Crib Chatter

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

This 3-bedroom duplex-up in 1320 N. State Parkway in the Gold Coast came on the market in July 2022.

1320 N. State Parkway was designed by Robert S. De Goyler in 1927. It has 40 units and a brick and limestone façade. There’s no parking with the building.

It is a co-op building with a doorman, bike storage, a “new, state of the art” exercise room, a communal courtyard with tables, grills and a garden, a new residents lounge and individual mail delivery to each apartment. It also has on-site maintenance and large private storage.

The listing says this unit has been “completely redesigned and remodeled in 2021 by architect and designer Julie Fisher of FC Studios.”

It has a great room with 20-foot ceilings, historic leaded windows and a smokeless gas fireplace.

The unit has all new plumbing, wiring, mechanicals, and new windows.

The listing says the elevator accesses both floors.

The kitchen is a Christopher Peacock kitchen and butler’s pantry with white and wood cabinets, an island, a peninsula with seating and luxury Subzero, Cove and Wolf appliances which is open to the dining room.

It also has a full wet bar with wood cabinets and a peninsula that overlooks the family room with built-in bookshelves.

Each of the three bedrooms are en suite. The third bedroom is on the main floor with the primary and second bedroom upstairs.

The primary bathroom has a soaking tub, double vanity and walk-in shower.

The unit has the features buyers look for including space pac cooling and washer/dryer in the unit on the second floor.

As there is no parking with the building, the listing says it is available to rent across the street at 1325 N. State Parkway.

This building is in the heart of the Gold Coast, near the shops and restaurants of Rush Street.

Listed at $1.695 million, is this a steal for a fully renovated unit in this neighborhood?

Oliver Levy at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #10-11B: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2812 square feet, duplex-up

• It’s a co-op and I couldn’t find a prior sale. It has been on and off the market since 2016, however.
• Currently listed at $1.695 million
• Assessments of $5540 a month (includes heat, doorman, cable, exercise room, taxes, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are included in assessment
• Space pac cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking available to rent at 1325 N. State Parkway
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×13 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×8 (main floor)
• Foyer: 17×7 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 18×12 (main floor)
• Laundry: 11×3 (second floor)
• Dining room: 13×9 (main floor)
• Family room: 19×15 (main floor)
• Living room: 29×14 (main floor)

This 2-bedroom duplex up loft in the Surrey Court Lofts at 1250 W. Fullerton in Lincoln Park came on the market in July 2022.

Built in 1906, Surrey Court Lofts were converted into condos in 1987. It has 22 lofts, an elevator and outdoor parking.

The listing says this loft has been “highly upgraded.”

It has authentic loft features including exposed brick and timber ceilings along with skylights.

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

The second bedroom is fully enclosed and has custom sliding door.

The primary bedroom has custom electric block out shades, a large walk-in-closet and a “brand new” bathroom with fully enclosed steam shower and custom vanity.

The second bathroom has a custom 17′ Duravit soaking tub.

The kitchen has white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

There’s a private balcony off the living/family room as well as a wood burning fireplace and built-in bookshelves.

There’s a spiral staircase to the second floor which has a loft, a bonus space and a den which the listing calls a “rooftop lodge” that is currently being used as a music room.

The “lodge” is enclosed and has a Poggenpohl wet bar.

The loft has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one outdoor parking space is included.

In addition to the private balcony on the first floor, it also has a private rooftop deck with built-in seating, planters, lighting, gas and electrical outlets.

This loft is near the DePaul campus, the Fullerton and Armitage el stops, and the Clybourn Corridor.

Listed at $849,900, is this a dream loft for loft lovers?

Christine Droegemueller Car at Luxury Living Chicago Realty has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3F: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2200 square feet, loft, duplex up

• Sold in October 1988 for $287,500
• Sold in May 1991 for $237,000
• Sold in September 2000 for $387,500
• Sold in May 2009 for $437,500
• Currently listed at $849,900 (includes outdoor parking space)
• Assessments of $564 a month (includes the Internet)
• Taxes of $10,087
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×14 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 10×9 (main floor)
• Living room: 17×20 (main floor)
• Dining room: 21×12 (main floor)
• Family room: 16×20 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×6 (main floor)
• Loft: 10×14 (second floor)
• Den: 8×17 (second floor)
• Bonus: 7×15 (second floor)
• Balcony: main floor
• Deck: 37×28 (second floor)

We’re finally seeing a cooling in the red hot Chicago housing market thanks to higher mortgage rates.

From the Illinois Association of Realtors:

The median price of a home in the city of Chicago in June 2022 was $367,000, a 4.7 percent increase from June 2021, when it was $350,500.

In Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in June 2022 totaled 3,293 homes sold, down 15.7 percent from June 2021 sales of 3,908 homes.

Reminder that last June was the hottest for June home sales since our data began in 1997.

Thanks to G for the historical sales data:

• June 1997: 1,817
• June 1998:  2,214
• June 1999:  2,435
• June 2000: 2,513
• June 2001: 2,451
• June 2002: 2,590
• June 2003: 2,891
• June 2004: 3,752
• June 2005: 3,850
• June 2006: 3,557
• June 2007: 3,127
• June 2008: 2282
• June 2009: 1981
• June 2010: 2526 (tax credit sales)
• June 2011: 1841
• June 2012: 2246
• June 2013: 2729
• June 2014: 2846
• June 2015: 3202
• June 2016: 3321
• June 2017: 3380
• June 2018: 3191
• June 2019: 2850
• June 2020: 2072
• June 2021: 3908
• June 2022: 3293

Here is the monthly median price data:

• June 2008: $309,945
• June 2009: $242,050
• June 2010: $234,250
• June 2011: $207,000
• June 2012: $216,700
• June 2013: $254,900
• June 2014: $275,000
• June 2015: $288,250
• June 2016: $299,900
• June 2017: $306,750
• June 2018: $314,900
• June 2019: $319,000
• June 2020: $329,000
• June 2021: $350,500
• June 2022: $367,000

“In June, the median sales price increased despite concerns about inflation and interest rates,” said Antje Gehrken, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and president and designated managing broker of A.R.E. Partners. “This shows that there is still buyer demand this summer, although it’s restricted by inventory, impacting sales.”

Statewide inventory fell 18.9% in June to 25,781 homes from 31,807 homes last year. The average home sold in 21 days down from 27 last June.

Chicago mirrored the statewide trends. Chicago inventory fell 18.8% to 7,312 homes from 9,008 last year. Days on the market also fell to 26 from 32 days in 2021.

“Price growth has continued throughout Illinois while sales remain low,” 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. “Increases in interest rates and concerns about inflation have led consumers to become cautious about home purchases, which is likely to lead to declines in house price growth in the future. However, we do not foresee any major changes in the trends for prices or sales over the next three months.”

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 5.52% in June 2022 up from 5.23% in May and up from 2.98% last year.

With sales slowing, inventory is rising.

But will it be enough to give buyers the advantage this summer and into the fall market?

Illinois homes continue to sell briskly in June [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, by Bill Kozar, July 20, 2022]

This corner 3-bedroom loft in the Regal Lofts at 1735 W. Diversey in Lincoln Park came on the market in June 2022.

I don’t know when this building was built, but Regal Lofts was converted into condos in 2000. There are 107 units with both indoor and outdoor parking.

It’s an elevator building with no doorman. It has a fitness center, storage and a fenced dog park.

This is an authentic loft with 11 foot timber ceilings, timber structural beams and exposed brick walls.

It has diagonal hardwood floors in the main living/dining/kitchen and carpet in the bedrooms.

All 3 bedrooms are fully enclosed and have windows, which is rare for a loft.

The listing says the kitchen was renovated in 2018. It has white cabinets, a large island that can seat 5, quartz counter tops, custom backsplash and a double wall oven.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a “spa-like” bath with separate shower and Jacuzzi tub.

This loft has the features buyers look for including central air and a full size front load washer/dryer in the unit. The listing says there is a new July 2022 HVAC.

One outdoor parking space is included in the price and there is an indoor garage space available for $30,000 extra. The listing indicates there are 107 units in the building but only 30 indoor garage spaces.

It has outdoor space with a large brick private patio with side yard off the living room.

This loft is located in West Lincoln Park, near the Ashland corridor and the Menards and Costco.

Listed in June 2022 at $519,900, it was under contract but has re-listed and reduced to $479,900.

Is this a deal for 3-bedrooms?

Mark Glusker and Jane Leslie Ehlert at Mark Allen Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #121: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet, loft

• Sold in April 2000 for $278,000
• Sold in September 2006 for $407,000
• Sold in September 2009 for $270,000
• Sold in October 2016 for $379,000
• Originally listed in June 2022 for $519,900
• Under contract
• Re-listed
• Reduced in July 2022 to $479,900 
• Assessments of $529 a month (includes exercise room, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $7807
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One outdoor parking space included
• Indoor garage space available for $30,000
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 22×12
• Bedroom #2: 15×10
• Bedroom #3: 14×10
• Living/dining room combo: 22×17
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Walk-in-closet: 6×5
• Deck: 28×8