Why Does Crilly Court Sell Quickly But Gaslight Court Does Not? 1407 N. Wells
Both Crilly Court and Gaslight Court in Old Town are historic condominium associations just a few blocks from each other on the same street.
While we have seen 3 bedroom, 2 bath units in the Wells Street building of Crilly Court go under contract within a week or two 3 times in the last 6 months, those trying to sell in Gaslight Court have had a tougher go of it.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath at 1407 N. Wells in Gaslight Court has been on the market since June 2010.
It has 10 foot ceilings, beamed ceilings and the original stone mantel fireplace.
The kitchen has white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
This third floor unit also has a 15×15 private deck overlooking Wells Street.
It has central air and a washer/dryer in the unit (just like the Crilly Court units).
Neither one has parking available. And the assessments are similar.
Crilly Court was converted into condos in 2007. Gaslight Court was converted in 2000.
See the Crilly Court 3-bedroom that is now under contract here.
Does Crilly Court sell quicker simply because it’s newer?
Steven Malone at Jameson Sotheby’s has the listing. See the pictures here.
Unit #3F: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1600 square feet
- Sold in August 2000 for $250,000
- Sold in August 2006 for $435,000
- Originally listed in June 2010
- Currently listed at $499,000
- Assessments of $376 a month
- Taxes of $4768
- Central Air
- Washer/Dryer in the unit
- No parking
- Bedroom #1: 15×11
- Bedroom #2: 13×10
- Bedroom #3: 10×8
65 grand of appreciation in the last 5 years seems about right, if you moved that place to Manhattan. I would need to add a monthly allowance for fines, as my guess is the condo board would frown upon me throwing projectiles off that terrace at the d-bags walking down Wells screaming to the world how trashed they are with their Cub hat on backwards every weekend from June until September.
staging…for one.
The kitchen is in the middle of the living room. Pass.
“just a few blocks from each other on the same street”
I realize that I’m apparently in the minority, but aside from it being older and not as nicely decorated/staged as the Crilly unit, guess what? Just “a few blocks” can mean everything to folks who put a premium on location. Crilly allows easy access to both Old Town and the park. And again, leaving aside the interiors of the places, to which location would you prefer to come home after a long day at work? Out of which building would you prefer to exit on a weekend morning to grab a coffee? In which location would you feel better about having a child?
I can’t check the school locator on my phone but it appears that Crilly Court is in the Lincoln Elementary boundary, while the other is in Manierre. When you’re selling a 3 bed place families are probably your biggest market, and $500k to live in Manierre vs $525k for Lincoln is a no-brainer.
These photos are shot so close that it is almost impossible to see the layout. Who takes these photos?
Jen – There are a lot of “upscale” new and restored homes around Manierre school (I speak from experience) so what’s the big deal?
“These photos are shot so close that it is almost impossible to see the layout. Who takes these photos?”
Someone standing in a tiny condo. I don’t believe that the place is anything *close* to 1600 sf.
Interesting point anon.
I would assume the “upscale” homeowners are sending their kids to private school. Manierre is failing badly.
Schools make a HUGE difference!–good call Jennifer
How do you know if the school is good or not? What are some good schools in this area?
Old Town N of North Ave is MUCH nicer than Old Town south of North Ave. I’m not convinced this is a schools issue – I don’t see a family living here and I don’t really see a family living in those 3BR Crilly Court places (which to me are really 2BRs with a den).
Joe is right on both counts… 1) This is basically a 2 BR with a den/office space and 2) This is not a “family friendly” type of joint as both the layout and the location are better suited for a young couple or someone who has a roommate to help with the mortgage. No parking is a deal killer in this location for the $400K+ market segment.
Nice balcony shot through the screen door.
Drop the all caps “MUCH” and I agree with Joe. But south of North is nice too.
I’ve spent some time in Gaslight. It’s a neat little complex. Very unique, not much like it in the city. But it is older and lacks amenities. Will require a buyer that values the charm of the complex. I think if they had started in the mid-high $400s they would have sold pretty quickly.
“I don’t believe that the place is anything *close* to 1600 sf.”
Following up, the footprint of this part of the building is a bit over 1400 sf, before deducting light wells, etc. So, it might be rounding distance to 1600 after you add in the 225 sf for the deck.
thanks to cribchatter and the little villager I can identify cribs with amazing accuracy as to the Make, model and likely procurement cource…
“thanks to cribchatter and the little villager I can identify cribs with amazing accuracy as to the Make, model and likely procurement cource”
young grasshopper until you can identify the recalled ones you will not be referred to as a master.
To add to what Joe said, traffic (both cars and peds) on Wells south of North is much more dense than north of North
You know what the real difference is here… Photography. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again… Agents need to know how to take good photos to highlight their listings.
The Crilly Court photos are well done. Makes the space look really big. The Gaslight pictures are too close up and it makes the place look smaller then it probably is.
Aside from the pictures the Crilly finishes look nice. Nothing amazing but nice. The Gaslight’s look a little dated.
The brick is leeching on the interior kitchen wall. Tuck point special coming soon, maybe?
I have an apartment half a block off of Wells, about half way between these two, but still south of North. I can’t speak for the schools. But, seriously, there isn’t really that much difference. Proximity to the park? Seriously, hardly different. I walk by both of these twice a day, spitting distance, really. At this point in the neighborhood – Wells is, well, basically Wells. I vote for photography and maybe the color of the walls at Crilly and I like the bay window. Gaslight Court is adorable. Parking is a little sucky for both. I think both only have metered spots in front of them. And, I’m not sure – Piper Alley – would be their garage of choice?
Wells street may be Wells street, but
1) Crilly Court is OTT
2) there is a huge HHI difference when crossing North Ave
3) Schools (if kids vs. pied de terre)
Crilly Court vs: Gaslight Court:
Crilly has a distinct upscale streetfront presence, with nice storefronts and no immediate retail storefront sources of crowds or noise. Second City is down the street, not next door. Gaslight has a narrow alley and abutting buildings; Crilly has a full block with good street exposure on all four sides.
Crilly’s units are much nicer, better finishes and floor plans, more apparent natural light, more recent renovation, etc.
Crilly’s immediate neighborhood (Eugenie Terrace and Old Town) has a better residential neighborhood feel.
Crilly’s exterior appearance is well-designed and cohesive; Gaslight has that weird cantilever deck and other ad-hoc renovation items.
Just looking at the pictures makes me feel claustraphobic.
I don’t think an 8 x 10 room should be counted as a bedroom.
Also, as PermaBear points out, there are far too many drunken idiots in this area. Although, this would probably be a perfect place for one of those drunken idiots.
I’ve been in the unit below (how a 3rd floor unit is a penthouse….) which was pretty spacious – the terrace really was great for parties (years ago). I remember the layout being a bit weird, if not horrible. I think being above a store slows sales and the entry off the street wasn’t very “inviting”…..