Crib Chatter

This 2-bedroom in The Palmolive at 159 E. Walton in Streeterville came on the market in June 2021.

I never know if this area is Streeterville or Gold Coast. I’ve called it Gold Coast in the past but “old” Streeterville seemed to extend further north.

The listing calls it the Near North Side but that’s no fun.

The Palmolive was built in 1929 and was, according to Wikipedia, originally the headquarters for Colgate-Palmolive. It was then the headquarters for Playboy.

The building was converted into condos in 2006-2007.

It has only 102 units and valet garage parking.

The building also has a 24-hour doorman and exercise room.

Some of you may remember that Vince Vaughn once owned the penthouse, which was split into several units after the housing bust.

This 2-bedroom has a split floor plan with both bedrooms on the corners.

It has 3 exposures: east, south and west.

The ceilings approach 10 feet. It also has 8 inch baseboards, a trellised detail on the ceilings and solid-core doors.

The kitchen has dark cabinets with stone and Subzero, Wolfe and Miele appliances.

There’s a gas fireplace with a marble surround.

Both bedrooms are en suite and the unit also has a powder room.

The primary bedroom has a marbled bathroom with double vanities.

It has the features that buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit. It doesn’t say if parking is included but it’s valet in the building.

At 1825 square feet, and listed at $895,000, is this a deal for one of Chicago’s popular luxury buildings?

Cadey O’Leary at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #5E: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1825 square feet

• Sold in February 2007 for $818,500 (per Zillow)
• Currently listed at $895,000
• Assessments of $1854 a month (includes heat, a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $22,897
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Parking is valet (extra or included?)
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 20×15
• Bedroom #2: 14×10
• Living/dining combo: 16×25
• Kitchen: 10×16
• Foyer: 7×17

This 3-bedroom in 609 W. Stratford in East Lakeview came on the market in May 2021.

Built in 1928, this boutique elevator building has 30 units, with just 2 per floor.

It has a shared yard with grills and a fire pit.

There’s no parking with the building but this unit has “leased transferable garage parking next door.”

This unit has some of its vintage features including a barrel vaulted hallway, the original limestone decorative fireplace, crown molding and the original butler’s pantry.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The unit has 7 north facing windows and  formal dining room.

The listing says the kitchen was “redone” with new Alder wood cabinets, high end appliances including a Liebherr refrigerator, new porcelain tile flooring, quarter counter tops and a new tile backsplash.

All three bedrooms are en suite, although one is just a half bath.

It doesn’t have central air or space pac, just window air units, but the listing says its one of the few units with an in-unit washer/dryer.

According to the listing, this unit is in the Nettlehorst school district and is near all the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

Listed at $475,000, is this an affordable option for vintage lovers looking for space?

Anne Rodia at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #6C: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1600 square feet

• Sold in October 2008 for $295,000
• Sold in June 2013 for $365,000
• Sold in January 2018 for $415,000
• Originally listed in May 2021 for $475,000
• Currently still listed at $475,000
• Assessments of $557 a month (includes heat, gas, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8306
• No central air. Window units.
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking but leased transferable garage parking next door
• Decorative fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×14
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Bedroom #3: 11×7
• Living room: 23×13
• Dining room: 15×12
• Pantry: 10×4
• Kitchen: 15×9

This 3-bedroom single family home at 1450 W. Pensacola in the Graceland West neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in late June 2021.

It went under contract within 3 days.

Built in 1901, the listing says it had a 2-story addition in 2016.

It’s on a 25 x 121.9 size lot and has a 2-car garage.

The listing calls it “country chic.”

It has french doors, beamed ceilings in the kitchen, a fireplace, a sunroom and exposed brick in the lower level recreation room.

The kitchen has white cabinets, an island that seats 3, 2″ concrete counter tops and butcher block counter tops, a farmhouse sink, SubZero refrigerator and a Bertazzoni 6-burner range.

The office on the first floorm has reclaimed pine bookshelves.

All three bedrooms are on the second floor along with 2 bathrooms.

There’s a primary suite which has vaulted ceilings, skylights, a walk-in-closet and a spa bath.

There’s also a balcony off the primary suite.

The basement has the third bathroom, the laundry room and the recreation room.

The listing says there is all new electrical and plumbing.

It has central air.

It came on the market at $1 million and went under contract within 3 days.

Is Graceland West the alternative for those priced out of Southport?

Jill Peet Saponaro at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

1450 W. Pensacola: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, no square footage listed, single family home

• Sold in October 1986 for $114,000
• Sold in August 1992 for $177,000
• Sold in July 1999 for $425,000
• Sold in November 2015 for $600,000
• Listed in June 2021 for $1 million
• Under contract in 3 days
• Taxes of $14,336
• 2-car garage
• Central Air
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 11×21 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 14×11 (second floor)
• Office: 10×7 (main floor)
• Sitting room: 14×8 (second floor)
• Sunroom: 21×7 (main floor)
• Living room: 12×15 (main floor)
• Dining room: 11×15 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 18×14 (main floor)
• Recreation room: 18×10 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 9×13 (lower level)
• 2nd floor balcony
• Back deck

This 3-bedroom worker’s cottage at 2110 N. Hoyne in Bucktown just came on the market.

If it looks familiar, that’s because we chattered about it all the way back in 2009.

Yes, Homedelete was complaining about the sales price, even in 2009.

See our chatter here.

Built in 1891, this worker’s cottage is all brick and is on a smaller than standard Chicago lot measuring 24×100.

The listing says it has a “lush back yard” and a 2-car garage.

It has been “renovated and redesigned.”

It has mocha stained hardwood floors on the first and second floor.

The first floor has the living room, dining room, kitchen and a full bath.

The kitchen has grey flat-paneled cabinets with honed granite counter tops, updated appliances, a tile backsplash, exposed brick and an island.

The second level has 2 bedrooms, a full bath and the washer/dryer.

The third floor has a den/office which leads to a third bedroom or family room, along with a half bath.

The cottage has central air.

Listed at $839,000, is this a deal for a single family home in Bucktown?

Jacob Tasharski at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Or see it at the Open House on Saturday, June 26, from 12 to 2 PM.

2110 N. Hoyne: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square feet listed, worker’s cottage

• Sold in April 1999 for $240,000
• Sold in July 1999 for $290,000
• Sold in February 2004 for $370,000
• Sold in June 2009 for $530,000
• Sold in December 2014 for $603,000
• Sold in March 2015 for $680,000
• Currently listed at $839,000
• Taxes of $14,673
• Central Air
• 2-car garage
• Bedroom #1: 16×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×13 (third floor)
• Living room: 18×13 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 12×12 (main floor)
• Dining room: 18×12 (main floor)
• Den: 15×12 (third floor)

This 3-bedroom in The Citadel at 2300 W. Armitage in Bucktown just came on the market.

Built in 1900, The Citadel has 12 units and garage parking with a unique open courtyard design where each unit has a private entrance.

This triplex is a corner unit with 11.5′ ceilings and 7′ black windows.

It has hardwood floors throughout.

The first floor consists of the kitchen, the living/dining rooms and a powder room.

The kitchen, which has wood cabinets, has been “upgraded” with new quartz counter tops, including a waterfall edge on the island which seats 3, white subway tile backsplash, floating shelves, and a black faucet and hardware.

The second floor has 2 of the bedrooms, including the primary bedroom which is en suite.  The bath has been “fully renovated” and has black hexagon heated tile floors, white subway tile and black fixtures.

The third floor has the third bedroom and a loft/office space separated by a dry bar with a beverage fridge.

The second full bath his also on the third floor along with a private rooftop deck.

The unit has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and heated garage parking.

This property is hosting an Open House, but it’s not happening this weekend, as most normally do. They have scheduled it for Friday, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm.

Listed at $625,000, is this a townhouse alternative for those who want levels?

James D’Astice at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

See it at the Open House on Friday, June 25, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.

Unit #6: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2300 square feet, triplex

• Sold in November 2001 for $475,000
• Sold in May 2004 for $440,000
• Sold in September 2015 for $500,500
• Sold in June 2018 for $571,500
• Currently listed at $625,000
• Assessments of $391 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $9844
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Heated garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 18×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (third floor)
• Office: 15×9 (third floor)
• Living/dining room: 25×17 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×8 (main floor)
• Dry bar: 6×4 (third floor)
• Laundry room: 5×4 (second floor)
• Rooftop deck: 13×15 (third floor)

The Illinois Association of Realtors is out with the May sales report.

Yes, the market is still red hot, with the highest number of May sales since 2008.

Just a reminder: year-over-year comparisons will be skewed due to the plunge in sales in May 2020. Last year, sales crashed 43.6% compared to May 2019 due to the coronavirus lock down.

In the city of Chicago, home sales (single-family and condominiums) in May 2021 totaled 3,358 homes sold, up 97.4 percent from May 2020 sales of 1,701 homes.

The median price of a home in Chicago in May 2021 was $351,000, up 12.1 percent compared to May 2020 when it was $313,000.

May Sales:

• May 2008: 2119 sales
• May 2009: 1557 sales
• May 2010: 2057 sales
• May 2011: 1705 sales
• May 2012: 2037 sales
• May 2013: 2834 sales
• May 2014: 2453 sales
• May 2015: 2750 sales
• May 2016: 2980 sales
• May 2017: 3046 sales
• May 2018: 3047 sales
• May 2019: 2952 sales
• May 2020: 1701 sales
• May 2021: 3358 sales

Median Price Data:

• May 2008: $319,500
• May 2009: $225,000
• May 2010: $230,000
• May 2011: $190,000
• May 2012: $203,000
• May 2013: $234,000
• May 2014: $269,250
• May 2015: $281,000
• May 2016: $290,750
• May 2017: $305,600
• May 2018: $305,000
• May 2019: $315,000
• May 2020: $313,000
• May 2021: $351,000

“The data from May shows the stark contrast of where we were last year, when the COVID-19 stay-at-home order truly started to impact the Chicago real estate market, compared to this year as the city slowly opened up, and the changes are astounding, with a 97.4 percent increase in closed sales,” said Nykea Pippion McGriff, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and vice president of brokerage services at Coldwell Banker Realty.

“We’re currently seeing all types of properties, from single-family to condos, moving swiftly off the market. Buyers are prepared to move quickly on their dream homes, and those who are considering making a change should call their REALTOR® to begin the selling process.”

Mortgage rates remain low.

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 2.95% in May from 3.06% in April. It was also down from May 2020 when it averaged 3.23%.

Inventory also remains near record lows.

Statewide, inventory dropped 45.7% to 25,426 from 46,791 last year.

In Chicago, inventory dropped 6% to 7,808 from 8,308 last year.

“This year’s moving season has started out bright for sellers with their homes being purchased at top prices,” says Sue Miller, President of Illinois REALTORS® and designated managing broker of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group in McHenry. “But the future remains overcast for those trying to purchase their dream home due to the continued record low inventory of available housing of all types.”

Single family home median sales price jumped 36.5% year-over-year, whereas condo median price gained just 0.4%.

But condos continued to drive the increase in sales with sales up 143.7% year-over-year to 2,352 sales. Single family home sales rose 36.7% year-over-year to 1,006 sales.

“The market continues to exhibit positive growth in sales and prices,” said Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, emeritus director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory at the University of Illinois. “However, affordability is again becoming a challenge as the National Association of REALTORS® noted that more than 50 percent of recent sales were made with a down payment of 20 percent or more, making it difficult for first-time buyers to offer competitive bids.”

May was hot, but is the market starting to cool in June due to higher prices and lack of inventory?

Or will this hot market continue all summer long?

Hot market, tightening inventory meant faster sales, higher prices in May [Illinois Association of Realtors, Press Release, June 22, 2021]

This 3-bedroom penthouse loft at 154 W. Hubbard came on the market in September 2020.

Built in 1924, 154 W. Hubbard was converted into 18 luxury lofts by Studio Dwell in 2008.

The building has an elevator and heated garage parking.

There is no doorman or other amenities.

This penthouse loft has authentic loft features including 14 foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, timber beams and an open floor plan.

The kitchen has dark modern cabinets and an oversized island with waterfall counter top and seating for 4 along with Subzero and Wolf appliances.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet and a spa-like bath with steam shower, heated floors and soaking tub.

The third bedroom is currently open to the rest of the space and is used as a den with a built-in bar.

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

But the big unique feature is the 1500 square foot landscaped rooftop deck with an outdoor media center and built-in bar and grill.

This building is in the heart of the River North/Near North Side neighborhoods, near restaurants, shops, the Chicago River and the Merchandise Mart, including the brown/purple line stop.

Currently listed at $1.39 million, that’s $170,000 under the 2018 sales price of $1.56 million.

Is this loft a deal?

Ryan Prevett at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #603: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2300 square feet, penthouse loft

• Sold in July 2008 for $920,000
• Sold in December 2012 for $915,000
• Sold in October 2015 for $1.5 million
• Sold in June 2018 for $1.56 million
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $1.449 million
• Reduced 
• Currently listed at $1.39 million
• Assessments of $492 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $24,258
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One heated garage parking space included
• 1500 square foot landscaped private roof top deck
• Bedroom #1: 15×14
• Bedroom #2: 10×12
• Bedroom #3: 16×12
• Living room: 29×18
• Dining room: 10×10
• Kitchen: 18×16
• Laundry room: 8×9
• Walk-in-Closet: 5×8

This 5-bedroom penthouse at 3512 N. Southport in the Southport neighborhood of Lakeview came on the market in January 2021.

Long time readers will remember it from 2011 when it had a putting green on the rooftop deck.

See our 2011 chatter here.

Built in 2008, the building has 7 units and garage parking.

It’s an elevator building and the elevator operates from the garage and opens directly into the penthouse’s foyer.

At 4200 square feet, this penthouse is as large as many single family homes in the Southport neighborhood.

It occupies the entire top floor of this building.

The unit has crown molding, coffered ceilings and 3 fireplaces.

Nearly all the living space is on the main floor, including the 5 bedrooms, the office, the library and the family room.

The primary bedroom has 2 walk-in-closets and an en suite bath with heated floors, steam shower and soaking tub.

The unit has some unique features for a  Southport condo including a climate controlled wine cellar, a beverage center and espresso bar and a library with custom cabinets.

The kitchen has gray (?) cabinets, stone counter tops with an island that has seating, and luxury stainless steel appliances.

The main floor has two terraces but the big selling point is the massive rooftop deck which has stone, Trex and turf finishes.

There’s a fireplace, a pergola, a gardening area with irrigation as well as a rooftop sunroom with a wet bar, beverage center, dishwasher and a half bath.

Alas, the rooftop apparently no longer has the putting green but the listing says it can be added (or, possibly, a kids play set).

The condo has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and there is parking for 4 cars, 2 in the garage and 2 outside the garage.

This building is in the heart of Southport, with its shops and restaurants, and just a few blocks from Wrigley Field.

Listed at $1.99 million in January 2021 it has been reduced to $1.95 million.

This is the first time it has been back on the market in 10 years.

Is this a great single family home alternative in this neighborhood?

Crystal Riley at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4: 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, 4200 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in September 2008 for $1.5 million
• Sold in May 2011 for $1.5 million
• Originally listed in January 2021 for $1.99 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $1.95 million
• Assessments of $920 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $28,664
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Elevator from the garage directly to the unit
• 2 car garage parking plus 2 outdoor parking spaces
• 3 fireplaces, including one on the roofdeck
• Wine cellar
• Bedroom #1: 19×16 (main floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×10 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 15×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 14×12 (main floor)
• Bedroom #5: 14×12 (main floor)
• Foyer: 10×8 (main floor)
• Living room: 19×18 (main floor)
• Dining room: 19×11 (main floor)
• Family room: 19×18 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 19×19 (main floor)
• Laundry room: 9×6 (main floor)
• Sunroom: 14×8 (second floor)
• Terrace: 17×9 (main floor)
• Balcony: 19×8 (main floor)
• Deck: 86×19 (second floor)
• Deck: 48×19 (second floor)

This 1-bedroom in 1111 S. Wabash in the South Loop came on the market in May 2020.

Built in 2005, 1111 S. Wabash has 247 units and attached garage parking.

It’s a full amenity building with a doorman, pool and exercise room.

At 1200 square feet, the listing says this 1-bedroom has been opened up from its previous 2 bedroom layout.

It’s been renovated and has wide plank hardwood floors throughout.

The unit has modern finishes includes a modern kitchen with custom white European cabinets and built-in appliances.

The living/dining room has a built-in oak wall unit with a bar area and wine fridge.

The bedroom closet has built-in closet organizers and is en suite with a renovated bathroom with heated floors and a custom walk-in-shower.

It has a private balcony with a west, or city, view.

The listing says that parking and the furniture can be purchased separately.

It has the features buyers look for including central air and washer/dryer in the unit.

Originally listed in May 2020 at $499,999, it has been reduced $100,111 to $399,888.

Is this unit the perfect antidote to all the high rise condos that have the same, standard finishes?

Timothy Rhoten at Red Carpet Investment Group has the listing. See the pictures here.

You can also see it in person on Saturday, June 19 at the Open House from 12 to 2 PM.

Unit #2206: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold in April 2005 for $330,000
• Sold in March 2018 for $312,000
• Originally listed in May 2020 for $499,999
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $399,888
• Assessments of $565 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $6498
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking is extra (doesn’t say how much)
• Furniture is extra
• Bedroom #1: 12×10
• Living/dining room: 16×13
• Kitchen: 10×10
• Laundry room: 5×3

This 2-bedroom on the 42nd floor in the One Magnificent Mile Condos at 950 N. Michigan in the Gold Coast came on the market in March 2021.

Built in 1983, One Mag Mile Condos has 181 units and rental garage parking.

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

This 2 bedroom has city views, including up the Mag Mile.

The listing says it has 9 foot ceilings.

There are hardwood floors throughout the main living space.

The kitchen has white cabinets, what looks like granite counter tops and backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar.

There are 3 full baths, including what looks to be 2 en suite in the primary bedroom (per the floor plan).

The unit also has a powder room.

It has features buyers look for including central air and full-size side-by-side washer/dryer. Parking is rental in the building.

This property is on north Michigan Avenue, with easy access to shops, restaurants and Oak Street Beach.

Originally listed in March 2021 for $725,000, it has been reduced $100,000 to $625,000.

That’s just $25,000 over the 2012 sales price of $600,000– which was also the “low” of the housing bust.

Is this a deal?

Oliver Levy and Helen Jaeger Roth at Baird & Warner have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #4204: 2 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 1830 square feet

• Sold in September 1990 for $400,000
• Sold in October 1994 for $205,000
• Sold in March 2012 for $600,000
• Originally listed in March 2021 for $725,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $625,000
• Assessments of $1451 a month (includes a/c, doorman, cable, exercise room, indoor pool, exterior maintenance, Internet)
• Taxes of $16,673
• Central Air
• Side-by-side washer/dryer in the unit
• Rental parking in the building
• Bedroom #1: 16×15
• Bedroom #2: 10×12
• Kitchen: 14×10
• Living room: 26×15
• Dining room: 14×12
• Walk-in-closet: 8×6