Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom at 200 E. Pearson in Streeterville came on the market in June 2021.

Built in 1917, it only has 10 units with just 2 units per floor. There’s no doorman or parking but there is a full-time engineer.

And there is a sign in front of the building discussing the very famous architect who called the building his home.

From Chicago Apartments: A Century of Lakefront Luxury:

The ten-apartment residence bears Renaissance-inspired details that have variously been linked to the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence and the Palazzo Farnese in Rome.

The brown brick building, with cast concrete and metal trim, is locally celebrated as the home of Mies van der Rohe, who continued living there after completing and apparently briefly contemplating moving to his Lake Shore Drive Glass Houses a few blocks away.

Apparently even Mies liked classical architecture, at least to live in. The building was designed by Robert De Golyer.

This corner unit is a half floor residence with newer windows and hardwood floors.

It has a gracious foyer with 10 foot ceilings, wainscoting, and crown molding.

The living room has a gas fireplace and French doors that lead to the second bedroom.

There is a separate dining room as well as a guest room or office.

The kitchen has white cabinets, “high end” stainless steel appliances including a wine refrigerator and a breakfast bar.

The primary bedroom has built-ins, a walk-in-closet and laundry.

Both bedrooms are en suite.

There are stereo speakers throughout.

The unit has some of the features buyers look for including central air and heat and washer/dryer in the unit. There’s no parking but you can lease it around the corner at 221 E. Chestnut.

This building is across from the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Lake Shore Park and is near the shops and restaurants on the Mag Mile.

Originally listed in June 2021 for $799,900, it has been reduced to $724,900.

The listing says the assessments, which includes the taxes, are $2744 a month.

At 2185 square feet, is this a deal at this price?

Carol Collins at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4W: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2185 square feet, co-op

• There’s no prior sales price as it’s a co-op
• Originally listed at $799,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $724,900
• Assessments and taxes: $2744 a month (includes heat, gas, cable, taxes, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×14
• Bedroom #2: 18×12
• Office: 16×7
• Living room: 26×15
• Dining room: 15×15
• Kitchen: 25×10
• Foyer: 7×21
• Walk-in-closet: 5×6

This 2-bedroom in Randolph Place at 165 N. Canal on the Near West Side came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1921, Randolph Place has 341 units and an attached heated garage.

It has 24-hour door staff and gym.

This unit is east facing and the listing says it was “recently renovated.”

It has an “updated” kitchen with gray cabinets with soft close cabinetry, quartz counter tops, a waterfall island with air fryer range and ceiling hood vent, with new stainless steel appliances.

This unit has crown molding, wainscoting and sliding barn doors.

The hardwood floors have been refinished.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

The primary suite faces east and has 2 “huge” closets and an en suite bath with double vanity.

The second bedroom does not appear to have any windows (see the pictures and floor plan of the prior listing).

It appears that walls were removed for the den and that it’s being used as a family/dining room.

This unit has a storage/laundry room with side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit.

It also has central air and deeded heated garage parking is available for $25,000.

This property has an east facing balcony with views of the River.

It’s centrally located near the River Walk, Fulton Market and the Loop.

This unit sold in December 2020 for $470,000 and is now relisted at $585,000, including the parking.

Will the new kitchen get them the premium?

Henry Torn at Listwithfreedom.com has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1022: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1771 square feet

• Sold in August 1999 for $320,000 (per Zillow)
• Sold in January 2008 for $460,000
• Sold in October 2015 for $440,000
• Sold in December 2020 for $470,000
• Currently listed at $560,000 (plus $25,000 for parking)
• Assessments: aren’t listed but includes cable and Internet
• Taxes of $9485
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 10×10
• Living room: 19×16
• Kitchen: 9×12
• Family room: 12×12
• Balcony

This penthouse 2-bedroom at 1847 N. Cleveland in East Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1891, this building has 8 units and gated parking behind the building.

If this unit looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it the last time it was on the market, in April 2017.

Back then, several of you didn’t like the loft aesthetic in the vintage building.

See our 2017 chatter here.

If you recall, this top floor unit has 14 foot ceilings with exposed ductwork and wooden trusses which gives it the feeling of a loft. It also has several walls of exposed brick and skylights.

The floors are wide plank pine hardwood.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining room and has light wood cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, an island that seats three and 2 wine refrigerators.

The listing says the primary bedroom and bathroom have been “recently updated.”

The primary bathroom has a blue custom double vanity, Kohler fittings, and carrera marble and carrera marble stone along with a walk-in-shower.

There’s also a second full bath.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, side-by-side washer/dryer and gated parking is included.

It also has a 5×10 storage room.

But the big selling feature for those looking for outdoor space is the south facing 1000 square foot roof top deck with city views. It appears to be accessed via an outdoor spiral staircase.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Old Town, is near Lincoln Park and Lincoln Park Zoo.

This unit was on the market last May at $699,900, and went under contract quickly, but never sold and the listing was removed.

It has come back on at $699,000.

Will it go under contract quickly again this go-around?

Sophia Klopas at BerkshireHathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4S: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in June 2003 for $500,000
• Sold in June 2004 for $555,000
• Sold in March 2010 for $528,000
• Sold in June 2017 for $632,500 (gated parking included)
• Currently listed at $699,000 (gated parking included)
• Assessments are still $375 a month (they were also $375 in 2017) (includes exterior maintenance and snow removal)
• Taxes are now $12,676 (they were $9993 in April 2017)
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• Private 1000 square foot roof top deck
• Bedroom #1: 12×16
• Bedroom #2: 10×13
• Living/dining combo: 17×20
• Kitchen: 9×12
• Deck: 13×35 (roof top)

This corner 2/2 in Block X at 1141 W. Washington in the West Loop came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1999, Block X has 100 units and attached garage parking along with a landscaped courtyard.

If you recall, the building won architecture awards.

From Best Chicago Properties:

Designed by Chicago’s famed architecture firm Pappageorge Haymes Partners, Block X Condos are comprised of 5 individual buildings united by a beautifully landscaped 1/3 acre courtyard built atop the underground parking garage.

The development was awarded the American Institute of Architects Design Excellence Award, the Distinguished Builder Honor Award from Builder’s Magazine as well as two Gold Key Awards from Chicago’s Home Builder’s Association.

This unit is a northeast corner unit with a split floor plan.

It has hardwood floors in the living/dining room and carpet in the bedrooms.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, granite counter tops, including a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances including a gas stove.

There is a gas fireplace in the living room.

The listing says it has custom window treatments.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bath with a double vanity and an oversized soaking tub and a walk-in closet.

There is a corner terrace off the living and dining room.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit, and attached garage parking space with a floor-to-ceiling storage closet.

The listing says it is tenant occupied until Apr 15, 2022.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of Randolph Street and Fulton Market as well as the Whole Foods and Mariano’s.

Listed at $500,000, is this a good starter condo in this popular neighborhood?

Barbara Binik at Baird & Warner have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #203: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1508 square feet which includes the terrace

• Sold in September 1999 for $268,500
• Sold in November 2009 for $382,000
• Currently listed at $500,000 (garage parking included)
• Assessments of $515 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9646
• Central Air
• Side-by-Side washer/dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 18×13
• Bedroom #2: 13×12
• Living room: 17×16
• Dining room: 16×10
• Kitchen: 8×11
• Terrace

This 2-bedroom duplex-up at 3516 N. Sheffield in the Wrigleyville neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in March 2022.

I don’t know when this building was built, it looks like a former church, but it was converted into condos in 1997. It has 12 units and heated garage parking.

This unit has 9 foot ceilings, a fireplace and hardwood floors on the main level, along with the living room, dining room and kitchen.

The kitchen has light wood cabinets, black appliances, stone counter tops and a peninsula with seating for two.

The second floor has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, which the listing says were “recently updated.”

It has a “massive” outdoor patio on the first floor.

This unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one deeded garage parking spot.

This building is in a prime Wrigleyville location, just a block from the red line stop at Addison, Wrigley Field, Gallagher Way, the soon-to-open Alamo Drafthouse movie theater, and all the shops, restaurants and bars of Wrigleyville, Southport and East Lakeview.

Listed at $499,000, is this the perfect starter condo for those who want to be in the middle of it all in Wrigleyville?

Mark Paul at @Properties Christie’s has the listing. See the pictures here. (no floor plan listed)

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, March 19 from 12 PM to 2 PM.

Unit #1FS: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, duplex-up, no square footage listed

• Sold in March 1998 for $263,000
• Sold in April 2006 for $450,000
• Sold in June 2020 for $382,000
• Currently listed at $499,000
• Assessments of $446 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6341
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking space included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1 (no room sizes are listed on Redfin anymore- is that a new thing? No room sizes anymore?)
• Bedroom #2
• Living room (main level)
• Dining room (main level)
• Kitchen (main level)

This 4-bedroom townhouse at 4048 N. Clark in the Graceland West neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1998, this townhouse complex has 22 units with attached 2-car garage parking.

It is directly across from Graceland Cemetery.

This 4-level townhouse includes a finished basement and has a 2-car garage on the main level accessed from the alley.

The main level has a half bath and the fourth bedroom which is currently being used as a den and has a murphy bed.

The second floor has the living room, dining room and kitchen along with a balcony to grill.

The kitchen has been “updated” and has white cabinets, stainless steel cabinets and stone counter tops.

3 bedrooms are on the third floor, including the primary suite.

The listing says the baths have been “remodeled” with RH lighting and plumbing fixtures and Toto toilets.

The fourth floor has a loft area which could be used for an exercise room or a den and there’s also a deck.

The finished lower level has a recreation room and the laundry room.

The townhouse has central air and the listing says it’s in the Blaine Elementary school district.

It’s also near the Southport restaurants and just a few blocks to Wrigley Field, Wrigleyville restaurants and the soon-to-be movie theater across the street from the ballpark.

Listed at $619,900, is this a single family home alternative in this popular neighborhood?

Steven Katz at @Properties Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #I: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2292 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in January 1999 for $290,000
• Sold in October 2022 for $426,500
• Lis pendens foreclosure in April 2012
• Bank owned in May 2013
• Sold in April 2014 for $390,000
• Sold in February 2017 for $500,000
• Currently listed at $619,900 (includes 2 car garage)
• Assessments of $190 a month (includes lawn care and scavenger)
• Taxes of $11,082
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 16×15 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 8×10 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 8×10 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×10 (main floor)
• Loft: 6×13 (fourth floor)
• Living room: 21×16 (second floor)
• Dining room: 12×12 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 9×8 (second floor)
• Recreation room: 17×15 (lower level)
• Laundry: 7×4 (lower level)
• Balcony: second floor
• Balcony: 9×21 (fourth floor)

This 2-bedroom in the co-op building at 6 E. Scott in the Gold Coast came on the market in July 2021.

Apparently we have never chattered about this building. It’s the 7-story building on the left in the picture above. I know I have a better picture somewhere in my collection but I did manage to take a picture of it just a few months ago because you can’t miss it on this street so I’m going with it.

Built in 1915, it is a co-op and has just 14 units. The building has a rooftop deck with views of the Hancock, a garden and grills.

The listing also says there is an on-site manager/engineer.

This unit has been “renovated” and has “European charm.”

It has some of its vintage features including tall ceilings and crown moldings.

It has a marble private foyer with dual chandeliers, and a living/dining room combo with a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen is “updated” and has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and stone counter tops.

It’s a split floor plan and the primary bedroom has a walk-in-closet.

The unit has the features buyers look for which are rarely found in vintage units including central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

It doesn’t have parking, however, but there’s a transferrable garage parking space available across the street for $310 a month.

This building is near the shops and restaurants of the State/Rush/Division corridor, the Farmers Market on Division and the Jewel on Division.

Originally listed in July 2021 for $599,900, it has been reduced $49,900 to $550,000.

Is this a deal?

Jennifer Mills at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed, co-op

• Sold in February 2010 for $285,000 (per Zillow)
• Listed in July 2021 for $599,900
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $550,000
• Assessments of $818 a month (includes heat, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes aren’t listed. With co-ops, they’re usually included in the HOA but it doesn’t list the taxes as included in the listing. ???
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Transferrable garage parking across the street for $310 a month
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×13
• Bedroom #2: 15×10
• Living/dining combo: 16×18
• Kitchen: 11×7
• Walk-in-closet: 6×16

This 2-bedroom penthouse in The Commodore at 550 W. Surf in East Lakeview came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1898, The Commodore used to be a hotel. It has 193 units and parking.

It has a bike room and an on-site manager/engineer but no door staff.

Are The Commodore and the Green Brier, across the street, in the same association?

We last chattered about this unit in 2011-2012.

See our chatter here.

If you recall, the living/dining room was the old ballroom. It measures 40 feet. Here’s a tidbit from the Upper Bracket column in the Chicago Tribune from 2003.

On the sixth and top floor of the Commodore building, 550 W. Surf St., which was built in 1898, the two-bedroom unit was partly created from a ballroom, which, according to legend, was used by Al Capone as a speakeasy during the 1920s, said co-listing agents Monique Crossan and Heather Bilandic of Sudler.

The ballroom has been converted into a living room and dining room combo, with 13-foot ceilings, three exposures, a recessed movie screen and a fireplace.

According to the Upper Bracket, the unit had been renovated by the 2001 buyer. It doesn’t appear that the “recessed movie screen” has survived 19 years later.

But the original wood work, the gas fireplace, arched windows and built-ins have made it.

It has 13 foot ceilings and chandeliers.

There is an extra-wide foyer leading into the unit.

The listing says it has a “gourmet” kitchen with dark wood cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, a wine cooler and skylights.

Through two wood doors you’ll find the bedroom wing which includes both bathrooms.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet, an en suite bath and a dressing area.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and one parking space is included, with a second available for $35,000.

It also has a 26×9 storage room in the basement.

The Commodore is near the Diversey/Clark/Broadway corridor of shops and restaurants and close to the Trader Joe’s and Landmark Cinema.

If you look at the 2011 crib, you will see that that buyer tried to get $975,000 before finally selling for $570,000 in 2012.

Several of you thought the 2012 selling price was a “deal.”

This penthouse has come on the market at $845,000 plus $35,000 for the second parking space.

Will the sellers get to cash in on their 2012 deal in 2022?

Matthew Engle at Fulton Grace Realty has the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan). I recommend looking at the pictures of the prior listing for more context.

Unit #609: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3000 square feet, 2 deeded covered parking spots

• Sold in June 1993 for $223,000
• Sold in July 1997 for $340,000
• Sold in March 1999 for $425,000
• Sold in June 2001 for $975,000
• Sold in October 2006 for $999,000
• Originally listed in July 2011 for $975,000
• Sold in September 2012 for $570,000 (included 2 parking spaces)
• Currently listed at $845,000 (includes 1 parking space, second is $35,000 extra)
• Assessments are now $1532 a month (they were $1151 a month in November 2012)
• Taxes are now $13,978 (they were $10,009 in 2012)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Gas fireplace
• Storage: 26×9 (in basement)
• Bedroom #1: 18×14 (the room sizes are from the 2012 listing because they aren’t in the current one)
• Bedroom #2: 17×12
• Living/dining room (old ballroom): 43×23
• Kitchen: wasn’t listed in 2012

This 2-bedroom loft in the Gaertner Building at 1201 W. Wrightwood came on the market in March 2022.

Built in 1926, the Gaertner Building has 24 lofts and attached garage parking. An elevator building, it was converted into condos in 2002.

This loft has 11 foot ceilings, exposed brick and hardwood floors.

There’s a Juliet balcony.

It has a “gourmet kitchen” with gray cabinets and island with seating for three with classic white quartz countertops, wine fridge, a walk-in-pantry with stenciled glass door, stainless steel appliances and a gas stove.

The living room has a built-in TV/media cabinet.

The primary bedroom has floor-to-ceiling built-ins, a walk-in-closet and an en suite bathroom with double sinks and a separate shower.

The second bedroom has a Queen pull down bed with a desk.

The loft has the features buyers look for including central air, a full-size washer/dryer and an oversized 1.5 indoor heated garage space.

It has an extra large storage locker and a communal rooftop deck.

There’s a Starbucks across the street and there are shops and restaurants on Diversey, Fullerton and Lincoln.

This loft last sold during the first year of the pandemic, in October 2020, for $597,000. It has come back on the market just 17 months later for $679,000.

Will it get the premium?

Kirste Gaudet at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #3: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1310 square feet

• Sold in September 2001 for $342,000
• Sold in Mary 2004 for $408,000
• Sold in July 2015 for $425,000
• Sold in October 2020 for $597,000
• Currently listed at $679,000
• Assessments of $372 a month (includes lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9145
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Oversized 1.5 indoor heated garage space included
• There aren’t any rooms listed, or room sizes
• Bedroom #1
• Bedroom #2
• Living/dining combo
• Kitchen

This 2-bedroom at 2204 N. Clybourn in the Clybourn Corridor of West Lincoln Park came on the market in February 2022.

Built in 1918, this building has 6 units and gated parking.

This unit doesn’t have many of its vintage features other than a wood burning fireplace and 10 foot ceilings.

It has hardwood floors.

The eat-in kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and a checkerboard tile backsplash.

The primary bedroom is en suite.

There is a dining room.

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

But if you don’t want to move in, the listing says it is an Airbnb short-term rental property with a City of Chicago license.

From the listing:

“Condo rules are silent about short term rental and board has approved that use as long as it is done with the community in mind. Unit can be sold with furniture and housewares to continue to run. Management services available from current owner if desired. AirBnb listing and reservation summary can be provided upon request.”

This unit is close to DePaul, Mariano’s, Pequod, the North and Clybourn shops and restaurants and those on Armitage. This property last sold in July 2021 for $315,000. At that time, it was also listed as an Airbnb property.

It has come back on the market for $84,000 more at $399,000.

This unit was already under contract once since its February 2022 listing.

Does it being an Airbnb get it the premium over last year’s sales price?

Stacy Karel at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold in June 1999 for $230,000
• Sold in March 2005 for $298,000
• Sold in August 2008 for $306,000
• Sold in July 2021 for $315,000
• Originally listed in February 2022 for $399,000
• Under contract
• Back on the market at $399,000
• Assessments of $300 a month (includes scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $6279
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Gated parking space included
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: no measurements listed
• Bedroom #2: no measurements listed
• Dining room
• Living room
• Kitchen