Seen in West Loop: Hustle and bustle gone bad

Bob was working with our clients in the West Loop area near Madison and Halsted last evening during rush hour.  They came across this rollover.  As big walkers, Bob and I see too many drivers rolling through  stop signs among other things...slow down people!

Chicago Local: A city that bikes!

Do what you gotta do.

Paper Picasso at the Modern Wing

Somebody made a couple impressive statues

We stopped in at the Modern Wing at The Art Institute of Chicago  at last year's Open House Chicago. The classrooms are impressive... and they have some cool kids programs.

Views from the activity classrooms at the Modern Wing

All photos Eric Rojas, Realtor and Broker

Secret Gold Coast real estate: A hidden house hangs on

Chicago still has some rather bizarre juxtaposed properties. I found this house near one of my super-secret free parking spots in a small cul-de-sac on 190 block of West Elm Street at Wells Street.

The home sits just west of the true Gold Coast neighborhood in the Near North community area and is surrounded by typical high-rises, parking garages and large storage facilities.  The back of the LaSalle Street Church shown below is at the end of the block.

What is the story of this house? Can you imagine holding out in this location through the years of cut throat Chicago politicians and developers?

Chicago Local: The city that cycles

Chicago Local: A summer scene in November

We've been having fun sharing fall photos from our work and lives around the North Side. Here's one from today that reminded us of summer in East Lakeview...on November 1st...short sleeves, street musicians and all.

Chicago Local: Fall photos at Lincoln Park's nature museum

One of our favorite kid hang-outs is the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park.  Here's a few shots from a beautiful fall day last week. We had more fun outside than inside this time!

The grounds of the nature museum

The butterfly habitat from the outside.

More Lincoln Park photos, market stats and information HERE

Chicago Local: Fall photos in Lincoln Park!

We have taken every opportunity to enjoy the parks and sites while showing property and working on our deals across the North Side.  Here's a few photos from the Lakefront Parks in Lincoln Park late last week.  Nothing beats the weather we're having this fall in Chicago!

You are HERE!

Read more of our neighborhood and property posts in Lincoln Park.  Catch more Chicago Local posts that show little things unique to the North Side and downtown.

Chicago Local: A love / hate relationship in Lakeview

Bob snapped this fuzzy 2 megapixel Blackberry photo before attending a home inspection with our buyer clients on North Wilton Street. It's in Wrigelyville. You knew that.



I think it's safe to say many Lakeview residents have a love/hate relationship with Wrigley Field.  It's iconic, a major national tourist attraction, good for business and keeps things exciting.  On the other hand, the larger and more boisterous crowds and traffic can grate long time residents.

Some have a loving relationship (me, but I don't live in Lakeview)..

Some totally hate it.

Oh, and that's the CTA Red Line tracks...another Chicago love / hate thing.

Chicago Local: Outdoor space any way you can

Like most big cities, outdoor space is coveted in Chicago. We took this photo looking east under the Brown Line tracks in Lakeview.




Read more Lakeview posts HERE

Chicago Local: We love fall!

Maple leaves in Southport Corridor

Fall in Chicago is our favorite season.  Remember to look up at the trees along with the iconic buildings this next month!

A touch of early color at Winnemac Park

Chicago Local: Family stroll in east Lincoln Park, Cummings Playground

We often walk along the paths near Fullerton and the lake and between Lincoln Park West and the lakefront with our kids. Whenever we run errands in Lincoln Park or visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum we tend to end up at Cummings Playground as well. Our kids love this park's sand feature. The zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, the beach, harbors and plenty of open fields and gardens are all here to enjoy.

The surrounding real estate across from the park is fantastic! I usually talk my wife into bringing the kids to RJ. Grunts just west of the park for an early dinner. For more posts on Lincoln Park, click HERE

Chicago Local: Northerly Island views from McCormick Place

Watch the video:

A couple weeks ago I helped my aunt with her conference at McCormick Place. The grand terraces to the east of the building offer terrific views of Lake Michigan, Burnham Park Harbor and Northerly Island Park.

Chicago Local: Andersonville blog fun, informative

Check out the local North Side blog A-Ville Daily, Life in Andersonville. Our family has lived in Ravenswood between Andersonville and Lincoln Square over the past 10 years. A-Ville Daily is the best source we have seen for the everyday action in Andersonville. Great stuff!

Chicago Local: Boats are back on the lake!

We were coming home from the burbs driving north on Lake Shore Drive over the weekend after Mother's Day festivities. What a great site...boats in Lake Michigan!

The drive south on the lake is gorgeous. You get hit with a sudden and spectacular view as you turn off of the Stevenson (I-55) and head north....the newer South Loop buildings, Soldier Field and the classic Loop skyline seem to pop out of nowhere!

Chicago Local: Green house hunting!

With premium gas near $5.00 a gallon, I might pick you up with this bike for our showing appointments!

Chicago Local: Character still king in Lincoln Park

We spotted this renovated and preserved charmer on the 1000 block of West Wrightwood Avenue next door to our new listing in Lincoln Park. A fun door, original cornice, original brick... character. We can't wait to see that landscaping fill in!

You can see a surprising amount of gorgeous vintage homes and impressive new construction on an afternoon walk down Wrightwood Avenue in Lincoln Park.

Read more Lincoln Park posts HERE

Chicago Local: Millennium Park on a spring day

This past Sunday's weather was fantastic and most Chicagoans went their usual bonkers to get outside. Miraculously, I had an open spring Sunday so we grabbed the kids and headed to Millennium Park downtown. The yard work could wait!

We jumped on the CTA Brown Line from Damen and were at the park in about 40 minutes. The kids love the train.

Some lucky ducks took in a Chicago River architecture tour...one of the best attractions downtown!

The kids had a full day of parks, statues, buildings boats, people, music and...walking!