Uptown condo sales (minimum three bedrooms or more)

We looked at a "duplex down" condo on nice block of the Buena Park neighborhood in Uptown. Budget, transportation and proximity to the lake are factors that make Uptown appealing. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty 

Our clients are looking to buy a large condo (attached condo unit and townhouses) with minimum three bedrooms or more. They currently live in a small two bedrooms, one bath condo in East Lakeview.  Looking in Uptown is a good option for their budget and their desire to stay near the lake.

Uptown three bedrooms condo sales

-268 three bedrooms or more attached units (condo/ townhouses) sold in Uptown.  The median sales price for this type of condo was $450,000.  

-2021 unit sales are up 22% and median price are up 7% over 2020.  In 2020, 219 condo homes with minimum of three bedrooms sold with a median price about $419,000.

-Going back about five years to 2017 we see that 200 condos with a minimum three bedrooms sold in Uptown with a median price of $388,000.

-Currently in 2022 (Jan 1st-Feb 20th) twenty-three condo homes with three bedrooms or more have closed with a median price of about $400,000. 

About nineteen condo homes with minimum three bedrooms are currently listed for sale in Uptown with a median asking price of $439,000.  

Visit www.facebook.com/chicagorealestatelocal

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. 

Lincoln Square area multi-unit sales (2-4 unit buildings)

All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Small multi-unit buildings (2-4 units) have been the lifeblood of many North Side neighborhoods. In the early 1900s many multi-generational family members lived in the separate flats. The small multi-units then became popular vehicles for owner-operators (live in one and rent out the other units to the open leasing market).  Small multi-units evolved into a popular cottage industry for investors and landlords. 

Despite all the conversion activity to single family homes and tear downs small multi-units still remain an important housing stock in our communities. We'll be bringing a Lincoln Square three-flat to market this fall. Let's take a look at recent sales.

Lincoln Square Multi-Unit Sales (2-4 unit buildings)

From January 1st to September 9th 24 multi-unit buildings have closed in Lincoln Square Community Area. The median price of a closed multi-unit is about $630,000.  

-16 of the closings were 2-flats with a median closing price of $585,000

-6 were 3-flats with a median closed price of $710,000

-2 were 4-flats that sold for $582,000 and $630,000 (even with more units the buildings or locations were not as desirable thus the relatively lower median price). 

Over-all multi-unit sales are down by 13 units year to year. In 2019, 37 units closed over the same period with a median price of $670,000.  The pandemic most certainly affected multi-units particularly as it was more difficult to gain access and show properties with tenants. Coronavirus risks in the spring made many apprehensive to buy, list and allow showings in a property.  

Typical Lincoln Square multi-units

Lincoln Square, North Center and Uptown Multi-unit Sales

In the three popular North Side neighboring markets of Lincoln Square, North Center and Uptown 78 multi-units sold from January 1st to September 9th, 2020. The median price of a sold building for these three areas is $630,000. Sales are down 32 units in these combine neighborhoods. In 2019, 110 multi-units sold with a median price of $652,000. 

Uptown's Truc Lam Buddhist Temple demolition, new early education school coming

The Truc Lam building at the corner of West Wilson and North Ashland in Uptown. Photo taken early in 2019. The property was listed for sale in 2017. All Photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

The fences and backhoe early this month signaled the Truc Lam building demolition in Uptown is imminent.  

The Truc Lam Buddhist Temple property in Uptown sold last year after listing in 2017. I scanned public records for the purchase price but it has not yet been recorded.  The demo permit was issued on January 9th and the back hoe showed up some time around then. A company called Viking Development purchased the property and will develop a two story building. The Gardner School will be the long term tenant.

Check out my post on the property and some photos from early last year.

Block Club Chicago has some background their November 2019 story.  

The corner of Wilson and Ashland will see a little more action once the school building is completed.

New Gardner School to be built on former Buddhist Temple site, Uptown/ Ravenswood

The former Truc Lam Buddhist Temple at North Ashland and West Wilson. All  gloomy day photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty.

Former Truc Lam Buddhist Temple building in the Ravenswood / Uptown neighborhoods is scheduled for demolition this spring. Anyone on the North Side has probably passed this site at Ashland and Wilson a million times. A new Gardner School early childhood learning facility will be built and really alter the look of the corner. The school/ daycare may be built by right according to RS-3 zoning (we work with clients on these types of deals).

We've mentioned daycare/ early childhood education facilities are HOT! Several new buildings have been built or significantly retrofitted in the 47th Ward recently for schools within a mile or so of this location including a new JYCS and Kiddie Academy.

Here is some background from Uptown Update  .   See full site plan here

Grey-stone multi-units across the street on West Wilson.

Not on MLS: Uptown Grey-stone 3-Unit for sale $815,000, great condition!

Wow! 4410 N Dover asking $815,000

Owner operators and investors buyers! Contact me for this pre-MLS opportunity at 

4410 N Dover, Chicago IL 60640 asking $815,000. This is a terrific property to call home. Close to Wrigley, Target, dozens of restaurants and bars... amazing location!

Eric Rojas, Broker

Kale Realty - Lincoln Park

2447 N Ashland 

Chicago IL 60614

773-510-1597

erojas@kalerealty.com

Extra Wide Legal 3-Unit Greystone - Walk to Montrose Brown 

Gorgeous and EXTRA WIDE Grey-stone on Over-sized Lot! Ten Min Walk to Montrose Brown or Wilson Red Line on Quiet, Tree-Lined Street, Three LEGAL Units, All Individually Metered, Gut-Rehabbed to Condo Quality, Central Heat and Air, Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors, Recessed Lighting, Dishwashers, Marble Baths, Top Floor Owner's Unit Has FOUR Bedrooms with King Size Master, Stainless Steel Appliances, Wood-Burning Fireplace - Big Back Decks, Shared Coin-Op Laundry,  Separate Living and Dining Rooms, Rarely Found BIG BEDROOMS! Park Pad for One Car, Large Fenced Backyard, Can Easily Fit Up to Three Cars -  Strong Income with Room to Grow - Gross Income $56,400 Annually:

Unit G (2 Beds/1 BA) - $1000  (Lease M2M) 

Unit 1 (3 BEDS/1 BA) - $1850 (Lease Ends 5/31/2019)  

Unit 2 (4 BEDS/1 BA) - $1850 (Lease Ends 4/30/2019)

First Showings Sunday, April 7 

Listing on MLS 4/9

Top floor living room (virtually staged)

Top floor kitchen

Large bedrooms

Great bathroom!

Back decks

Exclusively listed by 

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland

Chicago IL 60614

312-939-5253

Update: Ravenswood / Uptown's American Indian Center now rental loft apartments

The renovation, particularly the windows, looks really appealing. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Awhile back we posted Ravenswood / Uptown's American Indian Center was selling their building and moving.  The massive building at 1630 W Wilson (at Paulina) was bought for the purpose of residential apartment conversion.  I can't find the purchase price in public records but there was a $5 million plus mortgage taken out on the property.

The "Now Leasing" advertisements are up and the building is addressed as 4601 N Paulina.  One bed apartments offered from $1,300 to $1,800 per/month, two beds apartments from $2,600 to $3,000 per/month.  Larger units also available according to the broker site.

The American Indian Center of Chicago is now located in Albany Park.

Prominent unique buildings such as this at West Wilson and North Paulina helps make living in Chicago a unique experience. I'm sure many are appreciative it has been preserved. 

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.

Uptown single family home sales, median price about $850,000

We viewed a converted two-flat to single family home along North Hermitage in Uptown late last week.

Uptown in Chicago is not typically known for it's single family home sales.  The area is dominated by classic walk-up multi-units and mid-rise buildings.  However, there are pockets of mostly pricey houses.  We regularly spill into the Uptown Community Area when looking for houses in the Lincoln Square and Edgewater areas (Andersonville and Ravenswood neighborhoods especially) as they all blend together east North Ravenswood Aveune.

The eastern lakefront area of Uptown area has a pocket of expensive, distinct homes. North Hermitage from Montrose to Lawrence Avenue (west of North Ashland Ave) is a really cool four block stretch to check out attractive estates.

This recent single family home conversion hit the market in western Uptown near Andersonville for $785,000 (on a long 140' lot but we found it too pricey for the condition and features). 

Only 41 single family homes closed in Uptown Community Area over 2017 with a median price of about $850,000. The highest priced home sale was 830 West Buena Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 for $2,293,333. 830 West Buena is a renovated contemporary compound among a spattering of fantastic homes located in a distinct National Historic District. The least expensive house sold for $475,000 at 1646 West Carmen.  The property was sold as a tear down / land value. 

31 homes sold in 2016 with a median price about $900,000. 

29 homes sold in 2015 with a median price about $795,000.

36 homes sold in 2014 with a median price about $830,000.

 

Under contract! Uptown three beds condo gets multiple offers (unit sales up 21%)

4438 N Magnolia 2S is listed at $376,000 in Uptown. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Our clients recently won a multiple offer on a large three bedrooms condo at 4438 N Magnolia #2S.  The single floor layout, size of bedrooms, closets and the huge back deck off the kitchen set the unit apart.  Close proximity to the CTA Red Line was also a must.  The contract is in attorney review period.

Uptown condo sales have caught fire again as retail and infrastructure development moves forward in the neighborhood. Quality restaurants, close proximity to the lake and good value (price per sq/foot) make the area attractive to condo buyers looking for space and convenience.

• 102 Uptown condos have closed from January 1st to March 7th 2017.  
• The median price of a condo sale is an attainable $247,000. 
• 84 units sold over the the same period in 2016 with a median price of $248,000.  
• The highest priced sale is $735,000 (cash) at 707 Junior Terrace Unit 8, Chicago IL 60613. The full floor vintage condo offers a vintage one-of-a-kind Chicago home only a great city can deliver.

Uptown is home to many condos in vintage walk-up buildings as well as near lakefront high-rise buildings at a very wide range of price-points.

New AT&T store (probably) coming to Lawrence Avenue in Ravenswood, Uptown

1724 West Lawrence retail plaza in Ravenswood neighborhood of Uptown is getting a facelift for a new store. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

The Duke's shopping plaza at 1724 West Lawrence in the Uptown/ Ravenswood was sold for $725,000 in 2015. I passed by earlier today to see most, if not all, tenants out and more work going on.  Permits estimated around $300,000 in work  suggest the entire one story retail building is being remodeled for a new AT&T store.  It will be good to see the investment on West Lawrence Avenue continue east of North Ravenswood Avenue. For the record I'm a valued T-Mobile customer since 2001.

New improved street followed by new improved retail.

Crain's "best bets" to buy a house in Chicago and burbs

Oak Park made the recent Crain's Chicago Business best bets to buy a house (photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

Crain's Chicago Business published a fun list of best Chicagoland areas to buy a house based on a bevy of data points.  There are some usual suspects (Forest Glen, Wilmette, Hinsdale) and some lesser know areas that offer more affordable options (Jefferson Park, Mount Greenwood, Palos Hills value!).  Congrats to my peeps who made the list! We work in most of these neighborhoods.

Best areas to buy a house

UPDATE: Mural on North Clark Street near West Lawrence in Uptown

I took picture this several weeks ago while checking out a proposed development site.

Seems a legit image this week. 

Any intel on this mural and artist please email me direct.

UPDATE: Here's a note I received from a reader.

Saw your blog post...The mural was finished in April of this year. The artist is Joseph “Sentrock” Perez

He's pretty active on instagram @sentrockEnjoy your blog!

Thanks Andy !

New Uptown, Andersonville townhomes could replace commercial building at Chase Park

More changes a coming to North Clark Street in Uptown. 4740 N Clark Street, Chicago IL 60640 looking north. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

A large commercial building at 4740 N Clark Street just north of Chase Park could be redeveloped into 24 townhomes.  The current property is owned by Community Counseling Centers of Chicago and consists of three conjoined buildings and a surface parking lot.  The large parcel spans some 254 feet along North Clark Street. View proposal drawings here

A front surface parking lot at the north end of the property. 

This Uptown Community Area location is walking distance to Andersonville retail/ restaurants and Ravenswood neighborhood amenities.  It's also near the busy intersection of West Lawrence and North Clark that has been developed with residential units and retail improvements over the last few years. 

The new townhome development would sit adjacent to Chase Park where adults and children alike can enjoy the track, fields, pool, tennis courts, basketball gym and more.

The morning traffic can be very busy on North Clark Street.  The location is close to the CTA Red Line trains and plenty of bus routes.

 You can view 47th Ward development cases here

Ravenswood, Uptown historic American Indian Center up for re-development to apartments

1630 West Wilson Ave, Chicago IL 60640   All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Redevelopment plans are posted on the 47th Ward Alderman web site for the American Indian Center at 1630 West Wilson.  I know many readers here are aware the AIC is moving from a DNAinfo story last year.  Sources show the property is now under contract and a zoning change request has been submitted to the 47th Ward zoning review committee as follows:  

1630 W Wilson, RS3 to RM6 for adaptive reuse for 32 rental residential units & 16 parking spaces (former American Indian Center & National Historic Masonic Temple). 


Check out the plans HERE 
The plans will be put to community input after the Zoning Committee and Alderman review.  A LoopNet listing for the property does not contain asking price information.  The lot is approximately 92'x165' (15,000 sq/ft).  I have my educated guess on price range (under lock and key).

The south exposure facing West Wilson Ave.

 

The familiar staircase facing North Paulina Street (west exposure).

The leafy area is also know as the East Ravenswood Historic District added in 1991.
There is a mix of distinctive vintage walk-up buildings, large courtyard apartment buildings, churches and original singe family homes.

A group of attractive vintage homes sit across from the American Indian Center.  The blocks just north and south are a mix of mostly vintage buildings with some 1960s mistakes and a handful of new construction single family homes dotting the streets.

Typical condo conversions, co-ops and courtyard apartment buildings in the immediate area.

The loss of the community center is certainly a distinct change to the diversity and culture of the neighborhood. This is something to lament.  The American Indian Center reportedly has had a tough run of late and simply cannot maintain the physically crumbling building.  There is no mention that I can see on the AIC Facebook page of the eminent closing date or where the center will move to as of yet.

Exclusive of losing the center I think adding density is a good thing for the vibrancy of the neighborhood.  The location is fairly close to the CTA Brown Line, Ravenswood Metra and many restaurants, bars and everyday services.  The preservation of the building will at least maintain the district's architectural significance. 

Play Soccer store on Clark Street, Ravenswood

We suddenly have three soccer players in the family this early fall. After talking with some folks I went over to Play Soccer at 4717 N Clark Street in Uptown/ Ravenswood (across from Chase Park) for most of my needs (and soccer advice).

Great guys!

posted from Bloggeroid

Looking at condos from Andersonville to Rogers Park

A beautiful block on West Pratt adjacent to the lake in East Rodgers Park

I spent sunny Sunday morning showing condos in the northern Uptown area near Andersonville, in Edgewater and in Rogers Park to a fun buyer client.  There are now several quality choices with at least two beds, outdoor space and near lake locations for under $250,000.  Ability to park a car somewhere close and well run condo associations are important considerations.

Our client expected to fall in love with a quintessential vintage walk-up but this incredible loft space may change everything.

We worked our way north starting at 1355 West Argyle near Andersonville. We then headed to Lakewood Balmoral for a gorgeous one bedroom home.  Rogers Park offered options for a larger, budget friendly unit further west of the lake and the most desirable home we saw near the lake... for a price.

Having the beach at the end of the block may prove to be most alluring.

We help find new properties quickly and figure out the best values in healthy buildings. Don't learn the hard way!

Mixed use business, residential along "very city" North Ravenswood Avenue

Bow Wow Lounge at 1744 W Winona Street and North Ravenswood Ave

 

Imaginary Landscape web design at 5121 N Ravenswood

 

Koval distillery

A second story addition on a modern home tucked along North Ravenswood.  The former industrial building is just two blocks north of the Ravenswood Metra stop.

 

Large anchor retail at Mariano's and LA Fitness

 The four blocks along North Ravenswood Avenue between West Lawrence Ave and West Foster Ave is a cool mix of residential and business.  The stretch is along the Metra embankment which further defines the unique setting. 

These interesting industrial and residential corridors make up a "very city" lifestyle.