Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom in 345 W. Fullerton Parkway in Lincoln Park came on the market in January 2025.

Built in 1972, these two buildings were designed by well-known Chicago modernist architect Harry Weese. Apparently his mother and sister lived in the west tower when it was apartments.

The building was converted into 216 condos in 1990. There is rental parking in the building. The building has 24-hour door staff, onsite management and engineering, a fitness room, and a sundeck with grills.

The listing says this unit on the 21st floor is a “stunning new gut renovation.”

It says there is new plumbing, new electrical and designer lighting.

A corner unit, it has floor-to-ceiling windows that have unobstructed views of Lincoln Park, North Pond and Lake Michigan.

The listing says the finishes have been to the “highest standards.”

It has new wide plank natural wood floors throughout.

There’s a “chef’s kitchen” which is open to the living/dining room which has 2-tone custom cabinetry with off-white flat panel uppers with wood grained base cabinets, under cabinet LED lighting, Bosch appliances including a paneled dishwasher and French door refrigerator.

It has quartz countertops and a long breakfast bar which seats 3.

The kitchen has gold hardware and fixtures.

This unit previously sold in August 2024 as an estate sale. It was a 2-bedroom unit but is now a 3-bedroom. It appears that they closed off the 10×9 dining room space and are calling it a bedroom or a “large” home office.

The primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet and a separate closet, an en suite bathroom with a walk-in-shower with body sprays and a rainhead shower head along with a quartz vanity.

The second bathroom has a tub.

The second bedroom has built-in closet organizers.

This unit has some of the features buyers look for including central air, rental parking in the building but there’s no washer/dryer in the unit. There is just coin laundry in the building.

This building is near Lincoln Park, the shops and restaurants on Clark Street, the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory as well as the Lake Front trail.

It sold as an estate sale in August 2024 for $325,000 and has been relisted after the renovation at $599,900.

Buyers love “new.”

Will this renovation, the views, and the third bedroom close the deal?

Eamonn Stafford at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here. You can see the original floor plan in the prior listing.

Unit #2108: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 1993 for $145,500
• Sold in August 2024 as an estate sale for $325,000
• Currently listed as a “gut renovation” at $599,900
• Assessments of $1144 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $5914
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Coin laundry in the building
• Rental parking in the building is available
• Bedroom #1: 12×16
• Bedroom #2: 10×15
• Bedroom #3: 10×9
• Living/dining combo: 24×13
• Kitchen: 9×14
• Foyer: 4×13

This 2-bedroom loft in River North Commons at 520 W. Huron in River North came on the market in January 2025.

Built in 1912, River North Commons has 197 units and attached garage parking. It was converted into lofts in 2000.

It has 24-hour doorstaff, on-site management, a bike room and an exercise room.

This unit has authentic loft features including timber ceilings, exposed brick and exposed ductwork.

But it also has some unique custom millwork in some of the rooms, including the living room.

There are hardwood floors in the main living area.

It has a fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has white and gray (?) or black (?) cabinets, granite countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, Whirlpool and GE stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar with seating for 5 people.

There’s no dining room.

The primary bedroom is en suite and has a walk-in-closet as well as a window. The listing says both bedrooms have been enclosed with full walls.

The second bedroom does not have a window but has glass block near the ceiling.

This loft has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit (a stackable LG which is new in 2023) and one deeded parking space included in the price.

It also has a private balcony that faces north with city views.

River North Commons is near the shops and restaurants of west River North, near Ward Park and the riverwalk along the Chicago River. It is near several bus lines.

This unit last sold 20 years ago and has only had two owners since the original loft conversion in 2000.

Listed at $535,000, are brick and timber lofts still popular in 2025?

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

Unit #608: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, loft

• Sold in April 2000 for $258,500
• Sold in April 2005 for $374,500
• Originally listed in January 2025 at $535,000 (includes one deeded parking space)
• Assessments of $833 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9418
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×11
• Living room: 16×19
• Kitchen: 11×10
• Balcony: 14×5

This vintage 3-bedroom row house at 554 W. Fullerton Parkway in Lincoln Park came on the market in January 2025.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we last chattered about it in 2023 and wondered if the 7% mortgage rates would impact the sale.

See our 2023 chatter here.

If you remember, it was built in 1886.  It’s on a 20 x 101 sized lot and has a parking pad behind the row house with one parking space. It’s not gated.

This row house still has many vintage features including the original mahogany front door and staircase, 12 foot high ceilings, extensive crown molding, ceiling medallions and 3 original stone fireplaces.

There are also ebony hardwood floors throughout and a wet bar and dumb waiter.

The first floor is the kitchen, dining room, utility/laundry room and half bath. It has two separate entrances, both north and south.

The kitchen has white cabinets, what looks like stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating for one. It also leads to a back brick patio which is fenced in.

The second floor has the living room and family room, along with built-in bookcases, and the wet bar.

The third floor houses the three bedrooms. Two of those, including the primary, are en suite.

The row house has a front garden, in addition to the back bricked patio.

It has central air.

This property is in the heart of Lincoln Park, near the shops and restaurants of Lincoln Park, the lake front, beach and Lincoln Park Zoo and is on the famed Fullerton Parkway, with its historic homes.

It’s also near several bus lines.

Originally listed in July 2023 for $1,615,000, it was reduced before being withdrawn from the market in November 2023.

It has now come back listed at $1,397,500.

What is keeping this property from selling?

Is it the layout or the size? Or something else?

Maria Liancourt at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing again. See the pictures and floor plan here.

554 W. Fullerton Parkway: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, row house

• Sold in April 1992 for $350,000
• Sold in November 2005 for $899,000
• Originally listed in February 2011 for $1.25 million
• Sold in December 2012 for $1.015 million 
• Originally listed in July 2023 for $1,615,000
• Reduced
• Withdrawn in November 2023
• Re-listed in January 2025 for $1,397,500
• Taxes are now $17,143 (they were $16,339 in September 2023 and $11,991 in April 2011)
• Central Air
• One car parking onsite at the rear of the property
• 3 original fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 14×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 8×7 (third floor)
• Living room: 18×12 (second floor)
• Family room: 14×12 (second floor)
• Wet Bar: 5×4 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 17×12 (main floor)
• Dining room: 15×12 (main floor)
• Utility/laundry room: 3×8 (main floor)
• Foyer: 6×8 (second floor)

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the November 2024 sales update for the state, suburbs and city of Chicago.

Sales remain near housing bust lows thanks to low inventory.

From the IAR:

The city of Chicago saw a 3.7 percent year-over-year home sales increase in November 2024 with 1,481 sales, up from 1,428 in November 2023. The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in November 2024 was $365,000, an increase of 13.0 percent from November 2023 when the median price was $323,000.

Here is the November sales data for the last 17 years (thanks to G for some of the data):

• 2007: 1859 sales and median price of $290,000
• 2008: 1093 sales and median price of $222,500 (16% short/REO sales)
• 2009: 1905 sales and median price of $215,000 (29% short/REO sales)
• 2010: 1144 sales and median price of $182,500 (39% short/REO sales)
• 2011: 1429 sales and median price of $157,000 (43% short/REO sales)
• 2012: 1750 sales and median price of $180,000
• 2013: 1844 sales and median price of $200,000
• 2014: 1638 sales and median price of $230,000
• 2015: 1661 sales and median price of $233,500
• 2016: 1937 sales and median price of $260,000
• 2017: 1959 sales and median price of $256,000
• 2018: 1852 sales and median price of $261.745
• 2019: 1671 sales and median price of $270,000
• 2020: 2018 sales and median price of $295,000
• 2021: 2396 sales and median price of $327,000
• 2022: 1558 sales and median price of $307,250
• 2023: 1428 sales and median price of $323,000
• 2024: 1481 sales and median price of $365,000

“In November, closed sales increased slightly, while inventory continued to decrease and median sales price increased,” Erika Villegas, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and broker and owner of RE/MAX In the Village said. “Lower interest rates over the last few months expanded buyers’ purchasing power, so anyone looking to list their home should take a critical look to ensure it’s ready for sale.”

Statewide inventory rose 2.3% to 20,863 properties from 20,401 properties in 2023.

Here’s what the last few years have looked like in November:

• 2021: 27,692
• 2022: 24,279
• 2023: 20,401
• 2024:20,863

In Chicago, the inventory decline hasn’t yet abated. Inventory plunged another 12.3% to 4,557 properties from 5,198 properties last year.

• 2021: 7,837
• 2022: 6,978
• 2023:5,198
• 2024: 4,557

Market time in Chicago fell a day to 32 days from 33 last year.

Average 30-year fixed mortgage rates rose in November from October 2024 to an average of 6.81% from 6.43%. This November was still well under the average rate last year in November which was 7.44%.

Housing analysts are bullish about single family home price appreciation in Illinois to start 2025.

“Our three-month forecast expects statewide closed sales activity through February to be on par with levels seen through February 2024, while house price growth is expected to remain strong with prices of single-family homes anticipated to increase by nearly 10 percent through February 2025 compared to the previous year,” said Geoff Smith, Executive Director, Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University in Chicago.

“Looking at broader market conditions, despite tight inventories, continued high mortgage interest rates, and general affordability concerns, consumer housing sentiment is improving. Fannie Mae’s most recent national housing survey shows increasingly positive perceptions of the housing market largely driven by a growing share of consumers who believe mortgage interest rates will decline over the next year.”

In Chicago, condo median price was up 15.9% to $400,000 in November while single family home median price rose 12.6% to $339,951. That averaged out to $365,000 for the month, the highest for November since I began this blog in 2007.

Just a reminder that median prices reflect the mix.

Will Chicago’s housing market remain tight in 2025?

November Illinois home sales, median prices and available homes all go up for second straight month [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, December 19, 2024]

This 2-bedroom corner loft in the Capitol Hill Lofts at 625 W. Jackson in West Loop Gate came on the market in December 2024.

Built in 1918, it used to house several small manufacturing companies including a hat maker, a printer,  and Uneeda Vacuum Company. It was converted into 90 loft condos in 2000.

It has gated outdoor parking, an exercise room and a storage room. There’s no door staff.

This unit is a corner with a split floor plan. It has authentic loft features including large industrial windows, including in both bedrooms, exposed brick and duct work, and wood plank ceilings.

There are hardwood floors in the living/dining room and kitchen, which is open concept, and carpet in the bedrooms.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. There is no island.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet with custom shelving and a “recently updated” en-suite bathroom with dual vanities, a marble shower and linen closet.

The second bathroom has a soaking tub and linen closet.

This loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a gated outdoor parking space is included.

It has a balcony off the living/dining room.

Capitol Hill Lofts has a 7-Eleven in the building (not the White Hen as depicted in my photo. RIP White Hen) and is near shops and restaurants of West Loop, including Greektown, and West Loop Gate, including Union Station and the Willis Tower food hall.

It is next to the H Mart and steps from Lou Mitchell’s.

This building is near multiple bus lines, including the Union Station Transit Center, and the Blue line el.

Listed at $435,000, is this a better a deal than renting?

Andrea Catarivas at Keller Williams ONEChicago has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #308: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1261 square feet, loft

• Sold in November 2000 for $224,500
• Sold in March 2003 for $255,000
• Currently listed at $435,000 (includes one outdoor gated parking space)
• Assessments of $691 a month (includes cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7906
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gated outdoor parking included
• Bedroom #1: 10×19
• Bedroom #2: 18×10
• Living/dining room: 19×18
• Kitchen: 19×7
• Laundry: 5×4
• Balcony: 11×5

It’s December in Chicago. This is a slow month for real estate in Chicago.

Many homeowners are waiting to sell in the spring market which now begins in early January. They are enjoying the holidays with family and friends and don’t want their home life disrupted by home buyers.

But there is slow, and there is SLOW.

Inventory in Chicago, which is always light in December, has gotten even lighter.

Here are some numbers from Redfin as of Dec 8, 2024 in popular neighborhoods. These are properties currently listed for sale (not under contract or pending sales).

• Lincoln Park: 120 properties
• Lakeview: 218
• West Town: 222
• Bucktown: 47
• River North: 262
• Streeterville: 272
• West Loop: 129
• Loop: 277
• Gold Coast: 159
• Hyde Park: 82
• Andersonville: 15
• North Center: 45
• Lincoln Square: 49

A reminder that developers usually do not list all of the available condos in a large buildings on the MLS, so these numbers do not reflect ALL that is available. For instance, the Tribune Tower is not sold out but all of the available units are not on the MLS. They are not reflected in the Streeterville numbers.

But with no new condo towers currently under construction downtown, even the new construction inventory is limited to just a few high rises.

Will inventory drop further before the spring selling season starts?

And what does this mean for Chicago pricing in 2025?

This 4-bedroom vintage co-op at 399 W. Fullerton in Lincoln Park came on the market in October 2024.

Built in 1926-27 by McNally & Quinn, according to Chicago Apartments, it’s in the French Renaissance style.

It’s an exclusive building with just 2 units per floor and just 32 units in the 17 story building.

It’s also unusual for a building in this period in that there’s a garage on the first floor with valet parking. Garage and guest parking is available in the building.

It has 24-hour door staff, engineering staff, storage, bike storage and an exercise room.

This unit has 3055 square feet with high ceilings with multiple exposures.

The listing says there are “endless possibilities for customization.”

Bring your contractor.

It has a separate dining room and a fireplace in the living room.

This building is “pet-friendly.”

It has some of the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit but no central air.

It’s in the Lincoln Elementary school district. The listing says it’s being sold “as-is.”

Listed at $299,000, where the price has remained, will this seller get close to their full ask?

Emily Sachs Wong and Maureen Mobarack at @properties Christie’s have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3W: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3055 square feet, co-op

• I can’t find an original sales price as it’s a co-op
• Listed in October 2024 at $299,000
• Still listed in December 2024 at $299,000
• Assessments of $6246 a month (includes heat, gas, taxes, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are included in the assessments
• One fireplace
• On-site valet garage parking
• Bedroom #1: 20×13
• Bedroom #2: 30×12
• Bedroom #3: 17×12
• Bedroom #4: 14×10
• Foyer: 14×8
• Kitchen: 15×9
• Living room: 16×29
• Dining room: 15×19
• Family room: 18×17

This 3-bedroom Prairie Terrace townhouse at 1328 S. Federal in Dearborn Park II in the South Loop came on the market in November 2024.

Prairie Terrace was built in 1991 and has 16 townhouses with attached 1-car garages. The townhomes face a shared, landscaped courtyard.

The listing says this townhouse was “completely rehabbed” in 2019.

It has gray and cherry-toned hardwood floors on the main floor.

The living room has large panel windows that face south and a vaulted ceiling. The living room is open to the dining room.

The main floor also has a kitchen open to a family room which has a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen is a “chef’s dream” with white, custom cabinetry and MSI quartz countertops with a modern backsplash. It has a 7.5 foot blue island with seating for four, pendent lighting and stainless steel appliances, including an oven hood.

It has some special features including pull-out utensil cabinet, spice drawer, and cabinet pull-outs.

There’s a balcony off the kitchen which has a natural gas valve.

The main floor also has that feature that many of you love, and which is fairly rare, a half bath.

There’s also a laundry room on the main floor.

All three bedrooms are on the second floor.

The primary suite has a redesigned custom closet and en suite bathroom with a custom vanity, double sinks, double shower and custom linen closet.

There’s also a second bathroom on this level.

Looking at the floor plan, it seemed like the third bedroom did not have a window (it doesn’t) but it does have a skylight.

The lower level of the townhouse has a 1-car garage and an extra bonus space that could be a home office or a gym.

The townhouse has central air.

Dearborn Park II is near Jewel and Target, the shops and restaurants of the South Loop including Giordano’s and the Chicago Firehouse, and Printers Row.

The listing also describes it as: “Live in the city with the vibe of a suburb.”

Originally listed in November 2024 for $775,000, it has been reduced $10,000 to $765,000.

Buyers love rehabbed homes.

Is this townhouse a deal?

William Barroso at Kale Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it in person on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the Open House from 1 pm to 3 pm.

Unit O: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2100 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in December 1992 for $227,000
• Sold in September 2018 for $660,000
• Originally listed in November 2024 for $775,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $765,000
• Taxes of $11,860
• Assessments of $679 a month (includes cable, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• 1-car attached garage
• Skylights
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×9 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×9 (second floor)
• Living room: 14×15 (main floor)
• Dining room: 12×11 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 9×11 (main floor)
• Family room: 12×19 (main floor)
• Laundry: 6×6 (main floor)
• Den: 11×6 (lower level)
• Balcony on the main floor with natural gas hook-up.

This 4 bedroom in Contemporaine at 201 W. Grand in River North came on the market in November 2024.

Contemporaine was built in 2004 and has just 28 units. It has an attached parking garage but that is its only amenity.

It does not have door staff.

The building has won architecture awards and has been featured on architectural tours.

The listing describes this unit as “3700 square feet of luxury living.”

It’s all on one level and has 2 balconies with city views.

This building not only has a concrete exterior but the ceilings in the interiors are also exposed concrete.

It has hardwood floors in the main living areas but carpet in the bedrooms.

The unit has floor-to-ceiling windows.

It has a large family room with a built-in entertainment center and custom bar.

The kitchen is “gourmet” with white oak Bulthaup cabinetry, an oversized island, and premium Subzero and Miele appliances.

The primary suite has a spa-style bath with dual vanities and steam shower plus two walk-in-closets.

The second bedroom is also en suite and it has two other bedrooms.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one heated garage space which is included. A second space can be bought for $30,000.

This building is on the corner of Grand and Wells. Wells is turning into quite the hub of restaurants and retail in River North with Al’s Italian Beef, Lou Malnati’s, Goddess and the Baker, Avli and Smoothie RX, among others.

The Brown Line El stop is just a few blocks away and several bus lines are nearby.

The unit came on the market in November 2024 for $1.995 million, or just $155,000 above the 2021 purchase price of $1.84 million.

Contemporaine is now 20 years old.

Does it still have the pizzazz it had when it was new or has it been lost in the luxury condo shuffle?

Yogi Yedlin and Malia Motley at Dream Town Realty have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #901: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3700 square feet

• Sold in May 2004 for $1.725 million
• Sold in June 2012 for $1.8 million
• Sold in November 2021 for $1.84 million
• Listed in November 2024 for $1.995 million
• Currently still listed at $1.995 million
• Taxes of $33,166
• Assessments of $2261 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, parking, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One heated garage space included but second available for $30,000
• Bedroom #1: 18×17
• Bedroom #2: 17×15
• Bedroom #3: 15×10
• Bedroom #4: 15×13
• Living room: 17×15
• Dining room: 18×17
• Family room: 21×12
• Breakfast room: 16×11
• Kitchen: 17×16
• Foyer: 15×5
• Walk-in-closet: 17×14
• Laundry: 10×8
• Balcony #1: 17×7
• Balcony #2: 23×7

This 3-bedroom in the Park Tower at 5415 N. Sheridan Road in Edgewater came on the market in September 2024. I thought I had my own picture of this building, but I apparently still do not.

The Park Tower was built in 1973 and has 734 units and attached garage parking.

In the 1970s, they built these high rises with amenities. Park Tower has door staff, a party room, sauna, exercise room, large sundeck and an indoor pool.

In another listing for a different unit in the building, it said the building had reserves of over $5 million as of the end of January 2024. Additionally, pets are NOT allowed.

This unit has been “nicely rehabbed” and is a combined 2 bedroom/2 bath and studio/1 bath unit on the 49th floor.

The listing says it has 270 degree floor-to-ceiling views of the lake, park, and downtown Chicago.

It has porcelain tile floors in the living/dining/kitchen and hardwood floors in the two bedrooms.

The third bedroom is currently open and part of the living space. The listing says a wall could be added to restore the third bedroom.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and backsplash and has a window.

Two of the bathrooms have walk-in-showers and the third has a tub. None have a double vanity.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and there is valet garage parking available for $160 a month.

This building is “steps” from the Mariano’s and CTA bus stop and the shops and restaurants on Broadway. It’s also across the street from Foster Beach and is near the Red Line.

Listed in September 2024 at $574,000, this unit is the most expensive, and largest, currently listed in the building.

Will this sell to someone who loves views?

Bahram Irani at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #4901-03: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1850 square feet

• Sold in May 2004 for $460,000 (as combined unit)
• Originally listed in September 2024 for $574,000
• Currently still listed at $574,000
• Assessments of $1779 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, Internet)
• Taxes of $3398 (has a senior exemption)
• Central Air (a different listing says it’s “controlled by the building”)
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Valet parking available for $160 a month
• Bedroom #1: 20×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Bedroom #3: 13×10
• Living/dining room: 15×17
• Kitchen: 17×18
• Family room: 13×10 (is this bedroom #3?)
• Laundry room: 9×6
• No outdoor space