Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom duplex down in the Cloister of Wicker Park at 2112 W. North Avenue in Bucktown came on the market in May 2021.

Built in 1911, the Cloister of Wicker Park was converted to 38 condos in 1990.

It has a fenced courtyard with a fountain, a bike room, laundry room and extra storage rooms.

There’s no parking with the building.

This unit has some of its vintage features including wood moldings around the windows and hardwood floors on the main floor.

It also has a fireplace on the main floor.

This unit has 2 living spaces on the main floor, including the living room and family room, along with the dining room, kitchen and a full bathroom.

The lower level has all three main bedrooms including the primary suite.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, black stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

This unit has the features buyers look for that are rare in vintage apartments,  including central air and side-by-side washer/dryer.

There’s no parking but this building is just a block from the Damen blue line stop and near bus lines.

It also has two outdoor spaces: a shared balcony that overlooks the courtyard and a private back deck.

Listed in May 2021 for $435,000, it has been reduced to $350,000.

That’s $42,000 under the 2016 price of $392,000.

Is this a deal?

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

Unit #1E: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex down

• Sold in August 1991 for $144,000
• Sold in November 1994 for $119,500
• Sold in June 1998 for $162,000
• Sold in May 2004 for $300,000
• Sold in May 2005 for $340,000
• Sold in May 2016 for $392,000
• Originally listed in May 2021 for $435,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $350,000
• Assessments of $458 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8148
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×12 (lower level)
• Bedroom #2: 15×12 (lower level)
• Bedroom #3: 13×12 (lower level)
• Family room: 15×12 (main level)
• Living room: 18×12 (main level)
• Kitchen: 13×13 (main level)
• Laundry room: 9×5 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom in the Coronado at 3900 N. Pine Grove in East Lakeview came on the market in January 2022.

Built in 1976, the Coronado has 101 units and heated indoor parking.

The building has an indoor pool, a “new” exercise room and a common roof deck with city views.

It doesn’t have a doorman.

The Coronado was converted into condos in 2005, during the housing bubble, and many units were bought by investors. In the housing bust, there was a lot of distress in the building with both short sales and foreclosures.

The listing says this unit had a “renovation completed in 2022.”

It has hardwood floors throughout and a fireplace.

The kitchen has white upper cabinets and navy blue lowers, what looks like granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances.

Both bedrooms and living room face east, for morning sunrises.

The unit also has a 6×10 east facing balcony.

It has the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit and heated indoor parking which is included in the price.

There are wall cooling units. Heat is included in the assessments.

This building is near the Red Line Sheridan stop and the shops and restaurants on Broadway and throughout Lakeview.

Listed at $325,000, is this a deal for a 2/2 with parking in this neighborhood?

Cornelis Hoogstraten at Kale Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #814: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2005 for $348,000
• Sold in May 2013 for $184,000 (was listed as a short sale, per Redfin)
• Currently listed at $325,000 (includes heated parking spot)
• Assessments of $674 a month (includes heat, gas, parking, security, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $5213
• Wall cooling units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×12
• Living room: 14×16
• Dining room: 8×12
• Kitchen: 9×9
• Balcony: 6×10

This 3-bedroom at 2736 N. Seminary in Lincoln Park came on the market in January 2022.

Built in 1924, this building has 7 units and a shared back yard.

There’s no parking.

I took this picture above about 10 years ago. If you look at the picture of the building today in the listing, you’ll see that a lot has changed on the block.  The two older homes on either side of the building have been replaced by new construction.

I guess I need a newer picture.

This is a top floor unit and has many of its original vintage features.

It has the original woodwork, which isn’t painted, including crown and window moldings.

The unit has a formal dining room with a built-in hutch.

The living room has a wood burning fireplace with the original vintage tile.

The kitchen has white cabinets which go up to ceiling height, a checkerboard floor, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and the original tin ceiling.

The primary bedroom has 2 large closets.

The unit has a marble bath.

It has central air, but no washer/dryer in the unit. There is laundry in the building.

The listing says that “all units on 2734 side have in-unit W/D.”

There’s no parking, but the listing says “easy street parking.”

This building is near the Diversey Brown line stop, Dom’s Kitchen and Market and Trader Joe’s as well as the shops and restaurants on Diversey.

Listed for $430,000, is this a vintage lover’s dream?

Brittany Bussell and Ann Bauer at @Properties have the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3E: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1200 square feet

• Sold in April 1994 for $189,500
• Sold in August 1996 for $181,500
• Sold in August 2001 for $285,000
• Sold in July 2005 for $350,000
• Sold in July 2011 for $287,500
• Sold in May 2014 for $315,500
• Currently listed at $430,000
• Assessments of $194 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $8537
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit but it’s in the building
• No parking
• Additional storage in the building
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×10
• Bedroom #2: 10×7
• Bedroom #3: 9×9
• Living room: 19×12
• Dining room: 15×14
• Kitchen: 14×12
• Walk-in-closet: 4×7

This 6-bedroom greystone at 1306 N. Ritchie in the Gold Coast came on the market in July 2021.

Built in 1900, the listing calls it a Potter Palmer greystone.

It’s on an 18×72 lot and does not have a garage.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we last chattered about it in February 2018 when it was a fixer.

Jenny even called it her “dream house.”

See the 2018 chatter here.

It has had a “total gut renovation to the studs” and, according to the listing, was finished for the owner but never lived in.

None of the vintage features survived.

It has 12 foot ceilings and a fireplace.

The listing says it has “classic vintage bones” and a “sexy black original pocket door.”

The house has a custom chef’s kitchen with white cabinets, luxury stainless steel appliances, and an island with seating.

It also has a walk-in wine closet.

The kitchen leads to a deck off the rear of the house.

The primary bedroom is on the second floor and has an en suite bath with a walk-in-shower and two vanities.

There’s also a second bedroom on that floor which the listing says could be used as a study or huge custom closet.

The top floor has three bedrooms.

There is also a lower level with the 6th bedroom, a family room, game room, laundry room, sauna and additional full bath as well as a separate entrance.

The house has custom automated blinds and the listing says there is potential for a rooftop deck.

It has central air but no garage or attached parking. In the prior listing in 2018, it said there was rental available in the high rise next door.

The listing also says they will sell the never-been-used Restoration Hardware furniture.

The house is on a quiet side street in the Gold Coast and isn’t far from the restaurants/shops of Division and Rush street area.

Originally listed in July 2021 for $2.895 million, it has been reduced $100,000 to $2.795 million.

Buyers love “new.”

Will this sell quickly?

Lissa Weinstein at BerkshireHathaway Homeservices has the listing. See the pictures and video here.

1306 N. Ritchie: 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, no square footage listed

• CCRD down again
• 2018 chatter had it selling in 1986 (no price)
• Sold in April 2018 for $1.35 million (per Zillow)
• Originally listed in July 2021 for $2.895 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.795 million
• Taxes are $27,000 (they were $21,759 in 2018)
• Central Air
• No garage- parking in the neighborhood
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 12×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #6: 9×14 (lower level)
• Living room: 35×13 (main level)
• Dining room: 13×16 (main level)
• Kitchen: 11×8 (main level)
• Laundry room: 10×10 (lower level)

This 2-bedroom at 2221 N. Lincoln in Lincoln Park came on the market in January 2022.

Some of you may remember it from 2 years ago, however. As it came on the market in February 2020, went under contract fairly quickly, but fell out of contract in March (just as the pandemic was hitting).

You can see our 2020 chatter here.

I still can’t find the age of the building but it has 5 units, with two commercial spaces and three residential.

The listing states:  “Financing restrictions with HOA, inquire with listing agent for details.”

It was converted into condos in 1999.

As you may recall, this unit has the only private garage for the building, which is down the side alley. That garage includes some additional storage.

The unit has many of its vintage features including original oak mill woodwork with custom, solid oak built-ins including a hutch in the dining room.

It also has ceiling medallions in several rooms and bay windows in the living and dining room.

The kitchen was renovated “a few years ago” and has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and stone counter tops.

The bathrooms were also renovated.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom, which is rare in a vintage unit.

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

It’s close to Oz Park, the shops and restaurants on Lincoln and everything else that Lincoln Park has to offer.

In 2020, this unit was listed at $449,000. It has come on the market this time at $425,000.

In 2015, this unit was newly renovated and went under contract so quickly I couldn’t even crib about it.

In 2020, it went under contract in 12 days.

In 2022, with near record low inventory, how long will it take to go under contract this time?

Mariah Dell at Compass has the listing again. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1N: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet

• Sold in June 1999 for $129,000
• Sold in May 2001 for $250,000
• Sold in August 2014 for $268,000 (included garage parking)
• Sold in June 2015 after renovation for $395,000 (included garage parking)
• Was listed in February 2020 at $449,000 (includes garage parking)
• Went under contract but fell out in March 2020
• Currently listed at $425,000 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments are still $295 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes are now $6878 (they were $6338 in 2020)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Living room: 17×12
• Dining room: 15×14
• Kitchen: 13×11

This 2-bedroom duplex up at 644 W. Arlington in East Lincoln Park came on the market in January 2022.

Built in 1974, this building has 44 units and what looks like outdoor parking behind the building.

I can’t tell if it has an elevator. It’s not listed so it might not.

If this building looks familiar to the long-timers on this site, that’s because we chattered about it in September 2012.

That was another time altogether for Chicago’s housing market but, per usual, the Chatterers were pretty bearish on it.

See our chatter here.

This unit is one of the top floor penthouse units which are unique.

It has exposed brick walls and a 2-story set of windows along with timber ceilings in the main floor.

There used to be a spiral staircase in this unit but it was replaced in the last decade with the one in the pictures.

The  main floor has hardwood floors.

The kitchen has 42 inch maple cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances along with a 2-person breakfast bar.

The second bedroom and a full bath are also on the main floor.

The second floor has a lofted office or workout space, the primary bathroom and second full bath.

There is also access from the second floor to what looks like private rooftop space. The prior listings for this unit says it is private.

But there is no deck on that roof.

This unit does not have a parking space, but prior listings said it can be rented in the neighborhood.

It also doesn’t have in-unit washer/dryer. Air conditioning is through wall units.

But it’s in a stellar location, near the shops and restaurants of East Lincoln Park as well as the Zoo and the Park.

Listed at $379,900, is this a great starter condo for this neighborhood?

Ryan Grober and Dana Galowich at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #5H: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1100 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in September 1984 for $90,500 (per Redfin)
• Sold in March 1987 for $100,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in October 1992 for $119,000
• Sold in August 1995 for $127,000
• Sold in May 2013 for $300,000
• Sold in March 2018 for $345,000
• Currently listed $379,900
• Assessments of $511 a month (heat, gas cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal) They were $404 a month in September 2012
• Taxes of $7029 (they were $3806 in 2012)
• No in-unit washer/dryer
• No central air- window units  only
• No parking but available for lease in the neighborhood
• Bedroom #1: 14×10 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 15×10 (second level)
• Living room: 16×12 (main level)
• Dining room: 10×12 (main level)
• Kitchen: 9×12 (main level)
• Loft: 9×12 (main level)

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 1235 W. George in Lakeview came on the market in January 2022.

Built in 1996, this complex of townhouses and condos has 26 units and garage parking.

It has a shared roof top deck with city views and a central courtyard.

This unit faces directly out onto George.

It has 14 foot wood-beamed ceilings, exposed brick walls and hardwood floors on the first two floors.

The main floor has the living room, dining room and kitchen.

The listing calls it a “chef’s kitchen” with white cabinets, Viking appliances and granite countertops along with a breakfast bar that seats four.

The dining room looks out onto the central courtyard.

The second floor has a primary bedroom, the second bedroom and two walk-in-closets.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bath.

The top level has the third bedroom which the listing says could also be a family room, den or office. It is carpeted and leads out to a private rooftop deck.

The townhouse has one car parking, central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

Listed at $739,000, this townhouse last sold less than 2 years ago for $670,000.

Will it get the premium?

Stacey Dombar at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures here (no floor plan.)

Or see it in person at the Open House on Saturday, January 8, from 12 to 2 PM.

Unit #103: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in January 1998 for $338,000
• Sold in March 2020 for $670,000
• Currently listed for $739,000
• Assessments of $389 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavengers, snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,493
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the townhouse
• Garage parking included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×16 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 27×13 (third floor)
• Living room: 13×18 (main floor)
• Dining room: 16×12 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×12 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom in the Rockefeller-McCormick building at 6334 N. Sheridan in Edgewater came on the market in August 2021.

Built in 1924, the building was part of the building boom along Lake Michigan that extended from the South Shore to the far north neighborhoods of Edgewater and Rogers Park about a hundred years ago. It has 43 units, many with lake views.

The building has a gated courtyard with grills. On-site outdoor parking is available.

This unit has vintage features such as a foyer and reception area, a wood burning fireplace and crown molding.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

It has east and west exposures with some lake views from the living room.

The unit has a formal dining room.

The listing describes the kitchen as a “chef’s kitchen” with a breakfast nook, white and wood cabinets, white granite countertops, a white marble subway tile backsplash, luxury stainless steel appliances, a large farmers sink, and double drawer dishwasher.

Additionally the trash elevator comes to your private back kitchen door.

Both bathrooms have been remodeled.

The unit also comes with a large first level storage space.

It doesn’t have central air or washer/dryer in the unit, as there is a laundry room in the building. There is outdoor parking with the building.

The listing says that Aldi, Target, Whole Foods and Loyola are nearby.

Listed in August 2021 for $395,000, it has been reduced to $384,500.

Is this the vintage dream?

John Gault and Mark Keppy at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Sold in October 2007 for $295,000
• Bank owned in August 2011
• Sold in April 2012 for $124,000
• Sold in April 2018 for $380,000
• Was listed in August 2021 for $395,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $384,500
• Assessments of $917 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $3793
• No central air
• No washer/dryer in the unit – laundry room in the building
• On-site parking available
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×11
• Bedroom #3: 15×8
• Living room: 23×14
• Dining room: 16×14
• Kitchen: 22×8
• Breakfast nook: 6×6

This 3-bedroom in LincolnView at 2933 N. Southport in West Lakeview came on the market in January 2022.

I don’t have a more recent picture but will get one soon. This was from last summer. The listing says they have drywalled the building so buyers can take tours.

Built in 2022, LincolnView is a new 11-unit boutique elevator building with heated garage parking.

The listings say it has 6 different floor plans an 4 different types of interiors designed by Miller & Moss which range from Scandinavian to Modern Classic.

The listings also say that there is time to customize.

The units have white oak floors and private balconies. There is a shared rooftop space but some of the penthouses also have their own rooftop space.

From a listing for the penthouse, #4E:

Don’t do it. Don’t fall down the million-dollar duplex trap. Life’s too short to spend it underground. Love the conveniences of high rises, but prefer smaller buildings? Meet LincolnView. This is the largest floor plan in the building. It has 2 main-level outdoor spaces and an enormous private rooftop deck.

This 3-bedroom will have quartz counter tops, a full backsplash and Bosch appliances. The listing says you can upgrade to Subzero and Wolf.

The bathrooms will have heated floors.

The listing also says it has concrete soundproofing and spray foam for insulation.

The building also has Eco-friendly turn/tilt windows.

This building is across St. Alphonsus Church and the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture.

It is near shops and restaurants on Lincoln and Southport and the listing says 0.6 miles from the Brown line stop.

Are buyers still going to reject crowded high rise buildings in 2022?

John Graff at Compass has the listings.

See the listing for Unit#2D, a 3/2.5 unit priced at $750,000 here.

See the listing for the 4 bedrooms, 5 bath penthouse, Unit #4E, listed at $1.2 million, here.

This 2-bedroom in the Donohue at 727 S. Dearborn in Printers Row came on the market in June 2021.

Built in 1913, the Donohue has 102 lofts, including some in the timber part of the building and some in the concrete side.

The concrete side has the original vintage iron cage elevator.

The building has a gym but no door staff.

This unit is on the top floor of the concrete portion of the building and has a skylight and roof rights.

This loft has an open floor plan, tall ceilings, exposed brick and the original hardwood floors.

It has a wood burning fireplace.

The “gourmet” kitchen has granite countertops, an island, and Subzero refrigerator.

The full bath has a clawfoot tube and separate shower.

The listing says the half bath has been “newly renovated” with quartz countertops, gold fixtures and a smart toilet.

This loft has “fresh paint” and “new stairs.”

It also has the original factory vault door.

This loft has some of the features that buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. There is no parking with the building but there is deeded garage parking available one block away for $50,000.

At 2250 square feet, this loft has “flexibility” with the floor plan.

Listed in June 2021 at $750,000, it has gone under contract once, and has been reduced $50,000 to $700,000.

Is this a deal for the square footage?

Lauren Mitrick Wood and Laura Davis at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #910: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 2250 square feet, loft

• CCRD was “down” again
• Sold in July 2021 for $385,000 (per Zillow)
• Originally listed in June 2021 for $750,000
• Under contract
• Came back on the market
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $700,000
• Assessments of $1510 a month (includes heat, security, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, Internet)
• Taxes of $9403
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking but it’s available one block away for $50,000
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×12
• Living room: 23×23
• Dining room: 23×12
• Kitchen: 17×14