Crib Chatter

This 1-bedroom at 36 S. Ashland in the West Loop came on the market in July 2021.

36 S. Ashland is a vintage building with 16 units on Ashland and Ogden.

It was converted into condos in 2004.

It has an elevator and storage in the basement but there’s no parking.

This unit has 10 foot ceilings with a wall of windows with northwest exposure that runs the length of the apartment.

There are Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a fireplace in the living room with a full granite surround.

The unit has a “euro-style” kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a built-in oven and granite counter tops with a breakfast bar.

The listing says there is a marble bath.

The unit has features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a private balcony overlooking Ogden.

It doesn’t have parking but it does have private storage in the basement.

The listing markets this as the following:

Investment or in-town condo in a popular, easy-to-rent West Loop location.

Originally listed in July 2021 at $195,000, it has been reduced to $175,000.

But there’s a catch.

The listing also says:

HOA has limited documentation, so no conventional financing. Cash only, sold as-is.

The West Loop is one of the hottest in the city. Would this unit make a good investment?

Rozilyn Dupiton at KellerWilliams OneChicago has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #204: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 883 square feet

• Sold in July 2004 for $228,000
• Originally listed in July 2021 for $195,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $175,000
• Assessments of $137 a month (includes scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $1601
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Fireplace
• Bedroom: 13×12
• Living room: 16×16
• Dining room: 10×10
• Kitchen: 12×10
• Balcony: 12×5

This 3-bedroom townhouse at 1926 N. Lincoln Park West in East Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2021.

Built in 2008, this complex has 15 units and garage parking.

It’s an elevator building.

This is the building which has the Ranalli’s restaurant on the first floor.

This townhouse is 3 levels and has dark hardwood floors throughout.

It has a chef’s kitchen with “brand new” white cabinets and new hardware with high-end stainless steel appliances with a range hood, quartz counter tops, a waterfall island and quartz backsplash along with a breakfast bar.

There’s a powder room with a floating vanity on the first floor.

Two bedrooms are on the second floor with one on the third.

The primary bedroom has a “spa-like” bath with a double vanity, tub, steam shower with a rainshower head and porcelain tile floors.

The second full bath also has a double vanity and porcelain floors.

There’s dual HVAC.

The townhouse has 2 “oversized” private balconies.

It has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking.

It’s near Lincoln Park, the zoo and the shops and restaurants of Old Town and Lincoln Park.

Originally listed in September 2021 at $767,000, it has been reduced $78,000 to $689,000.

Is this a deal for a 3-bedroom in this location?

Joshua Lipton and Heather Ditlevsen at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2B: 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, townhouse

• Sold in May 2009 for $525,000 (included the parking)
• Listed in September 2021 for $767,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $689,000
• Assessments of $363 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $14,246
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer  in the unit
• 2 balconies
• Bedroom #1: 16×14 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 16×13 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×10 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 16×25 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 9×8 (main floor)
• Laundry: 4×4 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom penthouse loft in the Art House Lofts at 14 N. Sangamon in the West Loop came on the market in July 2021.

The Art House Lofts were converted into 26 lofts in 1990.

It has attached private garages.

This penthouse is east facing and has 12 foot timber ceilings, exposed ductwork and hardwood floors.

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

There’s a fireplace in the living room.

The second bedroom does not appear to have a window but it does have a skylight. The unit has 3 skylights in total.

There are 3 separate entryways that lead you to a private 264 square foot outdoor space that faces east over the skyline.

The private balcony is large enough to fit a table and chairs and a second seating area.

The loft has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a “large” attached private 1 car garage which is $30,000 extra.

This loft is in the middle of all the shops and restaurants of the West Loop and just a few blocks from the red-hot Fulton Market neighborhood.

It was originally listed in July 2021 at $495,000 and has been reduced to $490,000.

With so many new apartments in the neighborhood, does this loft have to compete against new construction rentals?

Jesse Nocon and Leticia Marquez at MUV Real Estate have the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #402: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, no square footage listed

• Sold in December 1999 for $214,500
• Sold in August 2002 for $295,000
• Sold in February 2005 for $370,000 (included parking)
• Sold in May 2011 for $355,000 (included parking)
• Originally listed in July 2021 for $495,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $490,000 (garage parking is $30,000 extra)
• Assessments of $471 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $6679 
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×12
• Bedroom #2: 12×10
• Foyer: 9×10
• Walk-in-closet: 5×6
• Kitchen: 9×17
• Living/dining room: 14×17
• Deck: 33×8

This corner 3-bedroom in The Wellington at 360 W. Wellington in East Lakeview came on the market in October 2021.

Built in 1959, The Wellington has 99 units and attached rental garage parking.

It has a rooftop deck and an on-site engineer.

The listing for this northeast corner unit says it was “completely rehabbed in 2017.”

The 2017 listing says it had new walls, plumbing and electrical.

It has hardwoods throughout and heated bathroom floors.

The kitchen has white cabinets, high end stainless steel appliances, stone counter tops, a white tile backsplash and a breakfast bar with seating for two.

There are built-ins in the living room, including a fireplace.

The unit does not have central air as there are wall units. It also doesn’t have in-unit washer/dryer.

Rental garage parking is available in the attached garage but according to the listing there is a short wait list.

However, this unit also has rare outdoor space.

According to the listing, it is one of just two units in the building with its own private outdoor space.

It has a massive outdoor deck reached via a half story staircase (see pictures).

The building is near bus lines and the shops and restaurants of East Lakeview.

Originally listed in October 2021 at $485,000, it has been reduced $25,000 to $460,000.

Will the outdoor deck make the sale?

Ryan Gossett at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2E: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1560 square feet

• Sold in September 1989 for $45,000
• Sold in May 2015 for $285,000
• Sold in November 2017 for $425,000
• Originally listed in October 2021 for $485,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $460,000
• Assessments of $981 a month (includes heat, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavengers, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $6449
• Rental garage parking available (short wait list)
• Fireplace?
• Bedroom #1: 16×16
• Bedroom #2: 12×15
• Bedroom #3: 15×10
• Living room: 15×15
• Dining room: 11×16
• Kitchen: 10×10
• Deck: 24×29

This 1-bedroom loft in the Pencil Factory Lofts at 1800 W. Roscoe in Roscoe Village just came on the market.

The Pencil Factory Lofts were converted into condos in 1993. There are 137 units which have concrete ceilings and industrial windows.

It’s an elevator building.

The building has attached garage parking as well as an outdoor parking lot behind the building, an exercise room, a rooftop sun deck, a party room, coin laundry and a picnic area.

This 1000 square foot loft has large south facing industrial windows and hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances, including a new refrigerator and microwave, along with an island that seats two.

There’s a separate dining room as well as a “newly finished” lofted office with built-in desks. The listing says it has newly wired electric and fiber optics for fast internet.

The bedroom is not enclosed but has a window and Closetwork organizers in the closets.

The bathroom has been “renovated” and has Toto, Grohe and a new vanity.

The loft has central air and garage parking is included in the price. It doesn’t appear to have in-unit washer/dryer although it is allowed in this building.

But the biggest selling point of the loft could be the 8×15 private “updated” deck which is a custom commercial quality all-aluminum maintenance free deck.

The deck also has newly added exterior electric.

You can walk to everything in Roscoe Village, the Lincoln Street corridor and even Southport from this location. The brown line at Paulina is nearby.

Listed at $344,900, will a loft lover who wants outdoor space snatch this up quickly?

Charese David and Mary Jo Nathan at Compass have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #225: 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1000 square feet, loft

• Sold in March 1993 for $123,000
• Sold in August 1994 for $130,000
• Sold in February 1997 for $145,000
• Sold in July 2001 for $241,000
• Sold in May 2004 for $320,000
• Sold in February 2001 for $295,000
• Sold in June 2009 for $295,000
• Currently listed at $344,900 (includes the garage parking)
• Assessments of $381 a month (includes cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, and snow removal)
• Taxes of $4577
• Central Air
• No washer/dryer in the unit- coin laundry in the building
•  Bedroom: 10×15
• Office: 7×7
• Living room: 15×16
• Dining room: 11×10
• Kitchen: 10×10
• Deck: 8×15

This corner 1-bedroom at Fairbanks at Cityfront Plaza at 240 E. Illinois in Streeterville came on the market in November 2021.

Built in 2006, the Fairbanks has 281 units and a parking garage. It’s a full amenity building with a pool, an exercise room, and door staff.

It’s also known as the building with the Whole Foods on the base floor.

The listing says this unit has had an “entire gut renovation to the studs in 2019.”

It 12 foot ceilings with floor to ceiling windows that have electronic black out shades.

The unit has new wide plank dark wood floors throughout and a custom designed dry bar with fridge.

The chef’s kitchen has modern custom cabinetry to the ceiling with integrated appliances, and quartz counters with a wood cantilevered island with seating for 4.

The bedroom has an en suite bath with a glass enclosed steam shower and linear drain, a floating vanity with double sinks, porcelain tile and black hardware.

There’s also a half bath.

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and it appears that one garage parking space is included in the price.

But the big selling point may be the 1200 square foot private landscaped patio and garden, which the listing says was created by Christy Webber.

It has a built-in grill area with canopy, benches with inset lighting, self-irrigating giant planters, a tree and city views.

This unit sold in 2018 for $675,000 and has come back on the market after the gut renovation for $995,000.

20 months after the pandemic began, are buyers still yearning for their own private outdoor space?

Sharon Gillman and Marissa Schaeler at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #906: 1 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1083 square feet

• Sold in March 2008 for $579,500
• Sold in June 2018 for $675,000 (included parking)
• Currently listed at $995,000 (appears to include the parking)
• Assessments of $968 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pool, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $10,695
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom: 13×12
• Foyer: 8×5
• Living/dining room: 25×15
• Kitchen: 16×10

This 2-bedroom loft in the Signature Lofts at 1750 N. Wolcott in Bucktown came on the market in September 2021.

Converted into lofts in 2000, the Signature Lofts building has 26 units and heated garage parking.

It’s an elevator building with a shared rooftop deck.

This loft has 16 foot timber ceilings, exposed brick walls and oversized industrial windows.

There are hardwood floors in the main living spaces and carpeting in the bedrooms.

The bedrooms are fully enclosed.

The primary bedroom has a window and an en suite bathroom which has a double vanity, tub and shower.

The kitchen is open to the living and dining room and has stone counter tops, an island and stainless steel appliances.

The listing says there is a new refrigerator, furnace and AC system.

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

It has a big balcony that overlooks the popular 606 trail.

Originally listed in September 2021 for $625,000, it’s still listed at $625,000.

Does the 606 still lure in buyers?

Nicholas Colagiovanni at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #303: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet, loft

• Sold in July 2001 for $404,000
• Sold in July 2007 for $528,500
• Originally listed in September 2021 for $625,000
• Currently still listed at $625,000
• Assessments of $532 a month (includes cable, Internet, exterior maintenance, scavenger)
• Taxes of $8967
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 14×14
• Bedroom #2: 12×13
• Living room: 17×15
• Dining room: 11×15
• Kitchen: 12×15
• Walk-in-closet: 6×5

This 5-bedroom single family home at 1442 W. Berteau in Graceland West came on the market in April 2021.

Built in 2010, it has a limestone facade. The house is on a 42 foot lot and there is an extra side lot which is another 40 feet, putting the lot at 82×125.

It has a 4-car heated garage, a play area, sport court and outdoor kitchen.

The house also has an elevator which accesses all 4 floors, including the rooftop deck.

It has a gourmet kitchen with gray cabinets, luxury stainless steel appliances, an island and a butler’s pantry.

There’s a family room on the main level.

The lower level has wood paneling, a fireplace, bar and “state of the art” wine cellar.

Of the 5 bedrooms, 3 are on the second floor, including the primary suite, and 2 are in the lower level.

The listing says the 5th bedroom is being used as a gym.

The primary suite has a walk-in-closet.

There are two roof decks: one on top of the heated 4-car garage and a second one on the rooftop which has irrigated planters and an outdoor shower accessible through the the top floor den with a wet bar.

The house has central air and skylights.

Originally listed in April 2021 for $5.995 million, it has been reduced to $5.5 million.

According to Crain’s, 2021 is the hottest market since it began tracking luxury sales over $4 million in Chicago and the suburbs in 2015.

Agents say it’s all thanks to a booming stock market, low mortgage rate and the simple fact that buyers get more room for the buck in Chicago Well-placed stock market bets “generated a lot of expendable income for people who are interested,” Corcoran Urban Real Estate’s Matt Farrell told Crain’s.

Will this house join the list of luxury sales this year?

Bradley Brondyke and Timothy Salm at Jameson Sotheby’s have the listing. See the pictures and video here.

1442 W. Berteau: 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 7000 square feet, single family home

• Sold in April 2005 for $985,000
• Sold in March 2009 for $3.32 million
• Sold in March 2015 for $3.777 million (did not include the extra lot)
• Originally sold in April 2021 for $5.995 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $5.5 million
• Taxes of $78,049
• Central Air
• Extra big 82×125 lot
• 4 car heated garage
• Skylights
• Elevator
• Roof top deck
• Deck on top of the garage
• Sports court
• Play area
• Outdoor kitchen
• Bedroom #1: 18×21 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×24 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 12×19 (lower level)
• Bedroom #5: 15×18 (lower level)
• Living room: 16×27 (main level)
• Dining room: 15×16 (main level)
• Kitchen: 15×16 (main level)
• Family room: 23×15 (main level)
• Laundry: 15×13 (lower level)
• Loft: 18×21 (third level)

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