The Million Dollar West Wicker Park Renovated Greystone: 1330 N. Bell
This 4-bedroom vintage greystone at 1330 N. Bell in west Wicker Park has been completely gut renovated.
Built in 1908, the house is on a standard Chicago lot of 25×125.
Three of the 4 bedrooms are on the second level and one is in the basement.
The kitchen sports maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
The house also has central air, a 2 car garage and 4 outdoor spaces, including a rooftop deck with city views.
First listed in April 2010, it has been reduced $50,000.
What’s the market for a million dollar home in this neighborhood?
Mario Greco at Prudential Rubloff has the listing. See the pictures here.
1330 N. Bell: 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car garage, 4000 square feet
- Sold in August 1989 for $10,000
- Sold in August 2001 for $325,000
- Originally listed in April 2010 for $1.049 million
- Reduced
- Currently listed for $999,000
- Taxes of $8504
- Central Air
- Bedroom #1: 18×18 (second floor)
- Bedroom #2: 13×9 (second floor)
- Bedroom #3: 13×9 (second floor)
- Bedroom #4: 13×12 (lower level)
- Family room: 18×17 (lower level)
Nice place, a little dated looking for my tastes but I am sure the construction is very solid.
Rates are so low, this should sell pretty near current ask. I dream of one day owning a home like this!
The interior is not really done to my liking, but it is largely tasteful.
The price is reasonable IMHO. I think they’ll get near ask.
Not that this is relevant to current price, but the 1989 figure looks like a mistake (or perhaps a transfer not for full value). Even though this area was rather rough back then, vacant lot value would still have been in the $25,000 range, plus the value of a nice brick building. I lived a little over a block from there (as an early “pioneer” on that street & paid $166,000 for an only-slightly updated 4 flat in 1987, which I sold in slightly more improved condition for $266,000 in 1992.
The area has come a long way, but not sure this will get close to what they are asking.
Looks great. Really, really like the backyard.
I looked more carefully at the pictures & this does look nicer than I thought. Okay, maybe they’ll get close to ask, but it might take a little while to find the buyer that likes the tradeoff of a beautifully done place in a not-quite-ideal location (i.e. if this were a few blocks north & east into Bucktown, it would sell much more quickly at that price)
Wow. . . times have changed in SquareD’s old hood (lived a block from here in the 90s). Back then it was pretty cool to rent a 3bed duplex for $950/mo, but you had to put up with the gangbangers and their dogfights.
What’s the market for a million dollar home in this neighborhood?
I thought it was dead, then I saw 2542 w cortland sold for $790k yesterday, so, maybe it’s alive. (Yes I get that’s a slightly different– and inferior– hood, but it’s very close).
I don’t love the location (although whoever is buying 1349 Oakley listing at $1.05MM presumably does) and don’t love the finishes. Price seems in the ballpark. $1.0MM list does not get you as nice of a place on a full lot in the better parts of Bucktown/Wicker as far as I’m aware.
I sometimes wonder if I reject locations unfairly because of lack of familiarity. I wouldn’t live here with my family but I would consider buying where we are in Logan, which others might and do reject.
“Not that this is relevant to current price, but the 1989 figure looks like a mistake (or perhaps a transfer not for full value). ”
It was *NOT* a deed–it was a trust deed, which is a mortgage–there is a release of it recorded later. There was *NOT* a sale of the property in 1989.
The 2002 sale wasn’t arms length, either, as it involved the heirs transferring their interests into a land trust.
That Cortland property shows that the last sale was at $135M in March, 2010.
Is that a mistake or did a developer actually get financing for, build, and sell, a SPEC home in this market, in less than five months?!
I’d buy that builder a beer.
In keeping with the “mid-range SFR in less than optimal area” theme, new listing today:
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/2309-N-Rockwell-St-60647/home/12617378
No interior pics but it is on an oversized lot and has lots of square footage. Curb appeal is nonexistent though.
I would be VERY cautious about moving into this neighborhood. It was only just starting to come up in the 2000s – it is at risk for falling back into it’s pre-2000 state. At best, it will stay the same or only minimally depreciate over the next 10 years. Drive south from this location down Western avenue – it is one of the most terrifying experiences in life.
Re 2309 N Rockwell: Ok, I am actually familiar with this neighborhood and would not live there. I sure hope 2311 N Rockwell has something to justify the $500K premium over 2309. Maybe being one house farther north is worth the decreased probability of a stray bullet from the playground at Goethe Elementary. Just kidding.
Bradford I just calls em likes I sees ’em. . . it was mls 07618919.
But if that place was worth $790k, this place probably actually is worth close to ask. . . must be at least a 25% premium for the hood.
I really do like the rehab on this place, though (stupid kitchen light excepted)– they actually balanced the charm of the old with the new stuff pretty well, here. Master bath especially seems like nicely done / good use of space.
BUT WAIT. . . $1m and no a/c? Gotta be an omission. . .
“Drive south from this location down Western avenue – it is one of the most terrifying experiences in life.”
That’s more like it! Ridiculous, know-nothing hyperbole!
“clio on August 31st, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Drive south from this location down Western avenue – it is one of the most terrifying experiences in life.”
Yeah, I’d definitely want to have the top up driving my convertible Lambo through that area if I was a giant pussy too.
“That’s more like it! Ridiculous, know-nothing hyperbole!”
anon, i try to ignore it but its so hard. and with the randomness like that, a man is only so strong.
built in 1908…nothing like 100 years of history between the walls that you dont know about.
“Drive south from this location down Western avenue – it is one of the most terrifying experiences in life.”
Hahahahaha this is so ridiculous
“Drive south from this location down Western avenue – it is one of the most terrifying experiences in life.”
hahaha
actually driving west down division street is far more terrifying…
hey hey. if you go far enough south on western there are some dicey parts! couple miles s of comisky ish it gets bad, no?
hm yes, you could encounter a brown person or two going down Western. It doesn’t get worse than that!
This place sure could use some moderation…
Clio, you went to Chicago in the late 80’s and driving down Western scares you? You could get mugged *on campus* on any given night well into the 90s. Lawndale and Wash Park were probably tied for first among the scariest places in the first world back then as well.
Driving down Western… lol.
“hey hey. if you go far enough south on western there are some dicey parts! couple miles s of comisky ish it gets bad, no?”
Gage Park? Chicago Lawn? At least by day, not the scariest parts of Chicago I’ve been.
1. All hail the floorplan! A very livable house I’m thinking from it.
2. The Empty Bottle does not miss Clio.
3. I second the thought that more west is worse than more south.
“All hail the floorplan! A very livable house I’m thinking from it.”
The 2nd/3rd bedrooms seem narrow/small but anon will like them because his children will know he loves them equally. I don’t like the kitchen or the master bath finishes. And I’d like a second floor laundry.
Please don’t take my comments about driving south on Western Avenue as rude or insulting – they were not meant to be – but the truth is that it IS ridiculously scary to drive that stretch (b/w the Eisenhower and Division) on Western. Roberto Clemente high school was known to be a very dangerous school as well. I bet that if you polled 100 Chicagoans after they take that drive, most of them will say that they were quite uncomfortable. Honestly, do the drive, then make your comments.
“The 2nd/3rd bedrooms seem narrow/small but anon will like them because his children will know he loves them equally. ”
Equally and not very much. The 2(!) MBR walk-in closets are almost as big as each of those BRs. I guess I’d make up for it by sending them to fancy private school.
“I don’t like the kitchen or the master bath finishes.”
2. Expensive, but not very attractive, at least in the pix.
“And I’d like a second floor laundry.”
You do the laundry, DZ? I wouldn’t want to give up the space, in a city-lot-limited house. this 2d floor is already not very family-friendly, to me.
“Clio, you went to Chicago in the late 80’s and driving down Western scares you? You could get mugged *on campus* on any given night well into the 90s”
I was usually wasted off my ass and thought I could take on anyone…..
“Please don’t take my comments about driving south on Western Avenue as rude or insulting – they were not meant to be – but the truth is that it IS ridiculously scary to drive that stretch (b/w the Eisenhower and Division) on Western. Roberto Clemente high school was known to be a very dangerous school as well. I bet that if you polled 100 Chicagoans after they take that drive, most of them will say that they were quite uncomfortable. Honestly, do the drive, then make your comments.”
Dude, how many *Chicagoans* (as opposed to Hinsdalians) do you actually know? I make that drive semi-regularly, and it ain’t scary at all. Admittedly, not a 2 am, so maybe it’s different in the middle of the night, but in the mid-90s, I’d occasionally *walk* (or bike) from the Bottle area back to civilization (ie, Damen blue line) at night and it wasn’t terrifying by any means.
Pretty sure no one took your comments as rude OR insulting, Clio, but rather as ridiculously uninformed.
They’re laughing at your outrageous ignorance, not offended by your effete sensibilities.
There’s a difference.
“Nice place, a little dated looking for my tastes”
The dated elements are the light fixtures (easily replaceable) and that stairwell. Not sure how easy the stairwell would be to re-do.
“They’re laughing at your outrageous ignorance, not offended by your effete sensibilities.”
I, for one, am offended by outrageous ignorance.
Someone who is going to pay 1 million dollars for a house might find the drive to be somewhat undesireable!! – but I guess we have to agree to disagree.
“You do the laundry, DZ? I wouldn’t want to give up the space, in a city-lot-limited house. this 2d floor is already not very family-friendly, to me.”
I don’t generally, but more to the point, my wife does.
“somewhat undesireable” =/= “one of the most terrifying experiences in life”
“I don’t generally, but more to the point, my wife does.”
I prefer better sound and vibration isolation (and less risk of water issues) and the ability to leave it half done and out of sight, in addition to the space considerations.
A-Fed….I would take the 100 years of history, versus the development boom of 2006. There’s a reason no developer can afford (or is willing) to actually reconstruct a greystone as they were orginally done. They are solid. Think Mangum (sp?) did one over on Lakewood that is still on the market. But that’s the only one I have every seen.
“Honestly, do the drive, then make your comments.”
I do this drive almost every day. This is a cakewalk compared to other areas of the city.
Try driving down Augusta from West Town out to Oak Park if you want a ride….
Mangum = Mangan, thank you very much. The property to which you refer I think sold…
I’m with JMM. I wouldn’t want to *live* on Western–and it does nothing to please the eye or lungs–but driving on it in this part of town is no big deal. The Augusta drive, by comparison, is an “adventure.” Did it just once.
yah, that place FINALLY sold. But, again the point being no one is building greystones.
Trudi – Though I agree with you that most older construction is build better than newer – especially in the case of SFH – when one of these elder places is rehabbed as a would be future owner, I would want proof that everything behind every wall was replaced or at least certified and warranted to today’s building codes and standards.
No critters, cancerous causing materials, unsealed wires…bodies. Gold or a cash stash would be pretty cool though, perhaps a bottle of alchy from the prohibition days!
“Mangum = Mangan, thank you very much. The property to which you refer I think sold…”
For $2.425, apparently a cash sale.
“Try driving down Augusta from West Town out to Oak Park if you want a ride….”
I think North Ave. to Oak Park is more entertaining, if only because it’s four lane. Something about everyone in the neighborhood doing their thing (family reunion, folding laundry, hopscotch, whatever) in the middle of a four lane street on Saturday afternoon.
Agree that drive down Western is a piece of cake.
Please, I avoid Western (only because of traffic) and take Sacramento — From Chicago Ave, every day. Still not scary. Not saying I’d want to live there, but really?
My favorite “scary” drive is Madison west from Sacramento. While the Ike was under construction, I did this every day. Not really “scary” per se, but hugely entertaining.
Nobody’s taken Damen south to the end at the Dan Ryan Woods? Western here is a dream compared to that. Western here is actually semi-pleasant.
This is a beautiful house, rehabbed beautifully EXCEPT for that pipe rail staircase.
The price isn’t too far from reality. I believe it should sell close to ask.
“I do this drive almost every day. This is a cakewalk compared to other areas of the city.”
Gas prices have fallen enough to make it profitable again for you to transport those those aluminum cans?
Western and Augusta was really “kickin’ it” last Sat. Night! Bet all the locals felt really scared about that open-air…CHURCH CARNIVAL! At a parish that attracts all kinds of “characters” on Friday nights for…BINGO!
And if you have only teenage daughters in your family and don’t want to take a chance on Clemente, there’s the all-girl Josephinium HS just a short distance away.
It seems as though everyone on this site disagrees w/ my opinion on the perceived dangers of Western Avenue. I am going to have to drive it again and see if I can see things from your perspectives. I still, however, would bet any amount of money that the majority of people in Chicagoland would feel somewhere between “uncomfortable” and “terrified” driving down this stretch. The only reason this is pertinent is because the price of the house listed here (1 million) is quite a lot for someone to pay to be “uncomfortable” to “terrified” everyday. Also, the schools suck. Anyone w/kids who buys this house is obviously going to be sending their kids to private school With the price of that, why not buy a 1.5 million dollar house in Hinsdale/O.B./Winnetka/Wilmette/Kenilworth or any other suburb?
The point is that there aren’t going to be many buyers for this family house. Nicer neighborhood, better schools – maybe, but not in this neighborhood (unless some doc from St. Mary’s wants to live very close to work).
Western Ave. gets “scary” south of Grand Ave, but in broad daylight it’s just fine. It’s actually a lot better than it used to be. I’ve been driving Western all my life. Back in the 90’s, before they started tearing down the projects, yeah, THEN it could be a real thrill ride. But now? Pffft. This Bell house is gorgeous. I still love blonde woods, and apparently the owners do, too. I think they’ll get close to ask.
And, Re: 2309 Rockwell? There’s some really good stories about those 3 homes (2307, 2309 and 2311) and some people associated with them. Involved one of the neighborhood groups that had advisory input on zoning issues in the ward, and a “takeover” of that group by people hoping to gain advantageous influence w/ the alderman. High drama at it’s best! As a pretty much “lifer” in this area, those 3 “mansions” were built on the dream of the bubble never ending. But it did. They’re out of place, out of context for that area. That they were thinking they could get $1.25mil for any of them is laughable on that street in that location. $749k is more like it. I’m sure a millionaire will plop that down, then take a walk to the Bob Inn for some PBRs to celebrate with the tradesmen and blue collars.
To illustrate my point about buying a much nicer house in a much nicer location with MUCH better schools at THE SAME PRICE, check out:
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Hinsdale/5-E-Ayres-St-60521/home/18032927
Reduced over 1 million dollars – an absolute steal for a family wanting to get into the Hinsdale school district. This house is actually in a great section of Hinsdale and is priced at land value.
“why not buy a 1.5 million dollar house in Hinsdale/O.B./Winnetka/Wilmette/Kenilworth or any other suburb”
Because a lot of people just don’t want to live in the suburbs
“I still, however, would bet any amount of money that the majority of people in Chicagoland would feel somewhere between “uncomfortable” and “terrified” driving down this stretch.”
be careful man, those car window washing guys are out in force. you might have to buy a bottle of water or worse yet, a bag of peanuts.
WTF is this world coming to? These are other human beings. You desreve to be carjacked, as if such a thing really existed on Western ave.
“why not buy a 1.5 million dollar house in Hinsdale/O.B./Winnetka/Wilmette/Kenilworth or any other suburb”
or even better save cash and buy in clarendon hills, or westmont for the same amenites as Hinsdale/oakbrook. (i am sure you already know this Clio and were just keeping it a secret)
or instead of Will/Winetka/Keni save even more cash and buy in deerfeild or Lincolnshire with the arguably better all around school district.
hey will your at it West Des moines is a great place to raise a family with top schools and lower living cost
i have heard that living in Indonesia will be the best for “look at me i live in Indonesia” status
now if your thinking oak brook you could even try a hut along the amazon river, think of the money you would save on hats with your head shrunken.
I will say that drive down western is the scariest i have ever driven i avoid it at all cost for my safety the “people” over there make me feel uncomfortable and i dont like that.
LOL Clio. Your head is so far up your own a$$ it’s not even funny.
Not everyone is a milquetoast suburbanite afraid of their own shadow. I’ll take a few gangsters in my neighborhood over absolutely nothing to do. And every house that you’ve posted on this site as a better option to one of the subject properties has been an absolute punchline, including this one on Ayres. Fecking horrible.
“Because a lot of people just don’t want to live in the suburbs”
The “its so cool to live in the city” preference is largely for people who are in pre-family formation mode (at least those with $$$).
I think you are, quite incorrectly, extrapolating that these people stay in the city after family formation. This is not the case, despite what some CC’rs may say.
Being able to walk to restaurants and bars means little when you have kids and need them to goto a good school district. And trust me anyone in this price segment is going to care about their kid’s education.
Nobody is going to spend #1MM to live here I agree with clio. There are so many better options in better neighborhoods IN THE CITY and IN THE SUBURBS.
At the $1MM pricepoint you are restricted to specuvestors and the truly wealthy. No upper-middle-class poseurs aspiring to live large at this pricepoint. This listing is a failure is my guess.
This site really confuses me. Each thread seems to bring out the different sides of obviously schizophrenic individuals. As examples:
1. I say the suburbs are a good alternative to this house – everyone seems to disagree. However, go back a few days and you will see a very friendly and happy discussion about moving to the near west suburbs as a great and better alternative to the city.
2. I say that driving down Western is scary, and everyone disagrees. However, Westloopelo horribly trashes the property posted today in the Rogers Park neighborhood and guess what.. not a peep from anyone (yet).
Just pointing out the facts….
“Nobody is going to spend #1MM to live here I agree with clio. There are so many better options in better neighborhoods IN THE CITY and IN THE SUBURBS.”
As someone with a family, I’m not the biggest fan of this particular location. But someone IS buying that 1349 Oakley house for I’m guessing something in this price range.
“Try driving down Augusta from West Town out to Oak Park if you want a ride…”
I suspect many on here would be willing to stop complaining about clio’s posts if he would take a video of him in his lambo driving Augusta or North Ave on a Sat night and post to youtube.
Can anyone tell what happened with 2309 N. Rockwell? I was going to check it out (love the house, iffy on the hood, love the price), but it seems to be off the MLS.
Thanks.
“clio on September 1st, 2010 at 7:52 am
This site really confuses me.”
Lots of things really confuse you apparently.
The difference is that WestLoopElo was not saying that he was “terrified” to simply drive through the neighborhood, like you did.
2309 is Under Contract, per Redfin.
Under contract in the same day? UNPOSSIBLE – the sky is falling!!!
http://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/2309-N-Rockwell-St-60647/home/12617378
“The difference is that WestLoopElo was not saying that he was “terrified” to simply drive through the neighborhood, like you did.”
Read between the lines, Bradford. Not everything is so blatantly spelled out.
“clio on September 1st, 2010 at 7:59 am
Read between the lines, Bradford. Not everything is so blatantly spelled out.”
Not everyone needs everything so blatantly spelled out, like you.
Part of living in the city involves driving through areas where you would not want to live or own property. It’s not scary, it’s just a part of city life.
I have WASPy suburban friends who regularly come into the city along that stretch of Western and they have no problem with it. It’s such a busy and policed section of road that it’s not even remotely scary. Hell, even my parents take that route when they come to visit us, and they’re about as WASPy as it gets.
“I suspect many on here would be willing to stop complaining about clio’s posts if he would take a video of him in his lambo driving Augusta or North Ave on a Sat night and post to youtube.”
he would be pulled over by the cops as a suspected drug buyer in a heartbeat. but the pot holes would probably ruin his suspension first.
and I’d still complain. It’s been my neighborhood for over 20 years.
“Part of living in the city involves driving through areas where you would not want to live or own property. ”
Apparently, Bradford, everything DOES need to be blatantly spelled out for you. My exact point (regarding this property) was that someone who is paying 1 million dollars for this particular property probably would NOT want to live in this area. Geez!! Please try to ignore the personal aspects of my comments and concentrate on the point I am trying to make. I guess in the future, I will try to refrain from personalizing my comments – obviously people have trouble seperating the wheat from the chaff!!
“clio on September 1st, 2010 at 8:17 am
“I guess in the future, I will try to refrain from personalizing my comments”
I’m pretty sure that the readers of this site would find the absence of your inane drivel a welcome change. I thank you in advance.
clio, yep, there are people who are gonna bail for the burbs/schools. Yep, there are people who would rather die than move to the burbs. Yep, there are people who can go either way, depending on the specific burb/house deal, etc.
different strokes for different folks, this ain’t no white-bread homogenous burg where everyone’s lawn has to look the same way, this is Chicago, a crazyquilt of everything, and thousands of square pegs trying to find the right round holes.
purplemonkeydishwasherozoneplugs
“My exact point (regarding this property) was that someone who is paying 1 million dollars for this particular property probably would NOT want to live in this area.”
No, it wasn’t–re-read your post from 2:24 yesterday that started the mocking. You’re just lying/backtracking/covering(poorly) now b/c you realized that no one shares your fear. It’s of a piece with your suggestion that BelPort might slide back to the “really scary” (or whatever exactly you wrote) area it was in the 80s.
” post from 2:24 yesterday that started the mocking”
OK – enough. Let’s put this to rest. Again, this site is NOT about me. Let’s keep the discussion about real estate.
I obviously have to spell everything out a little more clearly:
Someone who is going to buy this house has (or should have) an income of 350-400k/year (w/kids). Although still a bit lower than I am used to, I think I have a better grasp on what these people want/expect. They are NOT going to be pleased with this type of neighborhood/schools. To them, Western avenue IS scary. Now, if the house in question was 500-600k, I would never had made that comment.
“There’s some really good stories about those 3 homes (2307, 2309 and 2311) and some people associated with them.”
Were the 2307 and 2311 sales legit sales? Yikes, that’s a lot of money for that location.
Come on now clio…my comments about Rogers Park druggie hoods were just that…about the presence of an element that will not be disappearing for years to come regardless of how pretty the residences might be renovated to be. The comments were NOT about that property in particular (I did say it was a nice place) but rather they were about my experiences in attempting to tour a few buildings in the area and being distracted to the point of having to cancel my appointment.
I commented on why I decided not to invest because we would not be able to sell the units after our work was performed because of the negative element in the area.
I never fear entering any area nor am I afraid for my safety anywhere in Chicago or even NYC for that matter. I have placed myself in so many situations over the years that I have my guard up automatically whether I am walking down Michigan Avenue at 1 PM or in parts of Harlem at 2 AM. No difference as the chance at violence are present everywhere at any time.
At the same time, I would not drive a quarter of a million dollar + car in an area I know would give criminals an opportunity to rip it (and me) apart. It is called having street smarts and no amount of your Harvard(?) education can teach you this.
Spackle milkshakes lounge chair
“Someone who is going to buy this house has (or should have) an income of 350-400k/year (w/kids). Although still a bit lower than I am used to, I think I have a better grasp on what these people want/expect. They are NOT going to be pleased with this type of neighborhood/schools. To them, Western avenue IS scary.”
The school point is legit. If that had been your point (it was *not*), then no one would have disagreed–NO ONE.
We (and many, if not most, of the others mocking you on this point) could afford this house–we do not find Western b/t the Eisenhower and Division “terrifying”–not even “scary” and certainly not “one of the most terrifying experiences in life”. I would not live here because of the school situation, and it’s not my preference for a neighborhood–but it has NOTHING to do with Western being too scary to drive down.
I suggest that the CC meet and greet be held at the Bottle. It would give clio a chance to drive the terrifying Western Avenue, hopefully in his Lambo.
re:Western Avenue.
We just have to agree to disagree…. let’s stop beating this dead horse!!
maybe clio doesn’t like car dealerships?
because thats about all there is on western ave…
I haven’t been to the Bottle in over a year. I’m in for some cheap drinks, and I feel I owe a few folks on the board a drink or two for teaching tricks of the trade.
“maybe clio doesn’t like car dealerships?”
Now *that* makes it all make sense!! Clio is *actually* a Lambo Gallrado Spyder come to life on the internet! All those used cars (*especially* the used taxis) would terrify a car like that.
“maybe clio doesn’t like car dealerships?”
With 7 cars and over a million dollars invested in them, I don’t think this could be the reason.
“I suggest that the CC meet and greet be held at the Bottle. It would give clio a chance to drive the terrifying Western Avenue, hopefully in his Lambo.”
I would consider driving my new ‘candy apple red’ 2010 Audi 5.2 FSI V10 R8 BY The Bottle, but would prefer to have the meet and greet at ZED.
Disclaimer:
*** I just HAD to say that for it’s entertainment value***
“I suggest that the CC meet and greet be held at the Bottle. It would give clio a chance to drive the terrifying Western Avenue, hopefully in his Lambo.”
Only if it’s on honky-tonk night. The Hoyle Brothers rock.
ditched the infinity already?
“R8”
nice.
You and clio have one thing in common!
I don’t recall saying I had an Infiniti? I know this was mentioned before…I recall saying I had two cars and my work truck when we discussed parking in the city, rental parking and tandem parking in general, but don’t believe a model or make was discussed.
Disclaimer:
*** I just HAD to say that for it’s entertainment value***
“You and clio have one thing in common!”
““You and clio have one thing in common!””
I was hoping you’d get it, but I guess you missed it:
the R8-V10 and the Gallardo have the same (basic) engine.
candy apple red = classy
Clio – ever read “The Gold Coast and the Slum?”
Published in the early 1900’s, it delineated the tendency of Chicago neighborhoods to have “rich” and “poor” areas in close proximity, looking but not touching.
The more things change…
“Published in the early 1900’s, it delineated the tendency of Chicago neighborhoods to have “rich” and “poor” areas in close proximity, looking but not touching.”
You sure the “poor” weren’t just the children of the rich, with all their social adjustment issues?
“the R8-V10 and the Gallardo have the same (basic) engine.”
Don’t insult my car….
ChiTownGal,
This is very similar to Boston (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End)- but in Boston, each neighborhood and street has both extremely rich and extremely poor people. The requirements for new construction are pretty strict and require a certain percentage of any new project to be affordable. I often asked people who paid 3-4 million dollars on a place how they felt when right next door there were drug dealers/prostitutes/crazy people. They all just shrugged their shoulders and gave me some B.S. about how we all have to live together, etc.. I figured they were either full of it or never really worked hard for their money (inherited wealth). Regardless, the attitude of Chicagoans is very different and I do NOT see the same thing happening here.
“candy apple red = classy”
Sonies, I have told you numerous times, the color is “Rosso Vik”.
“I suggest that the CC meet and greet be held at the Bottle.”
Go for the Gallery Cabaret, a fwe brews from some of their not-cleaned-in-years tap lines might actually provide the terrifying life-and-death experience clio is expecting.
I am late to this discussion but I only got half way down and had to bust out laughing at the western comment. I lived next to Roberto Clemente in 2001 and never had a problem. Now I live on Western at Ohio near Smith park and it is great. Lots of families etc. Also- this neighborhood didn’t just come on to the scene “It was only just starting to come up in the 2000s”- it exploded. I wouldn’t be hesitant to buy- it is here to stay at least for a bit.
I haven’t read the rest of the the thread but I am sure this was covered IN DEPTH. it is hard to resist commenting…
Clio/ChiTownGirl – Chicago is gradually trying to push the degenerates out of the city, pushing them south towards NW Indiana or west of the city as portrayed by the best real estate in the city, Caprini Green. I do not think we will see the same effect as Boston and agree that Chicagoans have a completely different attitude. That said, certain locations such as around Near North HS/Marshall Field garden apartments, will be hard to remove.
“Don’t insult my car….”
Facts are insulting?
“Sonies, I have told you numerous times, the color is “Rosso Vik”.”
its red… and red is for fire trucks or losers that crave attention
I think we all know which one you are
“its red… and red is for fire trucks or losers that crave attention”
I used to have a red Saturn…it was given to me. My buds used to call it the Liberachi-mobile. As that Saturn has since met its retirement I think its time to revive the Liberachimobile label for Clio’s wheels.
Ha Lambo, nothing like pulling parts of the VW/Porsche parts bin to build a vehicle!
Real men drive Ferrari’s, red Ferrari’s….
“Real men drive Ferrari’s,”
Yeah – real men in their 60s…. Actually, I just test drove the Ferrari California – it actually is probably meant for an old man because it drives like my SL500. I think Ferrari knows that they used to be popular in the 80s, 90s but Lamborghini is the new show in town.
“Don’t insult my car….”
How is comparing the V10 in Audi’s R8 to the nearly identical one in the Lambo in any way insulting to Lambos…real or imagined? In road tests the R8 actually outperformed the Lambo in a number of matches. The only real difference between the two is the R8 costs about $150,000+ less than the Spyder and based on the wait lists established for it, it is more exclusive as well.
But as usual, it appears you don’t know what you are talking about…
“its red… and red is for fire trucks or losers that crave attention”
or $10 hookers…
Real ferrari’s only have 2 seats
there is a reason football players and basketballers drive lamborghinis, we all know why some should clue in the random internet persona on CC.
and i ask you Mr. random internet persona why would you own machine of such handling and speed in a area of straight roads and clusterfux of congestion?
“red is for fire trucks or losers that crave attention” or $10 hookers…
I would be more than happy to get $10……
“and i ask you Mr. random internet persona why would you own machine of such handling and speed in a area of straight roads and clusterfux of congestion?”
One word – attention
Longer explanation: when you pull up to a place in a lamborghini, you don’t have to make any extra effort to prove yourself. Automatically, you get in immediately, get the best table, get treated the best, and get a ridiculous amount of attention – all without saying a word……
“Longer explanation: when you pull up to a place in a lamborghini, you don’t have to make any extra effort to prove yourself. Automatically, you get in immediately, get the best table, get treated the best, and get a ridiculous amount of attention – all without saying a word”
valid point and i can see where your coming from with that. thank you for being honest and not trying to fiddle around the true reason.
I’ll have to second the motion for Honky Tonk Happy Hour w/ the Hoyle Bros. Fridays 5:30-8 pm. wear your dancin’ boots
“One word – attention
Longer explanation: when you pull up to a place in a lamborghini, you don’t have to make any extra effort to prove yourself. Automatically, you get in immediately, get the best table, get treated the best, and get a ridiculous amount of attention – all without saying a word……”
God forbid you would have to prove yourself. You’ve tried here and with the job you’ve done, glad you have the chooch car to pull in with. Also, don’t be deceived into thinking that the “ridiculous amount of attention” you get is a good thing. Sort of the difference between having character and being a character.
“when you pull up to a place in a lamborghini, you don’t have to make any extra effort to prove yourself. ”
clio: basically its the valet and restaurant staff knowing that if you’re dumb and/or rich enough to drop 250k+ on a set of wheels, you’re also likely dumb and/or rich enough to egregiously overtip.
2309 N Rockwell already under contract?
THIS will be interesting to watch. Just remember that they’re taking quite a haircut on this one.
Those 3 buildings were all built at the same time, by the same development company. They tore down some frame stuff on the lots and built these crazy mansions on them. Only problem was that they’re on the 2300 N. block of Rockwell, not the 2300 W. block of Logan Blvd.
You can figure out the sales numbers if you look at all 3 PINS for each of these buildings.
I can confidently state that Lambo’s are brutle on the driving senses: rough shifting, rough braking, rough suspension, not everyday vehicles whereas Ferrari’s are geared more towards GranTouring with more forgiveness to the driver. And I would imagine that if you do have a Lambo, its the baby Gallardo as oppose to the big dogs.
By no means am I dissing Lambo, just most people confuse the different customers that each manufacture targets. You are indeed correct Clio that Ferrari targets older, near retirement gentlemen. Yet nobody and I mean nobody builds a more beautiful engine than Ferrari. Problem is just like women, though they are beautiful, just not reliable.
Actually, Bob – the more they get to know you, they actually do you more favors. For example, at the Peninsula, they will leave my car up front for the whole time I am there and I only pay them $40.
“I can confidently state that Lambo’s are brutle on the driving senses..”
I wholeheatedly agree – seriously, it IS a painful ride into the city – I always complain that my butt and legs kill me. It is like driving a big wheel. Also, there is no elegant or cool way to get out of the car. All the women who have ever riden in the car hate it and cannot get out of the car without help (or taking off their heels).
PS: logansquareon, why must you keep bringing up real estate on this thread?!! Can’t you see we are talking about cars!! (obviously, just kidding).
and yet, when you’re jammed up on the Eisenhower, going 7 mph, do you really think anyone is impressed that you’re driving a Lambo? Does your Lambo get you there any faster than that Honda Civic next to you?
logansquare – its not about who gets from point A to B the fastest:
1) its about how many MPG’s you can burn while doing it
2) how good you look doing it
3) how good you look doing it
“Only problem was that they’re on the 2300 N. block of Rockwell, not the 2300 W. block of Logan Blvd.”
I’m not sure that this is the problem since living on the 2300 W. block of Logan Blvd. means you live in the Windy City Fieldhouse, XSport, Panera or Target. To me, that would be worse than 2300 N. Rockwell.
“All the women who have ever riden in the car hate it and cannot get out of the car without help (or taking off their heels).”
Your poor sister!!!
Actually, what is really funny is the number of people on the Eisenhower that pull out their cameras and take pictures. Even more give me the “thumbs up” sign. Even more smile and enjoy looking at the car. It really gives me a lot of pleasure to bring at least a little happiness into someone’s life!!!
“Only problem was that they’re on the 2300 N. block of Rockwell, not the 2300 W. block of Logan Blvd.”
I wouldn’t want to live on the 2300 W block of Logan but that’s probably not what you meant. A nice house (prob not this one) farther west on Logan would be all right by me. Did you see there’s a lot on the SE corner of Logan/Fairfield for sale (just a sign up advertising as tear down even though there is currently a building on it, it’s not on MLS)? Any thoughts what it should go for?
“1) its about how many MPG’s you can burn while doing it
2) how good you look doing it
3) how good you look doing it”
Logan2, its a different existence than us and Jon summed it up well. its funny cause even if i had random internet persona’s random internet money wife and i would still would drive the same cars we do now. and still would have the same respect from peers and community i do now.
“All the women who have ever riden in the car hate it and cannot get out of the car without help (or taking off their heels).”
oh no your poor mom!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0zDPLHhBtw
So would you rather have a lambo or the live in the loft on west jackson?
Groove, I agree – don’t change. Money DOES bring excitement but it’s not always “good excitement”. Family, good morals, values, and education will always bring you peace, stability, and contentment. I always think that if I was still married (wife left me 15 years ago at 26), I would have a few kids, be settled and content… but you got to go w/ your personality.
flo – holy crap. that is exactly my car (except my rims aren’t red) and I am not black and I don’t live in a tropical area – but other than that, it IS my car.
“but you got to go w/ your personality”
100% true, and in car talk fashion, (w/ all the money in the world) i love aston’s but still would buy a XK because of my nature.
oh you have the cheap lambo…. and here you are raggin on ferrari’s… bahahaha loser
“For example, at the Peninsula, they will leave my car up front for the whole time I am there and I only pay them $40.”
$40 is a night out on the town for me. If I was a valet it would only be common sense to give the best service to those who show a willingness to spend money. I’ve already had my share of being unwelcomed at places due to my frugality and I know it goes both ways.
“oh you have the cheap lambo…. and here you are raggin on ferrari’s… bahahaha loser”
Yeah… I know, but even I know my limits. Even so, the list price was 289k and I had to pay a premium over this b/c of the unique color (I know, ridiculous). All told, the car was still over 300k which is actually on line, if not a little more than many Ferraris.
“$40 is a night out on the town for me”
Where do you go? I seriously have to start cutting back…. (of course I always feel this was around Sept 1) – 11 real estate tax bills deplete my accounts!!!
“One word – attention
Longer explanation: when you pull up to a place in a lamborghini, you don’t have to make any extra effort to prove yourself. Automatically, you get in immediately, get the best table, get treated the best, and get a ridiculous amount of attention – all without saying a word……”
It really is amazing how much differently you are treated when you have a nice car. I got to drive a convertible Porsche for a few days and took the wife to dinner. It was hilarious to see the valets tripping over themselves… car got “parked” right out front of the restaurant. Maitre D treated us all nice and got a great table immediately. I won’t even get into how a nondescript guy like me all of sudden had women staring and flirting because of the car (completely ignoring my wedding band!) Of course, I only had 50 cents in my pocket, but it really was an eye opener to see how differently you are treated and viewed.
Easy to understand why guys waste money on fast and expensive cars. Especially if you have nothing else going for you in the looks department… LOL
Notice how I did not call Clio’s lambo cheap but the “baby?”
There is no such thing as a cheap supercar, there are deals such as the R8 or GTR respectively, but by no means are those cheap.
Clio – A common issue with most supercar owners is that they settle based on dealer inventory whereas if they look across the country (south florida, southern cali, texas), you can actually receive better deals. Regarding the uncomfort ingress/egress for the passengers, this is true of most supercars.
Russ – “waste” is a harsh word to describe one’s investment in a supercar. I see people hitting starbucks 3x a day – that is a waste. Though you never recover the original investment, it is more of a “waste” to rent a condo long term imo.
A-Fed:
Yeah… waste is a little harsh. I plan on happily wasting my hard earned dollars one day on a R8 or maybe a BMW z8. Still dream of a Ferrari, particularly the new 458 Italia. The sound of Ferrari engines should win a grammy.
I also waste money on watches… Hooked on Panerai.
Dont go near the 458 italia. Not until they fix the flamable adhesion material underhood (err, decklid) that bonds the heat shield and whatever.
Right there with ya brother on watches. Panerai makes a great watch, nothing compares to a Patek though (wishlist), wish I could splurge on a Hublot too.
I use my cell phone as a watch, makes it a lot less likely i’ll get mugged and I’m comfortable with that feeling
yeah, yeah, yeah. bring it to the westside. there’re still drag races down ogden in the wee hours.
it would be fun getting my ’69 396SS smoked by a lamborghini.
“clio on September 1st, 2010 at 11:55 am
“the R8-V10 and the Gallardo have the same (basic) engine.”
Don’t insult my car….”
Bwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahaaaa!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAA!!!! You are an utter buffoon, Clio.
So typical for a DB who buys a “supercar” in convertible form. Even the manufacturers know that the choptops are a ridiculous compromise made for poseurs.
Sonies… the nice thing about high end time pieces is most thugs wouldn’t recognize them. Other than being a little large, my Panerai doesn’t look all that luxurious to those who don’t know watches.
Thugs know Rolex Presidentials and maybe if you are stupid enough to waste money on a Jacob & Co blinged out with crazy diamonds like rappers and athletes.
A-Fed… I hopefully will get a IWC Big Pilot soon. The Ferrari is a long way off… Mortgages don’t pay like it used too. lol.
my business card color is “bone”
^^ What’s that font? Sicilian Rail?
My watch is a Timex. Not one of the fancy ones. It does, however, have Indiglo.
Silian Rail. Sorry ’bout that.
Sorry about the “2300 W. Logan” thing. I keep thinking that Western Ave. is 2200 W, when it’s actually 2400 W.
You guys know what I meant, though.
Logan and Fairfield; one corner had a FSBO sign on it only a few days ago. It’s a weird building, not a mansion, if we’re talking the SE corner over there. Or, are you talking about the funny little 4 flat that’s actually on Fairfield?
thanks anon (ufo), I glad someone get my ramblings 🙂
“Logan and Fairfield; one corner had a FSBO sign on it only a few days ago. It’s a weird building, not a mansion, if we’re talking the SE corner over there. Or, are you talking about the funny little 4 flat that’s actually on Fairfield?”
I meant the building that’s right on the SE corner, exposure to Logan and Fairfield. It is an odd building, the sign I think said “teardown”. Where’s the 4 flat? North of Logan?
one of the best movie conversations ever anon & groove 8)
Personally I’d prefer a pink Cadillac…refurbished and retrofitted 1960s model…
“So typical for a DB who buys a “supercar” in convertible form. Even the manufacturers know that the choptops are a ridiculous compromise made for poseurs.”
Bradford – That is not accurate by any means. Though certain comprises are made mostly in the ride n handling department (I would get much more techincal but I doubt many would understand), the average consumer will likely trade this off for the open-air experience. Some of the best designed supercars – let alone automobiles -of all time have been drop tops, including the: original AC Shelby Cobra, Porsche Carrera GT, BMW Z8, a slew of 1950’s-1960’s Fiat/Aston/Ferrari/Jaguars/Porsches (ahem, mille maglia), etc…
The only poseur is one who thinks they know about cars and talks shit about things they never will have, let alone drive.
Anon and Groove, why don’t you guys just go get a reservation at Dorsia, ok?
“drop tops, including the: original AC Shelby Cobra”
That’s not strictly correct, is it? The original Shelby didn’t have a top to drop, did it?
“The only poseur is one who thinks they know about cars and talks shit about things they never will have, let alone drive.”
Obnoxious, and written backward: should be “they will never drive, let alone own”.
“a-fed on September 1st, 2010 at 3:33 pm
“Some of the best designed supercars – let alone automobiles -of all time have been drop tops… BMW Z8”
Did you really just list a BMW Z8 as a supercar? LOL.
a-fed:
actually, lots compare to Patek. Check out A. Lange & Sohne. And there are smaller makers like F.P. Journe.
Panerai nice, but too big for my wrist.
Groove:
Good colouring
That’s bone…
“a-fed on September 1st, 2010 at 3:33 pm
The only poseur is one who thinks they know about cars and talks shit about things they never will have, let alone drive.”
You’re absolutely right. When I have the means, it’s very unlikely that I’ll spend it on a car that buys less capability but more flash.
anon – true to point, it cannot be considered a drop-top. I was just merely making a point regarding open-air vehicles w/o the structral rigidity seen in a hardtop.
And until this CC site has spell check, idontgiveafwhatmysentencestructureisorspellingforthatmatter. Thank you though for the correction and kind description.
“Thank you though for the correction and kind description.”
just a peeve–the “not this, let alone [or nevermind] that” structure requires that the latter be the real subject of derision *and* harder to obtain.
And, really, this seems like a perfect set-up for Stevo Heitman’s running “HD is a parking valet” thing, were either of them here for this fun. And the “you can’t afford it, so you can’t comment on it” thing was another fave of Stevo and is no less obnoxious when anyone else does it–can any of us afford to make a Hollywood-style movie? Are we thus prohibited from criticizing them?
If you read all of these posts, they are so crazy (many do not even make any sense) and are all over the place, I don’t think it would be hard to involuntarily commit any of us to a psychiatric ward!!!!!!!!
anon – u have a peeve for correct sentence and gramatical structure when blogging? To each their own! I respect that. But really? I mean, man, u must be pissed all day long then! jk.
Regarding the “cant afford, cant comment” that is true to a point I feel, at least accurately comment, since then, you will only be sharing opinions as opposed to fact.
(rather, facts that you have never experienced or validated)
I know you can actually rent _some_ exotic cars. I’ve seen Porsche GT2s, Rolls Phantoms, and other ones for rent by the day in ads before. Not sure about Chicagoland but def. Florida.
But I’m pretty sure the rental agreement & insurance only covers street legal driving and they have that black box to tell the tale. Pricey too at like $700-3k/day but if you and a bunch of buddies wanted to split the cost to test drive it it could be done, you just can’t go fast in it. Just be sure to make sure if its dinged whoever had it in their name was in the car.
And the other day my friend had a photo of him standing next to a Bugatti Veyron parked on the streets of Chicago.
Insofar as supercars they are basically just a showy toy unless you have enough to buy them w/cash. Reason being is the car note is going to forbid tracking the car as insurance won’t cover it. Unless there’s a such thing as track insurance.
Supercars are a waste when you can get compromise cars a rung lower that have great performance, affordability and practicality, at least compared to supercars. (IE: IS-F, M56x, M5, and LS10 for the green peeps to alleviate their white guilt).
“Supercars are a waste..”
I disagree – my car has brought me MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH more happiness and LESS LESS LESS LESS headaches than any of my real estate!!! – OK, and yes JMM, now THAT is what a 9 year old sounds like.
“And the other day my friend had a photo of him standing next to a Bugatti Veyron”
That’s Lamborghini Gold Coast on Rush street (where I bought my car). See, Bob, if your friend bought a car there, they would actually let him take a test drive w/o blinking and eye!!! – another reason to buy a “supercar”
“That’s Lamborghini Gold Coast on Rush street”
No genius he wasn’t at a car dealership. This was a Bugatti Veyron from someone who decided to park it on Chicago city streets. My friend bike’s alot and it appears it was nearby, but it definitely wasn’t a car dealership’s lot.
And I seriously doubt that LGC would ever park a car like this on a city street.
“No genius he wasn’t at a car dealership.”
Go past the dealership – it is at 834 N.Rush. They DO park many of the cars on the street every morning (? to get people to notice them, etc.). It is actually quite a show. Of course they have their fleet of salesmen outside by the cars – but they encourage people to take pictures w/ the cars. Believe me, I would be willing to bet that this is where your friend took the picture (#1 b/c I know they have a Bugatti Veyron for sale – the owner keeps trying to get me to buy it and #2 b/c nobody who has that car would EVER park it on the street).
So Bob, who’s the genius now?!!
Bob, was this the car?
http://www.bentleygoldcoast.com/2008-bugatti-veyron-16.4–c-935.htm
Yeah, I thought so….
respect is earned not bought…with that i am done *smack *smack
“anon – u have a peeve for correct sentence and gramatical structure when blogging? To each their own! I respect that. But really? I mean, man, u must be pissed all day long then! jk.”
No, that one gets misused *all*the*time* in normal conversation, formal written communication and crap like this. I’d think someone as pompous* as you about “facts” would be concerned about making sense.
as to:
“Regarding the “cant afford, cant comment” that is true to a point I feel, at least accurately comment, since then, you will only be sharing opinions as opposed to fact.”
you’ve actually driven *all* of those drop tops (and an *original* Shelby) *and* their hardtop siblings/cousins in a manner and long enough that allows you to fairly compare their handling characteristics? Otherwise, you just invalidated your own opinion on the matter.
*in the spirit of our current exchange only. You’re certainly not generally notable for it around here.
“nobody who has that car would EVER park it on the street”
Wow, you’re (needlessly, senselessly) hyperbolic about everything, aren’t you?
Anon – Yes, I have driven many supercars in many different locations (track, public) and my profession is within the engineering aspect of the automotive industry, specifically vehicle attributes.
Yes, I have driven an “original” AC Shelby Cobra as well as many re-issues. I have not driven a Bugatti but have been fortunate enough to be behind the wheel of a variety of vehicles from F1 to Model T’s throughout my professional career and personal life.
And dude, what is with all the ***? Is that what you are notable around here for, proper blogging technique? Write a best practices book, I’ll start a fire.
“what is with all the ***”
emphasis in the absence of html and w/o using allcaps.
“Write a best practices book, I’ll start a fire.”
You can burn the internet? Cool.
anon is the …, [], (), ***, and footnote queen of crib chatter did you not get the memo?
“anon is the …, [], (), ***, and footnote queen of crib chatter did you not get the memo?”
Burned up in a-fed’s intertubez bonfire.
“(#1 b/c I know they have a Bugatti Veyron for sale – the owner keeps trying to get me to buy it and #2 b/c nobody who has that car would EVER park it on the street).”
This clio just keeps getting better and better!
A $2.5 million dollar car sells itself and no matter how much imaginary money you have, the high end dealers DO NOT have to “get me to buy it”.
Funny now bordering on ridiculous.
westloop, you bragged about that infinity last year more than once. even offered a tour of the city in it. it was the station wagon model iirc.
dz, i got one of those fancy indiglows too! have received compliments and my rug-rats are fascinated by the glow.
Superwatches/cars make the most sense for single dudes looking to bang gold diggers, I always thought. Course for the watch you could get a replica in chinatown for 20 bucks, have a few extra grand in your pocket, and still probably snag the gd.
Sorry CH, if I did mention it it was not to ‘brag’ about it but rather it was a part of the discussion of parking…nothing more.
BTW, who would brag about owning a car such as an Infiniti that is so common?
silly men and their silly cars!
The maintenance for the Veyron is absurd. Something like 25k+ for the first service. That is why many of them are for sale after accruing a few thousand miles.
Stay away unless you have very deep pockets.
CH – Superwatches rule. I’d love to trade a Hublot Millon Dollar Big Bang and trade it for a house – straight up!
“A $2.5 million dollar car sells itself and no matter how much imaginary money you have, the high end dealers DO NOT have to “get me to buy it”.”
Yeah – whatever…. just like a 12 million dollar condo sells itself. For someone who is used to “high-end real estate”, I find this quite a revealing comment. Westloopelo, when you have something very expensive to sell, you contact anyone you think would have the money or have the friends that have that kind of money. You need to drum up interest and excitement – you don’t just leave it “on the shelf” and wait for someone to pick it up. This is why Joe Abbas is so successful selling cars. He keeps a close group of people he knows to have (and more importantly, spend) money and he promotes any and all super expensive models. High end real estate also works the same way (in case YOU are the one who is making up these elaborate stories)…..
clio,
If you have been following my posts here on CC long enough you would realize I do not specialize in ‘high end RE’ at all. We purchase housing for first time buyers and the first and second rung of move up buyers.
Our projects involved doing gut rehabs of stable and solid homes which need moderate to severe renovations which most of the time include reconfiguring the floor plans in order to make the most of every sq inch of interior space.
My target demo for 75% of our projects are not wealthy people seeking high end units…instead they are normal, two income households seeking good deals on quality material and high quality workmanship homes. Places that give them the most space (with a strong focus on high quality materials and workmanship) for their money.
These units range in price from $175k – $500k after renovations have been complete. We have completed, in 25+ years over two hundred such units for resale with a small number being retained for rentals after the RE market crashed. I plan on offering my own financing for these rentals to get out of the responsibilities of being a landlord for properties spread out over three states.
The remaining projects we have taken on are in the $500k – $2,000,000 range and are unique properties which feature high end finishes and high quality materials and appliances.
These projects are also great solid buildings which were
total gut rehabs…roofs to basements, front to back door units. Our focus on these units is also to provide safe, long term, maintenance free homes for our clients.
We have also taken on many $2 mil – $5 mil homes that we had buyers for before we purchased them and we worked with the clients to customize their homes to their exacting specifications.
The final portion of our business are renovation projects requested by high dollar home owners who are not interested in moving into new construction homes, but are comfortable with their present homes. They want a different look and feel to their residences without leaving their properties or purchasing new construction units.
The cost of these types of projects were in the $2.5 mil – $6.5 mil category. I did not buy these properties, they were owned outright by my clients and we were only responsible to renovating them to appear new homes by those seeking new surroundings in homes they have lived in for years.
The only uber high end homes I have constructed are my own buildings/units and other units for my family members, all of whom are somehow involved in the family construction business.
I have two personal residences currently with a third home finally ‘in contract’. It is a massive, triple lot, 1920’s era true Arts and Crafts bungalow in Denver.
This is my one true dream home renovation of a true bungalow that will be renovated to the exact original specs using the original blueprints and spec sheets to recreate/repair the original home….all period details will either be fabricated or refinished using the original materials. This will be a massive undertaking which should last 2 – 3 years and will probably be my last private residence that I do.
This is not to be considered bragging, but rather I am stating true and honest facts… my 5 unit building in the Chelsea district of NYC is a totally restored early 1800’s warehouse/ factory which we converted into massive loft units over the course of 15 long, laborious years. I live in the largest unit, a 3500+ sq ft unit and the others, which are rented to long term tenants, are in the 2800 – 3200 sq ft range.
The value of the entire building, after renovations, has recently been appraised at $25 million. I have recently been offered, by two seperate entities, upwards of $30 million for the entire building…but I will never part with this labor of love. I will always hold it and it will be a part of my estate upon my passing.
My Florida residence is a Mizner property which was painstakingly restored to it’s original grandeur. Other than the addition of a true restaurant grade chefs kitchen, the home retains all of the period features, many of which were restored or fabricated, leaving all of the original period details intact.
This property has also been a 12+ year labor of love and is a constantly changing project. It will never be totally completed as the size of the home and grounds just never allows me to complete the whole home.
I will retain both of these much loved and admired homes (I might sell the other 4 units in my NYC building in the future while retaining mine. At present they are all being rented by the original tenants…most living in their homes for over 12 years, right after they were finished and released as rentals.
So there you have my story of my involvement in this Industry.
Where my business will go after this year remains to be seen as I entered semi retirement last year after leaving Chicago.
But to answer your comments, if you build quality homes and you have a great, solid word of mouth reputation, there is no need for any sort of advertising or having to drum up excitement.
My projects were almost all sold prior to their completion by people who were referred to our company because of our reputation.
The high dollar renovation projects were took on also came to us by referrrals made my satisfied clients. In fact, we had to turn down many projects as I refuse to add more crew members to my tight, family like crew. We take on only what we are able to do in a high quality way and refuse to take on more than we can handle in a professional way.
The business is out there…enough to keep my company in business for the next 5-8 years it is just I don’t know if I really want to continue to do this with the state of the housing industry. The risks to do spec homes is too great and without my reputation as it is, I would not be doing what we so enjoy doing now.
So while you might have a business plan and objectives that work for you, I have just revealed how and why I run my business as I do.
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Any other questions you might have about my business accumen I would be more than happy to answer for you. Again fellow readers, do not take whatI have just revealed as bragging as that is the last thing I want to be accused of…that is just not my style.