Crib Chatter

I don’t know if this 1913 Georgian home is within President-Elect Obama’s security “cone” in Kenwood (which has its own pros and cons, of course)- but either way, it looks like you’d have some privacy.

Not only do you get 8 fireplaces but there are apparently tennis courts.  I can’t tell from the listing if these are your own private courts or some kind of neighborhood courts.

Here’s the listing:

Spacious, well-maintained rooms, numerous baths, tall ceilings, french doors, fireplaces with ornately carved mantels and stone surrounds are just some of the embellishments to be found in this handsome Georgian residence.

The interior of this residence is magnificent and architecturally significant. The exterior offers a four-car garage, tennis courts, and grounds which feel like your very own private space.

Shirley Amico at Koenig & Strey has the listing. See more pictures and a virtual tour here.

4819 S. Greenwood: 7 bedrooms, 5 baths, 2 half baths, 4-car garage, no square footage listed

• Sold in September 2000 for $925,000
• Originally listed for $3.2 million in October 2005 through November 2007
• Reduced
• Listed at $2.95 million in November 2007
• Reduced several times
• Listed at $2.68 million by September 2008
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $2.575 million
• Taxes of $18,963
• 8 fireplaces
• Tennis courts?
• Library
• Den
• Central Air

How popular is the vintage single family home in Andersonville in this market?

We’re about to find out as this renovated 1905 greystone has hit the market at 5336 N. Glenwood.

Here’s the listing:

CLASSIC CHICAGO GREYSTONE RENOVATED TO PERFECTION IN 2000 IN HEART OF ANDERSONVILLE. FOUR BEDROOMS (ONE USED AS A LIBRARY), MASTER HAS HUGE CEDAR W/I. KITCHEN W/SUBZERO, VIKING, FRENCH DOORS TO BACK DECK AND TWO CAR GARAGE.

2 WBFP. HEATED FLOOR IN MB. ROOMS WIRED FOR SOUND. HEATED GUTTERS. SKYLIGHTS. FANTASTIC REC ROOM AND STORAGE SPACE IN BASEMENT. WALK TO SHOPS, RED LINE.

India Whiteside and Maureen Murnane at Coldwell Banker have the listing.

See more pictures and a virtual tour here (be sure to check out the wood beamed ceiling and exposed stone basement.)

5336 N. Glenwood: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage, no square footage given

• Sold in December 1996 for $297,000
• Sold in January 2000 for $493,000
• Currently listed for $1.05 million
• Taxes of $9,238
• Central Air

We’ve chattered about several new construction million dollar single family homes that have been in short sale or in foreclosure.

This 5-bedroom new home at 730 W. Melrose in Lakeview can be added to the list of McMansions under stress.

It is currently in short sale. A lis pendens was filed in October 2008.

Here’s the listing:

Magnificent new construction brick/limestone Single-Family Home! Features private drive w/attached garage, high ceilings, wood floors, custom mouldings, gourmet granite kichen w/SS appliances & Mahogany cabinets.

Huge master suite w/oversized bath to include steam shower, Jacuzzi, double-vanity and custom stone tops & floors! Superb Location! Must see!.. SHORT SALE; SUBJECT TO BANK APPROVAL, AS IS. 98% Finished!

Chaz Walters at Sudler Sotheby’s has the listing. See more pictures here.

730 W. Melrose: 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2 car garage, 5200 square feet

• Originally listed in November 2006 for $1.895 million
• Reduced to $1,799,900 in November 2007
• Reduced a bunch of times
• Currently listed for $1,349,999
• Lot/house sold in February 2005 for $610,000
• Lis pendens filed in October 2008
• Taxes of $7,766 (assuming it’s the old tax amount)

We’ve chattered about this million dollar flip in The Columbian, at 1160 S. Michigan in the South Loop, a couple of times.

The price simply seems to be following the market lower.

It’s now been reduced by $455,000 since December 2007.

Here’s the listing again:

Spec Pnths at The Columbian. Excptnl flr pln w/ 9’6′ ceiling, ovr 3400 sq ft of lvg spac w/priv bal, unobstructed wraparound vws of lake, Navy Pier, Grant Park.

Fab home feat expansive LR/DR & FR w/sep kit w/Sub-Zero, Viking, Bosch appls, grnt cntrtps w/brk nk. 3 Mstr Br stes w/lrg wlk-in closets. Lndry rm, pwdr rm, hdwd flrs, cstm millwrk. Inc 2 prk spacs. 24-hr drmn, prty rm, ftnss cntr, sun deck & dog run.

Deborah Thomas at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See more pictures and a virtual tour here.

Unit #4201: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths,  3480 square feet, direct lake views

• Sold in December 2007 for $1.6 million 
• Original list price in December 2007 of $2,555,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in July 2008 for $2,275,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in early November 2008 for $2.195 million
• Reduced again
• Currently listed for $2.1 million
• Assessments of $1115 a month
• Taxes are “new” 
• Includes two parking spaces

The Silver Cloud, a new conversion building at 5346 S. Cornell, in Hyde Park, has been selling units since 2007.

From what I can tell, 31 out of 72 units have closed.

Current stats on the building (out of 72 units):

• 12 for sale
• 4 for rent

Some units may be both for sale AND for rent.

Two re-sales recently came on the market, Units #1003 and #1103. They are both for sale and/or rent.

Here is the listing (same for both):

Hyde Park-resale of luxury upgraded split 2bd/2ba, at Silver Cloud in preferred 03 tier. Lg, open loft-style living area, Brazilian cherry flrs thruout, dark espresso Italian cabinet kitchen w/ ss appliances, track lighting, in-unit washer/dryer,gorgeous views of city & lake from expansive windows & balcony.

Parking on site. Building offers exercise facility,doorman,dog run,&movie theatre. Best finishes in Hyde Park

@Properties has both listings. See more pictures here (pictures are the same for both units).

Unit #1003: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed (but around 1150)

• Sold in July 2007 for $329,900
• Currently listed for $329,900 (parking available)
• Assessments of $233 a month
• Taxes are “new”
• OR you can rent it for $2200 a month

Unit #1103: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed (but around 1150)

• Sold in July 2007 for $335,900
• Currently listed for $335,900 (parking available)
• Assessments of $237 a month
• Taxes are “new”
• OR you can rent it for $2200 a month

We last chattered about this 3-bedroom unit at 847 W. Bradley in Lakeview in July. We’re still lusting after the great front porch.

It’s been reduced another $22,500.

Here’s the listing again:

SENSATIONAL HOME WITH EXQUISITE DETAILS & SUPERB FINISHES IN QUALITY GVP BUILDING SITUATED ON 43′ LOT. FANTASTIC WIDE LAYOUT & GRACIOUS ROOM SIZES. GREAT KITCHEN W/LARGE ISLAND,PANTRY,TOP SS APPS ANCHORS SPECTACULAR MAIN LIVING AREA OVER 35′ WIDE WITH FP & BIG WINDOWS

OPENS TO STUNNING COVERED TERRACE. HUGE MASTER W/BIG WALK-IN & GORGEOUS BATH. 3RD BDRM NOW OPEN FAM RM WITH FP + BEAUTIFUL BUILT-INS. ATT GARAGE. WOW!

Greg Desmond at Rubloff has the listing. See more pictures and a virtual tour here.

See the property website here.

Unit #2F: 3 bedrooms,  2.5 baths

• Sold in August 2003 for $570,000
• Sold in April 2006 for $638,000
• Originally listed in February 2008 for $683,000
• Reduced
• Was listed in July 2008 for $647,500 (parking included)
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $625,000 (parking included)
• Assessments of $220 a month
• Taxes of $7683
• Central air

When we last chattered about this 2-bedroom vintage unit at 506 W. Armitage in Lincoln Park in August 2008, it was under contract.

But that fell through and it’s still on the market.

It was recently reduced $7,000.

Here’s the listing:

Vintage two bedroom in the heart of Lincoln Park with oversized South facing windows that provide a lot of light, 10′ ceilings, central air, original marble fireplace with wood mantle, original hardwood floor throughout, lovely built-in bookshelves.

Huge open living area, large closets, double vanity bath, in-unit laundry and big deck for entertaining. Lots of storage. Easy street parking. Pets welcome.

Carol Nevada Duran at Rubloff has the listing. See more pictures and the virtual tour here.

See the property website here.

Unit #1: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, no square footage given

• Sold in September 2004 for $312,000
• Was listed in August 2008 for $325,000
• Under contract in August 2008
• Still listed and reduced
• Currently listed for $319,000
• Assessments of $216 a month
• Taxes of $3,706
• W/D in the unit
• Woodburning fireplace
• Central air
• No parking

In May 2008, we chattered about this 8-unit conversion building at 928 W. Eastwood in Uptown which had numerous units in short sale.

At that time, it appeared that some of the units were still in various stages of construction as well.

Two units, Unit #1W and #1E, went into foreclosure and are now bank-owned.

They’re being sold at fire sale prices of $85,000 and $80,000, respectively.

Here’s the listing for #1W:

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!! Steps to the lakefront, red line trains, and the bus! This spacious unit is studded, partially drywalled and ready for you to finish! Get in at a great price! As is!

SR Realty Group has the listing. See the listing here (no interior pictures available).

Unit #1W: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths

• Sold in September 2006 for $270,000
• Bank-owned
• Currently listed for $85,000
• Assessments of $175 a month
• Taxes are “new”
• No parking

Unit #1E is also bank-owned. Here’s the listing:

**********CORPORATE OWNED PROPERTY*********** SOLD AS IS ONLY. AS IS ADDENDUM PROVIDED BY SELLER. PROOF OF FUNDS OR PREQULAIFICATION REQUIRED WITH OFFERS. TAXES PRORATED AT 100%. NO SURVEY.

Great Lakes Realty has the listing. See the listing here (no interior pictures are available.)

Unit #1E: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths

• Sold in August 2006 for $260,000
• Bank-owned
• Currently listed for $80,000
• Assessments of $200 a month
• Taxes are “new”
• No parking

Unit #3W was also listed last May and is still on the market.

It’s been reduced $26,000.

Here’s the listing:

TERRIFIC UNIT, SHOWS LIKE A MODEL IN THIS GUT REHAB RECENT CONVERSION. SPACIOUS, HDWD FL. THRU-OUT, KIT W/GRANITE ISLAND, MOSAIC TILES FULL WALL BACKSPLASH, CHERRY CABS. & S/S APPL; FROSTED GLASS.

EXPOSED BRK,GORGEOUS MSTR BTH W/6′ WHIRLPOOL, DOUBLE SINK & TOTO TOILET! WIRELESS CAT 6, CABLE READY. GATED PRKG INCLUDED,LARGE DECK. CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANS & LAKEFRONT.

Beata Niedziolka at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See more pictures here.

Unit #3W: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400 square feet, 1 car parking

• Sold in August 2006 for $364,000
• Was listed in May 2008 for $295,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed for $269,000
• Assessments of $152 a month
• Taxes are “new”

There is something unique about 50 W. Schiller in the Gold Coast. No two units are alike.

This 2-bedroom duplex has been renovated.

Here’s the listing:

Exquisitely detailed, sophisticated & impeccably restored Andrew Roberi coop: Two bedrooms & small office area , 2 baths. Feels like Paris in the 20’s ! Kitchen has thermadore oven, Gaggenau cook top, sub zero refrigerator.

Lovely original wbfp, 2 story window in living room, curving walls, beautiful baths, central air! Charming courtyard garden. Taxes and heat included in monthly assessments! Parking nxt door..

Real Living Infinity has the listing. See more pictures here (check out the restored bathroom and more of the duplexed area)

Unit #H-2: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, den, duplex, no square footage listed

• I couldn’t locate a prior sales price
• Currently listed for $679,000
• Assessments of $1172 a month
• Taxes of $5,292 (but apparently included in the monthly assessements)
• Space Pac cooling
• Bedroom #1: 17×11
• Bedroom #2: 9×11

The Park Alexandria, at 125 S. Jefferson, on the west side of the Loop (some might consider that area to be the west loop) was built in 2003 as part of the continuing downtown residential renaissance.

One 2-bedroom has gone to foreclosure and is now back on the market as a bank-owned property.

Is this even a deal?

Here’s the listing:

VACANT, EASY TO SHOW, ** CALL THE NUMBER PROVIDED IN SHOWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR LOCK BOX COMBO** FAX OFFERS TO OFFICE. EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURES**LENDER OWNED PROPERTY SOLD AS IS.**PLEASE INCLUDE PRE APPROVAL LETTER OR PROOF OF FUNDS WITH OFFER.

SELLER WILL NOT PROVIDE SURVEY OR TERMITE INSPECTIONS. **PLEASE EMAIL PROPERTY FEEDBACK ALL FEEDBACK IS HELPFUL AND APPRECIATED!!*****SOLD AS IS****

The Lake Shore Drive Group has the listing. See the listing here (sorry, no interior pictures.)

Unit #807: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths,  1370 square feet

• Sold in February 2004 for $372,000
• Sold in December 2006 for $375,000
• Lis pendens in October 2007
• Bank-owned as of August 2008
• Currently listed for $329,900 (doesn’t appear to include a parking spot)
• Assessments of $536 a month
• Taxes of $4,858

This similar tier 2-bedroom unit, Unit #1107, is also on the market but is not a foreclosure or short sale. It’s priced, with two parking spaces, only $10,000 more than #807.

Here’s the listing:

2 garage parking spots included in price! Seller will pay $4,000 buyers closing costs! Corner unit w/balcony. In-unit laundry. Granite in kitchen, stall and tub in m/bath. Home warranty. Bldg has 24hr door, exercise and guest bedrms to rent.

Alan Shultz at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See more pictures here.

Unit #1107: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1340 square feet

• Sold in August 2004 for $342,000
• Originally listed in January 2008 for $389,000
• Reduced several times
• Currently listed at $339,000 (2 car parking included)
• Assessments of $540 a month
• Taxes of $5574