Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom loft in the Pencil Factory Lofts at 1800 W. Roscoe in Roscoe Village just came on the market.

The Pencil Factory Lofts were converted into condos in 1993. There are 137 units which have concrete ceilings and industrial windows.

It’s an elevator building.

The building has attached garage parking as well as an outdoor parking lot behind the building, an exercise room, a rooftop sun deck, a party room, coin laundry and a picnic area.

This 1000 square foot loft has large south facing industrial windows and hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances, including a new refrigerator and microwave, along with an island that seats two.

There’s a separate dining room as well as a “newly finished” lofted office with built-in desks. The listing says it has newly wired electric and fiber optics for fast internet.

The bedroom is not enclosed but has a window and Closetwork organizers in the closets.

The bathroom has been “renovated” and has Toto, Grohe and a new vanity.

The loft has central air and garage parking is included in the price. It doesn’t appear to have in-unit washer/dryer although it is allowed in this building.

But the biggest selling point of the loft could be the 8×15 private “updated” deck which is a custom commercial quality all-aluminum maintenance free deck.

The deck also has newly added exterior electric.

You can walk to everything in Roscoe Village, the Lincoln Street corridor and even Southport from this location. The brown line at Paulina is nearby.

Listed at $344,900, will a loft lover who wants outdoor space snatch this up quickly?

Charese David and Mary Jo Nathan at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #225: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1000 square feet, loft

• Sold in March 1993 for $123,000
• Sold in August 1994 for $130,000
• Sold in February 1997 for $145,000
• Sold in July 2001 for $241,000
• Sold in May 2004 for $320,000
• Sold in February 2001 for $295,000
• Sold in June 2009 for $295,000
• Currently listed at $344,900 (includes the garage parking)
• Assessments of $381 a month (includes cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, and snow removal)
• Taxes of $4577
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit- coin laundry in the building
•  Bedroom: 10×15
• Office: 7×7
• Living room: 15×16
• Dining room: 11×10
• Kitchen: 10×10
• Deck: 8×15

This corner 1-bedroom at Fairbanks at Cityfront Plaza at 240 E. Illinois in Streeterville came on the market in November 2021.

Built in 2006, the Fairbanks has 281 units and a parking garage. It’s a full amenity building with a pool, an exercise room, and door staff.

It’s also known as the building with the Whole Foods on the base floor.

The listing says this unit has had an “entire gut renovation to the studs in 2019.”

It 12 foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows that have electronic black out shades.

The unit has new wide plank dark wood floors throughout and a custom designed dry bar with fridge.

The chef’s kitchen has modern custom cabinetry to the ceiling with integrated appliances, and quartz counters with a wood cantilevered island with seating for 4.

The bedroom has an en suite bath with a glass enclosed steam shower and linear drain, a floating vanity with double sinks, porcelain tile and black hardware.

There’s also a half bath.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and it appears that one garage parking space is included in the price.

But the big selling point may be the 1200 square foot private landscaped patio and garden, which the listing says was created by Christy Webber.

It has a built-in grill area with canopy, benches with inset lighting, self-irrigating giant planters, a tree and city views.

This unit sold in 2018 for $675,000 and has come back on the market after the gut renovation for $995,000.

20 months after the pandemic began, are buyers still yearning for their own private outdoor space?

Sharon Gillman and Marissa Schaeler at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #906: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1083 square feet

• Sold in March 2008 for $579,500
• Sold in June 2018 for $675,000 (included parking)
• Currently listed at $995,000 (appears to include the parking)
• Assessments of $968 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $10,695
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom: 13×12
• Foyer: 8×5
• Living/dining room: 25×15
• Kitchen: 16×10

This 2-bedroom loft in the Signature Lofts at 1750 N. Wolcott in Bucktown came on the market in September 2021.

Converted into lofts in 2000, the Signature Lofts building has 26 units and heated garage parking.

It’s an elevator building with a shared rooftop deck.

This loft has 16 foot timber ceilings, exposed brick walls and oversized industrial windows.

There are hardwood floors in the main living spaces and carpeting in the bedrooms.

The bedrooms are fully enclosed.

The primary bedroom has a window and an en suite bathroom which has a double vanity, tub and shower.

The kitchen is open to the living and dining room and has stone counter tops, an island and stainless steel appliances.

The listing says there is a new refrigerator, furnace and AC system.

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

It has a big balcony that overlooks the popular 606 trail.

Originally listed in September 2021 for $625,000, it’s still listed at $625,000.

Does the 606 still lure in buyers?

Nicholas Colagiovanni at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #303: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet, loft

• Sold in July 2001 for $404,000
• Sold in July 2007 for $528,500
• Originally listed in September 2021 for $625,000
• Currently still listed at $625,000
• Assessments of $532 a month (includes cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $8967
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×14
• Bedroom #2: 12×13
• Living room: 17×15
• Dining room: 11×15
• Kitchen: 12×15
• Walk-in-closet: 6×5

This 5-bedroom single family home at 1442 W. Berteau in Graceland West came on the market in April 2021.

Built in 2010, it has a limestone facade. The house is on a 42 foot lot and there is an extra side lot which is another 40 feet, putting the lot at 82×125.

It has a 4-car heated garage, a play area, sport court and outdoor kitchen.

The house also has an elevator which accesses all 4 floors, including the rooftop deck.

It has a gourmet kitchen with gray cabinets, luxury stainless steel appliances, an island and a butler’s pantry.

There’s a family room on the main level.

The lower level has wood paneling, a fireplace, bar and “state of the art” wine cellar.

Of the 5 bedrooms, 3 are on the second floor, including the primary suite, and 2 are in the lower level.

The listing says the 5th bedroom is being used as a gym.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet.

There are two roof decks: one on top of the heated 4-car garage and a second one on the rooftop which has irrigated planters and an outdoor shower accessible through the the top floor den with a wet bar.

The house has central air and skylights.

Originally listed in April 2021 for $5.995 million, it has been reduced to $5.5 million.

According to Crain’s, 2021 is the hottest market since it began tracking luxury sales over $4 million in Chicago and the suburbs in 2015.

Agents say it’s all thanks to a booming stock market, low mortgage rate and the simple fact that buyers get more room for the buck in Chicago Well-placed stock market bets “generated a lot of expendable income for people who are interested,” Corcoran Urban Real Estate’s Matt Farrell told Crain’s.

Will this house join the list of luxury sales this year?

Bradley Brondyke and Timothy Salm at Jameson Sotheby’s have the listing. See the pictures and video here.

1442 W. Berteau: 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 7000 square feet, single family home

• Sold in April 2005 for $985,000
• Sold in March 2009 for $3.32 million
• Sold in March 2015 for $3.777 million (did not include the extra lot)
• Originally sold in April 2021 for $5.995 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $5.5 million
• Taxes of $78,049
• Central Air
• Extra big 82×125 lot
• 4 car heated garage
• Skylights
• Elevator
• Roof top deck
• Deck on top of the garage
• Sports court
• Play area
• Outdoor kitchen
• Bedroom #1: 18×21 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×24 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×19 (lower level)
• Bedroom #5: 15×18 (lower level)
• Living room: 16×27 (main level)
• Dining room: 15×16 (main level)
• Kitchen: 15×16 (main level)
• Family room: 23×15 (main level)
• Laundry: 15×13 (lower level)
• Loft: 18×21 (third level)

This vintage 4-bedroom single family home at 225 W. Menomonee in the Old Town Triangle came on the market in July 2021.

I don’t know when this home was built as the listing is calling it “new construction” in 2021 but the home is landmarked.

It’s on a 25 x 104 lot.

The listing says it has been “completely renovated.”

It has new water service and plumbing, new wiring and foam insulation.

The living room has a Carrera marble-clad gas fireplace.

There’s a skylight over the dining room and a custom staircase.

The house has a “chef’s kitchen” with white custom kitchen cabinets with European hardware, built-in lights, Subzero refrigerator, Wolf range, quartz countertops and a large island with seating.

There’s a bedroom on the main floor and a half bath.

The second floor has three bedrooms and 2 full baths.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bath with marble tile, skylight, and a double vanity.

The lower level has a family room with a wet bar, beverage center and custom cabinetry.

There are two laundry spaces and 2 furnaces/ac systems.

The house has a natural stone patio.

What it doesn’t have is parking. The listing says that there is parking available to rent at the Chicago History Museum or through private parties in the neighborhood.

This house is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town and Lincoln Park.

Listed in July 2021 at $2.295 million, it has been reduced to $2.095 million.

Is this a chance to get “new” in a landmarked home and historic neighborhood?

Ilya Pisarenko at Core Realty & Investments has the listing. See the pictures here.

225 W. Menomonee: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3300 square feet, single family home

• Sold in January 2018 for $670,000
• Originally listed in July 2021 for $2.295 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.095 million
• Taxes of $11,138
• Central Air
• No parking. Rental available at the Chicago History Museum.
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 21×17 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 21×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×10 (main floor)
• Living room/dining room: 21×20 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×10 (main floor)
• Family room: 21×21 (lower level)
• Laundry: 4×3 (second floor)
• utility room: 8×3 (lower level)
• Walk-in-closet: 8×5 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom in 400 E. Randolph in Lakeshore East first came on the market in August 2019.

400 E. Randolph was built in 1963 and has 955 units.

It’s a full amenity building with door staff, a library, basketball court, ping pong tables, exercise room, party room, sauna, steam room and indoor pool.

It has been on and off the market during those years.

This unit has the preferred south views from its balcony of Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, the Field Museum and the wall of high rises that face the park.

The listing describes this unit as a “Baroque palace.”

It has an oversized entrance with crystal wall sconces, ornate ceiling moldings and perimeter lighting.

There are marble floors throughout.

The living room has Venetian plaster walls with accent walls of crystals, gold leaf and crepe applique.

There’s also a decorative French-style fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has “thick” marble counter tops, a breakfast bar and integrated appliances.

Hand cut French doors with ornate hinges and steeple finials (see the pictures) lead into the den or second bedroom which also has built-ins, including for a flat screen television.

Be sure to check out the pictures of the ceiling in the den/second bedroom.

The primary bathroom has a handmade glass mosaic wall.

The unit has central air, but no washer/dryer in the unit and parking is available to lease in the building.

Originally listed in August 2019 for $715,000, it has been reduced $97,000 to $618,000.

Will the buyer of this unique property, with favored south views, get a deal?

Ksenia Yankilaytes and Michael Emery at Corcoran have the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2119: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1250 square feet

• Sold in February 1999 for $89,000
• Originally listed in August 2019 for $715,000
• Re-listed in November 2020 for $699,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $618,000
• Assessments of $1032 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, party room, sauna)
• Taxes of $9538
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit. Coin laundry in the building.
• Leased parking available
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×17
• Bedroom #2: 11×14
• Living room: 18×16
• Dining room: 9×11
• Kitchen: 9×10
• Balcony: 6×12

This 2-bedroom duplex up at 235 W. Eugenie in Old Town came on the market in October 2021.

Designed by famed architect Harry Weese in 1962, the complex has 23 condos and outdoor parking.

Who’s Harry Weese?

From The Art Institute of Chicago:

In 1940, Weese joined the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, but was drafted into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1941. Weese returned to SOM in 1946, but left to open his own office, Harry Weese Associates, in 1947.

Throughout his career, Weese was an outspoken advocate for architecture and planning that embraced the social, political, and economic realities of contemporary urban life. Among his most recognized designs are the Washington, DC, metro rail system; the United States embassy in Accra, Ghana; and the Arena Stage complex near Washington, DC. Weese also led the restoration of Louis Sullivan’s Auditorium building in Chicago.

This unit has floor-to-ceiling windows and 2 large terraces on the second floor, one facing north and one facing south.

The main floor has the living room, dining room, kitchen and half bath.

The living room has a floor-to-ceiling brick wall and a wood burning fireplace.

There is carpeting in the dining room.

The kitchen has dark modern cabinets (black or gray?) and dark appliances.

There is a spiral staircase leading to the 2 bedrooms and full bath on the second level.

There is no in-unit washer/dryer but there’s coin laundry in the building. I can’t tell if there is any air conditioning.

Assigned parking is rare in Old Town but this unit has an outdoor space which is included in the price.

This building is in a prime Old Town location, close to the shops and restaurants of Old Town as well as public transportation.

Listed at $499,000, will selling this take a buyer who loves the dark aesthetic?

And yes, for this property we can talk about the paint/colors because even the ceilings have unique paint colors and finishes, but remember, the furniture won’t be there when you move in so please refrain from commenting on that.

Sophia Worden at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here. You may want to look at the 3D feature for a better perspective.

Unit T2: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, duplex up, 1350 square feet

• I couldn’t find a prior sales price but the seller has owned it since 1999
• Currently listed at $499,000 (includes the outdoor parking space)
• Assessments of $334 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, and snow removal)
• Taxes of $6387
• No a/c???
• No in-unit washer/dryer but there is coin laundry in the building
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 14×15 (second floor)
• Living room: 13×21 (main floor)
• Dining room: 13×12 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 7×19 (main floor)
• Deck: 14×6 (second floor)
• Terrace: 14×6 (second floor)

This vintage 4-bedroom row house at 1919 N. Lincoln Park West in East Lincoln Park/Old Town came on the market in September 2021.

Built in 1888, it’s on a 19×72 size lot and has 2 secured parking spaces on a driveway behind the property.

It’s also on the part of Lincoln Park West that actually ends in a cul-de-sac.

The row house has some of its original features including 12 foot ceilings on the main level with ceiling medallions and plaster details in the living and dining room and the original shutters.

The kitchen has been “remodeled” with Brookhaven cabinetry with soft shut drawers and pull out shelving, quartz countertops with full height backsplash, a pantry and luxury appliances including a 6-burner Wolf stove with double ovesn, Miele and Electrolux.

The primary suite takes up the entire third floor and includes a walk-in-closet, bath with Carrara marble double vanities, steam shower, soaking tub, heated floor and towel rack.

There’s also a small balcony on that floor.

Two of the other bedrooms are on the second floor along with a full bath.

And the fourth bedroom is in the lower level, along with a family room, laundry room and full bath.

There’s also a half bath and mud room on the main floor.

It has exposed brick and 2 ornate marble fireplaces.

The row house has central air.

If this property looks familiar, that could be because we chattered about it in 2012 when it was last on the market.

Many of you didn’t like the modern kitchen 9 years ago.

You can see our chatter here.

Originally listed in September 2021 for $1.3 million, it has been reduced $50,000 to $1.25 million.

In 2013, it sold for $900,000 after trying to get over $1 million originally.

But 2012 was the low in prices after the housing bust.

It’s in prime East Lincoln Park/Old Town, close to the Zoo, Lincoln Park and the shops and restaurants of Old Town.

With a completely different market in 2021, will this sell over $1 million this go around?

KC Lau and Luke Reilly at @Properties have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1919 N. Lincoln Park West: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3000 square feet

• Sold in June 1999 for $437,500
• Sold in November 2003 for $810,000
• Sold in February 2010 for $850,000
• Sold in March 2013 for $900,000
• Originally listed in September 2021 for $1.3 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.25 million
• Taxes are now $23,597 (they were $13,773 in 2012)
• Central Air
• 2 car secured parking
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 18×12 (third level)
• Bedroom #2: 17×14 (second level)
• Bedroom #3: 11×11 (second level)
• Bedroom #4: 13×12 (lower level)
• Living/dining room: 31×13 (main level)
• Kitchen: 15×12 (main level)
• Mud room: 11×6 (main level)
• Family room: 21×18 (lower level)
• Laundry: 10×10 (lower level)
• Foyer: 17×7 (main level)

This 3-bedroom penthouse in The Sterling at 345 N. LaSalle in River North came on the market in October 2021.

Built in 2002, The Sterling is 50 stories and has 389 units and an attached rental parking garage.

It has full-time door staff, an on-site manager and engineer.

The building has 2 fitness rooms, an outdoor lap pool, outdoor tennis court, a sundeck with seating and firepit, grills and a dog run.

This penthouse is on the 48th floor which puts it on one of the skydeck and penthouse floors which were floors 32 to 48. In 2002, these units had upgraded kitchens.

This unit has curved floor-to-ceiling windows with views North, West and “some” East of the city and lake.

The listing says it has new hardwoods in the main area and new carpets in the bedrooms.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, what look like granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The listing says the baths are “updated.”

The primary bedroom has an en suite bath.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and rental parking is available in the attached garage but it doesn’t say how much per month.

This appears to be the first sale since the original 2002 sale, when the building was all the rage for buyers in River North.

Listed at $825,000, is this a deal for a 3-bedroom penthouse with views?

Danula Urbikas at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4801: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1740 square feet

• Sold in January 2002 for $579,000
• Currently listed at $825,000
• Assessments of $1115 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $13,595
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Rental parking in the building
• Bedroom #1: 20×14
• Bedroom #2: 16×13
• Bedroom #3: 13×13
• Living/dining room combo: 20×16
• Kitchen: 15×9
• Walk-in-closet: 8×4
• Foyer: 10×9

This corner 3-bedroom in The Caravel at 635 N. Dearborn in River North came on the market  in August 2021.

Built in 2003, The Caravel has 124 units and an attached garage.

It has door staff, a brand new fitness center, bike storage and a party room.

The listing for this unit says it has been “totally renovated” and has designer tile and custom light fixtures.

It has hardwoods throughout the living and dining rooms with a marble tile floor in the kitchen and a wrap around balcony off the kitchen.

The “new chef’s kitchen” has blue cabinets on the lower and white on the upper, along with open shelving, a white  farmhouse sink, quartz counter tops, an oversized island with seating, stainless steel appliances, including a hood, and a marble tile backsplash.

The dining room has a built-in wine bar with quartz counter tops, open shelving and a wine fridge.

It has a den/family room, without a door, off the dining room.

The listing says the primary suite has been “sound proofed” and has custom closets, a marble en suite with dual vanity and water closet along with a walk-in-shower and free standing tub.

There’s a balcony off the second bedroom and the other two bedrooms share a full bath.

The unit also has a half bath.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, a laundry room with a full size washer/dryer and 2-car garage parking is available for $60,000.

Originally listed in August 2021 at $850,000, it has been reduced $100,000 to $750,000.

After the price cuts, is this property now a deal?

Melissa Siegal at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures, video and floor plan here.

Unit #1301: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1978 square feet

• Sold in July 2003 for $647,000 (didn’t include the parking)
• Sold in August 2017 for $640,000 (included 2 parking spaces)
• Originally listed in August 2021 for $850,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $750,000 (plus $60,000 for 2 garage spaces)
• Assessments of $1248 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $13,632
• Central Air
• Full size washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×11
• Bedroom #2: 14×10
• Bedroom #3: 13×10
• Living room: 22×14
• Dining room: 13×10
• Kitchen: 8×19
• Family room/Den: 14×18
• Foyer: 9×7
• Laundry room: 6×8
• Balcony: 5×12
• Balcony: 21×14