A stop at Chicago Sailing

I stopped by Chicago Sailing at 3550 N Recreation Drive, Chicago IL 60657 in Lakeview's Belmont Harbor last week. They are great to work with on charter sailing trips with my clients.  I have also purchased charter boat packages for our school auctions.  Chicago Sailing has a revamped schedule of activities including Thursday sails and wine tasting and summer sailing camp for kids.

 

 

 

Senior moment! Divvy "...far too complicated."

My business partner Bob is one of the most savvy travelers I know spinning frequent flier miles and Airb&B stays into international adventures at the drop of a hat.  However faced with the Divvy screen choices he balked!

Stepping out

Would you live on Western Avenue in Lincoln Square?

A new three unit condo building goes up on North Western Avenue at West Argyle (another will go up just one door down to the south).  This particular block on the west side of Western Avenue has an attractive residential feeling.

We've written in the past that busy Western Avenue in Lincoln Square (and south into North Center) has seen increased activity as home buyers, renters and developers need options in the popular neighborhood.  I walked past this three unit building going up in the center of the photo.  To the right of the photo and below sit established and smart looking condo buildings.

10 condo units have sold from 4800 North Western to 5200 North Western Avenue in the last 12 months with a median price of $333,750. A large newer construction 2400 sq ft duplex down unit at 5002 N Western sold for $440,000 recently.  It's a considerable discount for the neighborhood that living on busy Western Avenue affords.

Real estate by bike

The bike lane on West Berteau cutting through northern portion of Lakeview and through North Center.  I rode from Lincoln Square to Lincoln Park to meet contractors at a property last week.

From time to time I like to remind clients (and other brokers) that I ride my bike as often as possible for showings, inspections, contractor visits and various trips related to our transactions. I'm a little surprised we don't see more brokers pedaling up to appointments.

Fall season is my favorite time to ride.  I get to stop easily and often to check out developments, new retail construction, parks and new listings. Clients often ride to appointments after I mention that I will be taking my bike.  They sometimes forget that's the better mode of transportation to get around nearby neighborhoods!

New high-end condo development "in the mix" at Halsted and Diversey in Lakeview

A sign advertising a new condo development is up on the now vacated commercial building and parking lot at 2825 N Halsted, Chicago IL 60657.  All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

The sign says "L3" is coming.  New luxury condos look set to fill in the streetscape of a mostly residential block of North Halsted in Lakeview just north of West Diversey Parkway. The original plans called for 24 residential units with no retail but that met some resistance in the past. 
Rumor has it prices will reach the $800s.

The former reproductive medical offices and parking lot form a large footprint on the block.  Many one story commercial buildings are being redeveloped to add some height and density (rightfully so in my opinion) in desirable North Side neighborhoods.

More recent reports suggest the condo building development at 2825 North Halsted will move ahead but maintain the ground floor commercial spaces. 

The former "Mix" nightclub property adjacent to the development has faced controversy as well.  The site had been approved for a medical marijuana dispensary but the zoning was denied at appeal. The property will sit between two large condo buildings.

The streetscape on the east and west sides of the 2800 block of North Halsted has become essentially residential in feel with some small retail remaining.

The building to the right is one of the few newer construction (late 1990s) with all residential units.  Most new construction buildings on traditional commercial streets must maintain commercial space on the ground floor.

Looking down Lincoln Avenue

I'm at the 3100 block of North Lincoln in Lincoln Park this morning. Although this area is fairly tony and gentrified it hangs on to a little grit. The constant churn of ma and pop retail, mixed use loft buildings and bustling bike commuters cling to some cool factor.

posted from Bloggeroid

Under contract! West Loop loft sells in first weekend

City living! All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty and VHT.com

Our latest listing at 420 S Clinton #511A, Chicago IL 60607 in West Loop has gone under contract.  The asking price is $229,000 and the contract is through attorney review and inspection. We love the area and sorry to see it go so fast LOL.

True loft lifestyle

Our client wanted a quick sale for top dollar.  We suggested the improvements of painting the entire unit and purchasing all new appliance package. We brought in the contractors, got the work done, photographed and sold within a week.

Congrats to our seller and the new owners. They will be using the condo as an "in town" for their frequent trips to Chicago.

Craft Beer, Wine and Restaurant fests in Lincoln Square! Tickets on sale now for one great weekend October 2nd and 4th!

The Annual Friends of the Craft and Friends of the Grape in Lincoln Square are just around the corner this October 2nd and 4th, 2015. Buy tickets at the link below.

Buy Tickets for Friends Weekend!

Friends of the Craft - Friday October 2nd

Join us under the big tent for St. Matthias Friends Weekend 2015.  Festivities begin Friday night, October 2nd, with Friends of the Craft featuring microbrewies from Chicago's Northside including  Half Acre, Pipeworks Brewing, Begyle, Ale Syndicate and many other great local brews starting at 7 pm.  

It's a great night of beer tasting up close with the brewers.

Friends of the Grape - Sunday October 4th

On Sunday, October 4th, join us for the 16th annual Friends of the Grape Wine Event starting at 12:30.  Festivities include wine tastings paired with food samples from Lincoln Square's finest restaurants.  Live and silent auctions feature game tickets, weekend travel packages, sail trips, artwork and much more!

Contact Eric Rojas, erojas@kalerealty.com 773-510-1597 to donate auction items in return for sponsorship and advertising consideration!

 

WOW, what a spread!

Exciting Live Auction!

Dozens of Silent Auction packages!

Thank you to many of this year's donors including Chicago Sailing, Lincoln Square Barber Shop, Northeastern Illinois University, Steve Dunnett, Blueleaf Lending and MORE!

Buy Tickets for Friends Weekend!
Events held at St. Matthias School and benefit St. Matthias Parish and School
 4910 N Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Best home staging prop ever

Game of Life ...in progress.

posted from Bloggeroid