Crib Chatter

This 4-bedroom mid-century townhouse at 419 W. Briar in East Lakeview came on the market in March 2021.

Built in 1954, this complex has 7 units and deeded parking around a center courtyard.

The listing says this townhouse has been “fully updated.”

It has light hardwood floors throughout and custom modern built-ins.

The kitchen is open to the living/dining space and has modern custom cabinets, quartz counter tops and high-end appliances including an induction stove top.

It also has a peninsula with seating for 2.

The first floor has a rare half bath.

3 of the 4 bedrooms are on the second floor along with 2 full bathrooms.

The primary bedroom is en suite.

The lower level has a family room with built-ins, the laundry room, storage space, the fourth bedroom and another full bathroom.

The townhouse has central air and a deed parking space.

The listing says this townhouse is in the Nettlehorst school district.

It’s also near the shops and restaurants of Broadway and all of East Lakeview as well as the Lake bike and jogging paths.

The complex also has a unique side alley with an iron archway and lighting.

Originally listed in March 2021 at $785,000, it  has been reduced $10,100 to $774,900.

Is this a dream home for fans of mid-century modern?

Stephanie Andre at @Properties has the listing. See the pictures and floor plan here.

Unit #B: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2200 square feet, townhouse

• Sold in October 1988 for $175,000
• Sold in June 1999 for $247,000
• Sold in May 2017 for $690,000
• Originally listed in March 2021 for $785,000
• Reduced
• Currently listed at $774,900
• Assessments of $100 a month (includes parking and snow removal)
• Taxes of $12,219
• Central Air
• Bedroom #1: 14×12 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #3: 10×10 (second floor)
• Bedroom #4: 11×8 (lower level)
• Kitchen: 10×12 (main floor)
• Living/dining room: 20×22 (main floor)
• Family room: 21×14 (lower level)
• Laundry room: 10×8 (lower level)
• Storage: 12×7 (lower level)

This 3-bedroom penthouse at 1940 N. Hudson in East Lincoln Park came on the market in March 2021.

Built in 1996, it has 3 units and garage parking.

The listing says it’s “extra wide.”

This unit is a duplex up with a 2-story living room with 20 foot vaulted ceilings.

The main floor features the living/dining room and kitchen along with 2 of the 3 bedrooms.

The listing describes the kitchen as a “chef’s kitchen” with white cabinets, quartz counter tops, a breakfast bar with seating for four, a beverage cooler and Viking, Miele, and Subzero appliances.

2 of the bedrooms are en suite.

The primary bedroom is on the second floor and has a walk-in-closet with built-ins as well as a “spa-like” bathroom with heated floors, a chandelier, a claw foot tub and dual marble vanity.

The second floor also has a family room that is open to the living room space.

The unit has 3 private outdoor spaces including decks off of 2 of the bedrooms.

It also has a rooftop/top floor deck which the listing says was “recently refinished with Azek composite deck flooring.”

The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and 1-car garage parking.

It’s in the prestigious East Lincoln Park neighborhood, near the park and Zoo as well as shops and restaurants.

At 2930 square feet, is this a possible single family home replacement for someone who wants this location?

Julie Busby and Susan Panozzo at Compass have the listing. See the pictures here (sorry, no floor plan).

Unit #3: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2930 square feet, duplex up, penthouse

• I couldn’t find an original sales price going back to the 1990s
• Sold in December 2009 for $850,000 (per Redfin)
• Sold in June 2016 for $1,020,000
• Sold in June 2017 for $1,252,500
• Originally listed in March 2021 for $1.399 million
• Still listed at $1.399 million
• Taxes of $18,746
• Assessments of $348 a month (includes exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Central Air
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• 1 car garage parking included
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 19×15 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 15×15 (main floor)
• Bedroom #3: 12×11 (main floor)
• Living room: 19×16 (main floor)
• Dining room: 13×12 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 12×11 (main floor)
• Family room: 13×12 (second floor)
• Laundry room: 6×9 (second floor)
• Deck: 14×11 (main level)
• Deck: 19×11 (second floor)
• Deck: 19×11 (third floor)

This 2-bedroom duplex in 40 W. Schiller in the Gold Coast just came on the market.

40 W. Schiller was designed in 1923 by Andrew Rebori and has 19 units.

It has a shared, central courtyard.

The building has no parking.

The listing describes this unit as “reminiscent of a 5-star luxury Parisian hotel.”

It also says it has been “completely remodeled” and is designed by Lauren Buxbaum Gordon, a partner in Nate Berkus’ firm.

It is being sold furnished, but that is negotiable.

The unit has some unique features including the original Rebori staircase along with a skylight that illuminates the 2-story living room.

There’s a wood burning fireplace in the living room along with French windows.

The dining room has period built-ins.

The kitchen has black cabinets, stone counter tops, a white tile backsplash and “commercial grade” appliances.

Both bedrooms and the two bathrooms are on the second floor.

The primary bedroom is en suite.

There’s also a laundry room on the second floor which the listing says could be used as a third bedroom or an office.

The unit has zoned air conditioning but no parking.

Parking is available in the neighborhood.

This building is a co-op, so the taxes are included in the assessment.

Listed at $950,000, fully furnished, will this duplex get its price?

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

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

• No price sales price as it’s a co-op
• Currently listed at $950,000
• Assessments of $1915 a month (includes heat, gas, taxes, exterior maintenance, lawn care, scavenger, snow removal)
• Taxes are included in the assessments
• Zoned A/C
• Washer/dryer in the unit
• No parking
• Wood burning fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 12×11 (second floor)
• Bedroom #2: 13×10 (second floor)
• Laundry room: 10×9 (second floor)
• Living room: 25×14 (main floor)
• Dining room: 15×12 (main floor)
• Kitchen: 14×10 (main floor)
• Walk-in-closet: 5×7 (second floor)

This 2-bedroom penthouse at 936 W. Madison in the West Loop came on the market in March 2021.

Built in 1998, 936 W. Madison is a boutique 18-unit building with an elevator and attached parking garage.

This unit is one of the top floor penthouse units.

It has hardwood floors throughout the main living area.

The unit has an open living room, dining room, kitchen combination with a split plan on the bedrooms.

It has a gas fireplace.

The kitchen has wood cabinets with stainless steel appliances, what look like granite counter tops and white cabinets on the island, which has seating for 3.

It has the features buyers look for including central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking is an extra $35,000.

But, thanks to COVID, the biggest selling point might be the large private terrace off the living room.

Listed for $599,000 plus $35,000 for the parking, that would be a new high sales price for this property.

Are buyers still searching for outdoor space this spring even with the reopening?

Nathan Binkley at Compass has the listing. See the pictures here.

Unit #5F: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1450 square feet

• Sold in October 1998 for $291,500 (included the parking)
• Sold in April 2002 for $380,000 (included the parking)
• Sold in April 2006 for $405,000 (included the parking)
• Sold in September 2009 for $404,000 (included the parking)
• Sold in August 2014 for $479,000 (included the parking)
• Originally listed in March 2021 for $599,000 (plus $35,000 for parking)
• Currently still listed at $599,000 (plus $35,000 for parking)
• Assessments of $554 a month (includes exterior maintenance, scavenger and snow removal)
• Taxes of $10,381
• Central Air
• Washer/Dryer in the unit
• Fireplace
• Bedroom #1: 15×13
• Bedroom #2: 14×11
• Living/dining combo: 27×18
• Kitchen: 12×8
• Terrace (no size listed)

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

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

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

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)

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

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 for  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