Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom row house at 615 W. Oakdale in East Lakeview came on the market in May 2022.

Built in 1886-1890 (unclear from the listing), this is one of 6 row houses pictured above. This particular one, is just to the left of those in the picture above, so it’s not pictured.

It is fee simple so there is no assessment.

The listing says this row house “lives like a single family home.”

It has some of its vintage features, including a fireplace in the living room.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The listing says it is “move-in ready.”

The living room, dining room, kitchen and what looks like a family room, are on the main level along with a half bath.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and what looks like stone counter tops.

The bedrooms are all on the second floor along with the full bath. There also appears to be a den/office on that floor. It doesn’t have a closet.

The basement is partially finished and includes a recreation room and the laundry room.

There’s no parking and I can’t tell if it has central air or not.

This row home is in a prime East Lakeview location near Mariano’s, the Landmark Cinema, the Walmart market, Trader Joe’s, and the shops and restaurants on Broadway, Clark and Diversey.

It’s also near bus lines.

Listed at $600,000, is this a single family home alternative in a neighborhood where those are priced much higher?

John Klick at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

615 W. Oakdale: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2500 square feet, row home

• It looks like it last sold in 1988 but I couldn’t find a price
• Currently listed at $600,000
• No assessments
• Taxes of $12,644
• Central Air???
• No parking
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (second floor)
• Office: ? (second floor)
• Living room: 20×16 (main floor)
• Dining room: 12×11 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 8×9 (main floor)
• Family room: ? (main floor)
• Recreation room: ? (basement)
• Laundry: 5×6 (basement)

This 3-bedroom triplex penthouse in The Breakers at 199 E. Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2020.

Built in 1913, The Breakers was designed by Benjamin Marshall in red brick and white-glazed terra-cotta. The listing says it just had a facade restoration (see the picture above).

There are 13 apartments. According to Chicago Apartments: A Century of Lakefront Luxury, the building has two parts, the east part which has single floor apartments, and the west annex which has duplexes.

It was apparently a rental building until 1995 when it was converted into a co-op.

The Breakers has door staff, an exercise room and parking.

The listing says this is a “once in a lifetime opportunity on East Lake Shore Drive.”

This unit has many of its original Marvin Hermann designed details including pocket doors, wood work, moldings, and three fireplaces.

The living room has a coffered ceiling.

There is a library with custom millwork and built-in bookcases.

The listing says there is a private interior elevator on three levels, as well as an interior staircase.

The living room, dining room, kitchen and library are on the main floor.

The kitchen has white cabinets and a banquette.

The primary suite is on the second floor, along with the other two bedrooms. It has a sitting room, 2 walk-in-closets, a spa bath and steam shower and a “breakfast kitchen en suite.”

The third floor has a sun room and a laundry/service room that the listing says can be used for catering of your parties on your private rooftop terrace that has a fountain and outdoor storage area with views of Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach.

It has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit along with two parking spaces and 2 storage rooms.

Originally listed in April 2020 for $4.9 million, it has been reduced $1 million to $3.9 million.

Is this a deal for 4232 square feet on East Lake Shore Drive?

Harold Blum and Ivan Petrov at @Properties Christie’s have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit PH 10W: 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 4232 square feet, triplex penthouse, co-op

• I don’t have a prior sales price because it’s a co-op
• Originally listed in April 2020 for $4.9 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $3.9 million
• Assessments of $6423 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $53,305
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 parking spaces included
• 2 storage rooms measuring 6×14 and 9×18
• 3 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 20×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 28×21 (main floor)
• Dining room: 21×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 16×14 (main floor)
• Family room: 15×14 (main floor)
• Sitting room: 14×9 (second floor)
• Sun room: 15×15 (third floor)
• Laundry room: 13×6 (third floor)
• Terrace: 32×32 (third floor)

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the April data and the market remains strong despite rising rates.

In Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in April 2022 totaled 3,181 homes sold, down 5.3 percent from April 2021 sales of 3,360 homes.

The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in April 2022 was $370,000, a 1.0 percent decrease from April 2021, when it was $373,750.

This was still the second highest April sales since our data began in 2007.

Here are the sales statistics for April since 2007:

• 2007: 2419 sales
• 2008: 1886 sales
• 2009: 1407 sales
• 2010: 1984 sales
• 2011: 1466 sales
• 2012: 1816 sales
• 2013: 2392 sales
• 2014: 2256 sales
• 2015:  2435 sales
• 2016: 2706 sales
• 2017: 2647 sales
• 2018: 2700 sales
• 2019: 2595 sales
• 2020: 2057 sales
• 2021: 3360 sales
• 2022: 3181 sales

Here are the median prices:

• 2007: $289,800
• 2008: $300,000
• 2009: $218,000
• 2010: $225,000
• 2011: $169,000
• 2012: $182,000
• 2013: $223,500
• 2014: $250,000
• 2015: $271,325
• 2016: $286,000
• 2017: $297,500
• 2018: $307,500
• 2019: $310,000
• 2020: $338,000
• 2021: $373,750
• 2022: $370,000

“Rising mortgage rates and lack of inventory made an impact on the market in April,” said Antje Gehrken, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and president and designated managing broker of A.R.E. Partners. “Closed sales and median sales price stabilized, meaning buyers are still out there, but due to these factors may be taking more time during their home search.”

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in April was 4.98% up from 4.17% in March and up from 3.06% last year.

“Low inventory continues to be a factor in the market, pushing sales lower and prices higher in many areas of the state in April, but buyer demand remains strong,” said Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris, president of Illinois REALTORS® and designated managing broker of EXIT Strategy Realty/EMA Management on the South Side of Chicago. “Those who are eager to get into the spring market will want to move quickly and lock in mortgage rates before they move higher.”

Chicago inventory fell 28.6% year-over-year to 6,069 properties from 8,502 properties last year.

This mirrored the drop in statewide inventory which fell another 28.9% to 19,958 properties from 28,055 last year. In April 2019, before the pandemic, statewide inventory was 56,094.

Chicago days on the market fell 8.6% to 32 days from 35 days last year.

Single family homes remain more in demand with sales up 7.8% to 1032 while condo sales were down 10.6% year-over-year to 2149.

Will the higher rates crush the May market?

Demand remains strong for Illinois homes in April despite fewer choices and interest rate hikes [Illinois Association of Realtors Press Release, by Bill Kozar, May 19, 2022]

This 2-bedroom in Seminary Gardens at 2153 N. Seminary in Lincoln Park came on the market in May 2022.

Built in 1896, Seminary Gardens has 18 units and a shared landscaped common yard with seating.

There’s extra storage in the building but no elevators or parking.

This top floor unit has 10 foot ceilings with vintage features such as crown moldings and ceiling medallions.

The living room has a decorative fireplace with a marble mantle and built-ins.

The listing says the dining room could be used as a den or could be a home office that looks over Seminary.

The kitchen has been “updated” and has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar with seating for two.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom which the listing says is “newly renovated.”

There is a “huge” deck off the kitchen.

This unit has in-unit washer/dryer and the listing says central air but it looks like there is a wall unit in one of the bedrooms.

There’s no parking with the building but the listing says there is “easy permit parking.”

This building is steps to the shops and restaurants on both Webster and Armitage and near public transportation.

Back in the housing bubble, the $400,000 2/2 was ubiquitous in Chicago but prices have gone up.

Listed at $425,000, is this unit a rare affordable 2/2 in Lincoln Park?

Katharine Waddell at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in June 1992 for $151,000
• Sold in September 1997 for $156,500
• Sold in December 1999 for $260,000
• Sold in December 2000 for $285,000
• Sold in June 2007 for $376,500
• Sold in August 2011 for $282,000
• Currently listed at $425,000
• Assessments of $301 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $5965
• Central Air? (wall units?)
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking. Permit parking in the neighborhood.
• Additional storage in building
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×9
• Living room: 16×12
• Dining room: 8×7
• Kitchen: 13×9
• Deck

This 2-bedroom duplex in the Erie Center Lofts at 435 W. Erie in River North originally was listed in September 2020. It has been relisted since then.

Built in 1999, Erie Center Lofts has 127 units and attached garage parking.

It has a fitness room, 24-hour doorstaff and a shared rooftop terrace.

This unit lives like a townhouse with the living/dining rooms and kitchen on the main floor along with a half bath.

It has floor to ceiling windows that face the large private south facing terrace with city views.

The listing describes the kitchen as a “chef’s kitchen” with white wood cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances along with a built-in wine rack.

The second floor has the two bedrooms which are both en suite. The primary suite has an “updated” white bathroom with a double vanity and a walk-in-closet.

The second bedroom has a private balcony.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit, a tandem garage space is available for $50,000 and there are 2 storage lockers included.

This building is close to shops and restaurants of River North and the Larrabee dog park.

Listed in September 2020 for $725,000, it has been reduced to $699,000.

This looks to be the first sale of this unit since the building was constructed in 1999. I couldn’t find an original sales price in the records.

What will get this property sold in 2022?

Jennifer Mills and Neha Sheth at Jameson Sotheby’s have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #705: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, duplex, 1600 square feet

• Sold in February 1999 but I can’t find an original sales price
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $725,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $699,000 (plus $50,000 for a tandem garage parking space)
• Assessments of $971 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $10,360
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 storage units included
• Bedroom #1: 14×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×13 (second floor)
• Living room: 13×16 (main floor)
• Dining room: 9×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×14 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 9×6 (second floor)
• Terrace: 30×11 (first floor)
• Balcony

It’s time for some fun in the sun, although with summer weather in Chicago, who needs to leave?

But it’s time to sit on the beach. This is a good time to get away as Chicago’s real estate market is very tight this spring. Inventory remains near record lows. There’s not a lot of cool properties that stay on the market for very long.

The next couple of months should be interesting.

Additionally, there are some new developments that I will be covering this summer. Buyers love “new.” Are they still jumping in even with 5.3% mortgage rates?

I’ll see you next week.

Sabrina

This 3-bedroom penthouse in LP2550 at 2550 N. Lakeview in Lincoln Park came on the market in August 2020.

It had also been listed in 2019 but I’m choosing to show listing histories that are post the start of the pandemic as the real estate market really was pre-pandemic v post-pandemic.

Built in 2011, LP2550 was the first new high rise constructed on Lincoln Park  in decades. It has 201 units and attached parking.

From the listing:

LP2550 is staffed with the best of the best and offers valet parking, in-house dry cleaning, an oversized swimming pool and sauna, steam rooms, a whirlpool, yoga room and sun deck. Other amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, movie theater, game room, club room and library. The building also has a private and lushly landscaped 1.25-acre park with a designated lounge area and dog run.

This unit is one of 2 penthouses. The listing said it was raw space when purchased and custom built.

It has 12 foot ceilings, arched windows and doors along with oversized white oak flooring.

There is custom steel shelving and a fireplace.

The kitchen has modern wood cabinets, Bertazzoni, Subzero and Bosch appliances along with a kitchen island with a porcelain marble slab.

The bathrooms also have porcelain marble slabs.

All 3 bathrooms are en suite.

There’s an office and a workroom with built in cabinetry.

The unit also has a family room.

It has all the features buyers look for including central air, a laundry room with in-unit washer/dryer and 4 deeded parking spaces are included.

According to the listing, the HVAC is a Daikin Hydronic 10-zone system that allows any room to be heated or cooled independently.

It also comes with a large bike or storage unit.

There’s a 13×6 covered terrace off the kitchen and 4 small balconies.

Listed at $6.75 million, this penthouse was under contract earlier in 2022 but has come back on the market.

Is this the ultimate in Lincoln Park city living?

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

Unit #S3802: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4250 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in December 2015 for $2.35 million (per Zillow)- raw space
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $6.75 million
• Under contract in February 2022 
• Currently listed at $6.75 million
• Assessments of $5002 a month (includes gas, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $89,575
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 4 deeded parking spaces included
• Bike/storage unit included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 24×15
• Bedroom #2: 17×14
• Bedroom #3: 16×13
• Living/dining room: 32×26
• Kitchen: 17×17
• Family room: 17×15
• Gallery: 23×7
• Work room: 20×9
• Laundry: 9×8
• Terrace: 13×6
• 4 balconies

This vintage 3-bedroom at 725 W. Sheridan in Lakeview came on the market in April 2022.

Built in 1927, 725 W. Sheridan is a courtyard elevator building with 52 units and outdoor parking behind the building.

The building has a laundry room but many units has washer/dryers.

This unit has a wall of windows which face the courtyard and white oak floors with walnut stain.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining room and has dark wood Omega soft close cabinets, and what looks like blue granite counter tops (per the prior listing) and a white kitchen island with white quartz countertops, a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, a pantry and a kitchen bar with wine fridge.

There appears to be a built in banquette in the dining room.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a marble en suite bath with a large shower.

The unit has the features buyers look for including a laundry room in the unit with a utility sink and cabinets, “new” space pak cooling and 2 outdoor parking spaces are included.

There’s no outdoor space with this unit but it’s just a block to the lake front.

Listed at $550,000, is this a deal for a 3-bedroom unit in this popular neighborhood?

Austin Weiss at Keller Williams Infinity has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #607: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1650 square feet

• Sold in November 1998 for $165,000
• Sold in January 2005 for $380,000
• Sold in June 2006 for $345,000
• Sold in May 2017 for $436,000
• Listed in April 2022 for $550,000
• Currently still listed at $550,000
• Assessments of $618 a month (includes heat, gas, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6970
• Space pak cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 car outdoor parking included
• Bedroom #1: 18×18
• Bedroom #2: 17×17
• Bedroom #3: 16×10
• Living/dining room: 26×14
• Kitchen: 18×12
• Foyer: 11×10
• Laundry: 7×6

This 3-bedroom duplex penthouse in 201 E. Chestnut in Streeterville came on the market in May 2022.

Built in 1969, 201 E. Chestnut has 120 units and attached, leased valet parking.

It has an indoor pool, exercise room and doorstaff.

We’ve chattered about other of these unique duplex penthouses in the past, but they were 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units.

This 3-bedroom is 2300 square feet on 2 levels.

One of the bedrooms is on the main floor, along with the living/dining rooms, kitchen and a full bath.

Check out that staircase.

The second level has the primary suite with a walk-in-closet and spa bath with steam shower, whirlpool and double vanity.

The kitchen has white cabinets, what looks like stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and valet parking is available.

It also has a large private balcony with room for a dining table.

Listed at $889,000, is this a townhouse alternative?

Sophia Worden at BerkshireHathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry no floor plan).

Unit #24A: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2300 square feet, duplex penthouse

• Sold in August 2007 for $717,500
• Sold in June 2013 for $775,000
• Currently listed at $889,000
• Assessments of $2050 a month (includes cable, exercise room, indoor pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $16,531
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Valet parking available
• Bedroom #1: 23×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 25×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×17 (second floor)
• Living room: 27×21 (main floor)
• Dining room: 11×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 11×9 (main floor)
• Balcony: 27×8

This 3-bedroom in Millennium Centre at 33 W. Ontario in River North came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 2003, Millennium Centre has 363 units and an attached parking garage.

It’s a full amenity building with doorstaff, a clubhouse, exercise room, and outdoor pool.

This unit is on the 57th floor and the listing says it has “postcard” skyline and lake views from what appears to be 3 exposures.

It has a large entry foyer which opens into the living room with custom millwork and boxed ceiling along with heated marble floors.

The chef’s kitchen has what looks like gray cabinets with Wolf and Subzero appliances along with marble counter tops and a breakfast bar with seating for 3. It also has a pantry.

There’s a separate dining room which is open to the kitchen and has two walls of windows.

The unit has “spa-caliber” stone baths including the primary suite which has a double vanity, steam shower with body sprays, heated floors and a soaking jet tub with city views.

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

This unit also has a family room and two other bedrooms.

There’s no outdoor space with the unit.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 attached garage spaces are included.

Listed in March 2022 for $1.9 million, it has been reduced $100,000 to $1.8 million.

In the recent Jennifer Lopez/Owen Wilson movie “Marry Me”, JLo’s character lives in a New York City penthouse. There’s a scene at night where she is in the tub with the city lights twinkling out the window below. (Sorry, I couldn’t find a picture of this scene to link to it.)

Is this primary suite tub a similar vibe?

Is this the perfect unit for those who want “views”?

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

Unit #57AB: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3400 square feet

• I couldn’t find an original sales price
• Sold in September 2013 for $1.35 million
• Originally listed in March 2022 for $1.9 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.8 million
• Assessments of $2952 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $33,185
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 garage spaces included
• Bedroom #1: 18×21
• Bedroom #2: 13×16
• Bedroom #3: 12×12
• Living room: 17×30
• Dining room: 14×21
• Kitchen: 13×23
• Family room: 16×22
• Laundry: 5×5