $6253
• No central air but window units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×11
• Bedroom #2: 11×11
• Bedroom #3: 11×7
• Living room: 16×11
• Dining room: 17×12
• Family room: 12×11
• Kitchen: 12×12
• Foyer: 13×6
• Laundry room: 6×5