Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom at 823 W. Oakdale in Lakeview came on the market in March 2023.

823 W. Oakdale was built in 1929 and has 10 units. The building does not have parking and is in the Oakdale historic landmark district, with its famous terra cotta wall and homes and buildings. The block was landmarked in 2006.

This top floor unit has many of its vintage features including wood trim (not painted), moulding, medallions and arched windows in the living and dining rooms.

It has solid core doors, except for tri-fold French doors between the living and dining room.

The chef’s kitchen has green cabinets, and some open shelving, with a Viking stove with an outside venting hood, Fisher Paykel dishwasher drawer, wood counter tops and an “elegant” apron sink.

There’s also a butler’s pantry.

There are arched doorways.

The primary bedroom has Elfa closets.

The unit has some of the features buyers look for including space pak cooling and a recently installed (2021) in-unit Miele washer/dryer. There is no parking with the unit but it is available on the street.

There is a back deck and a large storage unit in the basement.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Central and East Lakeview as well as several bus line and the Diversey brown line stop.

Listed in March 2023 at $399,900, that’s $27,900 above the 2021 purchase price of $372,000.

After adding the in-unit washer/dryer since the last purchase, will it get the premium?

Michael Greco at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3A: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in March 1986 but no price in the CCRD
• Sold in June 2003 for $270,000
• Sold in July 2021 for $372,000
• Currently listed at $399,900
• Assessments of $357 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6368
• Space Pak cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Bedroom #1: 12×11
• Bedroom #2: 13×10
• Living room: 19×14
• Dining room: 16×15
• Kitchen: 15×13
• Foyer: 15×5
• Deck

This 2-bedroom triplex penthouse in the Seminary Flatiron Building at 1920 N. Seminary in Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2023.

Built in 1883, the Seminary Flatiron Building was renovated in 1985 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has 8 units. Is there any parking? I thought we’ve chattered about other units that had a parking space before.

The listing says this unit was “beautifully renovated” and is an “entertainer’s dream.”

It has hardwood floors on both floors and a spiral staircase leads to the second floor.

If you look at the prior listing pictures, you can see that there were some walls that were taken down in the renovation on the first floor.

The listing says the kitchen was “completely renovated” in 2020 with Shaker-style navy cabinetry with gold hardware, quartz counter tops and stainless steel appliances including a French door refrigerator with 2 freezers and a range hood. It also has a “massive” quartz island with built-in wine fridge and seating for 2.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining room.

There’s also a powder room with sleek white subway tiled wall, hexagon tile flooring and a RH wood vanity.

The two bedrooms are on the second floor.

The primary bedroom has custom mouldings and 13 foot ceilings along with window treatments.

The second bedroom has floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases, a Murphy bed, an attached ladder to access the loft/flex space.

There is one full bath and it has a glass shower/soaking tub combo.

The third level is a private east facing roof deck with city views. The listing says it is a newer composite deck.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, a “brand new” front loading LG ThinQ washer/dryer and a detached garage parking space is included (wonder where it is located?)

This building is near the Armitage Brown line stop. The listing says: “UNBEATABLE location within walking distance to all the best restaurants and shopping along Armitage, Halsted, and Clybourn including Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Armitage Alehouse, Foxtrot, La Colombe Coffee, Summer House Santa Monica, and more!”

Listed at $499,000, will this property be under contract by Monday morning?

Elena Theodoros and Thomas Scherpenberg at @properties Christie’s have the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

Or see it in person this Saturday, March 25, at the Open House from 12:00 to 1:30 PM.

Unit #C: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed, triplex penthouse

• Sold in April 1994 for $169,500
• Sold in May 2006 for $369,000
• Sold in August 2019 for $375,000
• Listed in March 2023 for $499,000
• Assessments of $253 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes of $3719 
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Detached garage parking included (not sure where it’s located)
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×9 (second floor)
• Living room: 17×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 11×9 (main floor)
• Loft: 8×8 (second floor)
• Deck: 18×5 (third floor)

This 3-bedroom at 1510 W. Cortez in the Noble Square neighborhood in West Town came on the market in March 2023.

The listing says this is in Wicker Park. Normally I go with what the listing agent says, but we have chattered about this building before and it was always Noble Square.

The building was built in 2012 and was one of the first new construction buildings that started popping up in West Town at the bottom of the housing bust. It was the first indication that the worst of the bust was maybe over.

You can read about our chatter on this building and the new construction in this neighborhood in 2012 here.

This is an extra-wide all masonry building. This unit is south facing with floor to ceiling windows that have UV/privacy tint.

There are continuous hardwood floors throughout, 8 foot solid interior doors, custom window treatments, Nest, and its wired for surround speakers.

It has a “cook’s kitchen” with scratch resistant Copat Italian soft closing cabinets with Hatele Le Mans II pull out shelves, white quartz counters, gray glass tile backsplash, a Jenn-Air stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator, a stove with an external exhaust hood, a Bosch dishwasher and a 10 foot breakfast bar.

There is a dry bar with a 21-bottle wine refrigerator.

The primary bedroom has a custom Amish built-in wardrobe and a walk-in-closet along with an en suite bathroom with a double quartz vanity and a walk-in-shower with a rainforest shower.

There’s a second full bathroom and 2 more bedrooms.

The unit has a rear balcony with privacy fencing and an outdoor kitchen with concrete counters, a beverage refrigerator and space for a grill.

But the unit also has a private rooftop deck with city views and a concrete bar.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1-car garage parking.

The building also has bike storage.

The listing says: “100% owner occupied, Strong Reserves, 50% rentals allowed (no short term rentals) and Pets welcomed!”

This building is near all the restaurants and shops of Noble Square, East Village and Wicker Park. It’s also near bus lines and the Division Blue Line stop.

Listed at $685,000, that is $32,500 over the August 2020 purchase price or $652,500.

Will the seller get this price?

Shaun Moskalik at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here (only floor plan is of the roof top deck).

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

• Sold in November 2012 for $419,900
• Sold in August 2016 for $605,000
• Sold in August 2020 for $652,500
• Currently listed at $685,000
• Assessments of $175 a month (includes scavenger and exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $10,563
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Bedroom #3: 12×10
• Living/dining: 20×17
• Kitchen: 16×10
• Balcony: 8×21
• Roof top deck

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 2850 N. Lakewood in West Lakeview came on the market on March 10, 2023 and went under contract withing 4 days.

But it fell out of contract and was re-listed on March 17, 2023.

Built in 1997, this townhouse complex has 16 units. The photo above is of an original brick lofty type building that is on the George side of the street but the rest of the townhouses are built around an interior courtyard on Lakewood. There is heated garage parking.

This townhouse has 3 levels and a private rooftop deck.

The main floor has hardwood floors, the living and dining rooms, the kitchen and an “updated” powder room.

The kitchen has Shaker white cabinets, a farmhouse sink and stainless steel appliances.

The two bedrooms are on the second floor.

The primary suite has a wall of closets and an en suite bath with double vanity and walk-in-shower along with the stackable laundry.

There’s also an “updated” hall bath.

The top level is filled with natural light and is currently used as an office. It leads to the roof deck.

This townhouse has the features buyers look for including central air and one heated garage space.

It is near the shops and restaurants of West Lakeview, the Jewel on Ashland and the Whole Foods at the Lincoln/Belmont intersection.

Originally listed in March 2023 for $610,000, that is $80,000 above the 2020 sales price of $530,000.

Will these sellers get the premium just 2 1/2 years later?

Marlene Rubenstein and Dena Fox at Baird & Warner have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #I: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1500 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in December 1997 for $298,000
• Sold in June 2012 for $350,000
• Sold in September 2016 for $459,500
• Sold in September 2020 for $530,000
• Originally listed on March 10, 2023 for $610,000
• Under contract on March 14, 2023
• Re-listed on March 17, 2023 for $610,000
• Assessments of $65 a month (includes lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,858
• Central Air
• 1 heated garage parking space
• Bedroom #1: 12×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 9×11 (second floor)
• Office: 7×13 (third floor)
• Living/dining room combo: 22×21 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 9×8 (main floor)
• Storage: 8×3 (main floor)
• Rooftop deck

This 3-bedroom penthouse in 1 E. Schiller in the Gold Coast came on the market in June 2022.

One East was built in 1961 and has 77 units and attached garage parking. It has door staff.

The listing for this penthouse says the current owner has done “extensive remodeling to make the unit move-in ready.”

If you wondered what it looked like in the prior sale in 2021, you can still see those pictures here on Zillow.

It is a half-floor penthouse unit with “over 3500 square feet of interior space” including  a wall of windows with views of Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park.

There is the option of having private keyed elevator access opening right into the home.

The listing doesn’t say if the wood floors are hardwoods or luxury vinyl.

There is a wood-paneled den.

The kitchen has white cabinets, some stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar with seating for two.

The primary bedroom has a massive en suite bathroom with a blue soaking tub with corner views overlooking the city and a walk-in-closet.

But the most unique feature is the 12×30 sunroom which has a wet bar and a “custom retractable roof.”

There’s also a spiral staircase that leads to a private rooftop deck which the listing says is the only unit in the building with access to one.

The rooftop deck appears to have a pergola and city views. There seems to be some sort of an outdoor bar in one picture. The listing doesn’t say if there is electric or gas on the terrace.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1 car garage parking is included.

This building is a short stroll to Oak Street Beach, North Avenue Beach, Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park and the shops and restaurants of the Gold Coast.

Listed at $1.95 million, it is more than double the 2021 sales price.

Is this a chance to put your mark on a unique property?

Holly Futrell at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #PHW23: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, no square footage listed but listing says “more than 3500”, penthouse

• Sold in December 1985 – no price listed in the CCRD
• Sold in June 2021 for $940,000
• Listed in June 2022 for $1.95 million
• Currently still listed at $1.95 million
• Assessments of $2646 a month (includes doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $15,483
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit (?) (floor plan shows a laundry room)
• Garage parking included
• Double sided fireplace? (shows it on the floor plan)
• Bedroom #1: 25×17
• Bedroom #2: 16×13
• Bedroom #3: 14×11
• Den: 16×13
• Living room: 25×15
• Dining room: 17×13
• Kitchen: 13×7
• Family room: 36×14
• Sunroom: 12×30
• Rooftop terrace: 35×26

This 3-bedroom duplex-up penthouse in Admiral’s Pointe at 645 N. Kingsbury in River North came on the market last October 2022.

Admiral’s Pointe was built in 2002 and has 171 units and attached garage parking. The building has door staff and an exercise room.

The corner unit has floor-to-ceiling windows and appears to be a “true” penthouse with a top floor 950 square foot private terrace with “parks, river, skyline, lake and sunset” views.

The unit appears to have two primary bedrooms and a third bedroom with a “convertible wall” that “works as additional living space.”

Two bedrooms are on the main floor, including a primary suite with en suite bathroom and walk-in-closet, and the third bedroom/office with the “convertible wall.”

There’s also a “gourmet kitchen” on the main level with white cabinets, a professional range, built-in refrigerator and custom millwork which is open to the living/dining room.

The second floor has a family room and a bedroom with two sets of French doors and an en suite bathroom with a walk-in-closet, as well as the terrace.

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

This building is near the East Bank Club and shops and restaurants of west River North. It’s across the street from Ward Park with access to the Riverwalk and has a dog park.

Originally listed in October 2022 for $999,000, it has been reduced $99,000 to $900,000.

This penthouse hasn’t sold in 20 years. Is this a chance to live the penthouse dream at under $1 million?

Kevin Sullivan and Daniel Springer at Coldwell Banker have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2601: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1900 square foot, duplex up, penthouse

• Sold in May 2002 for $531,000
• Sold in July 2003 for $515,000
• Originally listed in October 2022 for $999,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $900,000 (plus $35,000 for garage parking)
• Assessments of $1411 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,005
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 11×15 (second level)
• Bedroom #3: 12×12 (main level)
• Living room: 21×11 (main level)
• Kitchen: 19×10 (main level)
• Family room: 22×12 (second level)
• Terrace: 24×9 (second level)
• Terrace: 19×41 (second level)
• Balcony on the main level

This 2-bedroom in 235 W. Van Buren in the Loop came on the market in February 2023.

But it has been on the market before, including as far back as 2019, when we chattered about it.

See our chatter here.

Back in 2019, it was “Investor friendly” and there was “no rent cap.” No surprise, it is STILL “investor friendly” and there is STILL “no rent cap.”

235 W. Van Buren was built just as the housing bust was hitting in 2009. It has 714 units and attached garage parking.

The building has door staff and a convenience store is in the building.

This unit is a corner unit with 10′ concrete ceilings. It has skyline and lake views.

It also has laminate wood floors in the main living area and carpet in the bedrooms.

Both bedrooms are fully enclosed. The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom.

The kitchen has modern cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula with seating for 4.

It is open concept with the living/dining space.

There is a private balcony.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2-car tandem parking is available for $50,000 extra.

Development is happening in this neighborhood with new restaurants and retail going into the Willis Tower including an upscale restaurant, FoxTrot, Starbucks, an urbanspace food hall, and a Shake Shack. There is also building to the south, along the river, including apartments and condos.

In 2019, this unit was listed at $449,888 plus $50,000 for the parking. In 2023, it is listed at $450,000 plus $50,000 for the parking.

What will it take to finally sell this property in 2023?

Matt Laricy at Americorp has the listing again. See the pictures, the video and 3D Walkthrough here.

Unit #3601: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1292 square feet

• Sold in January 2010 for $487,500 (included the parking)
• Was listed in February 2019 at $449,888 (plus 2-car tandem parking for $50,000)
• Withdrawn
• Re-listed in February 2023 for $450,000 (plus 2-car tandem parking for $50,000)
• Currently still listed at $450,000 (plus 2-car tandem parking for $50,000)
• Assessments are now $579 a month (they were $499 a month in 2019) (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, Internet, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are now $8664 (they were $9909 in 2019)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 11×11
• Bedroom #2: 11×15
• Balcony: 5×7
• Walk-in-closet: 8×4

This 2-bedroom in 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive in Lakeview came on the market in January 2023.

Built in 1927, 3800 N. Lake Shore Drive has 91 units and valet leased garage parking. It has a semi-private elevator with only 2 units per floor.

It has a landscaped yard with seating and grills, an exercise room, bike room, dog run, package room, on-site manager and engineer but no door staff.

This corner unit has been “newly renovated” but has some of its vintage features including extra deep moldings, arches, and a barrel-vaulted foyer.

It has newly refinished hardwood floors throughout and a gas fireplace in the living room, complete with a stone mantle.

The listing says it has larger, newer windows.

Like many vintage units, it has a separate dining room.

The kitchen has been “updated” and has white cabinets, new quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and 2 seats at a peninsula.

It also has a breakfast area and a sitting area, with a window, which could be an office or work-at-home space.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bath with luxe green slated-lined steam shower with body sprays and new dual vanity.

There’s a tub in the second bathroom.

The listing says there’s a new a/c system last year. It also has a washer/dryer in the unit.

If you need parking, there is 24-hour leased valet parking for 2 vehicles along with a weekly car wash and free guest parking.

You’ll get an additional storage locker.

This building is near the lake front golf course and bike paths as well as the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

Listed in January 2023 for $565,000, it has been reduced $16,000 to $549,000.

For 2,149 square feet, is this a deal?

Laura England and Adrienne Giorgolo at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #8E: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2149 square feet

• Sold in October 1996 for $165,000
• Sold in September 2017 for $485,000
• Was listed in September 2022
• Re-listed in January 2023 for $565,000
• Under contract
• Re-listed in February 2023
• Reduced
• Currently listed in March 2023 at $549,000
• Assessments of $1671 a month (includes heat, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $10,456
• Space Pac cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car 24-hour valet leased garage parking available
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×11
• Bedroom #2: 18×11
• Living room: 24×16
• Dining room: 19×14
• Kitchen: 9×16
• Den: 10×7
• Gallery: 15×7
• Breakfast room: 10×8

This 4-bedroom vintage co-op at 223 E. Delaware in Streeterville came on the market in February 2023.

Built in 1917, 223 E. Delaware has just 10 units. The building has parking, which is apparently outdoor parking, as well as 3 free guest parking spaces at the building and an elevator.

It also has a fitness room and storage. There’s no door staff.

This unit has vintage character including a foyer with herringbone wood floors and crown molding.

It has a ventless fireplace in the living room and a separate dining room with French doors and built-ins.

The unit has a family room with mahogany built-ins with brass fixtures which leads to the kitchen.

The kitchen is a “chef’s dream” with white custom cabinets, Subzero, Miele and Viking appliances, limestone floors, a built-in pantry, a huge island, limestone floors and breakfast area.

The primary bedroom has a cedar lined walk-in closet and en suite bath with steam shower.

The third bedroom has a wall of built-in bookcases and an en suite bathroom.

The fourth bedroom is being used as an office.

The unit also has a powder room with honed marble.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit in an actual laundry room, and one “non-taxed parking space.”

It’s rare to get a parking space with buildings from this era.

Because it’s a co-op, many wonder how the taxes work. The listing says:

“TAXES PRORATED AND PAID MONTHLY WITH ASSESSMENTS. ADDTIONAL STORAGE IS LOCATED ON GROUND FLOOR. NO PLANNED OR UNFINISHED ASSOCIATION PROJECTS. THE BUILDING’S ROOF WAS NEW IN 2012. HEAT IS INCLUDED IN ASSESSMENTS, AND THE BUILDING’S BOILER WAS REPLACED IN 2020. THE UNIT’S A/C COMPRESSOR WAS REPLACED IN 2018.”

This building is near the Mag Mile, Oak Street Beach, and the shops and restaurants of Streeterville, the Gold Coast and River North.

Listed at $1.195 million, with 3,000 square feet, is this a single family home alternative for those who want to live in Streeterville?

Curt Ratcliff at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

Unit #5W: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3000 square feet

• Can’t get the last sales price because it’s a co-op
• Listed in February 2023 for $1.195 million
• Currently still listed at $1.195 million
• Assessments of $2083 a month (includes heat, Internet, calbe, parking, fitness room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $23,889 (but listing says they are prorated and paid monthly along with assessments)
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×12
• Bedroom #3: 13×12
• Bedroom #4: 12×13
• Living room: 26×16
• Kitchen: 25×16
• Dining room: 14×16
• Family room: 16×15
• Foyer: 13×9
• Laundry room: 7×12

This 4-bedroom duplex in the Carl Street Studios at 155 W. Burton Place in Old Town came on the market in February 2023 but had been on the market prior to the pandemic without ever selling.

The Carl Street Studios were built in 1880 as an original Victorian home and was converted into 13 condos by Edgar Miller and Sol Kogen in 1927. It’s a unique property that has a gated courtyard but no parking.

Studio 2 is one of the bigger units at 4000 square feet.

It has all of the unique features of a Edgar Miller property including mosaics, stained glass windows, art deco tiles, carved doors, arches, built-in seating, painted ceilings and parquet floors.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances including a double oven and an island with seating for 2. There’s also a breakfast room and a separate dining room.

The unit has 3 fireplaces. It looks like at least one is wood burning but others may be decorative.

It has a separate 745 square foot duplex studio that can be used as a guest suite or home office.

This unit has 2 full bathrooms and 2 half baths with 3 bedrooms.

It has a large private rooftop deck.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit but there is no parking with the building. There is parking available to rent in the neighborhood.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and the Gold Coast.

Listed at $1.095 million, that’s $705,000 below the 2003 purchase price of $1.8 million.

Is this a deal?

Michael Horwitz and Charlie Cohen at Peak Realty have the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

Unit #2: 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, 4000 square feet, duplex

• Sold in March 2003 for $1.8 million
• Originally listed in February 2023 for $1.095 million
• Currently listed at $1.095 million
• Assessments of $2955 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes of $38,810 
• Central Air/space pac
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• 3 fireplaces- wood burning and decorative (?)
• Bedroom #1: 13×23 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 8×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 10×12
• Living room: 23×20 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×16 (main floor)
• Sitting room: 14×11 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 13×13 (main floor)
• Study: 9×11 (second floor)
• Breakfast room: 19×10 (second floor)
• Deck: 23×32 (second floor)