Chicago Real Estate Blog - October, 2014

Up-And-Coming River West Offers Unique Opportunity to Savvy Condo Buyers

River West isn't one of those downtown neighborhoods that garners a lot of attention from today's home buyers. Nearby River North features some of Chicago's hottest nightlife, while just down the street, the West Loop is now home to the city's most recognized dining and restaurant scene—leaving River West to be little more than an afterthought when it comes to being a destination to live, work, or play around the downtown area.   

But over the past several years however, development around River West has quietly picked up, and if the proposed 16-story, 240-unit apartment building at Grand and Milwaukee finally does become a reality, it's only a matter of time before this small part of Chicago that's wedged in between the Chicago River and I-90 to…

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Hailo Terminates Chicago Service, Leaves North America

There's a number of different mobile apps and companies out there today that make catching a cab or hitching a ride much easier than it was only a few years ago. But last week, one such company has raised the white flag and will not only be leaving Chicago, but all of North America.  

Hailo, the London-based e-hailing taxi service, has officially called it quits here in the Windy City, citing competition and increased price pressure from rival companies like Uber and Lyft. Unlike Uber and Lyft however, which works more with private drivers, Hailo sought to differentiate its service by working closer to cab drivers, helping them find a better and more efficient way to generate business.  

As the ride-hailing app game migrated more towards private…

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An Updated Look at Development Around Wrigleyville

The demise of Wrigley Field’s famed bleachers has certainly gotten a lot of attention over the past week or so, but that’s certainly not the only change we’re about to see around Chicago’s lively Wrigleyville neighborhood. Along with the major re-development and modernization to the ballpark, as well as the highly publicized addition of Cubs Plaza, more development news for around this part of the northside was recently announced, which aims to further re-shape the entire Wrigleyville area.

First, after years of uncertainty following the recession, recent reports have surfaced that the massive 8-story SCD-designed development dubbed "Addison Park on Clark" is finally moving forward, which will include 148 apartments, 170,000 square feet of retail…

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Could the Next Wave of South Loop Development Be on the Way? | South Loop Real Estate For Sale

If you're looking for a location in downtown Chicago that might make for a good long-term investment, you might want to consider the South Loop neighborhood for your next home or condo, as it looks as if the next wave of development is right around the corner for this ever-evolving part of the city.  

While it may feel like yesterday to some, the city of Chicago first announced plans to build a brand new, state-of-the art basketball arena for DePaul University all the way back in May of 2013, with hopes of construction starting sometime in 2014. And although the deadline for groundbreaking in 2014 might have been missed, it seems the project will finally move forward in January of 2015, according to several reports that surfaced on Friday.  

With an…

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Crain's Chicago Puts Some of Chicago's Most Unique Office Spaces on Display

Downtown Chicago is filled with some pretty spectacular high-rises, and it's hard to deny our skyline is among the most recognizable in the entire world. But among many of the buildings we as real estate agents frequently visit like Trump Tower, the Waldorf Astoria, or the Ritz Carlton Residences are a wide range of amazing commercial developments that house some pretty cool office spaces that are designed to help build brand identity and create a workplace that inspires, drives, and motivates employees.   

Back in August of this year, Crain's Chicago Business asked businesses around the Chicagoland area to submit photos and describe what makes their workplace so special, and after receiving a number of responses, some of what they…

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Gold Coast Restaurant Nico Osteria Named One of the Best New Restaurants in America in 2014

It's no secret Chicago's restaurant scene is among the best in the country, but with new places opening up at seemingly mind-blowing rates, it's hard to keep track of what's hot and what's not when it comes to dining here in the Windy City. Earlier this week, popular Men's magazine Esquire released its Best New Restaurants in America list for 2014, and one local Chicago establishment was lucky enough to make the cut.   

Although officially making its debut back in early December of 2013, Nico Osteria has been delighting Chicago foodies throughout 2014, and likely for many, many more years to come. Located inside the Thompson Hotel at 1015 N. Rush Street in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, Nico Osteria is an authentic Italian…

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Open House Chicago 2014: October 18-19

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, Open House Chicago will be happening on October 18th and 19th, which gives local residents and visitors alike a unique behind-the-scenes look at many of Chicago's coolest places and spaces. This year, 150 different buildings will be part of the event, which range from the city's most iconic theatres and hotels to many of the most historic mansions, cathedrals, and landmarks in all of downtown Chicago.  

Presented by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, there's no better way to learn about Chicago's rich history than to experience it first-hand, and that's exactly what Open House Chicago offers. Explore the diversity of Chicago's neighborhoods, the architectural treasures that help shape…

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New Apartment Tower to be Added to Block 37 in the Loop

Prior to the announcement of the new AMC theatre coming to Block 37, Crain’s Chicago Business reported that owners of the Loop’s largest shopping mall will also be starting construction on a brand new 34-story, 690-unit apartment tower on top of the already existing four story structure—a project that will be the largest rental development the Loop has seen in decades.
 
The new tower, which was designed by renowned Chicago architecture firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates, is expected to further enhance what many consider to be one of downtown’s most challenging properties, and bring even more life to a part of Chicago that’s known most for its commercial real estate and big business.
 
Just within the last year, other major high-end rental…

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Newly Listed South Loop Loft For Sale Features Rare Enclosed Master Bedroom

One common complaint about lofts for sale in Chicago is the openness and lack of privacy the bedroom(s) may offer to potential buyers. When it comes to the interior space of a loft condo, many of the authentic and original characteristics like exposed brick and timber or concrete ceilings can certainly enhance the desirability of a loft unit, and even a spacious open concept can sometimes be a positive feature—but not when it comes to the bedrooms.   
 
Being able to have some sort of division of space can be important for a number of different reasons, especially when it comes to the noise factor. For home owners with a baby or small children, enclosed bedrooms certainly provide an added convenience when it comes time to try and get some rest.…

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AMC Dine-In Movie Theatre Coming to Block 37 Mall in the Loop

There’s been a recent push lately to help further the Loop’s reputation as being a night and weekend destination for both local Chicago residents and tourists alike, and earlier this week, another step in the right direction has been made. As first reported by the Chicago Tribune, it seems Block 37 has signed a lease with AMC Theatres that will bring a unique, 11-screen dine-in movie theatre concept to the State Street Mall, which should help draw shoppers to the mall’s long-vacant upper levels.

Scheduled to open sometime in 2016, the new theatre will inhabit 44,000 square feet on the mall’s top floor, and will also feature AMC’s signature MacGuffin’s Bar and Lounge in the main lobby. In addition, this will be Chicago’s first AMC theatre location to…

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