Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom townhouse in the Embassy Club at 2609 N. Greenview came on the market in April 2022.

The picture above is of one of the other parts of the Embassy Club but it’s the closest I could come up with in my photograph collection of the private cobblestone drive that leads to the townhouses off various streets including Southport and Wrightwood.

Built in 1992, the Embassy Club has 90 townhomes of various sizes and styles.

There’s a monthly association fee.

This townhouse has a family room and full bath on the main floor.

The second floor has the living and dining rooms, kitchen and a powder room with a fireplace and built-ins in the living room.

The townhouse has the preferred layout with all 3 bedrooms on the third floor including the primary suite which is ensuite. There is also a second full bath on that floor and various built-ins.

The kitchen has custom cabinets, high end appliances and stone counter tops along with an island.

There’s a private deck off the kitchen.

The townhouse has a rare attached 2-car garage and central air.

Embassy Club is near Wrightwood Park with its park district swimming pool and restaurants/bars on Southport, Diversey and Fullerton.

It is bank owned and has come on the market at $899,600, or $50,400 under the 2005 purchase price of $950,000.

At this price, will this townhouse be under contract this week?

Arthur Cirignani at Chicago Realty Partners has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit C: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, townhouse, no square footage listed

• Sold in May 1992 for $354,500
• Sold in May 2005 for $950,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in May 2017
• Bank owned in February 2022
• Currently listed at $899,600
• Assessments of $215 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $17,279
• Central Air
• 2-car attached garage
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×26 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 9×12 (third floor)
• Dining room: 13×16 (second floor)
• Living room: 17×18 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 15×17 (second floor)
• Family room: 12×20 (main floor)
• Laundry on second floor
• Private deck off the kitchen

This 1-bedroom penthouse at 340 W. Superior in River North came on the market in March 2022.

340 W. Superior was built in 2002 and has 120 units and attached garage parking.

It has an exercise room and door staff.

If this penthouse unit looks familiar that’s because we chattered about it several times last decade before it finally sold in 2016.

See our 2015 chatter here.

If you recall, it has 10 foot ceilings with crown molding.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has light wood cabinets (white?) along with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

This listing says the unit has a den, but in prior listings it was a dining room.

There is a double vanity in the full bathroom and the unit has a half bath.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and parking is available for $35,000 extra.

But if you’re looking for outdoor space, the big selling point is the 31×12 west facing terrace which can be accessed from both the living room and the bedroom.

It has come on the market at $399,900, plus $35,000 for the parking, which is just $35,000 over the 2016 sales price.

Is this penthouse priced to sell?

Susan Morrow at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry no floor plan).

Unit #PH5: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1016 square feet

• Sold in October 2002 for $357,500
• Sold in March 2016 for $400,000 (included the parking)
• Currently listed at $399,900 (plus $35,000 for parking)
• Assessments are now $1275 a month (they were $861 a month in 2015)(includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, snow removal, scavenger)
• Taxes are now $12,208 but they were $8327 in 2015
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Bedroom: 13×11

This 3-bedroom at 2440 N. Lakeview in East Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1927 by Russman & Hirshfeld, it is on Lincoln Park and has Lake Michigan views.

The building has 97 units and an attached parking garage. There are just 2 apartments per floor.

It’s a full service building with 24/7 doormen, an exercise room and a rooftop deck with grills. The listing indicates that some of the common areas have just been renovated.

2440 has numerous recent improvements including seating area in the landscaped courtyard, renovations to the roof top deck and fitness center. Building also features storage and bike storage, as well as laundry room.

This unit has “tree top” views.

It has some of the classic vintage features including hardwood floors throughout, arched ceilings, crown molding and a decorative fireplace in the living room.

The unit has an “updated kitchen” with white cabinets and a “chef’s quality” stove with marble countertops and peninsula seating area.

It has a separate dining room with built-ins.

The unit has the features buyers look for, which are somewhat rare in vintage buildings, including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking.

The listing says this building is located in the Lincoln Elementary and Lincoln High School school districts.

This building is in a prime location overlooking Lincoln Park, near the Zoo and Conservatory and the shops and restaurants on Clark.

Listed at $680,000, is this an option for those looking for a family home on the Park?

Molly Boyd and Donald Breitfelder at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices have the listing. See the pictures here.

Or see it at the Open House on Sunday April 3, 2022 from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Unit #3F: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2400 square feet, co-op

• Sold in October 2007 for $510,000 (according to Redfin but because it’s a co-op, not sure this is correct)
• Currently listed at $680,000
• Taxes of $9490
• Assessments of $1356 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, insurance, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 20×13
• Bedroom #2: 20×13
• Bedroom #3: 8×8
• Living room: 24×15
• Dining room: 19×14
• Kitchen: 15×9
• Foyer: 17×6

This corner 3-bedroom at 2910 N. Pine Grove in Lakeview came on the market in March 2022.

But if it looks familiar, that’s because we have actually chattered about it twice before.

In 2011, it took 2 1/2 years and several price reductions to finally sell at $390,000.

In 2018, many of you still loved the vintage bones of this unit but complained about the dark wood floors in most of the apartment with the exception of the kitchen, which apparently had the original maple floors.

See our chatter here.

Built in 1917 by architect Roy France, 2910 N. Pine Grove has 26 units. There’s no parking but there’s separate storage and this unit has a 9×7 storage unit.

This unit has some of its vintage features including 9″ ceilings with crown moldings in the living and dining rooms.

There’s a decorative fireplace in the living room and a den with two walls of windows which the listing says could be used as an office.

There are three bedrooms.

The kitchen is a “Chef’s kitchen” with new white cabinet fronts and hardware and Viking and Bosch appliances along with a newly constructed kitchen pantry.

There are Kohler fixtures in the bathrooms.

The listing says it has a new washer/dryer in the unit. There’s no central air but it has “2 new wifi/alexa top of the line a/c window units with 8&10 BTUs.”

There’s no parking with the building but there are “leased parking options next door” and in the neighborhood for $175 to $225 a month).

This building is located in a landmark district which is steps from express buses and the shops and restaurants on Broadway, Clark and Diversey.

The listing says its in the Nettlehorst school district.

Listed at $625,000, is this 3-bedroom a townhouse alternative?

Lisa Reznick at @properties Christie’s International has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2000 square feet

• Sold in March 1995 for $210,000
• Sold in August 2003 for $376,000
• Sold in June 2011 for $390,000
• Sold in July 2018 for $515,000
• Currently listed for $625,000
• Assessments are now $628 a month (they were $613 a month in 2018 and $523 a month in 2011)(Includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are now $9335 (they were $7,774 in 2018 and $5,444 in 2011)
• No central air – window units with wifi/alexa
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Rental parking available next door or in the neighborhood for $175 to $225 a month
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 13×14
• Bedroom #2: 12×15
• Bedroom #3: 8×14
• Den: 13×8
• Foyer: 9×6
• Kitchen: 19×8
• Living room: 18×16
• Dining room: 16×14

This vintage row house at 566 W. Arlington in East Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1895, the listing says it was designed by Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb and is the middle of the “Three Sisters” row homes on the street.

It is on a 16.58 x 90 lot.

The listing says it’s been fully renovated but it still has many of its vintages features including 3 original fireplaces, custom built-ins, millwork, crown molding, and a wood staircase.

The listing says the property has “one-of-a-kind” light fixtures and marble baths.

The row house has a large foyer and skylights.

The eat-in kitchen has white cabinets, high end appliances, a custom hood, a bar with a zinc counter top and a banquette which leads through French doors to a 12×15 deck.

A powder room was also added to the main floor, tucked into the kitchen.

All four bedrooms are on the higher floors with the primary suite on the top floor which includes Rohl fixtures, a vanity with dual sinks, a soaking tub and steam shower. It has a dressing hall and its own washer/dryer.

The second floor has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

The lower level has a recreation room with a wet bar and a family room that could be a fifth bedroom. There’s also a full bath, the second washer/dryer and a mud room.

The listing says the row house has a new flat roof and tuck pointed chimneys.

It has central air but there is no parking. However, the listing says there are 3 leased garage parking spaces on the same block that can transfer with the sale.

It’s in the Alcott and Lincoln Park High School school districts and is close to several top private schools as well.

The row house is near the shops and restaurants on Clark and is a short stroll to Lincoln Park.

Listed at $1.869 million, is this row house a dream for vintage lovers?

Jennifer Ames at Engel & Voelkers Chicago has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

566 W. Arlington: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3700 square feet, row house

• Sold in June 2002 for $470,000
• Sold in January 2009 for $1.25 million
• Currently listed at $1.869 million
• Taxes of $20,550
• Central Air
• No parking but 3 leased garage spaces on the same block can be transferred
• 3 original fireplaces
• 2 sets of washer/dryers
• Bedroom #1: 16×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×11 (second floor)
• Family room: 15×17 (lower level)
• Recreation room: 15×22 (lower level)
• Dining room: 15×12 (main floor)
• Living room: 11×17 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 11×20 (main floor)
• Office: 7×7 (third floor)
• Foyer: 12×10 (main floor)
• Laundry: 9×12 (lower level)
• Walk-in-Closet: 5×17 (third floor)
• Deck: 12×15 (main floor)

This 4-bedroom Italianate cottage at 2121 N. Hudson in East Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1869 by WW Boyington, who was the architect of the Water Tower, according to the listing, it is one of only 3 north side houses that survived the Chicago Fire.

Built on a larger than standard 46×106 lot, the listing says it has been enlarged and improved by the current owners.

It has an attached 2-car garage.

The exterior staircase leads to the main level which includes the living room, library and one of the four bedrooms.

The living room has a 2-story cathedral ceiling with a double sided wood burning fireplace which is shared with the library.

The primary suite is on the second floor and has a walk-in-closet, en suite bathroom with a shower and separate tub along with a double vanity, and a private deck.

The third floor has the fourth bedroom and an attic space.

The kitchen is in the lower level and has quarter sawn oak cabinets, granite counter tops, antique French tiled floors, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating for two. There’s also a separate breakfast nook.

There’s a dining room or family room in the lower level, a mudroom which leads to the attached garage, a media room, the third bedroom, an office and a full bathroom.

The listing indicates that the media room, bedroom, bathroom and office have a private entrance and could be a nanny’s suite or a private office suite.

The side lot is landscaped and has a brick patio for alfresco dining, a fountain and is fully fenced.

The house has central air.

It’s in a popular East Lincoln Park neighborhood near the Lincoln Park Zoo, Oz Park and the shops and restaurants on Lincoln and Clark.

Listed at $2.395 million, this cottage has vintage flair and history but modern amenities that are rarely found in homes this old including a primary suite and 2-car garage.

Will it sell quickly?

Elizabeth Bleeker at @Properties Christie’s International has the listing. See the pictures, floor plan and video here.

2121 N. Hudson: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3650 square feet, Italianate cottage

• Sold in July 1989 for $449,500
• Sold in December 2005 for $1.4 million
• Currently listed at $2.395 million
• Taxes of $35,703
• Central Air
• 2-car garage
• Larger than standard lot measuring 46×106
• Skylights
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×12 (lower level)
• Bedroom #4: 14×16 (lower level)
• Living room: 30×13 (main floor)
• Dining room: 19×19 (lower level)
• Kitchen: 20×12 (lower level)
• Library: 29×10 (main floor)
• Attic: 22×9 (third floor)
• Media room: 15×12 (lower level)
• Mud room: 5×5 (lower level)
• Laundry: 7×5 (lower level)
• Walk-in-closet: 9×12 (second floor)
• Office: 12×6 (lower level)
• Breakfast nook: 13×8 (lower level)
• Deck: 10×9 (second floor)

February sales remained red hot in Chicago as inventory continued to be at multi-year lows.

Only 2005 was hotter for sales over the last 25 years.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

In Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in February 2022 totaled 1,879 homes sold, up 13.3 percent from February 2021 sales of 1,658 homes.

The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in February 2022 was $320,000, the same as it was in February 2021.

Here is the sales data for February going back to 1997 (courtesy of G):

• 1997: 881 sales
• 1998: 991
• 2000: 1383
• 2001: 1151
• 2002: 1677
• 2003: 1566
• 2004: 1814
• 2005: 2228
• 2006: 1855
• 2007: 1703
• 2008: 1454
• 2009: 870
• 2010: 1257
• 2011: 1092
• 2012: 1250
• 2013: 1411
• 2014: 1361
• 2015: 1497
• 2016: 1567
• 2017: 1529
• 2018: 1535
• 2019: 1449
• 2020: 1496
• 2021: 1658
• 2022: 1879

Here is the Median Price Data also going back to 1997 (thanks G!):

• 1997: $117,000
• 1998: $132,000
• 1999: $143,750
• 2000: $161,500
• 2001: $180,200
• 2002: $212,000
• 2003: $215,000
• 2004: $229,900
• 2005: $268,900
• 2006: $267,500
• 2007: $270,000
• 2008: $290,000
• 2009: $218,125 (with 31% being REO/Short Sales)
• 2010: $176,000 (with 46% being REO/Short Sales)
• 2011: $150,250 (with 50% being REO/Short Sales)
• 2012: $140,300 (with 52% being REO/Short Sales)
• 2013: $158,000
• 2014 $175,000
• 2015: $212,000
• 2016: $236,000
• 2017: $246,000
• 2018: $272,000
• 2019: $272,500
• 2020: $290,000
• 2021: $320,000
• 2022: $320,000

“The strong real estate market continued in February with increasing closed sales and a steady median sales price,” said Antje Gehrken, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and president and designated managing broker of A.R.E. Partners. “Despite rising interest rates, buyers remained dedicated to getting into homes, and well-priced homes continued to move quickly off the market.”

Statewide, housing inventory fell 34.1% year-over-year to 17,650 from 26,791 properties.

In Chicago, inventory fell 30.3% year-over-year to 5,612 properties from 8055.

Days on the market in Chicago only fell 1 day, however, to 49 from 50 days last year.

In Chicago, sales continue to be higher for both single family homes and condos. Single family homes rose 18.2% to 720 while condos were up 10.5% to 1159.

“Prices are continuing to increase while remain low throughout Illinois,” said Dr. Daniel McMillen, head of the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate (SHDRE) at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration. “The number of sales will pick up with the arrival of spring, but the number of listings remains low by historical standards. Inflation continues to be a concern for consumers, and the recent rate increase by the Fed is likely to lead to a rise in interest rates, although rates remain low.”

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.76% in February 2022 up from 3.45% in January and up from 2.81% in February of last year.

However, rates have spiked quickly even in just the last week, pushing the 30-year fixed closer to 5%. That would be a 3-year high for rates.

How quickly will 5% mortgage rates cool the red-hot Chicago housing market?

Will February be the last month of decade high sales?

Median prices rise for Illinois homes and sales remain brisk [Illinois Association of Realtors, press release, By Bill Kozar, March 18, 2022]

This pre-war 3-bedroom in 220 E. Walton in Streeterville came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1919, 220 E. Walton was designed by Fugard & Knapp and has 19 units.

There are just 2 units per floor.

The listing gives more details.

220 E. Walton is a professionally managed building with new elevators, life safety systems, upgraded building plumbing, parking lot, and other recently completed building projects. Front facade work is in progress; an updated lobby is planned for later this year. Expect impeccable service from the staff — who greet you by name, open the lobby door, and call the secure elevator for your use.

The listing says this unit was “totally gutted in 2016” but it still has some of its vintage features such as a wood burning fireplace in the living room, with a gas starter, and a 23 foot grand gallery.

One of the 3 bedrooms is being used as an office with custom granite desk and built-ins.

There’s a primary suite and a den/tv room with built-ins.

The unit has custom cabinets, oak hardwood floors and Lindsey Adelman light fixtures.

The chef’s kitchen is an eat-in kitchen with white cabinets and stone counter tops along with a Wolf 6-burner gas range, 2 Wolf ovens, wine fridge, Subzero refrigerator and walk-in-pantry.

The unit has the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit, central air and 1 leased parking space is available for $240 a month.

Like the furniture? The listing says all electronics, furnishings and the Peloton stay with the sale.

The unit also comes with 2 walk-in room size storage rooms.

This building is just a quick stroll to the shops and restaurants on the Mag Mile and is near the Lake and Oak Street Beach.

Listed for $1.575 million, is this the perfect property for a second home?

Doug Harter at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #7E: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3000 square feet

• Sold in April 2011 for $730,000
• Sold in August 2018 for $1.44 million
• Currently listed at $1.575 million 
• Assessments of $3,016 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $19,238
• Taxes of $240 a month
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Assigned parking space is leased for $240 a month
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 20×12
• Bedroom #2: 20×13
• Bedroom #3: 20×15
• Living room: 26×17
• Dining room: 20×16
• Kitchen: 15×15
• Den: 20×12
• Family room: 15×13
• Gallery: 24×9

This 2-bedroom at 200 E. Pearson in Streeterville came on the market in June 2021.

Built in 1917, it only has 10 units with just 2 units per floor. There’s no doorman or parking but there is a full-time engineer.

And there is a sign in front of the building discussing the very famous architect who called the building his home.

From Chicago Apartments: A Century of Lakefront Luxury:

The ten-apartment residence bears Renaissance-inspired details that have variously been linked to the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence and the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

The brown brick building, with cast concrete and metal trim, is locally celebrated as the home of Mies van der Rohe, who continued living there after completing and apparently briefly contemplating moving to his Lake Shore Drive Glass Houses a few blocks away.

Apparently even Mies liked classical architecture, at least to live in. The building was designed by Robert De Golyer.

This corner unit is a half floor residence with newer windows and hardwood floors.

It has a gracious foyer with 10 foot ceilings, wainscoting, and crown molding.

The living room has a gas fireplace and French doors that lead to the second bedroom.

There is a separate dining room as well as a guest room or office.

The kitchen has white cabinets, “high end” stainless steel appliances including a wine refrigerator and a breakfast bar.

The primary bedroom has built-ins, a walk-in-closet and laundry.

Both bedrooms are en suite.

There are stereo speakers throughout.

The unit has some of the features buyers look for including central air and heat and washer/dryer in the unit. There’s no parking but you can lease it around the corner at 221 E. Chestnut.

This building is across from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Lake Shore Park and is near the shops and restaurants on the Mag Mile.

Originally listed in June 2021 for $799,900, it has been reduced to $724,900.

The listing says the assessments, which includes the taxes, are $2744 a month.

At 2185 square feet, is this a deal at this price?

Carol Collins at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4W: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2185 square feet, co-op

• There’s no prior sales price as it’s a co-op
• Originally listed at $799,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $724,900
• Assessments and taxes: $2744 a month (includes heat, gas, cable, taxes, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×14
• Bedroom #2: 18×12
• Office: 16×7
• Living room: 26×15
• Dining room: 15×15
• Kitchen: 25×10
• Foyer: 7×21
• Walk-in-closet: 5×6

This 2-bedroom in Randolph Place at 165 N. Canal on the Near West Side came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1921, Randolph Place has 341 units and an attached heated garage.

It has 24-hour door staff and gym.

This unit is east facing and the listing says it was “recently renovated.”

It has an “updated” kitchen with gray cabinets with soft close cabinetry, quartz counter tops, a waterfall island with air fryer range and ceiling hood vent, with new stainless steel appliances.

This unit has crown molding, wainscoting and sliding barn doors.

The hardwood floors have been refinished.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

The primary suite faces east and has 2 “huge” closets and an en suite bath with double vanity.

The second bedroom does not appear to have any windows (see the pictures and floor plan of the prior listing).

It appears that walls were removed for the den and that it’s being used as a family/dining room.

This unit has a storage/laundry room with side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit.

It also has central air and deeded heated garage parking is available for $25,000.

This property has an east facing balcony with views of the River.

It’s centrally located near the River Walk, Fulton Market and the Loop.

This unit sold in December 2020 for $470,000 and is now relisted at $585,000, including the parking.

Will the new kitchen get them the premium?

Henry Torn at Listwithfreedom.com has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1022: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1771 square feet

• Sold in August 1999 for $320,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in January 2008 for $460,000
• Sold in October 2015 for $440,000
• Sold in December 2020 for $470,000
• Currently listed at $560,000 (plus $25,000 for parking)
• Assessments: aren’t listed but includes cable and Internet
• Taxes of $9485
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 10×10
• Living room: 19×16
• Kitchen: 9×12
• Family room: 12×12
• Balcony