Crib Chatter

This 5-bedroom Mediterranean villa single family home at 5652 N. Virginia in Peterson Woods just came on the market.

Built in 1928 on a larger than average corner lot measuring 50 x 119.5, it over looks the North brand of the Chicago River and Legion Park.

It has an attached 2 car garage.

It’s famous because anyone who has driven through the Peterson Woods neighborhood knows this unique house that looks like it should have been built in California.

It still has many of its original features including high coved ceilings, dark oak trim, arched leaded windows and the original tiles in the entry foyer.

But according to Dennis Rodkin at Crain’s, who interviewed the sellers, they have remodeled the house two or three times since they bought it in 1983 so little other original features remain.

The primary bedroom is on the main floor and has been redesigned and expanded so it has a walk-in-closet and en suite bath, which is rare for a vintage home.

There appears to be 2 second floor bedrooms, including one in the crown over the entry door/foyer, and a second that leads to a large 16×19 covered deck that over looks the other deck and Legion Park.

There are 2 pergolas.

Two bedrooms appear to be in the basement, along with a bathroom that has a hot tub, steam shower and sauna.

The lower level also has a family room with a wet bar and a separate second kitchen.

The listing says the lower level can be used as an in-law arrangement.

The listing calls the main kitchen a “chef’s kitchen” with a quartz island, prep sink, 3 skylights with automatic blinds and a new Bosch stove, refrigerator and microwave.

It has central air.

According to Crain’s, there have only been 3 owners of this house since 1928.

Listed at $1.2 million, Crain’s says 2 other homes in Peterson Woods have sold this year over $1 million.

Will someone nab this famous Mediterranean home this week?

Joan and Jodie Brennock at Baird & Warner have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

5652 N. Virginia: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4652 square feet, 2 car garage

• No former sales price but it last sold in 1983
• Currently listed at $1.2 million 
• Taxes of $7262 (senior exemption)
• Central Air
• 2-car attached garage
• In-Law arrangement in lower level with a second kitchen
• 2 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: main level
• Bedroom #2: second level
• Bedroom #3: crown room on second level measures 9×12
• Bedroom #4: basement
• Bedroom #5: basement
• Living room: main level
• Dining room: main level
• Kitchen: main level
• Deck: 16×19 (second level)
• Main level deck

This 4-bedroom in 399 W. Fullerton Parkway in East Lincoln Park came on the market in June 2019.

Built in 1926-27 by McNally & Quinn, according to Chicago Apartments, it’s in the French Renaissance style.

It’s an exclusive building with just 2 units per floor and just 32 units in the 17 story building.

It’s also unusual for a building in this period in that there’s a garage on the first floor. Garage and guest parking is available in the building.

It has 24-hour door staff.

We last chattered about this unit in January 2021 when it had been reduced to $675,000.

Back then, the sister unit, #14E, had been remodeled and had gone under contract at $1.495 million.

It sold in February 2021 for $1.3 million.

You can see those pictures here.

This unit has views overlooking the park and lake.

It has wood crown molding in the living room along with a gas fireplace.

There are hardwood floors in the living and dining room.

The listing says there are hardwoods under the carpet in the bedrooms.

There’s now more description about the kitchen in the listing.

“The kitchen was moved and enlarged; it occupies an area that was once two maid’s bedrooms. The kitchen includes a 5-star range with grill and double oven, a SubZero refrigerator and separate freezer, a Fisher Paykel dishwasher, and a wine refrigerator. The former kitchen is now an office/4th bedroom with full bath.”

It is a rare vintage building that has modern amenities including central air and radiant heat, washer/dryer in the unit and valet garage parking is available for $300 a month.

Originally listed in June 2019 at $899,000, it has been reduced $249,000 to $650,000.

Given the sales price of the sister unit, is this a deal?

Jennifer Ames at Engel & Voelkers now has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #14W: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3000 square feet, co-op

• I couldn’t find a prior sales price as it’s a co-op
• Originally listed in June 2019 at $899,000
• Reduced numerous times
• Was listed in January 2021 at $675,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $650,000
• Assessments are now $2799 a month (they were $4549 a month in January 2021) (includes heat, doorman, cable, gas, exterior maintenance, lawn care scavenger, snow removal but not the taxes.) The taxes were included last time and the listing said they were $1856 a month. That meant the rest of the assessment was $2593 a month.
• Taxes are $19,652
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Valet garage parking for $300 a month
• 1 fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×12
• Bedroom #2: 20×13
• Bedroom #3: 16×12
• Bedroom #4: 13×9
• Living room: 29×16
• Dining room: 19×14
• Kitchen: 17×13
• Foyer: 14×8

This 2-bedroom at 817 W. George in Lakeview came on the market in October 2021.

I’m not sure when this vintage building was built but it has 8 units.

There’s storage in the lower level and an exercise room.

If this unit looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it in 2012 when it was listed as a short sale and we debated whether nor not it was a “deal.”

See our chatter here.

G chimed in on that thread. I miss his observations and data. Where’d you go G?

But if you recall, this unit has many of its vintage features still intact and has numerous built-ins.

The foyer has the original beveled glass mirror and there are large crown moldings throughout.

The living room has a brick gas fireplace with built-in glass front cabinets and a mantle.

There are also built-ins in the family room, or dining room depending on how you use the space, which also has its original coffered ceiling.

The “updated” kitchen has light gray cabinets, new stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops and a subway tile backsplash.

There are refinished hardwood floors throughout.

The listing says the one bath has been “updated.”

The unit has 2 large storage rooms in the lower level and washer/dryer in the unit.

It doesn’t appear to have central air or space pak, but I can’t tell for sure.

And parking may be leased nearby, but I can’t tell for sure on that either. In 2012, however, we debated whether you needed to have a car in Lakeview when talking about this unit.

It has a rear private outdoor deck which is large enough for a couch and table.

In 2012, Laura said:

“Beautiful old place with plenty of space and wonderful vintage details for this price.

Change a few colors and fixtures here and there, and the place is perfect.

I’m surprised by the price drops in Lakeview, Haven’t seen prices like this for a long time there.”

It sold as a short sale in 2012 for $222,500.

The unit has come on the market in 2021 at $400,000.

Do you kick yourself for not buying this condo in 2012?

Derek Disera at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1W: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1350 square feet

• Sold in August 1987 for $128,000
• Sold in September 2000 for $255,000
• Sold in January 2003 for $289,000
• Sold in October 2004 for $317,000
• Sold in a short sale in December 2012 for $222,500
• Sold in August 2018 for $352,000
• Currently listed at $400,000
• Assessments of $395 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $7453
• No central air (unclear if any cooling)
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Leased parking? (unclear)
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×11
• Bedroom #2: 11×9
• Living room: 16×15
• Family room/dining room: 17×11
• Kitchen: 11×9
• Foyer: 9×7
• Deck: 13×7

This 6-bedroom Beaux-Art style mansion at 1521 N. State Parkway came on the market in August 2018.

Built in 1894 by architect George Maher, it is on a larger than standard Chicago lot measuring 28.5 x 130 lot.

It has a one-car garage plus a parking pad for a second car.

The listing says it has “modern interiors with advanced Crestron-Lutron technology” which were completely gut renovated by Hewitt Horn Ltd.

It’s plaster moldings have been restored.

The house has 5 fireplaces.

The kitchen has white cabinets and an island with natural wood cabinets along with luxury appliances.

The listing says it has “new baths.”

6 bedrooms are on the second, third and fourth floors but the listing also says there is a bedroom/exercise room in the lower level as well.

The lower level, which isn’t shown in the pictures, also includes a recreation room and a “huge” laundry room which the listing says can double as a catering space.

However, there IS a second kitchen and a den/entertainment room on the fourth floor which leads to the fully built-out roof deck which has a fireplace and built-in grill along with lush plantings.

In addition to the rooftop terrace, there are two other outdoor spaces including one off the kitchen.

The house has central air and space pak cooling.

It’s located at the north end of the Gold Coast. It’s near Lincoln Park and the shops and restaurants of Old Town.

Originally listed at $10.3 million, it has been reduced to $9.95 million.

Does this house satisfy vintage lovers AND modern lovers?

Jennifer Ames at Engel & Voelkers has the listing. See the pictures, floor plan and video here.

1521 N. State Parkway: 6 bedrooms, 7 baths, 9700 square feet

• Sold in January 2012 for $4.625 million
• Originally listed in August 2018 for $10.3 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $9.95 million
• Taxes of $79,185
• Central Air and Space Pak
• 1 car garage and one space parking pad
• 5 fireplaces
• 3 outdoor spaces
• Bedroom #1: 26×15 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 17×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 17×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 17×12 (fourth floor)
• Bedroom #6: 22×13 (third floor)
• Bedroom #7/Exercise room: lower level
• Office: 10×11 (third floor)
• Library: 20×20 (second floor)
• Den: 17×10 (or 17×16?) (fourth floor)
• Living room: 17×14 (main floor)
• Dining room: 14×19 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 23×16 (main floor)
• Family room: 22×18 (main floor)
• Recreation room: lower level
• Laundry room: lower level
• Second kitchen: fourth floor

This 2-bedroom in the Drake Tower at 179 E. Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast came on the market in October 2021.

The Drake Tower was designed by Benjamin Marshall in 1927. It’s a co-op with 68 units.

The building has attached rental parking, an exercise room and door staff.

The listing for this unit says it is a “new renovation.”

It has new plumbing and new space pak air.

It has wainscoting and crown molding as well as a built in buffet in the dining room.

The foyer has a cove ceiling and what appears to be a wine refrigerator.

The galley kitchen has white cabinets with Wolf, Miele and Subzero appliances.

While there are two bedrooms, it’s the second bedroom that has an en suite bath, and NOT the primary bedroom.

There are 3 walk-in-closets.

The unit has the features buyers look for including in-unit washer/dryer and rental parking in the garage for $200 a month along with space pak air.

The building’s exercise room has a pilates reformer.

There is also a wine locker and the unit has a large storage room.

The listing says you get “white glove service” in the Drake Tower and “true security.”

Listed at $799,000, will being “new” on historic East Lake Shore Drive get this sold quickly?

Curt Ratcliff at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #603: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1435 square feet, co-op

• Sold in September 2018 for $555,000 (according to Zillow and Redfin)
• Currently listed at $799,000
• Assessments of $3100 a month (includes heat, gas, taxes, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes are included in assessment as it’s a co-op
• Parking is rental in the building for $200 a month
• Dogs and cats allowed
• Space Pak cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 13×20
• Bedroom #2: 16×15
• Living room: 11×19
• Dining room: 6×12
• Foyer: 5×6
• Kitchen: 12×6
• Laundry: 3×5

I need a break so Crib Chatter will be on vacation this week.

I’ll check into the comments so please be kind to each other.

There’s a lot going on in Chicago real estate right now. I’m looking forward to doing updates on all the new construction going on. There are closings going on on several new condo towers.

New condos are back. And are selling.

See you later in October.

Sabrina

This 2-bedroom at 1024 W. Armitage in Lincoln Park came on the market in July 2021.

Built in 1890, the building has 5 units.

It’s on the corner of Armitage and Kenmore and has a garage on Kenmore.

There’s extra storage in the building’s basement.

This unit is a second floor south and west corner unit with a turret sitting area.

The listing says it has 19 windows.

It also says it was “recently remodeled.”

It doesn’t appear to have many of its original vintage features but it does have a fireplace and hardwood floors throughout.

The eat-in kitchen has white cabinets, honed marble counter tops with a double oven.

The dining room has a bay window.

The listing says both bathrooms have been remodeled with Grohe fixtures and white subway tile.

The primary bedroom is en suite and also has a small office, with a window, that leads to a 12×5 private balcony.

The unit has the features buyers look for in 2021, including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one garage parking space is included plus a parking pad space for a second car.

This building is located right in the middle of shops and restaurants on Armitage, is a few blocks to the shops and restaurants on Clybourn and is near the Brown Line El stop.

It this a dream unit for a vintage lover?

Jordan Chalmers at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in June 1998 for $377,500
• Sold in November 1999 for $368,000
• Sold in April 2003 for $467,000
• Bank owned in July 2011
• Sold in January 2012 for $441,000
• Sold in July 2017 for $640,000
• Originally listed in July 2021 (I couldn’t find the price)
• Currently listed at $719,000
• Assessments of $372 a month (includes scavenger)
• Taxes of $12,825
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One garage parking space included plus a second space on a parking pad
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 15×13
• Living room: 22×14
• Dining room: 17×13
• Kitchen: 20×13
• Office: 8×7
• Foyer: 5×10
• Balcony: 12×5

This 2-bedroom at 1445 N. Wells in Old Town came on the market in August 2021.

If this building looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about this unit back in 2014, where its location next to a popular bar was the gist of the discussion.

See our chatter here.

Built in 2000, this building has 3 units.

The listing says it has parking, and in our old crib on this unit, it apparently has outdoor parking.

The listing says this property is “custom designed luxury” with a private elevator that opens directly into the unit.

It has 12 foot ceilings with 10 inch crown moldings and built-ins.

There are hardwood floors throughout, remote control blinds and surround sound.

The unit has a “gourmet” kitchen with Viking, Bosch and Samsung stainless steel appliances with custom solid cherry cabinets.

The baths are marble and granite.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom.

There are three outdoor spaces: a balcony off the front of the building overlooking Wells Street, a deck off the back of the unit accessed through the primary bedroom and a balcony off the second bedroom, which isn’t pictured.

The unit has the features that buyers look for including central air, a Miele washer/dryer in the unit and a parking space.

This property is in the heart of the popular Old Town restaurant and shopping corridor.

Listed at $690,000, that is $45,000 over the 2016 sales price of $645,000.

Old Town was hot during the housing bust years but that was nearly a decade ago.

Is Old Town still a top neighborhood for condo buyers?

Eric Newman at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

• Sold in June 2006 for $602,500
• Sold in July 2008 for $620,000
• Sold in June 2014 for $580,000
• Sold in February 2016 for $645,000
• Originally listed in August 2021 for $690,000
• Currently still listed at $690,000
• Assessments of $350 a month (they were $452 a month in May 2015)(includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $11,614 (they were $10,079 in May 2015)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One parking space (outdoor?)
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Living room: 25×13
• Dining room: 9×7
• Kitchen: 12×10

This 3-bedroom top floor vintage unit at 513 W. Aldine in East Lakeview came on the market in September 2021.

Built in 1924, this European-style courtyard building has 24 units.

It’s a walk-up.

The listing says this unit has a “designated parking space” but it’s unclear if it’s on site or not.

This unit has many of its vintages features including French windows in the living and dining rooms, hardwood floors throughout and crown and wall moldings.

It has a wood burning fireplace with a gas starter in the living room with built-in bookcases.

The listing says it has an “updated” kitchen with white cabinets, quartz counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

It has some of the features buyers look for including in-unit washer/dryer and the “designated parking space”. It doesn’t have central air but it looks like it has window unit cooling.

The building is near shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

This unit hasn’t sold in 41 years.

With many people now working from home, is a three bedroom home now a “must”?

Brad Lippitz at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3H: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500 square feet

• Sold in March 1979 for $90,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in December 1980 for $105,000 (per Redfin)
• Currently listed for $519,000
• Assessments of $442 a month (includes heat, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9088
• No central air- but window a/c units
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• “Designated” parking space (attached to the building?)
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 11×10
• Bedroom #3: 8×11
• Living room: 20×13
• Dining room: 12×13
• Kitchen: 14×7
• Balcony: 9×3 (no pictures of it)

This 2-bedroom at 2500 N. Lakeview in East Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2021.

Built in 1974, 2500 N. Lakeview has 155 units and attached valet parking.

It has a door staff, an outdoor pool and an exercise room.

This unit is a rare southeast corner unit with wrap around floor to ceiling windows with “forever” unobstructed views of the Lake, Lincoln Park and the downtown skyline.

It has diagonal oak hardwood floors throughout and ceiling height doors.

The unit has a “Chef’s kitchen” with Demeter Millwork, white and ceruse walnut custom cabinetry with pocket doors, a Miele steam/convection oven, Miele induction cooktop, integrated Subzero, Bosch dishwasher and a Miele coffee system.

There’s an Ann Sacks limestone accent wall.

It has the features buyers look for today, including washer/dryer in the unit and valet garage parking for $180 a month.

The unit has wall unit cooling.

This building is one of the few along Lincoln Park that has balconies and this home has an east facing one with Lake views.

At $730,000, is that a deal for the views from the 31st floor?

Joshua Lipton and Christine Tepper at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3102B: 2 bedroom, 2 baths, 1338 square feet

• Sold in February 1988 for $222,500
• Sold in November 1992 for $284,000
• Sold in November 2012 for $389,000
• Currently listed at $730,000
• Assessments of $1187 a month (includes doorman, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8964
• No central air – wall unit cooling
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Valet parking at $180 a month
• Bedroom #1: 17×13
• Bedroom #2: 12×11
• Living/dining: 22×14
• Kitchen: 10×9