Crib Chatter

This 4-bedroom duplex in Jackson Towers at 5555 S. Everett in Hyde Park came on the market in August 2022.

Jackson Towers was designed by architect Walter Ahlschlager who was, according to Chicago Apartments, A Century of Lakefront Luxury, a hotel and theater designer who also designed the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and what is now the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago.

Across from the Museum of Science and Industry, it was “conceived in a late Spanish Renaissance style with an 18-story central tower and two 15-story wings. It has 72 apartments, with about 25% of them duplexes.

The building is famous for its cathedral-like arched windows in some of the duplexes, including this one.

Jackson Towers has doorstaff and an on-site engineer but there’s no attached parking or other amenities.

This unit has a 2-story living room with 20 foot ceilings, a big chandelier, arched beams, a grand gas fireplace and “newly replaced” cathedral windows.

There are wood beams, bookcases, wood doors and boxed wood ceilings throughout.

The family room has built-ins and a dry bar and are those stained glass windows as well?

3 out of the 4 bedrooms are on the second floor, including the primary suite which has an en suite marble bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower and walk-in-closet with built-ins.

There are two other bathrooms on that level.

The fourth bedroom is on the main floor along with a dining room and 1.5 baths.

The eat-in kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances including a double oven and granite counter tops.

The listing says the unit has Pella windows.

It has the features buyers look for including “newer” space pac, washer/dryer in the unit but there’s no parking with the building. It’s available in the neighborhood.

This building is steps from the beach, close to the University of Chicago, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and the shops and restaurants of Hyde Park, not to mention the museum across the street.

Listed at $750,000, is this unit a single family home replacement?

Joanna Olszynska and Casey Ann Reid at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #B3-4: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3800 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in November 2014 for $185,000
• Currently listed at $750,000
• Assessments of $2600 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6224
• Space pac cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking with the building
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 27×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 8×16 (main floor)
• Living room: 25×18 (main floor)
• Dining room: 20×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 24×17 (main floor)
• Foyer: 11×8 (main floor)
• Family room: 13×14 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 9×7 (second floor)

This 3-bedroom on the 41st floor in The Sterling at 345 N. LaSalle in River North came on the market in August 2022.

Built in 2002, The Sterling was originally expected to be apartments but the condo boom had started raging so it was converted to condos before anyone moved in.

It has 389 units and attached rental garage parking which is $290 a month.

The building is a full amenity building with a “24-hour door staff, outdoor pool, party room, bbq area, two tennis courts, and recently-renovated sundeck area.”

The listing for this unit says it has had a $110,000 renovation including $20,000 for 1/2″ soundproof windows.

It has a “brand new floor” which is an AquaGuard walnut wire-brushed water resistant engineered hardwood with a lifetime warranty.

The kitchen has been “fully renovated” but the 2017 listing says it was “renovated” in 2015. The cabinets are white and the listing says it has a new refrigerator and induction range/oven.

The AC has been deep cleaned.

It has a primary suite with a custom walk-in-closet and en suite bath with dual sinks, quartz tub, walk-in-shower, custom walnut vanity, Italian tile and Grohe and Toto fixtures.

The second bathroom also has similar finishes.

It has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and you can rent garage parking in the attached garage. It is managed separately from the building.

It does not have private outdoor space.

The Sterling is near the shops and restaurants of River North and the River Walk and is an easy walk to the Loop.

Listed at $765,000, with many working from home, are three bedroom units suddenly more valuable?

Michael Marin at Signature Homes Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4102: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1630 square feet

• Sold in September 2004 for $830,000
• Lis pendens filed in November 2005
• Bank owned in September 2006
• Sold in January 2008 for $459,000
• Sold in July 2017 for $695,000
• Currently listed at $765,000
• Assessments of $1055 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $12,551
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Rental parking in attached garage at $290 a month
• Bedroom #1: 13×20
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Bedroom #3: 11×13
• Living/dining room combo: 16×18
• Kitchen: 8×10

This 2-bedroom in the Dearborn Schiller at 1366 N. Dearborn in the Gold Coast came on the market in August 2022.

Built in 1926 by McNally & Quinn Architects, the Dearborn Schiller currently has 40 units. There’s no attached parking but it’s available in the neighborhood.

According to Chicago Apartments, a Century of Lakefront Luxury, the building has a 3-story stone base and invokes Italian Renaissance palazzo features. It has a brick and cut stone exterior.

It originally had 2 six-room apartments and one four-room apartment per floor. There was an opportunity to combine units as well.

The building was converted into condos in 1980 selling from $83,000 to $198,500.

It does not have a doorman or other amenities.

The listing for this fourth floor unit says it has been “meticulously renovated from the ground up.”

It’s also unique in the building in that it is the only floor that has the french doors as windows throughout the living/dining room which the listing says “feels like living in Paris.”

The elevator opens directly into the unit’s private foyer.

It has the original fireplace but new Chevron quartersawn white oak floors.

The dining room has a custom mural and built-in cabinets.

The primary suite has custom closets and a spa-like primary bath with a walk-in-shower and linen storage.

The chef’s kitchen has been “completely redone” and has custom white cabinets, honed limestone countertops, natural marble hard finishes, a breakfast bar which seats 2 and an oven range imported from Paris.

The listing says there’s a breakfast nook which could be a second bedroom.

It has features that buyers look for including a full size laundry room with a sink and storage and central air. The listing says there is “garage parking nearby.”

It also has custom-made doorknobs and 10 karat gold leaf accents on the doors.

This building is on a tree lined street easily accessible to the Rush Street and Old Town restaurants and shops.

Listed at $1.45 million, is this the Gold Coast vintage dream?

Victoria Rezin and Dawn McKenna at Coldwell Banker have the listing. See the pictures here. Sorry, no floor plan.

Unit #4A: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1920 square feet

• Sold in October 2013 for $709,000 (per Zillow)
• Currently listed at $1.45 million
• Assessments of $2050 a month (includes heat, security, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $16,851
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• “garage parking nearby”
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×14
• Bedroom #2: 17×9
• Living room: 21×15
• Dining room: 18×14
• Kitchen: 15×12

This corner 3-bedroom in The Marquee at 1464 S. Michigan in the South Loop came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 2008, just as the housing boom was ending, The Marquee has 214 units and attached garage parking.

It has 24-hour doorstaff, an on-site engineer, fitness and exercise rooms, a bike room, dog run and theater room.

This is a Northeast corner unit with Brazilian cherry floors.

The kitchen is open to the living and dining rooms and has wood cabinets, an island with seating for 3, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a wine/beverage refrigerator and a reverse osmosis water system.

It has 3 bedrooms.

The primary suite, which has access to the terrace, has a walk-in-closet and an en suite marble bath with dual sinks, a soaking tub and separate shower.

The second bedroom has 2 closets while the third has a floating desk and built-in shelving.

It has a NEST thermostat, additional storage and motorized window coverings.

The unit also has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 car side-by-side parking spaces on the same floor as the unit are included.

But for those looking for outdoor space, it has a 740 square foot wraparound terrace with artificial grass and planters with multiple areas for dining, lounging and hanging out.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the South Loop, Mariano’s, and Trader Joe’s as well as multiple forms of public transportation.

Listed at $545,000, is this a deal for 3-bedrooms and a large private terrace?

Sarah Ziehr at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #301: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in February 2008 for $515,000 (per Zillow because the CCRD was being updated)
• Sold in April 2018 for $530,000 (per Zillow)
• Currently listed at $545,000 (includes 2 side-by-side parking spaces)
• Assessments of $820 a month (includes doorman and exterior maintenance)
• Taxes of $9579
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×12
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Bedroom #3: 13×11
• Living/dining combo: 16×25
• Kitchen: 12×12
• Walk-in-closet: 9×6
• Foyer: 8×6
• Terrace: 48×38

This 6-bedroom duplex up penthouse in Park Tower at 800 N. Michigan in the Gold Coast came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 2000, Park Tower has 117 condo units above the Park Hyatt hotel. It has an attached parking garage.

Residents get the use of the hotel amenities, including the pool and room service.

The condo residence has 24-hour doorstaff.

This full floor, 67th floor duplex-up penthouse has a grand foyer with private elevator entrance.

It has 14 foot ceilings, 360 degree panoramic city and lake views, custom millwork and built-ins.

It has a “chef’s kitchen” with a large eat-in kitchen with wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and stone counter tops along with an island.

5 bedrooms are on the main floor and one is on the second.

The primary suite is south facing, and on the main floor, and has an en suite bath with his/her vanities and a walk-in-closet.

The unit has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 4 car parking is included.

But even more unusually, it’s a rare high rise penthouse that actually has true outdoor space.

It has 3 different outdoor spaces including a deck with a custom Jacuzzi, a semi-enclosed balcony, and a genuine 400 square foot rooftop deck with custom kitchen which overlooks the entire city.

Looking for security? The listing says the building has facial recognition technology, lockdown mode, 24 hour building security and a private elevator foyer locked for privacy.

This building is directly across from Chicago’s famous Water Tower and is near the shops and restaurants of the Mag Mile, River North and the Gold Coast. It’s also just a few blocks from Oak Street Beach.

If you love views, is this the ultimate rooftop deck?

Susan Miner at Premier Relocation has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #67: 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths, 9250 square feet, duplex up, penthouse

• Sold in August 2000 for $6.9 million
• Currently listed at $15.75 million
• Assessments of $7093 a month (includes gas, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $166,046
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Includes 4 parking spaces
• 1 fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 22×18 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 16×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×13 (main floor)
• Bedroom #5: 16×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #6: 13×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 25×25 (main floor)
• Dining room: 19×16 (main floor)
• Family room: 22×17 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 23×13 (main floor)
• Laundry: 14×7 (second floor)
• Library: 19×14 (main floor)
• Eating Area: 21×15 (main floor)
• Media room: 33×25 (second floor)
• Foyer: 25×10 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 20×15 (main floor)
• Balcony: 21×10 (second floor)- 2 of these?
• Rooftop deck: 31×13 (second floor)

This 1-bedroom in The Churchill at 1255 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in August 2022.

The Churchill was built in 1924 and has 64 units. It’s a doorman building and has a new rooftop sundeck with grills.

There’s no parking with the building but it’s available in the neighborhood.

If this unit looks familiar, it’s because we last chattered about it in November 2020 when outdoor space was at a premium during the early months of the pandemic.

See our chatter here.

If you recall, it has been “expertly renovated.”

This Churchill unit has “New York style” vintage charm including high ceilings, plaster walls, crown molding, oak hardwood floors and arches.

At 1000 square feet, this 1-bedroom has a foyer and dining room.

The kitchen has 42″ white cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, Carrara marble counter tops and stainless steel European appliances.

The bathroom is also marble and has a glass shower and radiant heated floors.

The bedroom has a custom cedar walk-in-closet which the listing still says is where you could install in-unit washer/dryer (as it has said that on prior listings as well). Otherwise, there is a laundry room in the building.

There’s no central air but there are window units. And there’s no parking with the building but it’s available to rent in the neighborhood.

But the real selling point continues to be the outdoor space.

Not only does it have a 12×4 balcony, but it has a rare 12×8 secret terrace that is fenced for privacy.

Does this unit check all the boxes for vintage lovers who also want outdoor space?

Carol Collins at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing this time. You can see the pictures here.

Unit #2J: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1000 square feet

• Sold in April 1988 for $99,000
• Sold in January 1995 for $91,500
• Sold in October 1998 for $174,000
• Sold in February 2001 for $240,000
• Sold in October 2007 for $330,500
• Sold in April 2013 for $240,000
• Sold in December 2016 for $311,000
• Sold in April 2021 for $305,000
• Currently listed at $325,000
• Assessments of $1351 a month (they were $1226 a month in 2020) (includes heat, a/c, electricity, gas, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are now $5064 (they were $4956 in 2020)
• No central air- window units
• No in-unit washer/dryer but listing indicates it can be added
• No parking
• Bedroom: 16×12
• Living room: 21×14
• Dining room: 8×8
• Kitchen: 11×8
• Foyer: 10×6
• Balcony: 12×4
• Terrace: 12×8

This 2-bedroom brick and timber loft in River Bank Lofts at 550 N. Kingsbury in River North came on the market in June 2021.

Built in 1910, River Bank Lofts has 150 units and an attached parking garage. It was converted into condos in 1995.

It has doorstaff, an exercise room and a common, shared rooftop deck.

This loft is a top floor unit with hardwood floors throughout, exposed brick and timber ceilings.

It has western exposures over the River.

The primary bedroom has a window, an en suite bathroom with a dual vanity and walk-in spa rain shower along with a walk-in-closet.

The second bedroom doesn’t appear to have a window.

The listing says the kitchen is “high end” and has wood cabinets, stone counter tops and an island that seats 3.

There’s a balcony overlooking the River off the living room.

The loft has a dining space.

You access the rooftop deck via a spiral staircase.

The listing says “no expense spared” for the fully applianced and redesigned rooftop with north, west and south views including the River, city and skyline views.

The rooftop is made out of Ipe fire retardant wood decking and it has gas, water and electric.

It has residential appliances including refrigerator drawers and slide top, ice machine, kegerator, beverage center, Weber Summit 6 burner grill, gas fire pit, television, shade sail, an island that seats 5 and weather poof storage.

There is space for both the appliance/grill area and island, lounge seating and a dining table.

The unit also has a large, detached bonus room on the same floor.

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

The listing says that the association is putting a charging station in for electric cars.

Development has shifted to the north branch of the Chicago River. New apartments, the casino, offices, restaurants and music venues are going in.

This building could be at the hub of a lot of new construction.

Originally listed at $1.1 million in June 2021, it has been reduced to $850,000.

That is under the 2018 sales price of $895,000.

Is it a deal?

Monica Klein at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #607: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, loft

• Sold in March 1996 for $244,000
• Sold in October 1998 for $325,000
• Sold in December 2004 for $456,000
• Sold in June 2013 for $480,000
• Sold in June 2018 for $895,000
• Originally listed in June 2021 for $1.1 million
• Reduced 
• Currently listed at $850,000 (includes garage parking)
• Assessments of $949 a month (includes doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $12,129
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×11
• Bedroom #2: 15×11
• Living room: 19×13
• Dining room: 14×12
• Kitchen: 12×9
• Bonus: 11×16
• Storage: 16×9
• Balcony: 6×13
• Rooftop deck: 30×32

This large 1-bedroom at 1516 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2022.

Built in 1974, it has 64 units and attached rental parking.

The building has just 4 units per floor, doorstaff, an exercise room, an outdoor pool, a live-in engineer, and a laundry room.

This unit has been reconfigured from a 3-bedroom to a big 1415 square foot 1-bedroom (although the floor plan listed in the prior listing shows it as a 2-bedroom.)

The listing says it is “Zen inspired.”

There is bleached white oak wide plank flooring throughout.

The bedroom is separated from the living room by sliding opaque glass panels.

The bedroom has a huge walk-in-closet and a bath with a soaking tub. The second bath has a pulsing shower.

The kitchen has “high end” white Italian kitchen cabinets with integrated Subzero and Wolf appliances and a built-in espresso machine.

The unit has floor to ceiling windows, with remote blinds, that look out over the private 700 square foot walled terrace which has grass, concrete and planters.

The listing describes it as a great place for your dog and says there is no weight limits on pets in the building.

It has central air and rental parking is available for $190 a month. However, there is no in-unit washer/dryer.

This building is at the north end of the Gold Coast, putting it just steps away from Lincoln Park and near the shops and restaurants of Old Town.

Listed in April 2022 at $625,000, this unit went under contract once already. It is still listed at $625,000.

Is this a perfect home for a dog lover?

Pam Lynch at @properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #5D: 1 bedroom, 2 baths, 1415 square feet

• Sold in November 2106 for $384,000
• Originally listed in April 2022 for $625,000
• Under contract in July 2022
• Re-listed at $625,000
• Assessments of $1438 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, Internet, exercise room, outdoor pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8217
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit (laundry room in the building)
• Rental parking for $190 a month
• Bedroom: 14×25
• Living room: 14×15
• Dining room: 18×9
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Terrace: 14×51

This 5-bedroom contemporary single family home at 54 E. Scott in the Gold Coast came on the market in April 2022.

Built in 2010, it’s on a 45×145 lot and has a 5-car garage with a gated driveway.

It has an elevator.

The listing says it was the first LEED Gold certified home in Illinois. It also won the Historic Preservation Award for New Construction due to its compatibility with the 19th century historic homes surrounding it.

The house has a multi-story glass atrium and floating staircase.

It has 3 fireplaces and central air.

The house has a “state-of the art” contemporary kitchen with an island.

The living room and dining room face a courtyard with an Asian style water feature.

The kitchen, family room and breakfast room open to the terraced landscaped garden which has mature trees and multiple seating areas.

3 bedrooms are on the second floor including the primary suite which has a spa bath and a dressing room. The other 2 bedrooms on this floor are also en suite.

The remaining 2 bedrooms are on the third floor, and one could be configured into an in-law suite with a living/media room as there is a second kitchen.

Work from home? There’s a den and what looks like two offices, one on the main floor and one on the second.

There are also 2 rooftop gardens with container gardening including a sink and drainage.

The lower level has a “one-of-a-kind steampunk-style” game room and adjacent wine room.

There’s also a full bath, workshop and the 5 car garage with an electric car charger.

This house is in the heart of the Gold Coast and is near the shops and restaurants of Division and Rush street.

Listed at $9.4 million, is this a unique opportunity to get a “new” property in this historic neighborhood?

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

54 E. Scott: 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 10,400 square feet, single family home

• Previous home/land sold in April 2007 for $3.75 million
• Listed in April 2022 for $9.4 million
• Currently still listed at $9.4 million
• Taxes of $142,845
• Central Air
• 5 car garage
• 3 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 19×20 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 13×16 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 13×16 (third floor)
• Den: 12×14 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 13×21 (main floor)
• Living room: 18×30 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×21 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 12×10 (main floor)
• Office: 13×8 (main floor)
• Family room: 13×17 (main floor)
• Laundry: 13×11 (second floor)
• Office: 13×9 (second floor)
• Second kitchen: 13×13 (third floor)
• Media room: 19×24 (third floor)
• Recreation room: 15×34 (lower level)
• Terrace: 19×16 (main floor)
• Rooftop gardens
• Courtyard with water feature

This 3 bedroom in Park Plaza at 508 W. Melrose in East Lakeview came on the market in July 2022.

Park Plaza was built in 2005 and has 22 units and garage parking.

It’s an elevator building.

This unit has an open living/dining room with hardwood floors and a fireplace.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has an island, what looks like wood cabinets, and stainless steel appliances.

The bedrooms have carpet.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 side-by-side garage spots available for extra.

It also has a balcony.

It’s in the Nettlehorst school district.

This building is near the shops and restaurants in East Lakeview.

Listed at $625,000, that is under the 2018 sales price of $640,000 but that sale included the parking.

How are the 2005 housing boom era buildings holding up 17 years later?

Sanjay Marathe at Keller Williams Infinity has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry no floor plan).

Unit #6B: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1732 square feet

• Sold in February 2006 for $609,000
• Sold in December 2018 for $640,000
• Currently listed at $625,000 
• Assessments of $394 a month (includes exercise room, exterior maintenance). The listing says that it excludes the parking spot and Internet.
• Taxes of $12,565
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2 side-by-side garage spots available
• Bedroom #1: 18×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×12
• Bedroom #3: 13×9
• Living/dining: 24×16
• Kitchen: 11×10
• Walk-in-closet: 5×5
• Foyer: 20×6
• Laundry: 8×6
• Balcony