300 W Grand Ave.

This morning I am out with clients despite the snowstorm - we're going to check out 10 different properties, one of them at the River North condo building pictured at the left - 300 N. Grand. There's a 2 bed/2 bath that's listed at $386,500 with parking, which isn't bad for this neighborhood. Lots of exposed brick and character in this building; these units usually go under contract fairly quickly. This particular one has been on the market for 101 days, a sign of the current state of the market, or maybe this particular unit is right by the el tracks. We shall see!

River North foreclosures?

These days I get quite a few questions about foreclosures. More specifically, clients who say they're interested in possibly purchasing a foreclosure. Thing is, in River North, there aren't that many to be had; foreclosures are the most prominent in many of the zipcodes on Chicago's South Side. Crain's did a story on this a few months back and has an interactive map where you can type in the zip code you're interested in and see recent foreclosure data.

The few foreclosures I've come across around this neighborhood aren't the "deals" that people are dreaming of - they're often still fairly pricey and much of the time they went into foreclosure for good reason (for example, they couldn't sell b/c they were right next to the El). If you're interested in learning more, send me an email at henry.annie@gmail.com.

701 N. Kingsbury - $3,995,000

Looking for your very own palace in the heart of River North? Look no further. Up for sale is 701 N. Kingsbury St., a 5 bedroom, 8 bath home with a 3 car heated garage. Only 4 years old, this brick & stone mansion features over 9000 sq ft of gorgeous living space, four outdoor terraces & a rooftop deck w/magnifcent views. Situated on a prime corner lot at the corner of Kingsbury and Huron, this lavish residence is over 50 feet tall. Get ready to pay some serious property tax if you choose to purchase this lovely; 2006 taxes were listed as a mere $59,500. Pocket change to live in this chic hood of hot River North!

Sepia

This is Sepia, my new favorite restaurant in Chicago. Everything about it is fabulous - especially the smoky glass-encased chandeliers. The design of the place is rustic-chic; I would say the food is too. Make sure to try the potatoes in duck fat (yumm) or the flatbreads to start. Sepia used to be a print shop back in the 1800s and they've kept some of the vintage details throughout. Don't miss it!