Crib Chatter

This 3-bedroom in 1720 S. Michigan in the South Loop came on the market in March 2021.

Built in 2007, by CMK at the height of the housing bubble, this building has 498 units and an attached garage.

It’s a full service building with a 24-hour doorman, bike room, dog run and has an attached grocery store on site.

Many of these units were being flipped by investors in 2007 and 2008.

We have chattered about foreclosures in this building in the past.

But that was then, and this is now.

This unit is the largest floor plan in the building at 1400 square feet.

It has northeast views of the skyline and Lake from floor to ceiling windows and its balcony.

The unit has tall ceilings and exposed concrete.

There are hardwood floors throughout.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

There’s a separate dining space.

The unit has the features that buyers want including central air, side-by-side washer/dryer and garage parking is available for extra (it doesn’t say how much).

The listing says this building is “investor friendly” and also that “investors welcome.”

Listed at $499,000, plus additional for the parking, that is over $65,000 above the 2007 sales price of $434,000.

Has the South Loop finally recovered from the housing bust?

Nick Kluding at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #2401: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400 square feet, northeast views

• Sold in November 2007 for $434,000 (included the parking)
• Sold in July 2008 but unclear on the price (typo in the public records)
• Sold in October 2015 for $435,500 (included the parking)
• Currently listed for $499,900 (plus extra for parking)
• Assessments of $658 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, Internet, cable, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $3967
• Central Air
• Side-by-Side washer/dryer in the unit
• Garage parking is extra
• Bedroom #1: 15×11
• Bedroom #2: 10×10
• Bedroom #3: 10×10
• Living room: 16×11
• Dining room: 10×9
• Kitchen: 14×8

This 3-bedroom penthouse in One Museum Park East at 1211 S. Prairie in the South Loop came on the market in February 2021.

Built in 2008, just as the housing bubble was ending, One Museum Park East has 289 units and an attached parking garage.

It’s a full amenity building which the listing says has “24 hour door staff, In/outdoor Pools, State of the art health Club, Outdoor Grill deck with Custom Fire pits, Men/Women’s locker rooms with Dry Sauna and Showers, In unit package delivery, Car wash, Dry cleaning Service, and Secured pet exercising area.”

This unit is on the 62nd floor and the living and dining rooms face north with views of the skyline, Grant Park, Navy Pier and the Lake.

It has a gourmet kitchen with custom wood cabinets, Subzero and Wolf appliances, granite counter tops with a breakfast bar and a wine cooler.

There are walnut hardwood floors throughout.

The unit has automatic blinds on the floor to ceiling windows and Wi-Fi controlled thermostats.

The closets have custom shelving.

The private suite has a marble and stone bath and a walk-in-closet.

The other two bedrooms have west and southwest views.

The property includes features that buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 2 side-by-side climate controlled parking spaces.

This penthouse sold in 2009 from the developer at $1.4 million, including the parking.

It’s again listed at $1.4 million, including the parking.

Is this a deal?

David Auffarth at Keller Williams ONEChicago has the listing. See the pictures here. (Also shows some cool pictures of next door neighbor NEMA.)

Unit #6205: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2375 square feet, penthouse

• Sold in May 2009 for $1.4 million (included 2 parking spaces)
• Originally listed in February 2021 for $1.4 million (included 2 parking spaces)
• Currently still listed at $1.4 million (including 2 parking spaces)
• Assessments of $2489 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, pools, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal, Internet)
• Taxes of $40,323
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 16×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×10
• Bedroom #3: 11×10
• Living/dining room: 38×19
• Kitchen: 12×10
• Den: 10×8

This 2-bedroom in The Farallon at 600 N. Dearborn in River North came on the market in August 2020.

The Farallon was built in 2002 and has 162 units and an attached garage.

It is directly north of the Post Office.

Rainforest Café, seen in the photo above, has shut and it’s unclear what will go on that lot.

It is a doorman building with an on-site engineer, a fitness center, sundeck and bike room.

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

It has hardwood floors and a covered private balcony.

The kitchen has 42″ cabinets, granite counter tops, white appliances and a breakfast bar.

There’s a separate dining area.

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

The unit has the features that buyers look for including in-unit washer/dryer, central air and garage parking is $30,000 extra.

This building is in the heart of the River North scene, walkable to shops, grocery stores, restaurants and the Mag Mile.

Originally listed in August 2020 for $400,000 it has been reduced to $375,000.

Is this a deal for a 2/2 in River North?

Tod Pratt at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #1012: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1200 square feet

• Sold in September 2001 for $345,500 (included the parking)
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in January 2010
• Bank owned in April 2015
• Sold in October 2015 for $390,000 (included the parking)
• Originally listed in August 2020 for $400,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $375,000 (plus $30,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $817 a month (includes heat, a/c, gas, doorman, cable, Internet, exercise room, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8212
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• Bedroom #1: 14×13
• Bedroom #2: 15×10
• Living room: 14×13
• Kitchen: 17×9
• Balcony: 13×5
• Laundry: 4×3

This 3-bedroom at 2000 N. Clifton in Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2021.

Built in 1925, this building has 18 units and some units have outdoor parking spaces behind the building.

This unit is on the corner with Armitage and has a turret.

We last chattered about this unit in 2015 when some of you thought it was a good price and just needed “minor updating.”

See our 2015 chatter here.

Since that sale, it HAS had updating including in the bathrooms, the kitchen and the original wood moldings around the windows in the turret bedroom have been painted white.

You can see the old listing pictures in the Redfin listing.

It still has exposed brick in the living/dining room and a fireplace in the living room. But that mantle has also been painted since 2015.

The kitchen has been “updated” and has white cabinets, Corian counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a breakfast bar.

There are deep honey hardwood floors throughout.

The unit has outdoor space with a private deck off the back.

The primary bedroom, with the turret, has an attached bath.

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

It does not have one of the parking spaces behind the building, however.

But this building is just down the street from the Armitage El stop and all the shops and restaurants on Armitage and Clybourn.

Listed at $569,900, it has come on the market at $17,900 above the 2018 selling price or $552,000.

Is the Lincoln Park market healthier than downtown in spring 2021?

David Baran and Laura Kelly at @Properties have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

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

• Last sold in 1987 but no price listed
• Sold in October 2015 for $405,000
• Sold in October 2018 for $552,000
• Currently listed at $569,900
• Assessments are now $452 a month (they were $410 a month in 2015) includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, and snow removal
• Taxes are now $9932 (they were $7726 in 2015)
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×12
• Bedroom #2: 14×13
• Bedroom #3: 22×11
• Living room: 24×16
• Dining room: 12×11
• Kitchen: 14×6
• Deck: 18×13

This 5-bedroom historic McCormick Row House at 835 W. Fullerton in Lincoln Park came on the market in September 2020.

Built between 1884 and 1889, these row houses make up the McCormick Row House District. They are found on both Fullerton and Belden as well as Chalmers Place, which is the secret street in between which has a garden and, in the winter, an ice rink.

They were apparently originally built to provide rental income for the nearby McCormick Theological Seminary.

They were designated Chicago Historic Landmarks in the 1970s. That means they cannot be torn down.

There are 56 total homes and there is an HOA fee.

The row homes don’t have any garages but do have permit only parking around the central garden, which is a private street.

The listing for this row house says it has been “fully restored for modern luxury.”

It retains many of its original features including moldings, pocket doors, stained glass windows and 4 fireplaces.

The kitchen has modern wood cabinets and Subzero and Miele appliances which has a breakfast bar and is open to the breakfast room with a 2-story wall of windows.

Two of the 5 bedrooms are on the second level including the primary suite which has an attached bathroom and a dressing room.

The other 3 bedrooms are on the third floor with a bathroom.

The lower level has been fully finished with over 9 foot ceilings. It has a recreation room along with a full bath.

The row home has a landscaped garden with a brick terrace.

The listing says it has 2 car parking and guest parking.

It has central air.

For vintage lovers, does this home have it all?

Ashley Bell and Lauren Reed at @Properties have the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

835 W. Fullerton: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 4300 square feet, row home

• Last sale was prior to 1991
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $1.47 million
• Currently still listed at $1.47 million
• Taxes of $23,391
• Central Air
• 4 fireplaces
• 22×105 lot
• Bedroom #1: 13×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 21×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 13×15 (third floor)
• Bedroom #4: 19×14 (third floor)
• Bedroom #5: 14×13 (third floor)
• Sitting room: 12×11 (second floor)
• Living room: 14×18 (main floor)
• Dining room: 14×16 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 15×14 (main floor)
• Breakfast room: 12×12 (main floor)
• Family room: 32×17 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 12×9 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom duplex in The Whitney at 1301 N. Dearborn in the Gold Coast came on the market in January 2021.

The Whitney was built in 1994 and has 88 units and an attached heated garage.

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

This 1800 square foot unit has hardwood floors on the main floor which includes the living room, dining room, kitchen and half bath.

The kitchen has modern white and gray cabinets along with stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances along with a breakfast bar which seats three.

There’s a skylight on the second floor.

Both bedrooms are on the second floor and are en suite.

The primary bedroom also has a walk-in-closet.

It has central air, a laundry room on the second floor and it looks like 2 garage spaces are included.

But the big selling point, especially during COVID, is the 1000 square foot private terrace which has timed lighting, irrigation, planters and a pergola.

Will this property sell before summer arrives?

Anne Rossley at Baird & Warner has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #308: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1800 square feet, duplex up

• Sold in July 2001 for $565,000
• Sold in January 2010 for $782,500
• Sold in December 2012 for $900,000
• Originally listed in January 2021 for $1.199 million
• Currently still listed at $1.199 million
• Assessments of $1421 a month (includes heat, gas, doorman, cable, exercise room, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal and Internet)
• Taxes of $13,375
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 2-car parking (apparently included)
• Bedroom #1: 14×18 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 11×13 (second floor)
• Living/dining room: 14×33 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 10×16 (main floor)
• Laundry: 10×8 (second floor)
• Deck: 32×32

This 5-bedroom Prairie-style single family home at 1526 N. Wieland in Old Town came on the market in September 2020.

Built in 1987 in the Prairie style, the listing says it was modeled on the Glessner House.

It’s on a wider than normal Chicago lot measuring 50×102 and has a rare front facing 2-car garage and driveway which also fits 2 more cars.

That makes for 4 car parking.

The listing says the side landscaped lot is available and sold separately.

This house has many of the Prairie-style features including exposed wood moldings and window frames.

The kitchen has wood cabinets, a large island, stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances.

It has 3 fireplaces.

The house has the layout that buyers look for including 4 of the 5 bedrooms on the second floor

Those 4 bedrooms are all en suite and the primary suite also has an en suite walk-in-closet.

The fifth bedroom is on the lower level and also is en suite.

The lower level also has a unique library with built-in bookcases.

There’s a family room on the main level and a recreation room in the lower level.

The house has an expansive rear deck.

It also has central air.

Originally listed at $3.3 million, it has been reduced $1 million to $2.3 million.

Is this a deal for an extra-wide home with 4-car parking?

Mary Quincannon at @Properties has the listing (the house is broker owned). See the pictures and floor plan here.

1526 N. Wieland: 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 5000 square feet

• I couldn’t find a prior sales price but it was built in 1987
• Originally listed in September 2020 for $3.3 million
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $2.3 million
• Taxes of $32,562
• Central Air
• 2-car attached garage with a front driveway
• 3 fireplaces
• Bedroom #1: 14×19 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 18×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 13×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #5: 18×10 (lower level)
• Den: 18×8 (second floor)
• Recreation Room: 19×19 (lower level)
• Family room: 30×15 (main floor)
• Dining room: 14×17 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 23×21 (main floor)
• Deck: 34×30

This 3-bedroom townhouse in Fulton Court at 640 W. Fulton in Fulton Market just came on the market.

Built in 1999, Fulton Court has 48 townhomes with a center courtyard and a heated attached garage.

The picture above is one of the outside of the complex.

This townhome is 3400 square feet on 4 levels.

The main level has a family room, a private patio and a half bath.

The second floor has the living and dining room combination along with floor-to-ceiling bay windows.

The kitchen is also on the second floor but it is not an open concept.

It has wood cabinets, stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances along with a kitchen island that currently has 4 chairs of seating.

There’s also a half bath on the second floor.

The third floor has the primary suite which includes a bathroom and walk-in closet as well as a second bedroom.

The fourth floor contains the third bedroom, a full bath and a den/office which also has a custom buit wet bar with  wine fridge and an attached private oversized roof deck.

The townhouse has hardwood floors throughout.

There’s a gas fireplace in the living room.

It has central air and an attached, heated 2-car garage.

There is little residential housing actually IN Fulton Market, so the adjacent neighborhood has been marketed as being part of Fulton Market.

This neighborhood had been one of the hottest in the city pre-Covid.

Will it be the first downtown neighborhood to rebound?

Jason Rowland at Compass has the listing. See the pictures and video here.

Unit #C: 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, 3400 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in February 2000 for $598,000
• Sold in July 2006 for $652,500
• Sold in April 2017 for $1 million
• Originally listed in February 2021 at $1.1 million
• Currently still listed at $1.1 million
• Assessments of $840 a month (includes heat, gas, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $13,862
• Central Air
• Attached heated 2-car garage
• Gas fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×13 (third floor)
• Bedroom #2: 19×12 (third floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×9 (fourth floor)
• Den: 14×13 (fourth floor)
• Living room: 19×13 (second floor)
• Dining room: 14×13 (second floor)
• Kitchen: 19×12 (second floor)
• Family room: 19×12 (main floor)

This 3-bedroom at 1715 W. Ohio in the East Village neighborhood in West Town came on the market in February 2021.

Built in 1889, this building was converted into condos in 2005.

It’s an elevator building with 5 units,garage parking, bike storage and storage rooms.

The listing says there are 2 units per floor and they do not shares walls.

This unit has 27 windows with south, east and west exposures.

It has an open concept living/dining room and kitchen with a “bonus” space off the living room.

The kitchen appears to have white and brown cabinets with stone counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a kitchen island.

Although it is not a loft, it has some loft-like features including exposed wood beams and exposed brick walls.

All 3 bedrooms are fully enclosed.

The primary bedroom suite has a walk-in-closet, an en suite bathroom and a balcony.

The unit also has another outdoor space which is 9 x 67 and the listing says it includes an “irrigated dog area” but there are no pictures of it.

Additionally, I believe the mini-stairs in the dining room are what you use to get out on that deck. (see prior listing pictures as well).

It has all the features the buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and a one car garage.

At 1800 square feet of interior space plus 641 square feet of outdoor space, is this a good townhouse alternative?

Vicki Sheil at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #2S: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1800 square feet

• Sold in November 2005 for $470,000
• Sold in March 2015 for $465,000
• Originally listed in February 2021 for $699,900
• Currently still listed at $699,900
• Assessments of $550 a month (includes parking, exterior maintenance, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes of $8186
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• One car garage parking included
• Bedroom #1: 12×17
• Bedroom #2: 15×11
• Bedroom #3: 14×12
• Gallery: 3×29
• Living room: 11×28
• Dining room: 15×12
• Kitchen: 15×16
• Balcony: 3×12
• Balcony: 9×67

This 4-bedroom vintage brick bungalow at 7609 S. Clyde in the South Shore came on the market in February 2021.

Built in 1921 on a larger than standard Chicago lot of 30×125, it has a 2-car garage.

The house went into foreclosure after the housing bubble and was bank owned in 2014.

It was updated for the 2015 sale.

It has the features buyers look for including hardwood floors on the main level.

The house has an open concept first floor with a “gourmet” kitchen with white cabinets, a tile backsplash, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a kitchen island.

There’s a full finished basement with a bathroom.

The second level has the primary bedroom, a second bedroom and a full bathroom.

It has a privacy fence.

It apparently does not have central air.

The South Shore is located near the University of Chicago, Hyde Park and the soon-to-be-built Obama Presidential Library which will be built in Woodlawn.

This house has come on the market at $350,000, or $115,000 above the 2015 purchase price of $235,000.

Will it get the premium at a time when buyers want single family homes?

Tina Hollins at Real People Realty has the listing. See the pictures, and floor plan, here.

7609 S Clyde: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3445 square feet, bungalow

• Sold in October 2001 for $145,000
• Lis pendens foreclosure filed in June 2010
• Bank owned in June 2014
• Sold in November 2014 “as is” for $51,500
• Sold in July 2015 for $235,000
• Currently listed at $350,000
• Taxes of $3348
• No central air
• 2-car garage
• 30×125 lot
• Bedroom #1: 30×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 12×21 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×10 (main floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×10 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 27×12 (main floor)
• Living room: 23×23 (main floor)
• Dining room: 19×10 (main floor)
• Den: 8×10 (main floor)
• Office: 9×7 (second floor)
• Laundry room: 12×10 (basement)
• Recreation room: 12×10 (basement)
• Family room: 20×20 (basement)