Classic Lincoln Park dining

I just walked past Ricardo Tratoria at 2119 N Clark Street. The location is quintessential old Lincoln Park amongst classic row homes and multi-units.  The restaurants and homes of North Clark Street are cut into a landscape that is near the lake, expensive and yet somehow gritty in spots.  It reminds me why we live in the city and a that dinner here is in our near future!

 

We like our restaurants in old buildings with fire escapes, apartments above and graffiti in the alley.

Lovely vintage restoration on West Wellington in Lakeview

It's always good to see a restoration of a vintage building around the North Side.  We spotted this project early in the week but don't have any other information. In this case we didn't get close enough to read the permit.

The 800 block of West Wellington shares real estate with expanding Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital.  However, the location is fantastic for access to CTA Brown Line, buses, restaurants, services and pretty close to the lake.

We love Chicago for classic buildings in busy urban settings.  This location of West Wellington is across from Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center campus.  A hospital may not be the most desirable neighbor but the location is certainly vibrant and convenient to transportation and services.

More Lakeview posts HERE

Find your happy place

Moss Design blog on planting trees now

I swore when I bought my house I'd improve my gardening skills. There needed to be one "do-it-yourself" department in my life.  I'm adding to my landscaping little by little and this year would like to add some height and shade with trees. 

Moss Design on planting trees

Take a tour of the Moss Design studio we filmed a couple years back

East Lakeview condo sales Q1, 2014: Less units changed hands, higher median price

Mista Pizza on Broadway in East Lakeview (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).

The hustle and bustle of Chicago's East Lakeview community makes for a dynamic housing market as well.  Let's take a look at first quarter condo sales in 2014.

Lakeview Condo Sales Jan 1st - March 31st, 2014
Overall, 135 attached units (condo, town house) have sold from January 1st to March 31st in the East Lakeview neighborhood.  The median price of sold condos is about $245,000.  During the same period of 2013, 153 condos closed with a median price of about $199,000.

The small dip in unit sales most likely is due to rising prices and less short sales and foreclosures being cleared out.  The lack of "super deals" in smaller condos has sobered up the market while larger attached homes remain hot.

East Lakeview sales area *No boats included!

Fun Facts

• The highest condo sale was 2919 N Burling Unit J for $885,000. The 3 bedrooms, 2800 sq/ft penthouse featured attached garage parking and roof top deck on a fantastic block
• There were 51 condos sold at $200,000 and under.  Many of these units are one bedroom units in high- rise buildings.
• 37 East Lakeview and short-sales and foreclosures were listed as sold in first quarter 2013Only 16 short sales and foreclosures were listed as sold in first quarter of this year.

Sales statistics from gathered and analyzed by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty. Source: MREDLLC.com

Lakeview house builder plays by the rules in Southport Corridor

This stately new construction luxury home nears completion at the 1400 clock of West School in Southport Corridor

New construction can be a very upsetting event for neighbors on a block.  Construction noise, dirt, illegal construction and damage to surrounding buildings are real problems. In this case Mavrek Development has posted their Job Site Rules and contact phone number as a good first step in minimizing any disruptions to the neighborhood.

 

I don't see this often and think it's a very good idea for developers and builders.  Hopefully the construction has gone as well as this neighborly gesture.

Under Contract! Buyer clients secure gorgeous home in Lakeview's Graceland West, Blaine School

The $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 price range for newer construction luxury single family homes in Lakeview, North Center and Lincoln Square is in high demand. 

Under Contract! 1453 W Cuyler listed at $1,369,000 by Berkshire/ Hathaway Home Services.  Bob and I represent the buyers.

Our clients moved quickly on 1453 W Cuyler after a price change to $1,369,000. The well built and high detail finish of the 2008 single family home is located in the "little village" of Graceland West.  The neighborhood is full of amazing architecture and steps from the popular shops and bars of Southport Corridor.

This section of Graceland West is located in well ranked Blaine School.

The home is through attorney review and inspection and pending closing.  We look forward to the housewarming!

Google Maps image

The kind of traffic jam you understand

Loading up at the Globe Pub, North Center

Photo! New look Lincoln Lanes gets sign to match

The new sign gets hoisted up at Lincoln Lanes today in Lincoln Square.

Image courtesy of neighbor Chouinard Photogrphy

Some of us miss the old gritty bowling alley and bar layout...  and attitude.  But people are also happy with the large, expansive layout, multiple TVs for sports and great food and drink specials post renovation.

Under contract! Multiple offers for Lakeview town house with fantastic outdoor space

Watch the video walk-through!



Our listing at 1251 Fletcher Unit I (asking price of $499,900) is under contract.  The home received multiple offers after the first day of showings.  We worked with the sellers on a listing strategy that met their needs. It worked out great. The contract is through attorney review and pending closing.

You are HERE in central Lakeview

The home has great Lakeview location and size.  The real "X" factors for the town house are it's rare enormous outdoor space and great natural light.  Our clients chose well and we wish the new buyers many great years. 

Please contact us to discuss your home sale or purchase around Chicago. Click to view more of our past listing videos.