All Blog Entries by Helaine Cohen

A Chicago based real-estate investor has acquired a 58-unit condominium building in Lakeview in a deal that defines the importance of timing is everything. The deal was made possible due to owners of the building approving the sale just 16 days before the city established an ordinance making such “condo de-conversions” much more difficult to approve.

A new ordinance which requires owners of 85%  of a condo building owners now must approve a bulk sale of the property to a single investor, raising the requirement from 75% previously. Condominium de-conversions have spawned controversy and battles within condo buildings around Chicago, with some owners eager to cash out, while other owners being unwilling to sell for various reasons.

The property was

In case you haven't heard, Chicago has one of the hottest rental markets in the country right now. And thanks to both Chicago and its suburbs having a relatively balanced real estate market, along with the projection of local home prices steadily rising in 2020, the next 12 months could also be a great time for real estate investors too.

According to new data from Zillow, the latest quarter reflects appreciation rates in Chicago have been hovering around 1.3% and continuing to hold steady. If this level of appreciation remains, the annualized appreciation rate would be around 5.2%, which could result in major real estate investment opportunities throughout all of Chicago along with even more interest from investors.

Chicago is currently deemed a

If you love vintage condos but prefer to stay close to downtown Chicago, here are 3 buildings you'll want to consider when starting a search...

3520 N. Lake Shore

With mostly one- and two-bedroom floor plans to consider, 3520 N Lake Shore is definitely worth a look. This property includes options generally ranging from around 700 to 1,400 square feet of living space, however there is occasionally a three-bedroom floor plan on the market that can top 2,000 square feet of space. The property also offers some enclosed courtyard patios, a laundry room and a pet-friendly atmosphere.

421 W. Melrose 

In contrast, 421 W Melrose provides an exercise room and a roof deck. Some condos also have deeded parking. The spacious floor plans of this building

A proposed seven-story apartment development moves closer to reality in Lakeview. The Chicago Plan Commission recently gave the go-ahead to bring around 200 rentals and nearly 100 parking spaces to the site of a now closed Treasure Island grocery store on N Broadway.

The revised proposal is significantly smaller than the original eight-story proposal unveiled to neighbors last summer for the Optima Lakeview development. That design included around 250 apartments with an all-glass façade.

Some surrounding neighbors had previously complained about the original design’s density and height. Among other things, the newly proposed design is a mixture of glass and brick with some in-set balconies.

Now that the revised project has approval from the Plan

A spectacular new apartment tower now rises up in the West Loop. With rentals ranging from studios to three-bedroom floor plans, 727 W. Madison offers the apartment design renters are searching for. 

Along with all of its private amenities, residents of the building are additionally treated to an array of shared delights. Options range from the tower’s secure parking and bike storage to its private rooftop sky lounge with some outstanding city views.

In addition, the tower offers up access to a fitness center, yoga studio and a pet spa. Along with all of this, the property also provides space for an outdoor swimming pool and spa, a dog park, and it allows for grilling. 

This appealing new apartment building sits at the corner of Madison and

While overall Chicago’s real estate market was relatively weak last year, it wasn’t entirely the same situation across all parts of the city and its suburbs. In fact, in many of Chicago neighborhoods and out in the suburbs of Will, Lake, DuPage and Cook counties, the median home price actually grew in 2019.

Healthy home price growth of around six percent was reported in such locations as North Park, Garfield Ridge and Hermosa. It also happened in Villa Park in the suburbs and in Western Springs. 

Still, in other sections of the Chicago area prices cooled by a similar amount. This included median home prices in Edison Park, Lakeview and Logan Square. Home prices also cooled last year in suburban Oak Park and in Arlington Heights. 

City-wide, the

Looking for the right Chicago co-op apartment? Check out our short list of co-op buildings to consider in 2020...

3500 N. Lake Shore

A good place to begin the search is in the vintage high-rise located at 3500 N Lake Shore. The building was first constructed in the 1920s and comes with its own fitness center and roof deck. Current options on the market in the building range from two- to four-bedrooms and include at least 2,500 square feet of living space.  

2430 N. Lakeview

Another location to search for a co-op apartment is 2430 N Lakeview. This building was also constructed in the 1920s and serves up views overlooking the lake and park. If a large amount of space is what you need, the building offers some generous floor plans, including the

Planning to be in the market for a condo or loft in Chicago's hottest neighborhood this spring? Here's where you'll find some of the West Loop's most impressive living spaces in 2020...

Peoria Green

One fantastic option sits at 128 S Green. Also called Peoria Green, the boutique building offers a total of 15 residences, with private elevator entry and some private terraces. The mid-rise building sits just across from popular Mary Bartelme Park too with a farmer’s market, dog park and tot lot. It’s also just blocks away from several popular locations in the area. 

900 W. Washington

The spring season also ushers in the possibilities of 900 W. Washington. The new luxury building contains space for 22 large residences, including some of the

It’s been a big year for new construction filings in Chicago. From Lakeshore Drive to Fulton Market, millions of square feet of new construction is proposed for the city. The square footage is based off of rezoning requests.

400 N. Lake Shore Drive

The largest filing for Chicago this year in terms of square footage belongs to a megaproject from Related Midwest. The developer filed plans earlier this year for a two-tower project at the former Chicago Spire site on Lakeshore Drive. The original proposal called for a large amount of office, residential and hotel space, but the developer is reportedly now in the process of reworking its proposal due to pushback.

1409-1471 N. Clybourn Ave.

The next largest filing for the year includes a

Just two condos remain available to buyers at the new Menomonee Row development of East Lincoln Park. This single-family development offers the luxury of upscale rowhomes just blocks from such sites and attractions as the Lincoln Park Zoo, retailers, dining options, theaters and the lake.

This elegant new construction property features private entrances and private underground parking. With a total of five rowhouses to choose from, Menomonee Row offers up to 4,500 square feet of living space.

The homes of Menomonee Row additionally offer access to large private rooftop terraces and custom accents throughout the homes. Elegantly appointed with luxurious modern features and finishes on the inside, the outside of the property appeals to the historic