Chicago Real Estate Market

As we look at how the Chicago real estate market is faring through the 2nd Quarter of 2015, there’s lots of positive things to be excited about as we approach the halfway point for the year. In the 9 county Chicagoland area, the median price back in March was $204,000—up roughly 16.6% from $1750,000 in March 2014. Furthermore, in just Chicago, the median home price in March was set at $263,079—up nearly 12% from $235,000 in March 2014.

Luxury home sales are also on the rise around Chicago, which are classified as homes sold for $1 million or more. According to some statistics, 18% more luxury units were sold in Chicago over the 2nd Quarter this year from 2014, while increases all over the Chicagoland area were recorded as well.

Historically low interest…

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If you’ve never been to Chicago’s Children’s Museum, most people will tell you that it’s among the country’s best. Conveniently located at Navy Pier, there’s so many things to see and do both inside the museum and out, making for quite an experience for visitors of all ages. Like most museums in Chicago and around the U.S., exhibits are constantly changing and evolving to maximize each visitor’s experience, as well as to keep those who have been here coming back. But if you’re interested in what the Chicago Children’s Museum has to offer right now, here’s a look at just some of our favorite exhibitions:

Boats

New for the summer season, Boats is a fun-filled play area for kids pre-K through early elementary ages. This new exhibit offers a unique…

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Two years after full renderings first came out on a proposed high-rise, plans are finally moving forward on the grand project near the corner of Division and Clark.  This Gold Coast tower originally included 42 stories and was dubbed by neighbors the Tower of Jewel.  It’s now down to 35 stories and the project goes by the name, The Sinclair.

In June of this year crews began demolishing the existing building, as well as some surrounding buildings to make way for construction.  The tower, designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz, is seeking LEED certification.  In addition, a 7,000 square foot green roof will top it off.  There will also be a 22,000 square foot green roof on top of the Jewel-Osco grocery.

With room for 390 units, the tower will house studios and…

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Although it seems like much of the development news around downtown Chicago still relates to luxury rentals and high-rise apartments, a striking new boutique building over in River North is quietly making its way onto the local real estate landscape.

According to reports, sales for a new 27-unit luxury condo building at 847 N. Larrabee are expected to begin sometime this summer, which are being described as having a “modern European design.” Called Strata, Domus Group is behind this dynamic new project, with units ranging between $799,000 for a 3-bedrooms to just over $2 million for a 3,500 square foot full floor residence.

Much like the interior, the building’s exterior, which consists of three six-story structures that are now all seemingly tied…

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Originally named after Adams and Sangamon Streets, the corner in which it is located, Mary Bartelme Park now goes by the namesake of the first woman to become judge in Illinois.  The nearly one-and-a-half acre park is right in the middle of the West Loop, bringing history and modern design elements together all in one special location.

The park includes a children’s play area, open lawn, plus a fountain plaza providing cool misting stations for enjoying the hot summer days.  There’s even a dog park within the location for our four-legged friends.  The play area is uniquely designed so that it feeds off a child’s imagination, while the dog park includes enough room for your pet to exercise, plus steps, ramps and ledges.  Meanwhile, visitors have the option…

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Mother's Day Brunch in ChicagoIf you’re still on the fence about what to do for Mother’s Day this year, you can’t go wrong with taking mom out for a nice brunch here in the heart of downtown Chicago. As just about any Chicagoan will tell you, the restaurant scene here ranks among the best in the world, and while there’s certainly a lot of praise when it comes to trendy steakhouses, there’s also a pretty good selection of brunch spots in town that definitely won’t leave you disappointed.

So, when it’s time to treat your mom this Mother’s Day, here’s a look at only a few suggestions on where to go for a great brunch experience;

BRUNCH - 644 N Orleans

If a place is actually called Brunch, chances are they serve a pretty good brunch—and that’s certainly the case at this River North…

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