Walking the lakefront from Navy Pier to downtown

DuSable Harbor in transition from our deep freeze.

We took a nice walk over the weekend along the Chicago lakefront paths and Navy Pier Flyover from Streeterville to Maggie Daley Park. The DuSable Harbor sits just east Maggie Daley of Millennial Park and offers great views before crossing LSD. Despite the city's announcements that playgrounds were open the massive playground at Maggie Daley was still closed. I guess it will open Memorial Day Weekend.

The new pedestrian bridges have made walking between Streeterville and downtown easier along the lakefront.

Lake Point Tower

Navy Pier just to the north of DuSable Harbor

Buyers eye iconic Edgewater Beach Apartments

A vibrant mix of vintage and new buildings line Bryn Mawr leading to the Edgewater Beach Apartments in the background.

We had a great time Saturday showing our clients available units at "that pink building" in Edgewater despite the cold gloomy weather. Edgewater Beach Apartments (EBA) at 5555 N Sheridan Road, Chicago IL 60640 offers large vintage cooperative apartments in a full amenity building along Chicago's lakefront. Read about EBA's history and features here.

Living like the roaring 20s!!

Our clients (from Wisconsin) will be retiring and have viewed several Chicago locations and buildings from Old Town to Edgewater with us.  They have come back to EBA for the history, vintage feel, lakefront and beautiful common areas offered by this lifestyle building.


20 units have closed in Edgewater Beach Apartments over the last 12 months as recorded on the MLS. The median price of a closed unit is only $185,000 (with a monthly assessment around $1,000 that includes property taxes, heat, cable, Internet, cooking gas, use of all amenities and a contribution to the capital projects fund).  The low purchase price and included amenities are attractive to our buyers who would also like to renovate a unit to their liking. For example we saw a 1200 sq/ft unit listed for only $140,000 that they can customize.

Call us to help you find mid-rise and high-rise units in Chicago!

New For Sale! Edgewater Beach town house $369,900 Watch the video!

5320 N Kenmore Unit T, Chicago IL 60640

For Sale $369,900

Truly one of a kind two beds, two baths corner Edgewater Beach town house with attached garage parking! Watch the video and check out the great finish level.

Open plan original design in this corner town house!

Edgewater Beach corner town house! One of a kind layout and finish level in this truly luxury home steps from the lake. Central heat/AC, attached garage and patio w/ fenced front yard for gardening. Gorgeous wood finish throughout, east and south light, high ceilings, and contemporary open plan. Entry foyer, attached garage, 2nd bedroom w/ en suite bath and washer/dryer on main level. 
 

Juliet balcony, built-in storage, fireplace and wired for sound.

Simply enormous, bright master suite

Spacious 2nd level has gorgeous chef's kitchen and island, large dining area, Juliet balcony, built-in shelves and wired for sound. WOW master bedroom suite! Light filled room, organized walk-in closet and sitting area (could be 3rd bedroom). Double vanity master bath with enormous walk-in shower. 
 

Luxury master bath

Second bedroom on main level is en suite. Amazing feature for guests!

We love this Edgewater location for near beachfront living. Steps from Berwyn Red Line (so easy to downtown!), Mariano's, close to Andersonville shops, restaurants and bars. Meow and woof woof friendly! Live in style near the beach!

Corner unit lives like a single family home

Front patio and fenced yard for gardening

More photos and specific property information HERE

  
Exclusively listed by:

Eric Rojas, Vice President/ Broker

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland

Chicago, IL 60614

773-510-1597

ericrojasblog.com

Edgewater town house sales

We'll have a listing coming on in this town house development at 5320 N Kenmore in Edgewater (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).

We're town house crazy this week with two new listings hitting the market.  Next week we will photograph and film an Edgewater town house on North Kenmore near the lake (pictured above).  Let's take a look at Edgewater town house sales this year.

Edgewater town home sales January 1st to April 21st, 2017
Only four town homes have sold thus far in 2017.  They are a rare breed near the lake. The median price for this small sample size is about $355,000.  The higher priced town homes only have two bedrooms (plus family room). The development on North Kenmore we'll be representing is very close to the lakefront and Foster Beach.

Epworth United Methodist Church among the many large apartment buildings, condos, town homes and high-rises of eastern Edgewater.

Six town homes sold over the same period of time in 2016 with a median price of $388,000.  A couple larger, higher-end town houses sold bringing up the median.  In 2015 only three town homes sold with a median price over $500,000.  Indeed, town homes down in Edgewater are a rare find in spring months!

Under Contract! Mies mid-century unit at 330 W Diversey offers views, fun lifestyle

The Mies designed towers at 330-340 W Diversey, Chicago 60657 (Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty).

Our clients recently secured a contract at 330 W Diversey #2304 (asking $309,500).  The high floor has been renovated with warm, open kitchen and features lake and city views.  The Mies designed mid-century buildings built in 1957 occupy a prominent spot at the East Lakeview and Lincoln Park border along the lakefront. It's a beautiful part of the city.

The condo association offers outdoor pool, play-lot, on-site market (with good sandwich and beer selection), 24hr doorman, Internet/cable bundle, bike rooms, innovative recycling program and more.  They seem very forward thinking from our many interactions.  The condo will be an "in-town" home  where grandparents can come and visit their kids and grandchildren in East Lakeview.

330 Diversey sits at the gateway to fantastic parks (with running paths, play-grounds, tennis courts etc...), Diversey Harbor and the lake to the south and east. Diversey Parkway and North Clark Street is full of restaurants, bars, retail and quality groceries just steps to the west.

The contract is through attorney review and inspection periods.  Congratulations to our repeat clients and their family.  Lots of good memories to come at "Grandma's condo with the pool and playground!" Check out some sales stats for 330-340 West Diversey from December.

Great morning of lakefront golf (and Nookies!)

East Lakeview vintage buildings frame Sydney Marovitz Golf Course at Recreation Drive and the lake. Free parking now along Recreation Drive until Memorial Day too!

From time to time I step back and try to describe everyday city life for myself and our family in Chicago.  I hope to add more of these vignettes with a little real estate context each week. 

I have no official data but I can't imagine it made easier to golf within another major city.  In about 10 minutes from leaving Lincoln Square early Wednesday morning I was parking at Sidney Morovitz Golf Course on the lakefront. The well maintained course offers both city and lake views.  It's a great way to play before work (or work while playing as I tell my wife).

The iconic clock tower with just after sunrise.

Steve Dunnett, Senior Mortgage Consultant at Blueleaf Lending (sdunnett@blueleaflending.com) lines up the par three over the swamp.  He hit the green!  Steve gets me up to date on loan programs and issues while tearing up the course.

Our playing partner Brian (a construction project manager) tees off down the home stretch along lakefront running paths. Brian rode his bike over with a light golf bag.

If you get out early, Marovitz is a convenient course for those working or living around downtown, north side or south side.  There is no traffic on Lake Shore Drive coming in before 7:00 am and leaving the course just after 9:00am.  Steve's office is in the West Loop so we headed 5 minutes south on LSD from the course to an old favorite Nookies in Old Town for breakfast.

I really like aspects of the burbs.  But I can't imagine not having easy access to just about anything I need or like by walking, bike, train or quick car ride throughout my regular day. To easily mix in golf, architecture, good food (on every corner) and business in a few hours and be back at my home office in minutes can't be beat! Less time in the car, more time on the streets seeing property too.

Fullerton Beach real estate

Photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker

Chicago lakefront food, drinks and cafes better than ever

One Stick Puppy, a "healthy" corn dog joint, is a newer option on the Chicago lakefronts paths on the North Side.  The shack is located on the path two blocks south of the Fullerton field house. (Photo Eric Rojas, Real Estate Broker)

Has anyone else noticed the lakefront area food options are much improved?  My friends and I have been exchanging positive stories about the Waterfront Cafe, The Clock Tower Cafe and The Dock at Montrose Beach.

Lakefront living is good in Chicago!

Sold! Buyers win huge top floor condo in best East Lakeview location

Our clients closed last week on their top floor three bedrooms condo at 2850 N Burling in southeastern Lakeview for $695,000.  The purchase was a multiple offer negotiation.

The 2800 block of Burling in East Lakeview features rare, over-sized simplex units.  The quiet location is just a half-block from Diversey Parkway action and a few blocks to the prettiest lakefront parks (photo Robert DePalma).

The well finished home featured front and back terraces, a true great room and ATTACHED garage parking. Ridiculous location!

YOU ARE HERE!

Congrats to some great people living the life!  Call us for your next Lakeview home.

Under Contract! Buyers secure top floor unit in prime Lakeview location

The views from 2850 N Burling #4.  Our buyer clients are under contract on the home (asking price of the condo was $685,000).  The location on the border of Lakeview and Lincoln Park is outstanding!  Fantastic shopping and dining just around the corner...not to mention a Trader Joe's at the end of the street.

Tree-top views from North Burling in Lakeview...the trees in bloom are outstanding! (photo, Eric Rojas)

These large 3 bedrooms full-floor units on the 2800 block of North Burling in Lakeview are well sought after.  This in the second unit of this build and style we've sold as the buyer's agent within a year...both were very intense multiple offer situations.  Last year another one of our client's bought 2842 N Burling #2.  It was an almost identical layout to 2850 N Burling #4 with a few interior modifications and no front terrace.

Check out Video from Terrace

 

We had mentioned these buildings and layouts to our client's months ago.  Finally, a top floor unit in with great upgrades came on the market in early spring.  Our buyer clients were very prepared with excellent knowledge of the local market. We secured one of the first showings and had an offer in within a couple hours.  The home is pending closing and we are excited for our clients.
 

 

 

 The peaceful location is a half-block from the Diversey/ Clark and Broadway shopping and dining district.  The location is about 5-6 blocks from the lakefront parks.

Come on down!

Sliding at 31st Harbor

Wheat fields

Prairie grass near 31st Street Harbor and the beach.

Chicago Local: Architecture, nature and views in Lincoln Park

It make great sense to offer bike rentals at the nature museum along Cannon Drive and Fullerton at the lakefront in Lincoln Park.

Having a fun family day for mom, dad and the kids is no problem in Lincoln Park. Last week we hit one of our favorite spots along the lakefront where we could enjoy views, nature and architecture.

A visit to The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum followed by a walk up and down the lakefront parks provides hours of entertainment and exercise. We love it as parents for the atmosphere and architecture. The kids, we believe, get terrific stimulation in an urban environment. There is always something new to see or notice for the first time.

Views from Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Gorgeous views and architecture at the nature museum itself.

Hot dogs at the lakefront

That hit the spot!

Great day for the lake!

If you can get out to North Avenue Beach today...do it! Eat and drink at Castaways, rent a bike, play volleyball...sit on the beach!

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!

Off Market: Lakefront Condo in Rogers Park for Under $200,000

I'll list this two bedroom, two bath condo with a parking space at 1140 W Morse, Chicago IL on the MLS within a week or so for $195,900. Features include a large master bath, marble surround in each shower, a walk-in laundry and utility closet, gallery hallway, good closet space, nice sized bedrooms and parking space.

1140 Morse is just steps from the lake and Loyola Park. Awesome, quiet location with several restaurants and coffee shops to walk to including Leona's (with it's outdoor cafe just across the street!), Starbucks, Giordano's Pizza, Chipotle, The Morseland and more. . Close to the Morse CTA Red Line stop and walking distance to Loyola University.

The lake is the main draw. One block away on your cul-de-sac street and your at the beach. You have a lake view stepping out of your door each day!

The 1100 West Block of Morse is dotted with beautiful homes and center entrance multi-units. The block has a low density and is very peaceful.

Great Location!