Crib Chatter

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

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the September sales data.

Sales declined year-over-year in Chicago, the Chicagoland area and in the state.

However, last year was the hottest September in the last 14 years.

In the city of Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in September 2021 totaled 2,611 homes sold, down 0.9 percent from September 2020 sales of 2,635 homes.

The median price of a home in Chicago in September 2021 was $320,000, down 0.7 percent compared to September 2020 when it was $322,350.

September sales for the last 15 years:

• 2007: 2172 sales
• 2008: 1816 sales
• 2009: 1918 sales
• 2010: 1403 sales
• 2011: 1498 sales
• 2012: 1845 sales
• 2013: 2395 sales
• 2014: 2242 sales
• 2015: 2414 sales
• 2016: 2398 sales
• 2017: 2355 sales
• 2018: 2040 sales
• 2019: 2006 sales
• 2020: 2635 sales
• 2021: 2611 sales

Median prices for the last 15 years:

• 2007: $267,750
• 2008: $268,600
• 2009: $225,000
• 2010: $180,000
• 2011: $190,000
• 2012: $188,900
• 2013: $230,000
• 2014: $249,000
• 2015: $250,000
• 2016: $260,000
• 2017: $275,000
• 2018: $285,000
• 2019: $292,250
• 2020: $322,350
• 2021: $320,000

But as Gary Lucido often states in the comments on this blog, the IAR will adjust the sales number next year.

For instance, last year’s September sales, the hottest in 14 years, were 2570 in the press release. But the IAR has gotten in the “final” numbers and now it’s 2635 sales.

Seems likely that September 2021 will be adjusted higher than 2020’s numbers when they get the “final” numbers.

Therefore, it’s likely this year was the hottest September in 15 years in Chicago.

Chicago’s sales were driven, again, by the hot condo market where sales were up 7.7% to 1645 sales. Single family home sales fell 12.7% to 966.

Statewide sales were down 6.7% and in the 9-country Chicagoland area, they fell 7.8%.

Statewide inventory declined 27.8% to 31,049 from 43,025. Homes sold in an average of 25 days, down from 45 days last year.

In Chicago, inventory fell 22.1% to 8,821 from 11,327 properties. Homes sold in an average of 32 days, down from 34 days in 2020.

“While fewer when compared to last year, the homes that were on the market last month were snapped up quickly,” says Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris, President of Illinois REALTORS® and designated managing broker of EXIT Strategy Realty/EMA Management on the South Side of Chicago. “Sellers throughout the state continue to benefit from multiple offer situations. It will remain a seller’s market until median prices level out more.”

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 2.9%, up from 2.84% in August. It was also just slightly higher than a year ago, when it was 2.89%.

“Again, this month the market exhibits positive growth in prices with a decline in the number of sales,” said Dr. Daniel McMillen, head of the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration. “While high prices are beginning to deter buyers and surveys suggest that people are not currently optimistic about the economy, consumers continue to feel that it is a good time to sell a home. Prices are expected to continue to increase through the rest of the year while the number of sales is expected to decrease.”

Are high prices and lack of inventory going to cool the market?

Or will rising mortgage rates be the catalyst that puts a damper on the party?

Speed of Illinois home sales, inventory and median price trends continue in September [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, by Bill Kozar, October 21, 2021]

This 2-bedroom at 545 W. Aldine in East Lakeview came on the market in August 2021.

Built in 2000, this brick and limestone building has 31 units and an attached heated garage.

It also has an elevator, a bike room and a common roof top deck.

This 2-bedroom has a split floor plan with hardwood floors throughout that were new in both bedrooms and the foyer in 2018.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a double vanity and a walk-in-closet.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit, a newer furnace (2019) and deeded garage parking is available for $35,000.

But the big selling point is the south facing 29×15 private, fenced deck.

In New York City, according to the New York Times, sales of new construction condos with outdoor space are hot.

From July 1, 2020, through the end of June 2021, sales of new-development units with a private terrace increased by 42.3 percent across the city, and sales of units with a balcony increased about 40 percent, compared with two years earlier, before the pandemic, according to the real estate data firm Marketproof. Sales in buildings with a communal roof deck also increased nearly 19 percent.

At 450 Warren Street, a five-story, 18-unit condo under construction in Brooklyn, every unit has at least two balconies or terraces. To get to their apartments in one of three structures, connected by footbridges and courtyards, residents will walk through open-air passages enclosed by metal mesh, rather than using interior hallways.

In other projects, developers aren’t just providing raw outdoor space — they’re delivering units with the landscaping already in place.

At Flatiron House, at 39 West 23rd Street, CookFox Architects is designing a 44-unit, terra-cotta-and-glass condo for the developer Anbau that will sprout with greenery from a series of irrigated loggias extending up the facades — planted with lowbush blueberry, alpine strawberry, thyme, oregano and lavender — with perforated railings that serve as trellises. The developer anticipates beginning sales later this month, with units priced from $1.85 to more than $18 million.

Listed at $545,000 in August, this unit went under contract within days but dropped out.

It’s again listed at $545,000.

Are decks, patios and balconies a “must” going forward in Chicago?

CJ George at Dream Town Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2F: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in April 2000 for $362,500 (included parking)
• Sold in September 2013 for $540,000 (included parking)
• Sold in June 2018 for $506,000 (included the parking)
• Originally listed in August 2021 for $545,000
• Under contract– but fell out
• Currently listed at $545,000 (plus heated garage parking for $35,000)
• Assessments of $554 a month (includes cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger, Internet, Bike room, Sundeck)
• Taxes of $8480
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Living/dining room: 22×21
• Walk-in-closet: 9×7
• Deck: 29×15

This corner 1-bedroom in 910 N. Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville came on the market in May 2021.

Built in 1955, 910 is the sister building to 900 N. Lake Shore Drive. Both were designed by Mies van der Rohe.

910 has 153 units.

It has door staff, rental parking, a bike room and an exercise room.

The listing says this unit was a “complete designer renovation of a 3-bedroom” into a 1/1.5 bath unit with an office.

It has maple hardwoods throughout and is wired for sound.

The unit has custom built-ins and a new open kitchen with an island, quartz countertops, and built-in “top of the line” appliances.

The bedroom doesn’t appear to have a door but it does have a full en suite bath with a double vanity, soaking tub and separate shower and a big walk-in-closet.

There is no washer/dryer in the unit but there’s a laundry room in the building.

The unit has central air and while there is rental parking available the listing says there is a 2 month wait for parking but you can park in other garages within a block in the meantime.

This unit has floor to ceiling windows with dead one views of Lake Michigan, including the sunrises and moonrises.

The listing also says you can see local and migratory birds and the Navy Pier fireworks.

Originally listed in May 2021 for $589,000, it has been reduced $49,000 to $540,000.

For those who love lake views, is this the ideal apartment?

Peggy Quinn and Steve Richardson at BerkshireHathaway HomeServices have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit 2619: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1436 square feet

• Sold in June 1987 for $225,000
• Sold in July 1994 for $375,000
• Originally listed in May 2021 for $589,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $540,000
• Assessments of $1530 a month (includes heat, air conditioning, doorman, cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, and snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,094
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit but laundry room in the building
• Rental parking is available but there’s a 2 month wait
• Bedroom: 15×14
• Living room: 19×17
• Dining room: 19×10
• Kitchen: 20×11
• Office: 12×7
• Walk-in-closet: 11×8

This 4-bedroom single family home at 1936 N. Sedgwick in Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2021.

Built in 1880, the main house and garage, which has a studio coach house apartment on the second level, are all brick.

It’s built on a standard Chicago lot measuring 24 x 124.

The listing says it’s a former 3-flat.

The first level has 12 foot ceilings, the living and dining rooms, as well as the kitchen and a family room.

The listing says the kitchen has been “newly updated” with Calcutta marble counter tops, all new hardware and backsplash, “refreshed” cabinets and Miele and Bosch appliances.

The family room off the kitchen has built-ins and skylights.

There’s a 2-story atrium with skylights and the original staircase.

The second level has 11 foot ceilings and 3 of the 4 bedrooms, including the primary suite.

The primary suite has an en suite bath and 4 closets. The other two bedrooms share a bath.

The fourth bedroom is in the lower level.

The listing says the lower level was renovated in 2018. It has 10 foot ceilings, all new hardwoods and a white marble bath.

There are built-ins and a wet bar in the recreation room.

The lower level also has an office/den or a possible fifth bedroom.

The house has central air.

It has a blue stone patio off the kitchen/family room which leads to the 2-car garage/coach house.

Above the garage is a studio apartment with a full kitchen and bath, its own furnace, in-unit washer/dryer and air conditioning.

The apartment has exposed timber ceilings and what looks like a skylight in one of the pictures.

The listing says you could put the apartment on Airbnb, have a full-time tenant, use it for in-laws or a nanny suite.

This house is in the Lincoln Elementary school district.

Listed at $1.775 million, that’s $275,000 above the 2015 sales price of $1.5 million.

Coach houses are coming back in vogue as the city is encouraging them again.

Is the coach house a big selling point of this property?

Theodora Jordan and Katie Cassman at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1936 N. Sedgwick: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, coach house, 2 car garage

• Sold in June 1998 for $895,000
• Sold in July 2015 for $1.5 million
• Originally listed in September 2021 for $1.775 million
• Currently still listed at $1.775 million
• Taxes of $21,797
• Central Air
• 2-car garage
• Coach house studio apartment with a/c, washer/dryer and furnace
• 3 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: second floor
• Bedroom #2: second floor
• Bedroom #3: second floor
• Bedroom #4: lower level
• Office/den: lower level
• Recreation room: lower level
• Family room: main level
• Living room: main level
• Dining room: main level
• Kitchen: main level