A Vintage Top Floor 2-Bedroom for $550,000: 2003 N. Howe in East Lincoln Park

This top floor 2-bedroom at 2003 N. Howe in East Lincoln Park came on the market in October 2020.

Built in 1906, 2003 N. Howe is a 6-unit building with a back deck and yard.

There’s no parking.

The building is on the corner of Howe and Armitage.

Howe is a one-way street with zoned permit parking.

It has 10-foot ceilings, some exposed brick walls, custom built-ins and millwork.

The unit has east and west exposures.

The living room has a wood burning fireplace.

The kitchen, which as wood cabinets and luxury stainless steel appliances such as a Miele dishwasher and Wolf oven/stove, has an island which is open to the dining/family room combination.

There is only one bathroom and it has marble finishes with heated floors, Ann Sacks tiles, a Toto soaking tub and sink, Robern mirrors and Grohe rain steam shower.

The unit has space pak air conditioning and a new washer/dryer.

It does not have parking.

The property has a private back deck and pets are allowed in the building.

This building is in prestigious East Lincoln Park, and is just a few blocks from popular Oz Park.

Originally listed in October 2020 for $575,000, it has been reduced $25,000 to $550,000.

Is lack of parking an issue in this location?

Charles Costa at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #3N: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1227 square feet

  • Sold in January 1998 for $167,000
  • Sold in May 2000 for $319,000
  • Sold in August 2002 for $367,000
  • Sold in October 2003 for $395,000
  • Sold in June 2007 for $404,500
  • Sold in April 2016 for $526,500
  • Originally listed in October 2020 for $575,000
  • Reduced
  • Currently listed at $550,000
  • Assessments of $400 a month (includes heat, security system, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
  • Taxes of $10,577
  • Space Pac Air Conditioning
  • Washer/dryer in the unit
  • No parking
  • Wood burning fireplace
  • Bedroom #1: 13×12
  • Bedroom #2: 11×9
  • Living room: 15×23
  • Kitchen: 16×9
  • Family room/dining room combo: 16×11
  • Laundry room: 10×5
  • Deck: 12×9

 

Downtown Deals: A River North 2/2 Just $9,900 Above the 2006 Price: 630 N. Franklin

This 2-bedroom in 630 N. Franklin in River North came on the market in June 2020.

Built in 2005, in the “modern industrial style” which includes concrete walls and ceilings, 630 N. Franklin has 165 units and an attached parking garage.

The building has a doorman.

This unit has concrete 9-foot ceilings and exposed concrete walls along with hardwood floors throughout, including in the bedrooms.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has wood cabinets, black granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances along with a breakfast bar.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom with a double vanity.

The second bedroom doesn’t have any windows.

The unit has a south facing balcony with city views.

It has all the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is $25,000 extra.

Originally listed in June 2020 for $475,000, it has been reduced several times to $374,900 plus the parking.

Including the parking, this is just $9,900 above the 2006 sales price of $390,000.

The listing calls it an “incredible value.”

Is it?

Keith Tarasiewicz at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #905: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

  • Sold in July 2006 for $390,000 (included the parking)
  • Originally listed in June 2020 for $475,000
  • Reduced
  • Currently listed at $374,900 (plus $25,000 for the parking)
  • Assessments of $536 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
  • Taxes of $6175
  • Central Air
  • Washer/dryer in the unit
  • Bedroom #1: 14×11
  • Bedroom #2: 10×10
  • Living room: 16×14
  • Kitchen: 9×10
  • Balcony: 12×4

 

The First 1-Bedroom Resale in The Illume at 111 S Peoria in the West Loop

This 1-bedroom in The Illume at 111 S. Peoria in the West Loop came on the market in March 2021.

The Illume was built in 2018 and has 79 units and a heated parking garage.

It’s one of the few newer West Loop luxury buildings that also has a doorman.

This listing says it’s the first 1-bedroom resale in the building.

This unit has wide plank floors throughout and floor to ceiling windows with 10 foot concrete ceilings.

The listing describes the kitchen as a “Chef’s kitchen” with white, custom Italian cabinets and high-end Fisher & Paykel and Bosch appliances with quartz counter tops.

The kitchen has an island with a breakfast bar and custom island extension that can seat 4.

The dining room is part of the living room.

The bedroom is en suite with professionally organized closets.

The unit has a half bath, central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

The garage parking space is $40,000 extra.

It has a private balcony off the living room.

Listed at $475,000 plus $40,000 for parking, can the West Loop support 1-bedroom condo prices above $500,000?

Ramsey Al-Abed and Rubina Bokhari at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #303: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 915 square feet

  • Sold in July 2018 for $450,700 (per Redfin)
  • Originally listed in March 2021 for $475,000 (plus $40,000 for garage parking)
  • Currently still listed at $475,000 (plus $40,000 for garage parking)
  • Assessments of $396 a month (includes a/c, gas, doorman, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
  • Taxes of $9744
  • Central Air
  • Washer/dryer in the unit
  • Bedroom: 12×11
  • Living room: 14×17
  • Kitchen: 16×11
  • Laundry room: 4×4
  • Balcony: 6×10

 

 

A Renovated 2-Bedroom Townhouse for Under $530,000 in Southport: 1350 W. Byron

This 2-bedroom townhouse at 1350 W. Byron in Southport came on the market in April 2021.

Built in 1999, the complex has 12 units with attached garages.

This townhouse has been renovated.

The first floor is a 1-car attached garage and a powder room.

The living room and kitchen are on the second floor. It has new hardwood floors on this level.

There’s also a wood burning fireplace with gas logs.

The kitchen has been expanded and renovated and has white cabinets with blue cabinets on the island. It has quartz counter tops, a farmhouse sink and a blue and white tile backsplash along with stainless steel appliances.

The island is big enough to seat 4.

After the renovation, there’s no longer a dining room.

The third floor is the primary suite which has a renovated “spa bathroom” with a walk-in shower and a stand alone garden tub.

The fourth floor is the second bedroom and bath with a spiral staircase to the private rooftop deck which has 360 degree city views.

The townhouse has central air.

It’s near all the shops and restaurants of Southport and a quick stroll to Wrigley Field.

At $525,300, is this a good 2/2 condo alternative for someone who wants levels and their own private garage?

Howard Andron at Mark Allen Realty has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #7: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1500 square feet, townhouse

  • Sold in July 2000 for $361,000
  • Sold in November 2001 for $404,000
  • Sold in January 2005 for $413,000
  • Sold in June 2016 for $420,000
  • Currently listed at $525,300
  • Assessments of $197 a month (includes exterior maintenance and lawn care)
  • Taxes of $8362
  • Central Air
  • Attached 1-car garage
  • Wood burning fireplace with gas logs
  • Bedroom #1: 12×10 (third floor)
  • Bedroom #2: 13×12 (fourth floor)
  • Living room: 14×10 (second floor)
  • Kitchen: 19×11 (second floor)
  • Laundry room; 7×4 (third floor)
  • Rooftop deck: 14×16 (fifth floor)

 

 

His and Hers Bathrooms in a Vintage Penthouse: 1209 N. Astor in the Gold Coast

This 3-bedroom penthouse at 1209 N. Astor in the Gold Coast came on the market in March 2021.

Built in 1926, 1209 N. Astor was, according to Chicago Apartments: A Century of Lakefront Luxury, originally sold as “Twelve Nine.”

Designed by Alfred Alschuler and built by Hallbauer-La Bahn, the red brick building has 16 floors with limestone trim.

It has 31 units along with a doorman and exercise room.

There’s no parking.

This penthouse has many of its vintage features including thick crown molding, built-ins and wood paneling in the library.

It has 2 fireplaces, including a gas fireplace in the library.

The second fireplace is in the living room and the listing says it’s the only wood burning fireplace in the building and has a “dedicated chimney fan on the roof with controls inside the unit.”

Other unique features include “dedicated hot water tanks with top-floor pumps for strong water pressure independent of building systems and excellent zoned HVAC system with humidification.”

The living room and primary bedroom span the width of the unit.

The primary bedroom, which you enter through a hidden custom door in the library, also has the unique feature of his, and hers, en suite bathrooms, with body sprays and steam.

The kitchen, which has lake views, has white cabinets, stone counter tops and luxury stainless steel appliances including a range hood that vents outdoors.

It also has a wine refrigerator.

The unit has a 100×6 private terrace that runs parallel to a long gallery hallway.

This penthouse also has a separate dining room and family room along with a small office.

In addition to the central air, it also has a laundry room with in-unit washer/dryer.

There’s no parking but rental is available in the neighborhood.

The assessments are $6800 a month but because its a co-op, those include taxes.

For those looking for a home in the sky, does this fit the bill?

Dawn McKenna and Karen Iantorno at Coldwell Banker have the listing. See the pictures here (no floor plan, sorry).

Unit #PH: 3 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 4100 square feet, co-op

  • No prior prices because it’s a co-op
  • Originally listed in March 2021 for $3.1 million
  • Currently still listed at $3.1 million
  • Assessments of $6800 a month (includes heat, gas, taxes, security, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
  • Taxes are in the assessment
  • Central Air
  • Washer/dryer in the unit
  • No parking
  • 2 fireplaces including one wood burning
  • Dedicated hot water tanks with pumps
  • Bedroom #1: 13×26
  • Bedroom #2: 15×9
  • Bedroom #3: 14×14
  • Living room: 17×29
  • Dining room: 17×21
  • Kitchen: 14×20
  • Library: 17×20
  • Family room: 11×17
  • Laundry room: 5×10
  • Pantry: 6×6
  • Office: 6×5
  • Gallery: 8×43
  • Balcony: 100×6

Get a 2012-Built 2/2 in Southport for $575,000: 1204 W. Cornelia

This 2-bedroom at 1204 W. Cornelia in the Southport neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in March 2021.

Built in 2012, the building has 6 units and garage parking.

We actually chattered about this building back in 2012 because it was among the first signs that the housing market had bottomed as it was among the first new construction buildings after the bubble.

See our 2012 chatter here.

This is one of the middle units.

It has hardwood floors throughout and crown molding.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining room and has custom white cabinets, granite counter tops, a breakfast bar, a subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

The owners suite has a walk-in-closet with custom shelving and an en suite bathroom with dual vanities and steam shower.

The unit has two outdoor spaces, including a private front balcony and a shared back deck.

It has all the features that buyers look forĀ  including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is included.

The listing says it’s in the coveted Blaine school district.

This appears to be the first time it has come on the market since the original 2012 sale.

Listed at $575,000, is this what a newer 2/2 goes for that is just 2 blocks from all the shops and restaurants of Southport?

Leigh Marcus at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

  • Sold in November 2012 for $479,000
  • Currently listed for $575,000 (includes the parking)
  • Assessments of $163 a month (includes exterior maintenance and snow removal)
  • Taxes of $9268
  • Central Air
  • Washer/dryer in the unit
  • Wood burning fireplace
  • Bedroom #1: 16×13
  • Bedroom #2: 13×10
  • Living/dining room: 18×21
  • Kitchen: 14×8
  • Deck: 15×12
  • Balcony: 15×6

 

 

A Top Floor West Loop 2-Bedroom With Floor to Ceiling Windows: 125 S. Green

This top floor 2-bedroom in The Emerald at 125 S. Green in the West Loop came on the market in early March 2021.

The Emerald was built in 2008 and has 212 units and garage parking.

It’s a full amenity building with a doorman, fitness center, business center and private bar.

The listing describes this unit as a “penthouse” with 13-foot ceilings.

It has floor-to-ceiling windows which face west and north.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has dark wood cabinets, stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a bathroom with a dual vanity and marble counter tops.

It also has a private balcony.

This unit has all the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking appears to be included in the price.

Originally listed in early March 2021 at $689,000 it has been reduced $40,000 to $649,000.

That’s $89,000 above last year’s sale of $560,000.

Is the West Loop market hot enough to get the premium?

Victoria Rezin and Dawn McKenna at Coldwell Banker have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #1201A: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1290 square feet

  • Sold in August 2008 for $317,500 (included the parking)
  • Sold in December 2010 for $380,000 (included the parking)
  • Sold in March 2020 for $560,000 (included the parking)
  • Originally listed in March 2021 for $689,000
  • Reduced
  • Currently listed at $649,000 (appears to include the parking)
  • Assessments of $753 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
  • Taxes of $10,125
  • Central Air
  • Washer/dryer in the unit
  • Bedroom #1: 13×12
  • Bedroom #2: 13×11
  • Kitchen: 11×8
  • Living/dining room combo: 22×16
  • Balcony

Get a 2/2 With Parking for Under $325,000 in the South Loop: 1430 S. Michigan

This corner 2-bedroom at 1430 S. Michigan in the South Loop came on the market in August 2020.

Built in 2000, this building has 50 units around a central courtyard and garage parking.

It was built in “soft loft” style, with concrete ceilings and exposed ductwork.

It’s not a full amenity building. There’s no doorman or other amenities.

This unit has floor to ceiling windows with “tree top views” and true hardwood floors throughout, including in the bedrooms.

The kitchen is open to the living room and has light wood cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances along with an island.

The primary bedroom has an en suite bathroom.

Both bedrooms have windows.

There is a balcony off the living room.

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

Originally listed in August 2020 for $339,500, it has been reduced to $324,900.

That’s under the 2017 sales price of $327,000.

Is this a deal?

Keith Tarasiewicz at Redfin has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #304: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

  • Sold in November 2000 for $208,500
  • Sold in July 2007 for $318,500
  • Sold in July 2017 for $327,000
  • Originally listed in August 2020 for $339,500
  • Reduced
  • Currently listed at $324,900 (garage parking included)
  • Assessments of $460 a month (includes security system, cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger)
  • Taxes of $5794
  • Central Air
  • Washer/dryer in the unit
  • Bedroom #1: 12×12
  • Bedroom #2: 13×10
  • Living/dining room: 18×13
  • Kitchen: 13×9
  • Foyer: 12×5
  • Balcony

 

A 4-Bedroom River North Art Deco Inspired 2-Story Penthouse: 33 W. Ontario

This 4-bedroom penthouse in Millennium Centre at 33 W. Ontario in River North came on the market in September 2020.

Built in 2003, Millennium Centre is 60 stories and has 364 units along with a parking garage.

It’s a full amenity building with an outdoor pool, grills and decks, an exercise room and a doorman.

It also has townhouses built on top of the parking garage.

This penthouse occupies the top two floors and has 180 degree north and west views.

The listing says it was renovated in 2017 and is “art deco-inspired.”

The listing also says it has been completely reimagined by LUXE Haus Interiors (and can be sold furnished).

There’s 26 foot floor-to-ceiling windows in the family room.

It has an eat-in kitchen on the second floor with white cabinets and luxury appliances that has a wall of windows that makes it seem like a sunroom as it overlooks the private 700 square foot terrace.

No, there’s no pergola but it’s on the 60th floor so there are usually rules about structures and what is allowed due to wind/weather when you get that high up.

3 of the bedrooms are en suite.

The listing says all 4 bedrooms are on the main floor (with the kitchen/dining room and living room on the second floor) but the floor plan really only shows 3 bedrooms on the main floor.

The primary suite has a large bathroom as well as a walk-in-closet with a window. Was the closet originally the fourth bedroom?

The unit has a few unique features including a drop down television hidden in the ceiling of the primary bedroom and a “secret” door (it’s the built-in bookcase) in the library/bedroom on the main floor that leads to the bathroom.

I recommend watching the video for more on both of these features.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit (where is it? In one of the bathrooms?) and 3 deeded garage parking spaces are included in the price.

Originally listed in September 2020 at $2.88 million, it has been reduced to $2.5 million.

At 3659 square feet, is this a deal at this price?

Amir Fouad at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures, floor plan and video (a must see) here.

Unit #PH-D: 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3659 square feet, penthouse, duplex up

  • Sold in September 2006 for $2.1 million
  • Sold on the same day in September 2006 for $2,999,950 (a flip?)
  • Bank owned in May 2008
  • Sold in May 2010 for $1.15 million
  • Sold in July 2012 for $1.7 million
  • Originally listed in September 2020 for $2.88 million
  • Reduced
  • Currently listed at $2.5 million (includes 3 car garage parking)
  • Assessments of $3739 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, Internet, clubhouse, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger and snow removal)
  • Taxes of $38,424
  • Central Air
  • Washer/dryer in the unit
  • Fireplace
  • Bedroom #1: 15×17 (main floor)
  • Bedroom #2: 13×18 (main floor)
  • Bedroom #3: 11×12 (main floor)
  • Bedroom #4: 12×16 (main floor)
  • Living room: 25×13 (second floor)
  • Dining room: 20×13 (second floor)
  • Family room: 20×18 (main floor)
  • Kitchen: 12×22 (second floor)
  • Terrace: 700 square feet (second floor)

 

 

Live in an Old Bank in West Lincoln Park: The Manor at 1425 W. Fullerton

An old bank building at 1425 W. Fullerton in West Lincoln Park is being converted into 8 luxury condo units.

The building will be called The Manor.

It has a new, modern addition on the east side of the building as well as a parking garage.

It’s an elevator building with direct entry into the units.

This top floor 3-bedroom simplex has northern and westerly views.

Is this unit built on top of the building as new construction?

The listing just includes general pictures of the building, including the original safe, which are in other units in the building.

The listing says the building will have gourmet kitchens, high ceilings and impressive windows and millwork.

This particular 3-bedroom unit also has a big 615 square foot deck.

The building is in the Oscar Meyer school district.

The listing says it will be delivering in “Spring 2021.”

It’s surrounded by shops and restaurants on Fullerton and Clybourn.

It’s rare to see a vintage conversion such as this in Lincoln Park.

Will these units sell quickly?

Melissa Govedarica and Patrick Ciezki at @Properties have the listings. See the pictures of the development here.

Unit #4N: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1700 square feet

  • New construction
  • Currently listed for $999,900
  • Assessments of $250 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
  • Taxes are “new”
  • Garage Parking
  • Central Air
  • Bedroom #1: 13×10
  • Bedroom #2: 12×10
  • Bedroom #3: 12×10
  • Living/dining combo: 23×17
  • Kitchen: 13×10
  • Walk-in-closet: 9×9
  • Deck: 50×13