Chicago Real Estate Blog - Helaine Cohen

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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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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Luxury Lofts Currently For Sale in the South Loop

If you’re at all familiar with Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood, you likely already know about its rich industrial history, which has now enabled this part of town to house some of the coolest and most unique residential loft spaces around. From the old printing houses that define Printer’s Row to the wide selection of converted warehouses that have since been transformed into chic loft spaces, which are perfect for any artist or work-live professional who loves an authentic urban vibe by the way, there are any number of fabulous loft condos for sale here in the South Loop at basically any price point.

If you’re truly looking to combine luxury with many of the characteristics that shape a traditional loft space, you’ll likely find that the South Loop…

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Updated: A Look at the Current Inventory at 600 N. Fairbanks

600 N. Fairbanks is one of our favorite condo buildings in Streeterville, mainly because it’s not exactly what you’d expect to find in this sprawling lakefront neighborhood. Designed by Helmut Jahn, a renowned German-American architect who has works all over the world, 600 N. Fairbanks has more of a lofty, urban feel that tends to be much more common in downtown locations like River North, the West Loop, and even parts of the South Loop.

Few will argue that condos for sale at 600 N. Fairbanks can be expensive, but as the old adage often goes, you get what you pay for. Awesome city views, immaculate interior finishes, and a full compliment of in-building amenities all help justify the cost of calling 600 N. Fairbanks home, which usually starts out around…

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Top 5 River North Condos Currently For Sale to Close Out 2014

River North is one of our favorite downtown Chicago neighborhoods for condos, mainly because of the fabulous mix of trendy loft spaces and newer construction wonders like Trump Tower, The Contemporaine, and Silver Tower. But in addition to the one-of-a-kind selection of River North condos for sale, this part of Chicago is also extremely well-known for its thriving restaurant scene, an unparalleled collection of art galleries and studios, and of course some of the hottest boutiques you’ll find in the entire city.

So if you think you might be in search of a new Chicago condo at some point in 2015, River North might be a great place to begin your search, especially if you’re looking for a location that’s as energetic, innovative, and animated as this…

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