Chicago Real Estate Blog - January, 2015

Luxury Condo Spotlight: 160 E. Illinois #1308

Dozens of high-rise condos are available in Chicago’s Gold Coast, but like those who are interested in single-family homes, condo buyers tend to look for individuality in both the condo they’re considering, as well as the building as a whole.

Some Chicago condo buyers prefer a large, full amenity buildings that feature everything from upgraded kitchens and bathrooms to indoor pools and fitness centers, while others look for all the typical features and conveniences of a high-rise condo building, only on a bit smaller of a scale.

Well, if you’re someone who might be interested in the latter of the two, 160 E. Illinois #1308 might just be a unit that checks off every individual box on your wish list. A clean, updated, and comfortable condo that features…

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Chicago's Best Selling Neighborhoods of 2014

Now that 2014 is behind us and 2015 is well under way, it’s time to look back at which Chicago neighborhoods were the top-selling last year. Earlier today, Chicago Agent Magazine highlighted some of the numbers documented on Redfin’s Market Tracker, and the results are about what you would expect.

Chicago’s Near North Side saw the highest number of total sales in 2014, 184 to be exact, while West Town and Lincoln Park were the next highest-selling areas and saw 113 and 109 total sales respectively.

As mentioned in the Chicago Agent Magazine piece, sales in West Town were up over 36 percent, while River North saw a 33.3 percent increase from 2013, and Lincoln Park a nearly a 20 percent increase.. For other 2014 real estate stats in Chicago, have a closer…

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Penthouse Spotlight: 849 N. Franklin #1607

Downtown Chicago is full of all kinds of fabulous penthouse condos, and not just in the highest of high-rises, either. More often than not, when someone thinks of a penthouse in Chicago, a lavish condo high atop a ninety or 100-story building is what usually comes to mind; but as you’ll find in neighborhoods all over the city of Chicago, penthouse condos and the buildings they’re housed in come in all different shapes and sizes, and even at all kinds of different price points, as well.

One such penthouse that caught our eye recently is located over at 849 N. Franklin—a fabulous 2006-built mid-rise that’s situated in the heart of River North. This particular unit, a rare duplex with over 3,300 square feet of living space, is the epitome of luxury living…

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Velvet Taco Coming Soon to Chicago's Gold Coast

We’re less than a week away from the much anticipated Gold Coast debut of Velvet Taco—a Texas-based chain that has a unique take on tacos. Slated to open on Monday over at 1110 N. State Street, Chicago will be the first Velvet Taco location outside of Texas, and after just a quick glance at the menu, we’re happy they chose us for their first out-of-state venture.

The new restaurant will be just a few short steps from the infamous Viagra Triangle, and given their late night hours, we’re sure it will be a big hit among the nightlife crowd that fills this lively part of downtown Chicago each and every weekend.

As for what to expect, this isn’t your normal Mexican-inspired taco joint. Instead, plenty of unique offerings will be available here that range…

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2015 Chicago Restaurant Week Rapidly Approaching

'Every February, the Chicago dining scene is celebrated with one of the most anticipated foodie events of the year—Chicago Restaurant Week! An annual culinary celebration that invites everyone to experience the best eateries Chicago has to offer, over 250 restaurants take part in this yearly tradition by offering great deals and special prix fixe menus that start at just $22 for lunch and $33 and/or $44 for dinner, which excludes beverages, tax, and gratuity.

Perhaps the best thing about Chicago Restaurant Week is that it’s not just limited to restaurants around the downtown area, but all throughout different neighborhoods in all parts of town (and even a couple suburbs). If you’re new to this annual event or unsure how to take advantage of all the…

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Updated: What's For Sale at 2550 North Lakeview Avenue

Designed by renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, 2550 North Lakeview Avenue is one of Chicago’s finest high-rise condo buildings, regardless of location. Despite many of the city’s most luxurious condos being located in neighborhoods like River North, Streeterville, or the Gold Coast, this Lincoln Park building can certainly hold its own against the like of The Bristol, The Montgomery, The Palmolive, and yes…even Trump Tower.

In all, 2550 N. Lakeview Avenue stands 29 stories high and houses 218 magnificent condo residences that range from 099 to 8,500 square feet. Gourmet kitchens, spa-quality bathrooms, custom crown moldings, and just about every other high-end feature you can think of is part of the living experience here at 2550 North Lakeview Avenue,…

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Prohibition-Era Tavern The Drifter Now Open in Chicago's River North

A former speakeasy underneath the Green Door Tavern has re-opened as The Drifter—a cozy Prohibition-era themed saloon that’s a perfect new addition to this part of Chicago’s trendy River North neighborhood. Accessible through the basement door of the attached building just south of the Green Door Tavern, The Drifter has a rather gritty look and feel, but still remains quite inviting to those who pay it a visit.

Dusty bottles, old circus-themed posters and signs, and a rotating cocktail menu based on Tarot cards are just some of the cool features you’ll find at The Drifter,  while there’s also a pretty nice little food menu full of snacks and finger foods for patrons to enjoy while they’re slingin’ back a few drinks.

The Drifter will be open Wednesday…

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Substancial Inventory Presents Lots of Opportunities at 100 E. Walton

After a quick glance at some of the condos for sale near the Magnificent Mile, it seems the inventory over at 100 E. Walton is fairly extensive right now, meaning it could be a great time to buy here if you happen to be in the market for a new Gold Coast condominium.

Many economists and real estate professionals around the country feel 2015 will be a busy year for first-time home buyers, with lower insurance premiums, favorable mortgage rates, and looser lending standards all contributing to such a positive outlook. And if you happen to be in that first-time home buying category, few locations around town are a better place to begin your search than right here at 100 E. Walton.

From a $200,000 entry-level unit to a higher-end 1-bedroom with fully updated…

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Searching Chicago's Most Expensive Real Estate Listings

Unfortunately, not all of us can afford some of the fabulous, multi-million properties that occupy a place on the real estate market in downtown Chicago, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t have fun viewing all of the impressive homes and condos for sale around town that truly will make your jaw drop. From stunning 6-bedroom mansions in Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast to lavish high-rise condos all over the city, Chicago certainly isn’t lacking in the luxury real estate department.

If you are a luxury home buyer with some deep pockets who may be in the market for a new place to call home however, there are certain locations within the city you may want to begin your search that all depend on your lifestyle, design preferences, and various other…

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2 Fabulous Contemporary Loft Spaces Currently Available at the Museum Park Lofts

Museum Campus is one of the more exclusive parts of Chicago’s South Loop, and if you’re looking for a newer construction loft or condo in the neighborhood, there’s no better place to begin your search. Among some of our favorite Museum Campus buildings is 125 E. 13th Street—a modern, 15-story high-rise that’s only around 10 years old.

Also known as the Museum Park Lofts, few will argue that 125 E. 13th Street offers residents the privacy, comfort, and convenience of a first-class condo building, while its contemporary living spaces are exactly what most home buyers are searching for in a chic new place to call home in the rapidly up-and-coming South Loop neighborhood.

Each loft for sale at 125 E. 13th Street features a roomy open layout, private outdoor…

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