We Love 2-Bedroom Duplex Downs With Cornices: 2017 W. Evergreen in Wicker Park
This 2-bedroom duplex down at 2017 W. Evergreen in Wicker Park just came on the market.
Both vintage and modern lovers can rejoice.
The front of the building was built around 1901. Many of the vintage features are intact.
It has 12 foot ceilings on the main floor as well as the original hardwood floors, complete with intricate engravings.
It has a coved ceiling, cornices and the original glass tile around the fireplace, which is, alas, just decorative.
The kitchen is also on the first floor and is open to the dining room. It features the modern look with dark wood cabinets, stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances.
Both of the bedrooms are on the lower level along with a laundry room.
The unit has central air, washer/dryer in the unit and garage parking.
It’s listed about $30,000 under the 2007 purchase price.
Is this how you do a vintage conversion right?
Scott Curcio at Coldwell Banker has the listing. See the pictures here.
Unit #101: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, no square footage listed, duplex down
- Sold in October 2001 for $337,500
- Sold in May 2007 for $450,000
- Currently listed at $419,900 (parking included)
- Assessments of $231 a month
- Taxes of $6345
- Central Air
- Washer/Dryer in the unit
- Decorative fireplace
- Bedroom #1: 11×11 (lower level)
- Bedroom #2: 12×10 (lower level)
- Living room: 14×14 (main level)
- Dining room: 14×10 (main level)
- Office: 10×8 (main level)
- Laundry room: 12×7 (lower level)
I love the floors!
What’s up with the little ugly door stuck into the big door frame? Pic #4
Nice place in general.
but its a duplex down. watch everyone here freak out. place looks nice, and I could care less about it being a dup down
Gorgeous. Fireplace, floors, and ceilings (too bad seem to be preserved only in LR/parlor) all beautiful. Agree with anon that the ugly, new door is very distracting.
Looks a hell of a lot better than #202 (sold for $328k a year ago), that’s for sure!
Gorgeous!
love it.
Cool floors, but looking at pics 13,14, just imagining water pouring in on a rainy fall day when the leaves clog up that drain makes me sad and turned off on this place. Yeah bedrooms you sleep in, but ugh… both have to be downstairs?
Also, this place is very small! Just looking at the floorplan looks to be 2 levels, 33’x17′ so a whopping 1122sqft on 2 levels…
Theres a reason this nicely finished place is so “cheap”
anon, budget version of this, maybe: http://studio.arminblasbichler.com/#T-IV
That cheesy little door aside, this building is a treasure — very pleasant shared outdoor space, well maintained, lovely vintage features. (I haven’t been in this unit but I’ve been in another.) I hate duplexes down, but this isn’t that bad (decent light in the basement bedrooms, though obviously no vintage features in the lower level). And didn’t Jennifer Beals live in this building during that short-lived TV show?
seems a bit overpriced per the square foot but I am glad they tried to preserve the floors. Living below grade is a challenge with unpredictable but anticpated weaher issues and something I would avoid for main rooms. I am having trouble beyond 350K
Beautiful place on an attractive street. The floors are beautiful, and the place is very roomy and comfortable as well, with nice appointments overall. It’s so attractive that being a duplex-down might not hurt its chances, especially in this heated market.
Long-time lurker, first time poster, because this is our place! I can’t believe it made Crib Chatter! I feel like a celebrity. 🙂
So, here’s how crazy the market is in Wicker Park: we had two open houses this weekend, and 120 people came. Our agent was supposed to do scheduled showings for 2 people yesterday–it ended up being 15. We have multiple offers, with best and final being due today at 5pm. To respond to a couple of comments, the picture does make the front door look ugly, but it doesn’t look that bad in person. As for water downstairs, never been an issue. We have a top-of-the-line sump pump and ejector pump, so we’re good. Anyway, the place definitely spoke to a lot of people who came out this weekend, and we feel extremely fortunate to have so many offers. It’s a good time to be selling!
And yes, calyx, our condo was featured in “Chicago Code,” but not as Jennifer Beals’ apartment. It was the apartment of the main cop in the series. They filmed here three separate times, paid us a crap ton of money and put us up in the Waldorf Astoria each time–best gig EVER.
Frankenbuilding. I looked on Google satellite 45-degree view, and from the west it looks like a new-con addition is mounting the old building from behind. Wonder how the new materials are getting along with the old. Anyway, it looks like the original footprint of the upstairs has been truncated. The above-ground space seems to end after that nice bump-out. Granted, those two rooms upstairs are nice — really nice — but, every night, as I descended to my carpeted fen to sleep, I would resent the person who bogarted the rest of that nice upstairs space.
Q: How have the perma-bears at Cribchatter dealt with and denied the massive spike in Chicago prices?
Are they bitter? Do they even see reality, or are they in denial? Are they kicking themselves for leaving $50k of pure cold cash on the table with their obsessive critiquing of for sale ads, instead of just buying something?
A: Many have gone away. That guy “G” is gone. The host is in denial. Finding outlier units that fit her version of reality.
“Long-time lurker, first time poster, because this is our place! I can’t believe it made Crib Chatter! I feel like a celebrity.”
Thanks for checking in with an update ameyls. I’m not surprised you went under contract so fast given that it has many unique features. Congrats!
“And didn’t Jennifer Beals live in this building during that short-lived TV show?”
“but not as Jennifer Beals’ apartment”
Uh oh, CH just withdrew his offer.
“So, here’s how crazy the market is in Wicker Park: we had two open houses this weekend, and 120 people came. Our agent was supposed to do scheduled showings for 2 people yesterday–it ended up being 15. We have multiple offers, with best and final being due today at 5pm. To respond to a couple of comments, the picture does make the front door look ugly, but it doesn’t look that bad in person. As for water downstairs, never been an issue. We have a top-of-the-line sump pump and ejector pump, so we’re good. Anyway, the place definitely spoke to a lot of people who came out this weekend, and we feel extremely fortunate to have so many offers. It’s a good time to be selling!”
Thanks for the update on the market ameyls. This gives real flavor for those who aren’t actually IN the market right now.
“Q: How have the perma-bears at Cribchatter dealt with and denied the massive spike in Chicago prices?”
Hi Jackie (formerly known as Amy on this site.)
What “massive spike” in Chicago prices?
The Fed did what they promised and helped stabilize and inflate real estate prices. This has helped the market get back to fair market value from the distressed prices we have seen over the past few years. The market was out of whack in 2006 and 2007 when rental rates did not even come close to covering carrying costs. It was also out of whack in 2009 and 2010 when no one was buying and financing was simply not available. Today, most (I emphasize most) are purchasing properties at a carrying cost that can be easily covered by fair rental rates. The “prime” locations have skyrocketed and for good reason. The less than ideal locations are just that, and really have seen little appreciation and more of just stabilization.
Sabrina wants the distressed prices of 2009 & 2010 to be reality, when in fact they are as much as a anomaly as the inflated prices of 2006 & 2007. Can the economy crash and the markets drop? Of course. But to think interest rates are going to pop to 6% over night is a “worst case” outlook and just as unrealistic as thinking rates will stay at 3% forever.
Real estate and equity appreciation is good Sabrina. Don’t be a success hater…
“Sabrina wants the distressed prices of 2009 & 2010 to be reality, when in fact they are as much as a anomaly as the inflated prices of 2006 & 2007.”
Nope. Compared to incomes the 2009-2010 prices were NOT an anomaly. What we’re seeing now is completely artificial just as the first time home buyer tax credit bump was. But I have no idea how long this will go on. The Fed has never removed the punch bowl in time. That’s why we got 2006-2007 in the first place. So the speculation will run up far more (and for far longer) than anyone thinks.
But we’re seeing the cracks globally now. Gold has its largest one day sell off in 30 years. The Nikkei has suddenly fallen nearly 30% in less than 2 weeks time. Bonds had their first losing month in 2 years last month. The Fed won’t be able to keep it going for forever. But for now- it’s full throttle ahead- consequences be d*mned.
LOL amy the shill is back! You know the real estate market is HOT HOT HOT!
“Nope. Compared to incomes the 2009-2010 prices were NOT an anomaly. What we’re seeing now is completely artificial just as the first time home buyer tax credit bump was. But I have no idea how long this will go on. The Fed has never removed the punch bowl in time. That’s why we got 2006-2007 in the first place. So the speculation will run up far more (and for far longer) than anyone thinks.”
You are so wrong Sabrina. We got 2006 & 2007 because the banks were lending money to anything that moved with no credit, income, or down payments. Investors buying 10 properties with 0% down created the spike in prices and also caused the market to tank. Take 345 n LaSalle as an example. One investor bought 17 units with zero down with Countrywide as the lender. This was repeated by so many others across the market. There was no downside for these investors. If prices went up they made millions, and if prices went down, they just walked away.
I find it funny that you blame the FED when anyone in the industry saw the red flags from the banks irresponsibility. The banks were actually paying the loan originators 1.5X their normal commission to send NO DOC loans. That’s right, the banks actually paid people more money to look the other way. You blame the fed?
The difference today is that qualified people are buying these properties with a monthly carrying cost that is within proper income ratios. The properties they are buying can also be rented out for far more than this carrying cost. The foreclosures that occurred over the past 5 years were from investors walking away and owner occupants stuck with carrying costs far higher than what rents would support.
This time is much different Sabrina. I can’t believe you are so clueless when it comes to pure economics. I also can’t believe you are one of the FED haters who think they caused this mess. Are they innocent? No! But did they create the mess we experienced? Not a chance. The banks and wall street caused this mess by covering up the high risk loans and having the ratings agencies rate them as ‘A’ paper and sell them to the clueless public. The mess was a Wall street sham and these guys should have all gone to jail. Instead, the fed bailed us out and the shitheads moved on to new companies.
“What “massive spike” in Chicago prices?”
There are units changing hands 30%+ higher than they were a year ago. What would you call that? Even junk like 1620 and 1720 S Michigan have had big increases. You could buy all you wanted at $99k a year or two ago. Now they are selling 130k-170k.
What I wouldn’t do for a 30% spike…
I’d probably sell today! My friends that are looking though tell me I should, and don’t even bother wasting money on staging, you’ll have 30 people a day wanting to see the place and will probably sell 20% over your ask price.
My friends said that they have found 3 places that they like and have put in offers over 20% of list and lost all 3 of them, I feel bad as they really want to get out of their insect infested rental as soon as possible.
actually if this place in my building which is literally right on the EL tracks sells in a week at the price they are asking I might…
“amy the shill”
Isn’t that Amy the Hahvahd MBA? Or am I mixing things up again? [ICKY!! Where’s the Wiki?]
Once upon a time the apartments in this building probably went for well under $100/month. Just a block away, at 1958, you can see the site of the last apartment that author Nelson Algren lived in before decamping for New York in the late 1970s. He was paying less than $500/month for the top floor. Other famous and infamous “characters” from Chicago’s past lived in Wicker Park/Bucktown. Newbies to the nabe would do well to go to the local library on Milwaukee Ave. and get some books on the area’s history; a truly fascinating microcosm of the macrocosm of Chicago’s history.
duplex downs are fine. most buildings have far more problems with their roofs, especially flat roofs where people pay $500k for a deck on top.
Lovely. As a parent, however, I couldn’t let my lovelies sleep in a room with a glass door directly to the outside. Yikes!
“Once upon a time the apartments in this building probably went for well under $100/month”
Once upon a time, you could buy all of Manhattan island for a bag full of beads.
What’s your point?
“actually if this place in my building which is literally right on the EL tracks sells in a week at the price they are asking I might…”
And then what would you do?
rent probably till I find something I like
not sure if contingency offers are still around these days
“rent probably till I find something I like”
Just meant you still need somewhere to live. So setting aside the astronomical rents I hear about, you still need to buy at some point. You’re buying as well as selling, so not sure if high prices help or not (though having a liquid market prob does).
“Q: How have the perma-bears at Cribchatter dealt with and denied the massive spike in Chicago prices?
1-Are they bitter?
2- Do they even see reality, or are they in denial?
3-Are they kicking themselves for leaving $50k of pure cold cash on the table with their obsessive critiquing of for sale ads, instead of just buying something?”
I’ll pick 2, No one can acuse me of being in touch with reality… Jackie, so do I win anything???
nobody ever mentions personal responsibility. when I was in the market for a condo in 2010, half were short sales. All of those had a 2nd loan of 100k+. People took money out of their places like an atm and wasted it. then cried poverty and things aren’t fair blah blah blah. if they never took out the 2nd, they would be in a much better position.
“What I wouldn’t do for a 30% spike…”
Some units in your building are probably worth 30% more than the last sale. The 1br I tried to buy there closed at 110k I think. I am certain that unit would go for more than 150k now.
“nobody ever mentions personal responsibility. when I was in the market for a condo in 2010, half were short sales. All of those had a 2nd loan of 100k+. People took money out of their places like an atm and wasted it. then cried poverty and things aren’t fair blah blah blah. if they never took out the 2nd, they would be in a much better position.”
If the cookie jar is full, then the kids will help themselves until someone stops them. Everyone knows this…
“All of those had a 2nd loan of 100k+. People took money out of their places like an atm and wasted it.”
A huge percentage of them are bc of 100% ltv acquistion loans. 80/20 1st and 2d, with $0 cash into the purchase, was *extremely* common.
chuk – a 5th floor 1br w/ parking (i think) just sold may 1st for 230k
also a 1br directly on the el tracks with no balcony and with no parking just sold on may 17th for $140k
“The Fed did what they promised and helped stabilize and inflate real estate prices. This has helped the market get back to fair market value from the distressed prices we have seen over the past few years.”
If the only way that property could get back to “fair market value” is by Fed manipulations (and government backed loans, which are 95% of all mortgages), then the values are NOT “fair market values”- they are Highly Manipulated Market Values.
This is the most manipulated market in the history of the world, equaled only by the rampage of the 00s, which was driven by criminally irresponsible lenders who knew they could get help from the government when things went bad… else they would not have taken the obscene risks they took.
This current market, as someone remarked somewhere, is the best housing market that that the Fed could buy with about $85 Billion a month. It is heavily subsidized at all levels. 95% of all loans are one way or the other guaranteed by the government. The FHA has become the new subprime lender, with a default rate of 17%. Instead of being foreclosed, delinquent loans are repeatedly modified, and the loan mods have stupefying re-default rates, about 45%. Foreclosures are being kept off the market- in some places, they have ceased altogether. Cash buyers are 33% of the market, which is not normal. First-time buyers, necessary if move up buyers are to move up, are out altogether.
Laura,
That’s crazy talk. I bet you cash buyers in Lincoln Park are less than 10%. Buyers are putting down large down payments and there is little risk of default with such low monthly payments. Everything in lincoln park is multiple bids and the listing agent picks the most qualified offer, based on price and strength of financing. Lending requirements are still tight and the buyers we are getting are very well qualified. Whether the loans end up at Fannie Mae is not important as long as they were well underwritten. The default rate will drop dramatically in the next 5 years.
Where do you think interest rates would be without the Fed? I would say no higher 4.5% on a 30 year. There is no deflation and more or a risk of deflation.
Government intervention/management/manipulation in the markets is a feature, not a bug, of contemporary capitalism. It’s fair to bitch about _on whose behalf_ it does so. It’s insane to believe that governments would, or even could, do otherwise.
We should prolong a recession so you can buy a condo more cheaply? What fucking narcissism.
The much maligned Steve Heitman gets it.
“duplex downs are fine. most buildings have far more problems with their roofs, especially flat roofs where people pay $500k for a deck on top.”
Maybe a newer build duplex down that was built with the proper drain systems and a sealed foundation. A building this old probably has a brick foundation and no exterior drain tile.
“We should prolong a recession so you can buy a condo more cheaply? What fucking narcissism.”
That is an unbelievable statement/question, spoken by someone who is drunk with Keynesian kool-aid.
We have not only prolonged the recession by repeated and costly government intervention, but we have destroyed free market capitalism, destroyed the savers whose savings are the “patient” money necessary to fund new industries that actually produced, as opposed to inflating housing and taxes and thereby impoverishing anyone who is not in the top 10% of earners, or who does not work for one of the government-funded cartels that control our economy. We have destroyed first-time homebuyers. We have destroyed fixed-income investors and we have destroyed pension funds.
And the worst part of it is that we’ve been forced at gunpoint (i.e. taxation) to fund our own destruction.
> “duplex downs are fine. most buildings have far more problems with their roofs, especially flat roofs where people pay $500k for a deck on top.”
> Maybe a newer build duplex down that was built with the proper drain systems and a sealed foundation. A building this old probably has a brick foundation and no exterior drain tile.
you add the drain tile when you tear up the old basement floor to add new plumbing or lower the floor or both. it’s common. I would stay away from new construction cinder block myself. so would every home inspector in Chicago.
Laura Louzader: We have not only prolonged the recession by repeated and costly government intervention, but we have destroyed free market capitalism,
Well, as long as we’re not going to be hyperbolic…
Laura, “we” did no such thing. Neither the government nor the GSEs caused the subprime mess. You don’t want to take Heitman’s word for it? Step into the wayback machine:
http://bigpicture.typepad.com/comments/2007/08/cdo-insiders-we.html
That’s your free market, baby! Herp derp, as the kids say.
What has prolonged the recession is that household balance sheets were destroyed and therefore so was demand. America’s job creators — i.e., its consumers — were broke. Oh, wait, can’t government create demand too? Nah, that’s Keynesian kool-aid.
Enjoy life in your evidence-free zone!
What about Radon problem with Duplex downs?
“you add the drain tile when you tear up the old basement floor to add new plumbing or lower the floor or both. it’s common. I would stay away from new construction cinder block myself. so would every home inspector in Chicago.”
That adds interior protection from the water table rising to the level of your basement floor. It is possible to still have hydrostatic pressure outside of the brick foundation even with an interior drainage system. Once the mortar has been penetrated, water from the outside can easily seep in. I have seen water running through brick foundations like a running garden hose in basements with drain tile and a sump.
Even a new cinder block building will have a concrete foundation with exterior protection. Old brick buildings are great and I prefer them to most new construction in the city, but not when it involves a living space below grade.
get a radon test…that’s all. simple fix if there is any.
> It is possible to still have hydrostatic pressure outside of the brick foundation even with an interior drainage system.
I guess anything is possible. Not sure why water would be moving horizontal instead of down. You have other issues if this is happening. Keep in mind this building has had living space below grade since it was built 100+ years ago. Same for my place.
“Not sure why water would be moving horizontal instead of down.”
ALL sorts of reasons. Water moves horizontally(ish) all the time.