Crib Chatter

This 4-bedroom townhouse at 4048 N. Clark in the Graceland West neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1998, this townhouse complex has 22 units with attached 2-car garage parking.

It is directly across from Graceland Cemetery.

This 4-level townhouse includes a finished basement and has a 2-car garage on the main level accessed from the alley.

The main level has a half bath and the fourth bedroom which is currently being used as a den and has a murphy bed.

The second floor has the living room, dining room and kitchen along with a balcony to grill.

The kitchen has been “updated” and has white cabinets, stainless steel cabinets and stone counter tops.

3 bedrooms are on the third floor, including the primary suite.

The listing says the baths have been “remodeled” with RH lighting and plumbing fixtures and Toto toilets.

The fourth floor has a loft area which could be used for an exercise room or a den and there’s also a deck.

The finished lower level has a recreation room and the laundry room.

The townhouse has central air and the listing says it’s in the Blaine Elementary school district.

It’s also near the Southport restaurants and just a few blocks to Wrigley Field, Wrigleyville restaurants and the soon-to-be movie theater across the street from the ballpark.

Listed at $619,900, is this a single family home alternative in this popular neighborhood?

Steven Katz at @Properties Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #I: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2292 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in January 1999 for $290,000
• Sold in October 2022 for $426,500
• Lis pendens foreclosure in April 2012
• Bank owned in May 2013
• Sold in April 2014 for $390,000
• Sold in February 2017 for $500,000
• Currently listed at $619,900 (includes 2 car garage)
• Assessments of $190 a month (includes lawn care and scavenger)
• Taxes of $11,082
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 16×15 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 8×10 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 8×10 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×10 (main floor)
• Loft: 6×13 (fourth floor)
• Living room: 21×16 (second floor)
• Dining room: 12×12 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 9×8 (second floor)
• Recreation room: 17×15 (lower level)
• Laundry: 7×4 (lower level)
• Balcony: second floor
• Balcony: 9×21 (fourth floor)

This 2-bedroom in the co-op building at 6 E. Scott in the Gold Coast came on the market in July 2021.

Apparently we have never chattered about this building. It’s the 7-story building on the left in the picture above. I know I have a better picture somewhere in my collection but I did manage to take a picture of it just a few months ago because you can’t miss it on this street so I’m going with it.

Built in 1915, it is a co-op and has just 14 units. The building has a rooftop deck with views of the Hancock, a garden and grills.

The listing also says there is an on-site manager/engineer.

This unit has been “renovated” and has “European charm.”

It has some of its vintage features including tall ceilings and crown moldings.

It has a marble private foyer with dual chandeliers, and a living/dining room combo with a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen is “updated” and has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and stone counter tops.

It’s a split floor plan and the primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet.

The unit has the features buyers look for which are rarely found in vintage units including central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

It doesn’t have parking, however, but there’s a transferrable garage parking space available across the street for $310 a month.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the State/Rush/Division corridor, the Farmers Market on Division and the Jewel on Division.

Originally listed in July 2021 for $599,900, it has been reduced $49,900 to $550,000.

Is this a deal?

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

Unit #1: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, co-op

• Sold in February 2010 for $285,000 (per Zillow)
• Listed in July 2021 for $599,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $550,000
• Assessments of $818 a month (includes heat, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes aren’t listed. With co-ops, they’re usually included in the HOA but it doesn’t list the taxes as included in the listing. ???
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Transferrable garage parking across the street for $310 a month
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×13
• Bedroom #2: 15×10
• Living/dining combo: 16×18
• Kitchen: 11×7
• Walk-in-closet: 6×16

This 2-bedroom penthouse in The Commodore at 550 W. Surf in East Lakeview came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1898, The Commodore used to be a hotel. It has 193 units and parking.

It has a bike room and an on-site manager/engineer but no door staff.

Are The Commodore and the Green Brier, across the street, in the same association?

We last chattered about this unit in 2011-2012.

See our chatter here.

If you recall, the living/dining room was the old ballroom. It measures 40 feet. Here’s a tidbit from the Upper Bracket column in the Chicago Tribune from 2003.

On the sixth and top floor of the Commodore building, 550 W. Surf St., which was built in 1898, the two-bedroom unit was partly created from a ballroom, which, according to legend, was used by Al Capone as a speakeasy during the 1920s, said co-listing agents Monique Crossan and Heather Bilandic of Sudler.

The ballroom has been converted into a living room and dining room combo, with 13-foot ceilings, three exposures, a recessed movie screen and a fireplace.

According to the Upper Bracket, the unit had been renovated by the 2001 buyer. It doesn’t appear that the “recessed movie screen” has survived 19 years later.

But the original wood work, the gas fireplace, arched windows and built-ins have made it.

It has 13 foot ceilings and chandeliers.

There is an extra-wide foyer leading into the unit.

The listing says it has a “gourmet” kitchen with dark wood cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a wine cooler and skylights.

Through two wood doors you’ll find the bedroom wing which includes both bathrooms.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet, an en suite bath and a dressing area.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one parking space is included, with a second available for $35,000.

It also has a 26×9 storage room in the basement.

The Commodore is near the Diversey/Clark/Broadway corridor of shops and restaurants and close to the Trader Joe’s and Landmark Cinema.

If you look at the 2011 crib, you will see that that buyer tried to get $975,000 before finally selling for $570,000 in 2012.

Several of you thought the 2012 selling price was a “deal.”

This penthouse has come on the market at $845,000 plus $35,000 for the second parking space.

Will the sellers get to cash in on their 2012 deal in 2022?

Matthew Engle at Fulton Grace Realty has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan). I recommend looking at the pictures of the prior listing for more context.

Unit #609: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3000 square feet, 2 deeded covered parking spots

• Sold in June 1993 for $223,000
• Sold in July 1997 for $340,000
• Sold in March 1999 for $425,000
• Sold in June 2001 for $975,000
• Sold in October 2006 for $999,000
• Originally listed in July 2011 for $975,000
• Sold in September 2012 for $570,000 (included 2 parking spaces)
• Currently listed at $845,000 (includes 1 parking space, second is $35,000 extra)
• Assessments are now $1532 a month (they were $1151 a month in November 2012)
• Taxes are now $13,978 (they were $10,009 in 2012)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Storage: 26×9 (in basement)
• Bedroom #1: 18×14 (the room sizes are from the 2012 listing because they aren’t in the current one)
• Bedroom #2: 17×12
• Living/dining room (old ballroom): 43×23
• Kitchen: wasn’t listed in 2012

This 2-bedroom loft in the Gaertner Building at 1201 W. Wrightwood came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1926, the Gaertner Building has 24 lofts and attached garage parking. An elevator building, it was converted into condos in 2002.

This loft has 11 foot ceilings, exposed brick and hardwood floors.

There’s a Juliet balcony.

It has a “gourmet kitchen” with gray cabinets and island with seating for three with classic white quartz countertops, wine fridge, a walk-in-pantry with stenciled glass door, stainless steel appliances and a gas stove.

The living room has a built-in TV/media cabinet.

The primary bedroom has floor-to-ceiling built-ins, a walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom with double sinks and a separate shower.

The second bedroom has a Queen pull down bed with a desk.

The loft has the features buyers look for including central air, a full-size washer/dryer and an oversized 1.5 indoor heated garage space.

It has an extra large storage locker and a communal rooftop deck.

There’s a Starbucks across the street and there are shops and restaurants on Diversey, Fullerton and Lincoln.

This loft last sold during the first year of the pandemic, in October 2020, for $597,000. It has come back on the market just 17 months later for $679,000.

Will it get the premium?

Kirste Gaudet at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1310 square feet

• Sold in September 2001 for $342,000
• Sold in Mary 2004 for $408,000
• Sold in July 2015 for $425,000
• Sold in October 2020 for $597,000
• Currently listed at $679,000
• Assessments of $372 a month (includes lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9145
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Oversized 1.5 indoor heated garage space included
• There aren’t any rooms listed, or room sizes
• Bedroom #1
• Bedroom #2
• Living/dining combo
• Kitchen

This 2-bedroom at 2204 N. Clybourn in the Clybourn Corridor of West Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2022.

Built in 1918, this building has 6 units and gated parking.

This unit doesn’t have many of its vintage features other than a wood burning fireplace and 10 foot ceilings.

It has hardwood floors.

The eat-in kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a checkerboard tile backsplash.

The primary bedroom is en suite.

There is a dining room.

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

But if you don’t want to move in, the listing says it is an Airbnb short-term rental property with a City of Chicago license.

From the listing:

“Condo rules are silent about short term rental and board has approved that use as long as it is done with the community in mind. Unit can be sold with furniture and housewares to continue to run. Management services available from current owner if desired. AirBnb listing and reservation summary can be provided upon request.”

This unit is close to DePaul, Mariano’s, Pequod, the North and Clybourn shops and restaurants and those on Armitage. This property last sold in July 2021 for $315,000. At that time, it was also listed as an Airbnb property.

It has come back on the market for $84,000 more at $399,000.

This unit was already under contract once since its February 2022 listing.

Does it being an Airbnb get it the premium over last year’s sales price?

Stacy Karel at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in June 1999 for $230,000
• Sold in March 2005 for $298,000
• Sold in August 2008 for $306,000
• Sold in July 2021 for $315,000
• Originally listed in February 2022 for $399,000
• Under contract
• Back on the market at $399,000
• Assessments of $300 a month (includes scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6279
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gated parking space included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: no measurements listed
• Bedroom #2: no measurements listed
• Dining room
• Living room
• Kitchen

This 1-bedroom in The Barclay at 4940 S. East End in Kenwood came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1929, The Barclay has 87 units. It is an elevator building.

It has 24-hour door staff, an on-site engineer, storage room, laundry room and exterior outdoor parking.

This unit has tree-top views.

It’s been “fully renovated” and has a semi-private landing with just one other neighbor.

The listing describes it as a “Parisian gem.”

It has many of its vintage features including an entry foyer, crown moldings and wainscotting.

The unit has oak hardwood floors throughout and custom paint.

It has a separate dining room, accessed by French doors, with crown molding and wainscotting that the listing says could be used as an office/den.

The kitchen has custom cabinets, black granite counter tops and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, including a gas range.

The unit also has a “one-of-a-kind” wooden accent wall in the living room with a decorative fireplace.

The bedroom has crown moldings, a custom window seat and bookshelf along with an en suite bathroom, with marble tiles, and a walk-in-closet.

It does not have central air or washer/dryer in the unit. There is a laundry room in the building. Exterior parking is included, however.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Hyde Park, including Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

Listed at $200,000, is this condo a deal compared to renting?

Benjamin Turbow at Keller Williams ONEChicago has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3C: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, no square footage listed

• Sold in March 1987 for $28,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in March 1988 for $36,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in April 2005 for $107,000
• Currently listed at $200,000
• Assessments of $610 a month (includes heat, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $1122
• No central air
• No washer/dryer in the unit
• Exterior parking included
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom: 11×17
• Living room: 14×22
• Dining room: 12×10
• Kitchen: 11×7

This 1-bedroom loft at 1259 N. Wood in Wicker Park came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1909, this industrial building was converted into lofts in 1997.

It has 30 lofts and garage parking.

This loft is a Southeast corner brick and timber authentic loft with two walls of windows.

It has hardwood floors throughout.

While there is no square footage listed, the listing says it’s a large 1-bedroom that could be converted to a 2 bedroom.

It has 2 full baths.

The bedroom has an en suite bath with floor-to-ceiling limestone and a walk-in-closet.

The second bathroom is slate, granite and brick.

The loft also has a den/office.

The kitchen has 42 inch dark wood cabinets, granite counter tops and window sills, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating.

It has two outdoor spaces including a balcony and a private deck with Trex, a built-in grill, entertainment space and a pergola.

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

This property is in the heart of Wicker Park near the shops and restaurants on both Milwaukee and Division.

Listed at $577,000, that’s $213,000 above the 2010 price of $363,500.

Will it get it in this tight market?

Rafay Qamar and Stephen Davis at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #208: 1 bedroom, 2 baths, no square footage listed, loft

• Sold in January 1998 for $165,000
• Sold in June 2002 for $320,000
• Sold in April 2006 for $399,500
• Sold in February 2010 for $363,500
• Currently listed at $577,000 (garage parking included)
• Assessments of $394 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8095
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom: 20×13
• Den: 7×6
• Living room: 20×14
• Kitchen: 13×13
• Tandem Room: 8×7
• Gallery: 5×6
• Balcony: 15×4
• Deck: 27×8

This corner 2-bedroom on the 29th floor of 41 E. 8th Street in the South Loop came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 2002, 41 E 8th has 220 units and an attached garage.

The building has door staff and an exercise room.

This unit is a northeast corner unit with 2 walls of windows and hardwood floors in the main living/dining/kitchen areas and, according to the listing, new engineered hardwood floors in the bedrooms.

The older 2013 listing says this is the largest 2-bedroom floor plan in the building at 1544 square feet.

It has a separate dining room, which has an east facing balcony with views of the Lake and park.

The second balcony is off the living room, and faces north with city views including of the Willis Tower.

The kitchen has white cabinets, quartz counter tops, a pantry and stainless steel appliances and is open to the living room.

The primary bedroom is en suite with a dual sink vanity, a tub and a walk-in-shower and also has a walk-in-closet.

The second bedroom faces north, with city views and has millwork.

The unit has a rare separate laundry room with side-by-side washer/dryer and extra storage.

It has the other features buyers look for including central air and 1 car deeded garage parking which is included.

The listing says that the building is “investor friendly” with no rental cap and is in the South Loop elementary school district.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Printers Row, Michigan Avenue and Roosevelt Road and is close to both Millennial and Grant Park.

Listed at $525,000, is this a deal for the square footage and views?

Scott Curcio at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2901: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1544 square feet

• Sold in May 2003 for $507,500
• Sold in November 2013 for $462,000
• Currently listed at $525,000 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments of $1050 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, Internet, exercise room, exterior maintenance, snow removal, scavenger)
• Taxes of $11,498
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 18×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×10
• Living room: 18×17
• Dining room: 13×11
• Kitchen: 12×9
• Laundry room: 11×6
• Foyer: 10×6
• Walk-in-closet: 8×6
• Balcony: 12×5
• Balcony #2: 13×5

This 2-bedroom loft in the Clybourn Lofts at 1872 N. Clybourn in West Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2022.

The Clybourn Lofts was a 1980s loft conversion and has 57 units and outdoor, deeded, gated parking.

One old listing said the building used to be an old piano factory.

The building has bike storage, a courtyard garden, a common rooftop deck and a laundry room.

This loft has tall timber ceilings and exposed brick along with industrial windows.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartizite countertops and an island.

The listing says the second bedroom is being used as a dining room but it could be converted back.

The primary bedroom does not have a door nor full walls but the listing says it can fit a king bed. It has an en suite full bath with a walk-in-shower and a professionally organized walk-in-closet.

The loft also has a unique 7×7 office with a window and exposed brick.

This loft has private outdoor space with a private patio off the primary bedroom.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a reserved secure parking space.

This building is near Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Mariano’s and New City shops and restaurants as well as all the shops at North and Clybourn and on Armitage.

The listing says it’s in the Oscar Meyer Elementary school district and near the Red, Brown and Purple subway lines.

Listed at $475,000, with that dedicated office space, does that make this loft the ideal work-from-home home?

Daniel Close at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it in person at the Open House on Saturday, March 5 from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Unit #505: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, no square footage listed, loft

• Sold in May 1997 for $212,500
• Sold in May 2000 for $277,000
• Sold in March 2003 for $315,000
• Sold in July 2010 for $330,000
• Sold in December 2015 for $379,000
• Currently listed at $475,000 (includes reserved parking space)
• Assessments of $643 a month (includes exterior maintenance, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8406
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 15×12
• Living/dining room: 18×14
• Kitchen: 18×11
• Office: 7×7
• Walk-in-closet: 6×9

This 5-bedroom Victorian row house at 620 W. Fullerton Parkway in East Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2021.

Built in 1886, this row house is on a larger than standard Chicago lot measuring 35 x 175.

It has a 2-car garage.

This row house has many of its vintage features including high ceilings, crown moldings, leaded glass windows and pocket doors.

There’s a large skylight over the main staircase.

It has 3 fireplaces located in the living room, a bedroom and the first floor library.

The listing says the house has a new Christopher Peakcock ultra luxe kitchen with full height white cabinetry, Calcutta Gold marble countertops and backsplash, Wolf, Miele and Subzero appliances, an island and a peninsula with seating.

It has the preferred layout for families with 4 of the 5 bedrooms on the second floor, including the primary suite which has an updated spa-like white marble bath with separate tub and shower and dual sinks.

The listing says one of the 4 bedrooms is being used as an office.

The fifth bedroom is in the English basement which also has a large recreation room, the laundry room and a separate entrance if you want to use it as a live-in.

It has a professionally designed and lushly landscaped backyard.

This row house is located near the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park on Clark, Halsted and Lincoln Avenue.

The listing says its in the Lincoln Elementary school district.

It has central air.

Originally listed in September 2021 for $3.995 million, it has been reduced $500,000 to $3.495 million.

Fullerton Parkway is a historic street with rare large lots.

Is this an easy sell to vintage lovers?

Emily Sachs Wong at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and video here.

620 W. Fullerton Parkway: 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, 5000 square feet, row house

• Sold in April 1994 for $780,000
• Sold in February 1997 for $1.152 million
• Sold in March 2004 for $2.25 million
• Originally listed in September 2021 for $3.995 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $3.495 million
• Taxes of $30,385
• Central Air
• 3 fireplaces
• Skylight
• 2-car garage
• 30 x 175 lot
• Bedroom #1: 17×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 24×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5: 19×12 (lower level)
• Living room: 19×13 (main level)
• Dining room: 16×13 (main level)
• Family room: 16×15 (main level)
• Library: 16×13 (main level)
• Kitchen: 20×13 (main level)
• Foyer: 15×6 (main level)
• Recreation room: 36×18 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 16×15 ( lower leve)