Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom in Maple Tower at 1035 N. Dearborn in the Gold Coast came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 2006, Maple Tower is a boutique high-rise with just 27 units and attached garage parking.

It has doorstaff and an exercise room.

This unit is a half-floor residence with rare 3 exposures and 10 foot ceilings.

It has a foyer, RH window treatments, and hardwood floors.

The kitchen has white cabinets with crown molding, a custom tile backsplash, Caesarstone countertops, Subzero and Wolf appliances and a Culinary hood.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet, a spa-like bath with Italian granite heated floors, all Kohler fixtures, a floating dual vanity a separate shower and tub and blue tooth surround.

The second bath has Italian granite and subway tile shower.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, garage parking included and a laundry room with cabinets and its own sink.

It has outdoor space in a 18×7 covered balcony off the dining room.

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

Most of the 2 bedroom condos we chatter about are 1100 to 1400 square feet but this one is 2000 square feet.

Is this a great city home for entertaining?

Chris Bauer and Patrick Natale at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #6E: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2000 square feet

• Sold in January 2006 for $950,000
• Sold in March 2015 for $972,500
• Originally listed in March 2022 for $999,000
• Still listed at $999,000 (garage parking included)
• Assessments of $1,612 a month (includes air conditioning, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $18,271
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 21×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×9
• Living room: 21×16
• Dining room: 17×10
• Kitchen: 16×10
• Laundry room: 8×5
• Foyer: 10×9
• Walk-in-closet: 13×5
• Balcony: 18×7

This 3-bedroom duplex up in the Seminary Flatiron building at 1920 N. Seminary in Lincoln Park came on the market in April 2022.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we have chattered about it several times over the years, the last time being in 2016.

Jenny was most correct on the pricing last time. Listed at $599,000, she commented: “I think this place will go for close to asking.”

It sold for $600,000.

See our chatter here.

Built in 1883, the Seminary Flatirons is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has 8 units and an attached garage.

It has hardwood floors on the main level and exposed brick.

This unit has an open living and dining room, along with the kitchen and a full bath, on the first floor.

The kitchen has white cabinets with marble countertops, a peninsula with seating and stainless steel appliances including a 5-burner gas stove.

All three bedrooms are on the second floor and have custom closet organizers.

The primary bedroom has vintage decorative moldings and a bay window.

The third bedroom has a unique loft space accessed by a ladder.

The listing says the second floor bathroom has recently been renovated with a new walk-in-shower.

There is a new rooftop deck which is large enough to fit a seating and dining area and has city views.

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

The listing says this building is just 1/4 mile from the Armitage brown line stop and is near the shops and restaurants of Clybourn. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Aldi are nearby.

Listed at $675,000, is this a deal for 3-bedrooms with parking in Lincoln Park?

Lyn Harvie at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday May 7, from 10 am to 12 pm.

Unit #A: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet (was 1550 square feet in 2009), duplex up

• Sold in March 1993 for $236,000
• Sold in February 2001 for $385,000
• Sold in June 2014 for $524,000
• Sold in August 2016 for $600,000 
• Listed in April 2022 for $675,000 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments are now $428 a month (they were $343 a month in 2016 and $312 a month in 2009) includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger
• Taxes are now $11,613 (they were $9148 in 2016 and $5767 in 2009)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 18×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 11×10 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 20×17
• Kitchen: 10×12
• Laundry room: 12×7 (third floor)
• Rooftop deck (2016’s listing said it was 21×13)

This 4-bedroom in 840 N. Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville came on the market in February 2022.

Built in 2004 by star architect Lucien Lagrange, 840 N. Lake Shore Drive has 66 units and an attached parking garage.

It has 24-hour door staff, an exercise room, wine storage and on-site management.

The listing says it’s been renovated and calls it, at 3900 square feet, a “single-family condo.”

The living and entertainment space wraps around the kitchen, which has white cabinets, a full slab marble backsplash, a marble topped island, Wolf, Subzero and Miele appliances and a walk-in-pantry.

There’s a family room with built-ins and a WFH study.

The bedrooms are in two separate wings of the apartment, with the primary suite in the east wing. It has a walk-in-closet and a “spa-like” primary bathroom with a dual Robern interior lit vanity, floor-to-ceiling marble tile and a soaking tub.

The other 3 bedrooms are in the other wing and have en suite bathrooms. The third bedroom has a Murphy bed and the listing says it could be used as a den.

It has a “designer laundry room” with a full size washer/dryer and a mudroom.

The listing says the home is wired for Sonos throughout via “discreet” ceiling speakers.

The unit has an outdoor terrace that overlooks Lake Shore Park and Lake Michigan.

2 parking space, either self-park or valet, are available.

Originally listed in February 2022 for $2.95 million, it has been reduced to $2.795 million.

Is this condo really a single family home alternative for those who want to live downtown?

Timothy Salm at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #303: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths. 3900 square feet

• Sold in October 2009 for $2.175 million
• Originally listed in February 2022 for $2.95 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.795 million
• Assessments of $3142 a month (includes doorman, exterior maintenance, snow removal, exercise room, scavenger)
• Taxes of $20,380
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 parking spaces, either self-park or valet, are available (extra or included in price?)
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×21
• Bedroom #3: 13×12
• Bedroom #4: 13×12
• Living/dining room combo: 41×17
• Kitchen: 16×15
• Library: 14×12
• Family room: 16×15
• Foyer: 13×6
• Laundry: 6×5
• Storage: 4×6
• Balcony: 15×5

This top floor 4-bedroom at 5052 S. Woodlawn in Kenwood came on the market in December 2021.

Built in 1910, 5052 S. Woodlawn has 12 units. I found one former listing that said there were 3 parking spaces with the building available on a first come, first served basis.

The listing for this unit says it has been “completely remodeled.”

There are hardwood floors throughout, custom millwork, including a beamed ceiling, internal window, wainscotting and crown molding in the living and dining rooms and 9.5 foot ceilings.

It has the big vintage layout common in that era with a foyer and a sunroom.

The kitchen has white cabinets and subway tile along with Viking appliances.

The listing says the unit has Mitsubishi electric air conditioners, washer/dryer in the unit but no parking.

The primary bedroom is en suite with the bathroom having both a separate tub and walk-in-shower.

This building is across the street from popular Madison Park and within walking distance of University of Chicago and Whole Foods.

Listed in December 2021 at $685,000, it has been reduced $20,100 to $664,900.

At 3600 square feet, is this a townhouse or single family home alternative?

Tom Pavljasevic at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3B: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3600 square feet

• Sold in October 1986 for $85,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in September 2015 for $160,000
• Originally listed in December 2021 for $685,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $664,900
• Assessments of $839 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $4639
• Central Air
• Laundry room
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 17×15
• Bedroom #2: 18×15
• Bedroom #3: 13×13
• Bedroom #4: 14×13
• Living room: 24×19
• Dining room: 24×15
• Kitchen: 29×11
• Laundry room: 13×11
• Sunroom: 10×7
• Foyer: 14×10
• Office: 10×8

This 4-bedroom condo at 1625 N. Burling in Lincoln Park came on the market in April 2022.

Built in 2017, 1625 N. Burling has 13 units, an elevator and an attached heated garage.

This unit is on the first floor and has a completely built-out and landscaped terrace which the listing says was designed by Groundwork Design.

It has multiple levels of stone and teak terraces with numerous seating and entertaining options, along with a resistance pool, a custom pergola with limestone fireplace, built-in planters with irrigation and an outdoor kitchen.

3 of the 4 bedrooms have access to the terrace.

The primary suite is in its own, separated wing, has terrace access and has motorized window treatments, a custom walk-in-closet, a “resort-caliber” bathroom with separate soaking tub, an oversized shower, heated flooring, and a double vanity.

The other 3 bedrooms are in the other wing of the unit and 2 have terrace access.

The kitchen is “commercial grade” with “sleek” Zecchinon cabinetry, Wolf double ovens, a Subzero refrigerator, quartz countertops with waterfall edge, and a walk-in pantry with wine fridge.

There’s a wet bar in the living room and the dining room has a built-in banquette.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 heated parking spaces which are included.

It’s in the Oscar Meyer school district.

Listed at $2.795 million, is this the most amazing condo terrace ever featured on Crib Chatter?

Jeff Lowe at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry no floor plan).

Unit #104: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, no square footage listed

• I couldn’t find an original sales price
• Currently listed at $2.795 million
• Assessments of $1290 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $43,013
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 21×20
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Bedroom #3: 13×12
• Bedroom #4: 15×14
• Living room: 27×17
• Dining room: 23×16
• Kitchen: 18×14
• Laundry room: 8×5
• Walk-in-closet: 12×7
• Office: 6×5
• Foyer: 19×5
• Terrace

This 3-bedroom in The Caravel at 635 N. Dearborn in River North came on the market in April 2022.

I had posted the listing in the comments as it went under contract almost immediately upon listing, but it has come back on the market so now we can chatter about it.

The Caravel was built in 2003 and has 126 units and an attached parking garage.

The building has full time door staff and an exercise room.

This corner unit is on the “penthouse level.”

The listing says it has been “fully renovated” and now has 7.75″ wide plank wood floors and Lightology lighting throughout.

The kitchen has Ernestomeda Luca Lanzetta cabinetry and a 2.5 inche waterfall mitred island along with Subzero and Miele appliances.

In the living/dining room there is also a pocket door custom bar with 2 Miele wine fridges.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet, outfitted with California Closets, and a spa bathroom with Antoniolupi custom vanity and walk-in-shower.

The third bedroom has its own balcony and also a rotating wall bed (does that stay?).

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 side-by-side parking spaces. (I can’t tell if the parking is included in the price or not.)

It also has a big 600 square foot private terrace with city views and new deck tiles.

This property is near the shops and restaurants of the Mag Mile, River North, the Riverwalk and is near Trader Joe’s and the new Whole Foods in the One Chicago development.

Listed at $1 million, is this the perfect city home?

Rafael Murillo at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2701: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 2003 for $825,000
• Sold in April 2018 for $700,000
• Listed in April 2022 at $1 million
• Under contract 
• Re-listed at $1 million 
• Assessments of $1479 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $14,479
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 side-by-side parking spaces (not sure if included in the price or not)
• Bedroom #1: 12×15
• Bedroom #2: 11×12
• Bedroom #3: 12×8
• Living room: 15×21
• Dining room: 17×11
• Kitchen: 15×9
• Laundry room: 5×6
• Terrace: 30×20
• Balcony

This 2-bedroom in the Water Tower Residences at 180 E. Pearson in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2022.

Water Tower Residences were built in 1974 and has 260 units. It has a Ritz Carlton Hotel in the building and residents get all the amenities of the hotel, along with staff services such as packages brought directly to the unit.

It has full-time door staff, an exercise room and leased parking in the building.

This unit, at 2754 square feet, was formerly a 3-bedroom which has been turned into a 1-bedroom with den.

The listing calls it a “luxury pied-a-terre.”

It’s a corner unit on the 71st floor with west city views and what looks like north views of the Hancock and the lake.

The listing says it has “luxe finishes.”

The kitchen has white cabinets and a peninsula with seating for 3 along with waterfall edge. It has stainless steel appliances.

The unit has a separate dining room.

It has a “massive” primary suite with lake views which includes a walk-in-closet and a bathroom that has an oversized quartz double vanity, a walk-in rain shower and a stand alone bathtub that “fills from above.” (see pictures)

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 car leased parking.

Water Tower Residences is near the shops and restaurants of the Mag Mile and is a short stroll from Oak Street Beach.

Listed at $1,299,900, is this the ultimate in-town?

Matthew Rosenberg at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #7101: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2754 square feet

• Sold in February 1992 for $785,000
• Sold in August 2005 for $1.375 million
• Sold in February 2008 for $1.5 million
• Currently listed at $1,299,900
• Assessments of $1928 a month (includes doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet, exercise room)
• Taxes of $25,707
• 2 car leased parking available
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×28
• Bedroom #2/Den: 12×11
• Living room: 28×17
• Dining room: 17×13
• Kitchen: 15×12
• Laundry: 7×6

This 3-bedroom top floor unit in the Urban Treehouse at 1849 N. Hermitage in Bucktown came on the market in April 2022.

The Urban Treehouse is the former Sisters of the Resurrection Convent. It was converted into 7 luxury condos in 2013.

The old marketing materials for the development say it is a “century’s old” building.

I can’t determine if there is an elevator in the building.

This unit has 17 foot ceilings in the living/dining room and kitchen along with skylights, unique arched windows and exposed brick walls.

It has “stunning” views of the St. Mary’s of the Angels frieze across the street.

The unit has an Italian Archisesto kitchen with Subzero, Miele and Wolf appliances, a large island that seats 5, quartz counter tops and subway tile backsplash.

The listing says the primary bedroom fits a king size bed. It has an en suite bathroom with a modern floating vanity and walk-in-shower.

Both bathrooms have porcelain and natural stone finishes.

This unit has two outdoor spaces including a side deck that is 16×3 and a terrace off the back measuring 16×11.

It has the features that buyers look for including central air, side-by-side laundry in the unit and a coveted 2-car attached garage.

The property is near the 606, the shops and restaurants of Bucktown and Wicker Park and the Metra stop.

Listed at $1 million, will the unique views alone sell this unit?

Ivona Kutermankiewicz at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #PH303: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1900 square feet

• Sold in January 2013 for $769,500
• Currently listed at $1 million
• Assessments of $463 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $17,285
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car attached garage
• Bedroom #1: 14×11
• Bedroom #2: 13×11
• Bedroom #3: 12×11
• Living room/dining room: 35×17
• Kitchen: 17×9
• Storage: 11×8
• Porch: 16×3
• Terrace: 16×11

This 3-bedroom in The Delta at 2762 N. Lincoln in Lincoln Park came on the market in April 2022.

Built in 1997, the Delta is a boutique elevator building with 18 units and a gated parking lot behind the building.

We last chattered about this building 11 years ago. At that time, many of you loved the neighborhood with the option to walk to cafes, bars and restaurants but you didn’t care for the architecture style of the building.

You can see our comments here.

This unit is a top floor end unit with 11 foot ceilings.

The listing says it has “new windows, doors, HVAC, full gut rehab of both bathrooms, washer/dryer, gas fireplace, flooring, paint and lighting throughout.”

The kitchen has gray cabinets, granite counter tops, a backsplash and stainless steel appliances along with a peninsula that seats 2.

The primary bedroom is en suite and the bathroom has a double vanity with a separate walk-in-shower and tub.

There’s a walk-in-closet.

It has a private balcony which is not on Lincoln.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and there’s a parking space included (it appears these are outdoor spaces).

Listed at $685,000, that’s $255,000 above the 2011 sales price of $430,000.

Will all the renovations, including 2 new bathrooms, pay off for this seller?

Daniel Straus at Dream Town has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #401: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1700 square feet

• Sold in June 2002 for $420,000
• Sold in October 2011 for $430,000
• Currently listed at $685,000
• Assessments of $341 a month (includes snow removal, scavenger)
• Taxes of $10,952
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1 parking space included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×15
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Bedroom #3: 13×10
• Living/dining combo: 24×22
• Kitchen: 8×12
• Deck: 15×5

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the March data. As we already know from Gary’s data, March sales did finally show a year-over-year decline, but last March was the hottest March of the last 25 years with the exception of 2006.

That means March 2022 was the third hottest March since 1997.

From the IAR:

In Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in March 2022 totaled 2,827 homes sold, down 3.7 percent from March 2021 sales of 2,937 homes.

Historic data courtesy of G:

City of Chicago condo/TH/SFH closed totals March
year/closed/median/% REO-Short Sales
Year Closed Median %REO/SS

1997 1,226 $126,875
1998 1,540 $137,003
1999 1,766 $152,125
2000 1,793 $167,500
2001 1,800 $195,000

2002 2,112 $210,000
2003 2,261 $225,000
2004 2,772 $244,950
2005 2,822 $271,125
2006 3,000 $275,862

2007 2,399 $285,000
2008 2,098 $300,000
2009 1,219 $217,000 37%
2010 1,860 $207,750 38%
2011 1,481 $163,763 49%

2012 1,630 $170,500 44%
2013 1,894 $187,500
2014 1,875 $235,000
2015 2,173 $260,000
2016 2,149 $269,000

2017 2,546 $295,000
2018 2,343 $310,500
2019 2,062 $290,700
2020 2,123 $319,950
2021 2,937 $345,000

2022 2,827 $345,000

“Despite ongoing inventory shortages, median sales prices held steady in March compared to the same time last year, which is at odds with the ongoing conversations regarding sales price increases,” said Antje Gehrken, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and president and designated managing broker of A.R.E. Partners. “This is a sign of a healthy, steady Chicago market, with opportunities for both homebuyers and sellers in our city.”

In the sales mix, single family homes continue to be in strong demand. Condo sales fell 5.5% year-over-year to 1890 while single family homes were up 0.1% to 937.

Inventory continues to plunge.

Statewide inventory fell 32.1%. Here’s the last three years in March:

• 2020: 49,946
• 2021: 26,564
• 2022: 18,027

In Chicago, inventory also sunk 28.7% year-over-year. Here’s the last three years in Chicago:

• 2020: 8,521
• 2021: 7,404
• 2022: 5,829

In Chicago, days on the market fell 13.3% to 39 from 45.

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now on the rise. In March it averaged 4.17% up from 3.76% in February and also up from 3.08% last March.

“With mortgage interest rates inching up and fewer homes for sale than previous years, buyers are seizing opportunities rather than shopping around,” said Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris, president of Illinois REALTORS® and designated managing broker of EXIT Strategy Realty/EMA Management on the South Side of Chicago.

Will the dramatic rise in mortgage rates over the last 45 days light a fire under buyers this spring?

Could we see a record number of sales in April as buyers rush to close?

Sellers enjoy advantage in March as Illinois homes spend fewer days on the market [Illinois Association of Realtors Press Release, by Bill Kozar, April 20, 2022]