How Far Along is the Damen Brown Line CTA?

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One of the most asked question I get other than "How's the market?", is, "When is my Brown Line station going to be completed?".








In the Ravenswood neighborhood, residents use the Montrose Brown Line stop at the southern end or the Damen Brown Line stop on the northern end. Montrose was completed and opened earlier this year... about the time we witnessed the sink hole on Montrose between Ashland and Damen Avenues.

We use the Damen Brown Line station and we can see the light. It should open by the end of November this year. Just in time for the winter.

Is Ravenswood Close to Belmont Harbor Chicago?

In no way is Ravenswood considered a lakefront neighborhood. However, it certainly has easy access to Lake Michigan. What we don't realize is how quickly you can get to the lake on a bike. Belmont Harbor is about a 20 minute bike ride from any location in the Ravenswood neighborhood.

This weekend we found ourselves sailing out of Belmont Harbor with some friends. I have sailed out of this harbor several times; twice, chartering boats for client trips. Here's a shot pulling out from our slip.

So, we live in Ravenswood to own a larger home with greater parking options... but still easily ride to the lake for an afternoon of sailing.

Restored Two Flat for Sale in Ravenswood Manor, Albany Park Area

Top floor: Three bedroom, one bath, dining room, living room, sun room, large kitchen, front terrace.
First floor: Two bedroom, one bath, dining room, sun room, large kitchen.
Kitchens and baths gutted and replaced in 2003.
Great patio, yard and two plus car garage.

Asking $499,900

I will have a restored two-flat coming on the market in the Ravenswood Manor, Albany Park neighborhoods. Because it is located near the intersection of Whipple and Leland, I use the two neighborhood names because the property is pretty much on the designated borders. But these things are a bit subjective. That said, you will have the best of both worlds in each neighborhood. You can also walk to the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

Please call for a showing before it hits market after the holiday. We are prepping for photos and finishing a few details before open market. This is a move-in, owner quality building. Move right in and own a building, rent one unit and pay the same monthly as a two bedroom condo... no kidding.

Here is a list of some of the restorations and improvements:

Removed wood paneling and drop ceilings
Removed paint from woodwork


Removed paint and plaster from fireplaces
Restored original mantels


Removed ceilings and added insulation (50%)


Removed wall paper and repair/replace all walls, ceilings


Replaced all ceiling fans


Remodeled back porch add on (tile floor, drywall, speaker system).


Replace the roof (overlay)


Gut rehab of all kitchens and bathrooms


Replaced all but 5 remaining original windows with vinyl or wood replacements


Complete tear down and reconstruction of front porch and balcony (lentil replacement)


Replaced boiler
Added automated sprinkler system for plants


Re-sided garage
Replaced roof cap
Tuck-point (maintenance) of near-roof brick (parapet)


Added fencing to north side fence
Replaced back gate with taller wrought iron


Replaced wood ceiling underneath front porch


Refinished all wood floors


Rerouted phone lines on second floor


Added three wired DSL connections


Replaced all but three of the steam valves on radiators


Replaced several water valves in basement


All plumbing down to basement is new


Laid down stone in back yard


Fabricated and installed custom made oak door to balcony

Realtors on Bikes: A New Movement in Chicago?

My friend Yokota over at Cyclelicious sent me a Wall Street Journal story by Nancy Keates describing how Realtors around the country are taking clients on homes tours... by bike. I wish I had the peaceful environment of Colorado and Oregon! They did talk to an agent in New York City... that guy has it all over on me.

I was also interviewed this week by the Associated Press concerning riding as a Realtor. One point I brought up is that it's hard to be different and some clients may not want me to show up to their listings on my bike. One tends to dress more casual for example. For the most part, client's are supportive and like that I will ride over to show their homes on very short notice.

Look forward to a separate section in my side bar for Chicago cycling information and related links.

Thanks Cyclicious for the support and watch for the AP story soon!

Photo I took from the 1st Chicago Criterium race held in down town... not a house tour on bikes.

Chicago Condo Statistics: Median Price Up?

I was quoted on ChicagoCondosOnline.blogspot.com concerning the rise in Chicago's median price for condos this year.

Check out a few of the comments from me and other Rubloff experts HERE

I took the photo from the roof top at 88 W Schiller.

Speaking of New Conversion Condos in Ravenswood...

It is surprising that this conversion condo project has not moved along. The market is strong for this kind of project in Ravenswood. Recently on the same block,
a three bedrooms, three bathrooms duplex down in a converted three flat building re-sold quickly for $459,000. It was pretty big…but the layout was not that great. However, it was only a three year old condo conversion and had two car parking, great deck and a nice little fenced yard.

Earlier this year, two other conversion duplex downs on the street sold for
$500,000 and $545,000. The latter selling in less than 20 days.

This may be a developer running out of money... or maybe a violation haulted the renovation. There are no signs indicating any official action. Another curious project I'd like to ask about from Alderman Schulter's office.

Ravenswood Landscaping of the Week

I wrote about this three flat condo conversion located on the 4900 block of North Winchester a few weeks back. You can see here that things have stalled a little bit. The landscaping is a little over grown and I'm surprised the neighbors have not complained.

The is a beautiful block in Ravenswood, however, not overly stuffy about the landscaping. But wow.

A Sunday in Ravenswood: The Raven

We did make The Raven Sunday at Chase Park. At about 3:30 or so to the closing act, the crowd was very manageable. It was awesome to have an actual field for the kids.


First stop was the KidzNest for some song and dance.

Next was the moon jumps.

Pony rides...

Ryne went home with mom and left me with The M's and friends. They were really good.

The food, beer and bands were set up along Clark Street between the east side of Chase Park and residential condos on the west side of the street. There has been a huge boon in residential condo development running from about Montrose to Foster, with new buildings still coming. With many new residents, an improved park and new retail, this stretch in Ravenswood has really become desirable.

Sunday Open House: Albany Park Condo with Full Basement and Parking!

3303 W Ainslie Open House this Sunday from 1PM to 3PM. Asking $267,000 with full basement and parking included.

I will host an Open House this Sunday at 3303 W Ainslie in Albany Park from 1PM to 3PM. The location is rapidly developing with new construction buildings around the Kedzie and Kimball Brown Line CTA stations. This two bedroom top floor unit with a FULL BASEMENT and parking included is in an established 12 unit conversion building with a side yard. Really neat corner building.

Click HERE for more photos and details.

There is a host of established conversion condo buildings in this location, but the new construction at much higher prices represents a second round of investment in this very commuter friendly location. This is a great deal for someone who needs to be close to the trains and needs lots of storage space.

The Raven: A New Fest for the Ravenswood Area

I received an email from Gene Shulter's office (47th Ward) for The Raven, a fest that is being held to raise money for renovations at Chase Park.

UptownUpdate had a nice post about it earlier this week as well.

We are excited to attend and donate for a couple reasons. First, we live near the park and take Ryne to the pool there once-in-a-while. We also would like to see another "water playground" feature added to the renovation plan. There is an awesome water feature at River Park that Ryne likes more than the pool. Much more fun when you're little.

See you at the "KidzNest" Sunday after my open house in Albany Park... it's a big weekend in Chicago.