Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom duplex down at 1329 N. Dearborn in the Gold Coast came on the market in October 2025.

It doesn’t list when it was built but we can guess probably 1880-1900. It has 4 units and outdoor parking behind the building.

This is a first floor duplex down.

The listing says the home, at 3,000 square feet, is “larger than some single family homes.”

Unfortunately, most of its vintage features have been stripped out. It does have two fireplaces, however, one in the living room and one in the lower level family room.

The living room and dining room are in open concept and lead into the kitchen with wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island with seating for 2.

There is a unique “atrium” which brings in natural light into the hallway.

The first floor has the primary bedroom and the second bedroom.

The primary suite has an en suite bathroom and a walk-in-closet.

There is a second bathroom and a laundry room on the main floor as well.

The lower level, which is connected via a spiral staircase, has a large carpeted family room with a wet bar and mini-refrigerator, along with a brick fireplace and surround.

The third bedroom is in the lower level along with a full bathroom and an extra office space.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and it has 2 outdoor tandem parking spaces.

1329 N. Dearborn is near the shops and restaurants on Rush and Division, the Mag Mile and Old Town. There are two farmers markets nearby and multiple bus lines.

This property hasn’t changed hands in 25 years.

Listed at $995,000, when most 3-bedroom duplex downs in Lincoln Park or Lakeview are priced over $1 million now, is this unit a deal?

Grigory Pekarsky at Vesta Preferred has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3000 square feet, duplex down

• Sold in March 1987 for $365,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in August 1992 for $422,000
• Sold in October 2000 for $780,000
• Currently listed at $995,000
• Assessments of $250 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
• Taxes of $7703
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 car outdoor tandem parking included
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 14×14 (main level)
• Bedroom #2: 11×11 (main level)
• Bedroom #3: 14×10 (lower level)
• Living room: 23×23 (main level)
• Dining room: 15×14 (main level)
• Kitchen: 14×14 (main level)
• Sitting room: 13×10 (main level)
• Foyer: 10×10 (main level)
• Family room: 23×30 (lower level)
• Office: (lower level)

This 2-bedroom in a vintage walk-up at 523 W. Belmont in East Lakeview came on the market in October 2025.

Built in 1904, 523 W. Belmont has 6 units. There is no parking with the building.

It has a common courtyard with shared tables, a grill and a pond.

The listing calls this unit a “vintage treasure” with “classic charm.”

It has some of its vintage features including crown molding in the living room, 2 wood burning fireplaces, wood paneling and built-in cabinetry in the dining room.

There’s a bay window in the living room which flows into a den which could be closed off to become a third bedroom. It has a window.

The first of the wood burning fireplaces is in the living room.

There’s an entry foyer.

The kitchen is open to the dining room, which has wood paneling, the second wood burning fireplace and wood cabinetry.

The kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula which looks like you could have stools.

There’s a door in the kitchen which leads to a private deck overlooking the courtyard.

The listing says both bathrooms have been “tastefully updated.”

It has some of the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit. It doesn’t have central air, but it has window units. There’s no parking.

This building is near the shops and restaurants on Broadway and Belmont and several bus lines. You can walk to Wrigley Field without being so close as to be annoyed by the people and noise.

Listed at $484,900, that’s $144,900 above the 2020 purchase price of $340,000.

Are we at a new price point for 2-bedroom condos in Lakeview?

Alex Tzallas at Re/Max 10 Lincoln Park has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2E: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1400 square feet

• Sold in May 1997 for $166,500
• Sold in December 2002 for $285,000
• Sold in March 2016 for $325,000
• Sold in August 2020 for $340,000
• Currently listed at $484,900
• Assessments of $662 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $7748
• No central air but window units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• 2 wood burning fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 12×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Den: 10×10
• Kitchen: 17×11
• Living room: 20×12
• Foyer: 12×6
• Dining room: 17×13
• Laundry room: 5×7
• Deck: 11×7

This 2-bedroom duplex in 50 W. Schiller in the Gold Coast came on the market in September 2025.

50 W. Schiller and 40 W. Schiller were designed by Andrew Rebori in 1923. The buildings are combined with a private courtyard with seating, gardens and a fountain (it’s the area behind the arched wall).

The listing describes the garden-like courtyard as having “secrecy and romance.”

There’s no parking or other amenities.

This is a top floor corner unit.

The listing says it has been “remastered” in 2021 with the finest modern finishes. They have replaced the plumbing, electrical, windows and insulation.

It has new wide plank white oak floors.

The first floor has the foyer, the living room and kitchen.

There’s a wood burning fireplace in the living room as well as a skylight in part of the living room, which is 2-story.

There’s no dining room.

The kitchen has room to eat-in, however. The kitchen is “state of the art” with white and gray/green? modern cabinets. It has luxury appliances of Wolf, Miele and Fisher & Paykel. There’s no island but it does have a table and banquette.

The second floor has both bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, which the listing says are a “spa-level” design with heated floors.

The primary bedroom is en suite and has a walk-in-shower.

This unit also has 2 private outdoor spaces including a 5×4 porch off the primary bathroom with a spiral staircase to the lower level with a 9×13 patio.

It has some of the features buyers look for including washer/dryer in the unit. There’s no central air but there are wall units. There’s no parking but it’s available in the building next door.

This building is in the heart of the Gold Coast but also near the shops and restaurants of Old Town. It’s near buses on Clark.

This building is a co-op so the assessment includes the taxes.

Listed in September at $925,000, it has been reduced $26,000 to $899,000.

Will the reduction get it sold?

Andy Gersten and Lucas Baker at @Properties Christie’s have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2G: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1700 square feet, duplex up

• No prior sales price available due to it being a co-op
• Originally listed in September 2025 for $925,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $899,000
• Assessments of $2,338 a month (includes heat, taxes, cable, exterior maintenance, insurance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are included in the assessments as it’s a co-op
• No central air, but wall units
• Washer/dryer in the unit (it doesn’t say where it is on the layout- perhaps in the cabinets in the kitchen?)
• No parking but available in the building next door
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (second floor)
• Living room: 22×14 (main floor)
• Foyer: 7×6 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 25×11 (main floor)
• Closet: 4×6 (second floor)
• Porch: 5×4 (second floor)
• Patio: 9×13 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom townhouse in Old Town Square at 210 W. Scott in Old Town came on the market in September 2025.

Built in 1999, Old Town Square has 59 townhouses and a central courtyard.

This townhouse is on a 20×60 foot print.

The listing describes it as “refined city living.”

For those of you who are fans of bathrooms on each floor, this townhouse has that layout. It has 2 full bathrooms on the third floor and a half bath on each the first and second floors.

The first floor has a rare attached 2-car garage and a sitting room/family room.

The second floor has a living/dining room combination with a wood burning fireplace. There’s a small balcony off the living room.

The kitchen is a separate room. It has white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. There’s no island but there appears to be room for one, or a table.

The third floor has all three bedrooms including a primary suite with a remodeled en suite bathroom with a double vanity and walk-in-shower.

There’s also a second full bath.

The laundry is also on this floor.

The townhouse has central air and a rooftop deck which the listing says is a “peaceful outdoor escape” with impressive city views.

The listing says that all the major mechanicals have been updated in “recent years.”

Old Town Square is near the shops and restaurants on Wells and the Gold Coast. Buses and supermarkets, including Aldi and Jewel, are nearby.

Listed at $1.165 million, is over a million dollars the new price for a townhouse in Old Town?

Philip Skowron at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit I: 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, 2400 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in September 1999 for $356,000
• Sold in April 2000 for $540,000
• Originally listed in September 2025 for $1.165 million
• Currently still listed at $1.165 million
• Assessments of $200 a month (includes snow and scavenger. I think also exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $17,656
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer on the third floor
• 2-car attached garage
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×9 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×9 (third floor)
• Living room: 19×17 (second floor)
• Dining room: 16×10 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 15×14 (second floor)
• Family room: 19×15 (main level)
• Deck: 18×14 (fourth floor)
• Balcony on second floor

This 4-bedroom in The Cambridge at 524 W. Briar in East Lakeview came on the market in October 2025.

Built in 1899, The Cambridge has 16 units and storage in the basement. It wraps around the corner of both Briar and Cambridge.

There’s no parking or amenities with the building.

This unit is a one level “sophisticated and sun-filled” unit with a bay window and French doors that lead to a juliette balcony.

It has some of its vintage features including hardwood floors throughout and custom crown molding.

The unit also has a separate dining room and a gas fireplace in the living room.

It has a “chef’s kitchen” with white cabinets, “premium” stainless steel appliances and white countertops. There’s a breakfast nook and a built-in bar.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a “spa-inspired” dual vanity bath. It’s unusual to have a primary ensuite in a vintage unit.

There’s a second full bath for the other three bedrooms.

This unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and deeded parking, which is in the building next door (and which a realtor’s note from 8 years ago says is a 5-minute walk away).

There’s no private outdoor space.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview. There are buses nearby. The listing says its in the Nettelhorst school district.

This 2200 square foot unit is listed at $950,000.

It seems to have it all. Will this sell quickly to vintage lovers?

Cosmina Neaga at 312 Estates LLC has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2: 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2200 square feet

• Sold in March 1997 for $195,000
• Sold in March 1998 for $270,000
• Sold in June 2001 for $360,000
• Sold in September 2007 for $500,000
• Sold in September 2015 for $770,000
• Sold in March 2019 for $818,000
• Currently listed at $950,000 
• Assessments of $919 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Is there a separate garage parking assessment???
• Taxes of $12,236 (does this include the garage parking taxes?)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Deeded garage parking is included
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×16
• Bedroom #2: 14×13
• Bedroom #3: 11×14
• Bedroom #4: 9×9
• Kitchen: 22×15
• Living room: 21×20
• Dining room: 18×15
• Foyer: 12×8
• Walk-in-closet: 8×3
• Storage in the basement: 5×8

This top floor 3-bedroom at 626 W. Belden in East Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2025.

We have chattered about this building, and even this unit, previously in 2020. At that time, during the pandemic, it did not sell.

See our 2020 chatter here.

But it came back on the market in 2022 and sold quickly.

If you recall, this greystone was built in 1889. It has 3 units and garage parking.

The building was converted into condos in 1995. There are no other amenities.

This unit has some of its vintage features including ceiling medallions in the living and dining rooms along with a fireplace with a carved wood mantle. The current listing says the fireplace is “decorative” but it was “wood burning” in 2020.

It has 10 foot ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen is at the front of the unit and has a window. It now has green cabinets (they were white in 2020), white counter tops, a breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. It’s open to the living and dining room.

This is a rare vintage unit which has a primary suite, with its own full bath with a double vanity and walk-in-shower, along with a walk-in-closet. In 2020, that closet was being used as an office because it has a window.

Current pictures show it being used only as a closet.

It has the other features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit, in the walk-in-closet, and garage parking.

It also has a 7×8 private deck off the primary bedroom.

The property is in the coveted East Lincoln Park neighborhood and is near Lincoln Elementary, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park, and the shops and restaurants on Lincoln.

In 2022, it was listed at $599,900 and had “multiple offers received.” It closed for $58,100 over the list, at $658,000.

Three years later, the market is even tighter. The unit has been listed at $800,000 this time.

Will it get multiple offers again?

Tom Campone at KellerWilliams ONEChicago has the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

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

• Sold in September 1997 for $345,000
• Sold in March 2006 for $520,000
• Sold in August 2012 for $470,000
• Sold in July 2015 for $577,500
• Sold with “multiple offers” in May 2022 for $658,000 (listed at $599,900)
• Listed in September 2025 at $800,000
• Currently still listed at $800,000
• Assessments are still $325 a month (they were $325 a month in 2020) (includes parking, exterior maintenance and scavenger)
• Taxes are now $12,448 (they were $9761 in 2020)
• Garage parking included
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Decorative fireplace (was wood burning fireplace in 2020)
• Bedroom #1: 12×23
• Bedroom #2: 9×11
• Bedroom #3: 11×14
• Living room: 12×21
• Dining room: 12×9
• Kitchen: 13×8
• Deck: 7×8

This 2-bedroom in The Gateway Lofts at 1738 W. Belmont in West Lakeview came on the market in September 2025.

Built in 2002, The Gateway Lofts has 14 units and attached garage parking.

It’s an elevator building and has some amenities including an exercise room and a recreation room with a ping pong table (why not make it a co-working space instead?), and a shared rooftop deck with city views.

This unit is a rear main floor unit with high ceilings, exposed ductwork and exposed brick in the living room.

There are hardwood floors throughout and a wall of windows with custom remote blinds.

The open kitchen has been “updated” and has white 42″ cabinets, an island with bar seating, 2020 quartz countertops, a subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel sink, faucet and appliances.

There is a brick wood burning fireplace in the living room and space for a dining room table.

Both bedrooms have windows. The primary bedroom is en suite.

There’s a Murphy bed in the second bedroom.

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

The listing says it has “fresh paint” as of September 2025. It also has a new furnace (2022), hot water heater (2022), A/C (2020) and disposal (2020).

The building resurfaced the roof in 2024.

This unit also has access to a massive private deck measuring 20×32 which was “refinished” in 2022.

The building is near the shops and restaurants of Roscoe Village and on Lincoln and Belmont in West Lakeview. There are several bus lines nearby.

Listed for $519,000, that’s $79,000 above the 2020 sales price of $440,000.

Will they get their full price?

Maria Etling at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1R: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• I couldn’t find an original 2002 price
• Sold in March 2010 for $332,500
• Sold in April 2016 for $387,500
• Sold in November 2020 for $440,000
• Currently listed for $519,000
• Assessments of $332 a month (includes exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6510
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×8
• Living room: 16×12
• Dining room: 20×11
• Kitchen: 14×8
• Laundry: 4×4
• Deck: 20×32

This 2-bedroom penthouse duplex-up at 1521 N. Paulina in Wicker Park came on the market in September 2025. (Sorry, I don’t have any picture of this building.)

I don’t have a year this building was built but it has 12 units and a bike room. There’s no parking with the building.

The listing says this is a renovated duplex-up unit which is “modern luxury and vintage charm.”

It is east facing with oversized windows and some exposed wood beams on the main level.

There are hardwood floors throughout the main floor and in the primary bedroom. The second bedroom has carpet.

The main floor is open concept with the living room, dining room and kitchen.

The kitchen has black cabinets, quartz countertops, an island with seating for 3, and high end stainless steel appliances including a brand new refrigerator and dishwasher in the last 12 months.

The living room has a decorative fireplace.

There’s also a full bath with a walk-in-shower on the main floor and a private deck which the listing says is a “private sanctuary.”

Both bedrooms are on the second floor.

The primary bedroom has a “spa-inspired” bathroom with a double vanity and a soaking tub.

There’s also a second private outdoor space with skyline views from the second floor.

It has the features that buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit on the second floor, but there’s no parking.

This building is near the Blue Line stop at Damen, several bus lines, the 606 and the shops and restaurants of Wicker Park and Bucktown. There’s a new Whole Foods going into the old CVS/bank building on Ashland soon.

Listed in September 2025 at $525,000, that’s $70,000 above the 2022 sales price of $455,000.

Will they get their price without any parking?

Natalie Renna at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here. (Sorry, no floor plan.)

Unit #3R: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage, duplex up, penthouse

• Sold in May 2004 for $269,000
• Sold in May 2007 for $339,000
• Sold in August 2015 for $401,000
• Sold in February 2022 for $455,000
• Currently listed at $525,000
• Assessments of $265 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7,171
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit (second floor)
• No parking
• Decorative parking
• Bedroom #1: 13×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 23×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 10×15 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom in 1528 W. Monroe in the West Loop came on the market in September 2025.

I don’t know the year this building was built (pre-1900?) but it has 14 units and indoor garage parking.

It also has 3 common outdoor spaces including a rooftop deck.

The building was converted into condos in 2008.

Unfortunately, most of the vintage features have been removed. However, this unit does have high ceilings, crown molding and a “marble-detailed” fireplace.

It has Brazilian cherry floors throughout.

The kitchen is open to the living room which the listing indicates is a living/dining room combo, but there is no room for a dining room.

There is a bay window in the living room.

The kitchen has 42″ dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops and an island with a breakfast bar.

There are three bedrooms. The second bedroom has custom built-in bookcases. There’s also a door that leads somewhere (but where?).

The primary suite is en suite and has a dual vanity, deep jetted soaking tub, and a separate shower with body sprays.

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

This building is near Skinner Park and the shops and restaurants of the West Loop.

Listed at $625,000, that is $100,000 above the 2017 purchase price of $525,000.

Will they get their price in this hot market?

Lyn Harvie at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here. (Sorry, no floor plan)

Unit #200: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in March 2008 for $480,000
• Sold in April 2008 for $325,000 (is this a different unit?0
• Sold in May 2016 for $317,500 (is this the April 2008 unit?)
• Sold in September 2017 for $525,000
• Currently listed at $625,000
• Assessments of $525 a month (includes exterior maintenance and scavenger)
• Taxes of $10,679
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Marble detailed fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×13
• Bedroom #3: 11×10
• Living/dining room combo: 14×13
• Kitchen: 9×8

It’s a good time to take some time off. I’m having the worst time finding properties that I find interesting. I shudder to think about how it will be in December.

Will we see less than 100 properties on the market in Lincoln Park this winter? Lowest I’ve seen in this cycle is 120.

I’ll be on vacation this week through Monday, September 29.

See you at the end of the month and then we’ll be in October.

Sabrina