For sale! PRE - MLS! Ravenswood/ Andersonville, 1733 W Winnemac #3, one bed, one bath $239,900

 

Popular well cared for building in the Ravenswood / Andersonville neighborhoods. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

New For Sale!  Not yet on MLS! This attractive TOP FLOOR  Ravenswood/ Andersonville one bedroom, one bath home with private back deck for sale $239,900.  This is a off MLS, pocket listing opportunity. Contact Eric direct erojas@kalerealty.com.

Fantastic Ravenswood/ Andersonville location close to the Ravenswood Metra station, Mariano's, L.A. Fitness and just steps to the famous Andersonville shopping and restaurant district. You like beer? Half-Acre, Spiteful,  Hop Leaf and more close by! Relax in Winnemac Park...Chicago Reader's Best Park 2016! Pet friendly building with weight limit.

*ALL PHOTOS OF UNIT #1 we sold in 2018. Unit 3 is TOP FLOOR exact same layout.*

* Pre-approval or proof of funds required for showings.  This is pocket listing/ off MLS opportunity. Need a pre-approval with a great lender? Ask me for a lender referral! erojas@kalerealty.com *

Large living room with bay window sitting area. Photo is of Unit #1 with same layout as Unit 3.

Great flow from living room to true dining room. Photo is of Unit #1 with same layout as Unit 3.

Large dining room, great light! Photo is of Unit #1 with same layout as Unit 3.

More Property Info!
1733 West Winnemac Unit 3, Chicago IL 60640 asking $239,900
TOP FLOOR - One bedroom, one bathroom - Private deck - In-unit washer and dryer - Central AC and Heat - True dining room- Large private storage in basement - Awesome common courtyard - Newer windows - Roof within 6yrs - Pet friendly building (weight limit) - Building allows rentals - Assessment $291.00/ month

Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, granite counters and maple cabinets. Kitchen leads out to great deck. (Unit 3 similar finish level)

Private deck and just steps down to the common courtyard.. Great for parties... I know because I have partied here! (Unit 3 is top floor with top floor deck)

Awesome seating areas in the large common courtyard.

Bedroom photo is of Unit #1 with same layout as Unit 3.

Bathroom (Unit 3 similar finish level)

Washer/ Dryer IN UNIT!!

Iconic Andersonville!

*ALL PHOTOS OF UNIT #1 we sold in 2018. Unit 3 is TOP FLOOR exact same layout.*

* Pre-approval or proof of funds required for showings.  This is pocket listing/ off MLS opportunity. Need a pre-approval with a great lender? Ask me for a referral. erojas@kalerealty.com *

Exclusively listed by

Eric Rojas, Broker

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614

773-510-1597

erojas@kalerealty.com

Kale Realty sponsors 3rd Annual Amundsen Homecoming Golf Classic

Having a blast at last year's Amundsen High School Homecoming Golf Classic  hosted at Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course  

I'm sponsoring the 3rd Annual Amundsen Homecoming Golf Classic for my third year! The event takes place Sunday, September 17th Sign-up, play or sponsor HERE

Amundsen High School in Lincoln Square/ Ravenswood is arguably the best academic and athletic neighborhood high school in Chicago. It's no secret that great schools help your property values. Supporting your Chicago Public Schools neighborhood school is as good as a hole-in-one!

Eric Rojas, Chicago Real Estate Broker and Kale Realty have been proud contributors to Amundsen High School for over ten years. The teachers, administrators, coaches and staff have been supportive of my kids and those of our friends. We are thankful to have their hard work and dedication.

Contact: Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614

Office 312-602-3367

erojas@kalerealty.com

New: 167 Lincoln Square apartments rise near Mariano's, Ravenswood Metra

 

One of the new Ravenswood Residence buildings looking west on Lawrence Avenue in Lincoln Square. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty 

The large apartment development at the corner of West Lawrence and North Wolcott in Lincoln Square has taken full shape.  I first wrote about the Chase Bank re-development plan back in 2016. You can see some photos of the original bank building at the link. The four story mixed-use buildings steps from the Ravenswood Metra and surrounding retail are better use than the old bank and surface parking lot. I was walking home from my own grocery shopping when I decided to check back in on the project.

The two four story buildings compromise studio, one and two bedrooms apartment rentals.  

According to Harlem and Irving Companies web site the finished development will feature 167 units.

"Located at 4733 N. Wolcott Ave., The Raven Residences (opening Fall 2022) will feature (two) four-story stylish brick facade buildings. The eastern building fronting Ravenswood will feature 55 luxury studio one-bedroom apartments. The western building will be comprised of 112 opulent studios, one-bedroom units, and two-bedroom units."

You can view the site plan HERE

The new (smaller) Chase Bank branch just to the east has been open for several years ahead of the residential development. The Ravenswood Metra station also sits just west of the development.

Lincoln Square rental apartments

Other nearby newer construction rental apartments have rented quickly for hefty prices.  The 1900 W Lawrence building (Sears redevelopment) has had two bedrooms, two bathrooms rental units lease for $2,500- $3,200 per month over the last 6 months. 

-The highest priced one bedroom rented in the last six months is $2,300/ month at 4540 N Ravenswood.

-The highest rental price achieved in the last 6 months for a two bedrooms, two bathrooms rental apartment is $3,325 at 4700 N Western Ave.

-The highest priced apartment rental  in the last six months is $4,950 at 4540 N Ravenswood, Unit 8, Chicago IL 60640

Uptown single family home unit sales up 47% year to year

 

Uptown home just east of North Ravenswood Avenue and West of Ashland.  This Ravenswood area features a cluster of Uptown single family homes. All photos Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker, Kale Realty

Uptown Community Area is better known for its lakefront adjacent location, condos, apartment towers and a myriad local businesses.  However it is home to pockets of impressive single family homes nestled within the urban hustle and bustle. The proximity to the lake, transit and average size of the homes result in a relatively hefty median price.

Historic home of Buena Park area in Uptown. All photos Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker, Kale Realty

Despite the pandemic uncertainty Uptown single family homes have had a good year. Unit sales are up 47% over same period in 2019 and median price is the most in four years.

34 homes have closed thus far (January 1st to November 13th) in the Uptown Community Area.  The median price of a closed home is $900,000.  Unit sales are significantly up from the same period last year.  Only 23 homes sold with a median price of about $872,500 over the same period in 2019.

2018, 27 homes sold with a median sales price $775,000

2017, 40 homes sold with a median sales price $848,000

2016, 28 homes sold with a median sales price $980,000

2015, 24 homes sold with a median sales price $709,000

2014, 33 homes sold with a median sales price $840,000

The highest sale so far in 2020 is 801 West Castlewood Terrace, Chicago IL 60640 for $1,912,500. A good portion of that value is in the 83' wide and 115' lot beautifully landscaped lot. 

The lowest sold single family home is 4649 N Beacon Street, Chicago IL 60640 for $390,000. The home sits on a large 40'x156' lot and was advertised as a development opportunity. 

Under Contract! Lincoln Square condo sales

 

Our client checks out the huge common roof deck at a Lincoln Square condo. Our current coronavirus situation has put a premium on outdoor space even with condos. 

Our first time buyer client recently secured a contract at 4755 N Washtenaw #406 in Lincoln Square/ Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood. The well built newer construction elevator building offers contemporary units in a great, walkable neighborhood.  The contract is now in attorney review.  Let's take a look at Lincoln Square condo sales this year.

4755 N Washtenaw is located in the Ravenswood Gardens neighborhood of Lincoln Square and right across the street from popular Harvest Time grocery. So convenient!

269 Lincoln Square condos sold thus far this year (January 1st through October 31st). The median price of a condo is $325,000. 306 condo units sold over the same period of 2019 with a median price of about $319,000. 

Two beds, two baths units: Probably the most popular segment of condos is the two beds, two baths unit. 78 "two/twos" sold with a median price of $339,000. Our client jumped at the top floor 2 beds, 2 baths southeast corner unit with garage parking. The light and views are great!

More Lincoln Square HERE

"Keim Furs" building at 1820 West Foster Ave in Lincoln Square / Ravenswood demolished

I've passed the Keim Furs sign my entire life - either living nearby as I do now or visiting family in the area when I was growing up. The vintage building was sold for $980,000 in 2018 and demolished last week. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

The "Keim Furs" building at 1820 West Foster, Chicago IL 606025 in Ravenswood / Lincoln Square has been demolished.  The property was sold in 2018 to a development company by the Keim family for $980,000 according to public records.  The B1-2 zoning allows for many, many uses as of right or special use permit.

Mixed use two-story building with a couple apartments over street level retail.

Big Joe's bar is to the right on the corner.

Many North Siders and visitors to the area have seen the "Keim Furs" sign for generations. The fur business storefront looked closed up and dingy for years. I'm not clear of they are still in business somewhere else. In any event it's a classic, vintage sign on a two-story mixed use building.  This area of  Lincoln Square / Ravenswood located in 1+ Chappell and Amundsen school districts is very desirable for residential and business development. 

This area is at the intersection of the Ravenswood/ Andersonville / Bowmanville neighborhoods of Lincoln Square, Uptown and Edgewater community areas.  It's a great area if you like restaurants, breweries, cafes, local shopping and good schools! There is no permit for the new construction and I have not seen any zoning / variance applications submitted to the 40th Ward as of yet. My guess is it will be four residential units with retail on the ground floor.  However I can also see a fully commercial endeavor at this location.

Quick Tempel Steel sales update in Bowmanville

A gated entry to the Tempel Steel manufacturing campus. The entire 21 acre property is for sale. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

I attended a Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce meeting March 11th with 40th Ward and 47th Ward Aldermen just days before social distancing and the consequent "shelter in place orders progressed. Roots Pizza hosted. We were doing elbow bumps instead of handshakes. What innocent times! We received updates on legislation and services they were focusing on and participated in a Q/A session.

The Tempel Steel site is for sale in the Bowmanville neighborhood of the 40th Ward. This is a hot development topic for surrounding North Side neighbors and businesses. Any development can have an up or down effect on surrounding property values. It would be the largest property sale in the new 40th Ward alderman's early term (and maybe the entire term) and will surely impact housing in Bowmanville and western Edgewater in some way or another.

The building stock on the 1800 Block of West Balmoral (photo above) across from Tempel Steel remain largely original. There are a handful of converted two-flats to single family homes but much less renovation and new construction activity than you's see on other residential blocks around Bowmanville.  Properties across from the current plant sell for at least a 10% discount than similar properties on fully residential blocks. 

I jotted down some of 40th Ward Alderman Vasquez comments about the prospective development:
First, the alderman stated he'd been approached about residential development. He is adamant that a zoning change application for residential must include an affordable housing component - which is expected and required. However, I took it the affordable housing component must well exceed any minimum required by the City of Chicago Affordable Requirements Ordinance. 

It could stay and industrial/ manufacturing campus "as of right". It won't necessarily be converted to a residential development.

The bottom line is there is nothing close to getting done at the time of the meeting. Any re-development would have to go through the Community Zoning Process of the 40th Ward.  Here's a past statement from Alderman Vasquez and a Block Club story on the Tempel Steel sale offering.

Explore Koval Distillery, Urban Renewal Brewery and Empirical Brewery in one block!

Our group were treated to an oral and tasting tour of Koval Distillery.

I had a chance to get together with some old clients and friends for the Koval Distillery tasting Saturday evening in Ravenswood (the border of Uptown and Lincoln Square). The tasting is a real show! The presenter shared the cool history of Koval and the distillery business.  We were treated to all phases of the whiskey, bourbons and gin making.

You get right into the beer at Urban Renewal. 

Immediately after the tasting we went next door to Urban Renewal Brewery.  The fairly recent addition to the awesome craft brewery scene of "Malt Row"  delivers casual drop-in tasting in their brewing facility. Play a little darts and corn hole while trying five samples.

We ended up at our staple Empirical Brewery a half-block away for an embarrassment of riches! You can count on an awesome beer selection every time. I'm proud to be apart of the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce in supporting our neighborhood businesses! It's really a luxury having top notch craft beverages in our own backyard.

Ask me about single family homes, multi-units and condos near Malt Row!

City Coffee opens steps from Winnemac Park and Amundsen High School, Lincoln Square

AJ Lutz and City Coffee staff on a Tuesday morning. Located at 5139 N Damen Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60625 All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

City Coffee is open at the corner of Foster and Damen in Lincoln Square / Ravenswood. I had the chance to stop by for coffee and pastry and work for a couple hours this morning.  Owner AJ Lutz has created a comfy sophisticated neighborhood spot at the busy corner. Great music, pastry and Caffe Umbria coffee.  I mentioned he has chosen a terrific, simple name too... how has City Coffee not been taken? LOL

We use to go to the old cafe circa 2007-2009ish. The storefront shop had been vacant for years.  The new space is really nice!

Unique to the local shop is the tech! Download the City Coffee app to order ahead and benefit from a rewards program! The Wi-Fi game is strong too.

Simple modern decor and large meeting table.

Little library... "take a book, leave a book"!

Large picture windows let the light in even on this cloudy, slushy morning.

We love our new businesses near Winnemac Park in Chicago! Grab your coffee and head to the park.  City Coffee is a great place for bus and CTA Damen Brown Line commuters from Bowmanville to make a daily stop. Amundsen High School students, parents and employees finally another great spot to meet! Check out the hours and goings on at City Coffee web site, Facebook and Instagram. Support this growing strip also featuring Sweet Virginia's Kitchen, Bang Bang Pie and veteran Over Easy.

Uptown repair shop property sells for $2,350,000, 39 new apartments coming

Looking south from Lawrence Ave. A 39 unit Apartment building with retail space and 35 parking spots will be built at 4747 N Ashland in the Uptown/ Ravenswood neighborhoods. The location is near the Ravenswood Metra and easy to Sheridan Red Line. The former lot and business property address was 4757 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60640 and sold for $2,350,000.

I was recently asked about the land sale for a new construction project in Uptown. The former car repair shop at the corner of Lawrence and Ashland in Uptown has been emptied out and new construction draws near.  Property records show a Trustee Deed (sale price) of $2,350,000 recorded in December 2018 for the 115’ x 156’ = 17,940 sq/ft lot. The zoning change was approved in June of 2018 according to the 47th Ward website.  Check out the drawings HERE.  A building construction permit was issued in December estimated over $5 million.

Lawrence and Ashland will soon look much different.

The property is close to the Ravenswood Metra, Crafty Beaver (across the street!), Lawrence Red Line, Mariano's. Jewel, Andersonville fun, Chase Park (pool next door!) and any number of bars, restaurants and shops. Details from the summary sheet of the residential apartment development include:

• 39 rental units  
• 3 one-BDRM // all are 830 sf  
• 36 two-BDRM units // 12 are 1,200 sf and 24 are 900 sf  
• Rents estimated $1,800-$2,500  
• 4 ARO on-site units

If you need a condo or apartment please contact me.  If you need a great car repair shop rather than this infamous shop go to my guys at Speedline at 5250 North Damen.

Two NEW Lincoln Square / Ravenswood developments steps from the CTA Brown Line at Damen

Demo, including some nice trees, was completed a few weeks ago at 4713 N Damen in Lincoln Square/ Ravenswood.  A six flat building will replace the former frame building and small addition that occupied the property.

Two projects are in development steps from the CTA Brown Line station and a couple blocks from the Lincoln Square restaurant and retail center. 4713 N Damen pictured above was a property long for sale privately, not on MLS (well, privately despite a giant billboard on the property). The land had fallen into foreclosure proceedings in 2013 but did sell this year for just over $1.2 million according to recent public records. The new construction six-flat building will sit between the former "The Rail" bar and grill to the south and the Rambler Lofts to the north.

Ravenswood Station bar/ restaurant -a single story commercial building (formally The Rail Bar and Grill) - sits adjacent  south of the new six flat development.

The construction permit on 4713 N Damen via Chicagocityscape.com is estimated at about $750,000 but there is a roughly $5.2 million mortgage taken out on the property.

4646 N Damen that sat next to the CTA "L" tracks was sold in 2015 (and closed in 2018 for $436,000) along with the adjacent property to the north. 4650 N Damen to the north held on and finally sold for $700K.

Just south and across the street 4646 N Damen- 4650 N Damen (both small frame homes) were sold to make way for a new 24 unit TOD development (transit oriented development explained). It took about three years for the developer to secure the second property at 4650 N Damen for $700K after entering into a contract with  the first at 4646 N Damen for $436,000. More info here.  

The development sits across from the CTA Damen Brown Line station entrance and adjacent to the exit stairs and tracks. Friends joked there should be a pedestrian sky-bridge from the building to the station so you don't have to cross the street with the common folk.

The improved CTA Brown Line station with exterior and interior bike storage.

The building will sit adjacent to the CTA tracks on the south and a vintage mixed use building to the north.  Friendly Aroy Thai next door and popular long time business Perfect Cup coffee is on the Leland/ Damen corner a few steps away.

Interestingly, these new construction buildings represent the first substantial multi-unit residential construction along North Damen from West Montrose to West Lawrence (four city blocks). This despite the location so close to the CTA station and the very active and successful residential development on Damen north of Lawrence and up and down West Lawrence nearby going on for a good seven years now.

Updated: Architectural Artifacts in Ravenswood to close shop

One of my older, and favorite, photos from Architectural Artifacts in Ravenswood. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Crain's is reporting today that Architectural Artifacts at 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago IL 60613 will close shop.  The one of a kind 80,000 sq/ft  antiques dealer will auction off it's inventory with Leslie Hindman Auctioneers.  For me this is one of the businesses that exemplifies the Ravenswood business, retail and residential corridor like no other.

The cavernous interior of the Architectural Artifacts retail shop and event space.  

Architectural Artifacts will remain selling online.    I am told by our local Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce the events space will remain operational.

Report! DeVry University coming to Ravenswood/ Lincoln Square Sears development

The vintage former Sears store at 1900 West Lawrence (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

The Chicago Tribune reports DeVry has signed a lease for a commercial space at the Ravenswood/ Lincoln Square Sears store re-development.  The stalled project has ramped up due to the signing and new construction loans.  The neighborhood will see 59 new residential units soon enough. The great location steps from Ravenswood Metra, grocery stores, fitness centers, breweries and more will be a hit.

A zoning variance for Binny's Beverage Depot was shot down by neighboring stakeholders for the commercial space in the past.  I think a vocational school marks a diverse offering to the community.

Modern Ravenswood nine unit development gets permit... again

Site of the proposed 4540 North Ravenswood in December 2016 (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).

I took a look at this proposed development site at 4540 N Ravenswood back in December 2016. A construction permit was issued in April of this year and again this week after corrections as reported by Chicago Cityscape.com. I like the modern project and would love to see lots of units in this particular location.  Wish this development was taller.  Check out the plan here

According to public records it looks like the property sold in 2009 for about $497,000 and sold again to the current owner/developer for $895,000 in 2017.  Nice play.

Apartment / retail development begins at huge Chase Bank site, Lincoln Square

The retail building at the corner of Lawrence and Ravenswood is one of three new construction buildings going up at the site.  A total of 166 rental units and 175 parking spots will grace the corner.   All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Construction on the corner of Ravenswood and Lawrence has ratcheted up!  This bustling intersection is home to a huge Chase Bank branch (a new bank branch will be incorporated into the development). Adjacent to the east is the Ravenswood Metra station. Across the street to the north is Mariano's and LA Fitness.  The new units can look straight into the pool LOL.  I never understood why that pool window is not frosted glass but enjoy the show I guess.

A portion of the Chase Bank building is shown behind the new corner building.  The exiting property has a large parking lot which will fill up with residential apartments.

Here's the project details with renderings.  A friend in city planning reminded me this project was approved by the Plan Commission in June of 2017.  The bank property is still open while the corner building goes up.  I really like the brick buildings (material and design) that will go up according to the plan.  Wish the Mariano's across the street would have used similar design rather than the spaceship thing.  The corner would look much warmer.

The Mariano's went with a more "contemporary" design.  I think a red brick design would have better anchored the corner among brick apartment and loft buildings. 

The new 1825 West Lawrence development will mimic the brick loft buildings, apartments, brick single family homes as well as the newly built Metra station that make the city special.

The new Metra Station has a warm red brick, classic small town center design.