ArtWalkRavenswood next week: The 6th Tour of Arts & Industry

This is one of the cooler events in and around Ravenswood and Lincoln Square. Click the link above for all the information. I've been shopping art since moving into the new place... I'll have to find time to visit a few of the exhibitors before the Cubs this weekend.

Bucktown shopping: Wow and Zen

One of the perks of running around the city listing and selling real estate is the shopping. I get to discover stores all over the city to recommend to friends and clients.





I recently bought a set of three wood window sceens from Wow and Zen for about $100 (similar to the screens pictured above). My home is consistently Scandinavian, so splashes of reserved Asian and Buddhist arts and crafts spices up the look. I'll hang them on the wall behind my Baseline sectional sofa in the living room.


Bucktown is known for it's expensive boutique shopping. But Wow and Zen is very affordable... allowing you to bring natural materials and high quality work into the home. Visit R.J. often for your moment of zen.

Lincoln Square koi pond

Ryne likes his quiet moments where he can contemplate life's big issues... like where's his next bottle, crushed peas, naps and well... gas.

There are few spots more suited than this local resident's koi pond. What makes this special is that it's located in the front of the property, near the sidewalk where everyone can enjoy it. But that's Lincoln Square for you.




The waterfall



The koi
























The waterfall/koi pond was built in the front of a typical Lincoln Square two flat. A dated two flat in good shape on a standard Chicago lot will run you over $600K in the neighborhood.

Norwood Park for new construction, Edison Park for dinner

I was out with clients shopping single family homes in the Norwood Park area last night. They are looking strictly new construction, or, virtually new construction. We found two winners in the $650k to $750K. This will get you an oversized lot, 4 to 5 bedrooms, three floors of living, great finishes, 3600 sq/ft and up etc... And a great neighborhood.

But what to do in the hood?

After viewing our second, and last, home for the evening, I suggested dinner. My clients have not been to the great dining strip lately on Northwest Highway, just, well... a few minutes northwest of the Norwood Park home we viewed.


We dined at Nonno Pino. I was really impressed. Fun, city atmosphere, great crowd for a Wednesday night. Mix of singles, couples, families, business people... just hopping. The food was really good, which is key.

I've been out to the Norwood Park and Edison Park areas quie a bit lately looking at homes in several price points. This strip of restaurants is just enough to really consider moving the GROWING family from Ravenswood waaaayyyyy out northwest for a bigger home in five years or so. Good schools, great kids, winding suburban like roads, trees, trains (Norwood Park Metra stop) and now a nice restaurant area to keep it real.

This is a real consideration for anyone looking for a nice single family house in a real neighborhood setting. It's funy how things change... with just one kid, I already have one foot out the door the Ravenswood duplex condo while looking at single families northwest! I drive my wife nuts.

Chicago Spire to get $40 million for penthouse

I know I have not posted for several days, but that usually means I'm extra special busy with clients, closings, the kid... that sort of thing. So as the midnight hour approaches, here's what you've been waiting for...

I think the Spire will get the $40M for the penthouse. A unit and sale like this has nothing to do with the "market". It has to do with a lifestyle and image. And the Spire penthouse may be just that for someone, I'd imagine.

Chicago Open House: Bucktown Duplex @ 1939 N Damen 1PM to 4PM

Catch me if you can at 1939 N Damen this Saturday 9/22/07 and Sunday 9/23/07 from 1PM to 4PM both days.

Stunning extra wide and extra long duplex. Over 2600 square feet. Get in before Thanksgiving and have your family and your neighbor's family over.

Check it out:




Call me at 773-975-2123 if you want to come by or have questions... email too. I'll get it.

New Julius Meinl cafe in Lincoln Square

Reports are that the revolving door of restaurants at this corner of Lincoln and Montrose will be a new Julius Meinl cafe. That, I predict, will be there for awhile.
Anyone know the ETA on this?

The Welles Park crowd will definately file in after a morning stroll... and this southeast end of Lincoln Square will easily support a quality cafe. Tons of traffic flowing down Montrose and Lincoln respectively makes for a high profile.

The first Meinl cafe came to chicago at Southport and Addison. An economics professor of mine turned me on to the authentic Austrian flavors and atmosphere. Turns out the good professor's former student brought the business to Chicago. Our class use to meet at the cafe once in awhile to discuss our upcoming overseas travel. Been a regular ever since (One word: strudel).

A walk around Welles Park, Lincoln Square

Most Wednesdays I can be found walking around Ravenswood and Lincoln Square with my son. Some days I hit the Used Books store. Others, it's coffee at <Perfect Cup or <The Grind. Hair cut at Hair for Less (ask for Elena) then listen to some music and pick up a CD at Laurie's Planet of Sound. Ryne is just along for the ride, spreading cheer to all the local business owners. Although, I think Laurie's is his favorite spot... he likes to rock out.

But, then there is the "outdoorsmen" in us... a walk around Welles Park (also the fields make for the neighborhood's largest changing table).









Tennis, dancers practicing their trade and horseshoe pits....Maybe it's a German thing, but there wasn't a family party or camping trip where we didn't play horseshoes. I've killed a few evenings here, scoring ringers.

Or, take a dip in the field house pool.



Welles Park has many events throughout the year. Check in with the Alderman's office, Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce, Old Town School of Folk Music and the Chicago Park District for activity schedules... for kids and you.

FED cuts rate 1/2 percent... What's this mean to Chicago Real Estate?

The CNN story

Chicago has remained pretty flat overall for real estate sales, with several hot neighborhoods and property types pushing highs in price per sq/ft, some neighborhoods hurting. So, it depends on what you have, what you want and where it is. Those buying in the last couple years for a "home" rather than pure investment seem to be doing fine.

A rate cut on bank borrowing may help you buy that new car... and you have to have a garage... and I know of several properties that have garages. Hmmmm.

Some analysis suggests the cut will reduce the "pain" of mortgage ARM re-sets in the national economy.

Again, in my little world of Chicago, things are good. Hopefully, people will begin to turn towards their own reality and make decisions, and not make decisons based on national generalizations.

Chicago Open House: Bucktown duplex... bigger than your house

I'll host an open house alllllll weekend at 1939 N Damen in Bucktown. Bucktown is a the place to walk around catch some brunch, do some shopping and look at properties.


1939 Damen is Open 1PM to 4PM Saturday 9/15 and Sunday 9/16



Check it out or call/email me for details.