Chicago Real Estate News & Neighborhood Notes

Before we get into the rental details let's take a look at a little history of the Iconic Trump Tower.  To begin with, It is situated along the Chicago River on the former site of the Chicago Sun Times.  It was built in 2009, and designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).  It stands at 1,362 feet tall and has 96 floors.  It’s Constructed of steel, concrete, and glass and is one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Now let's explore renting a 1 bedroom 1.5 bath apartment at Trump.  The best views are South and East, so good in fact that I would rate this building as one of the top 5 for views in Chicago.  The one beds are large by Chicago standards averaging 1000 square feet.  Each unit has floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors,

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History has been made as Chicagoans have patiently waited for decades to have a Casino to call their own.  The Doors at the brand-new Ballys Casino are open with great fanfare.  Located inside the former Bloomingdale's Home Goods Store otherwise historically known as Medinah Temple, (600 N. Wabash) the casino will have 750 slot machines, and 55 table games for players, In addition, there will be two restaurants and a cafe for those who need to recharge with drinks and food.  Hours of operation are 8 am - 4 am.  Its existence is temporary as it will be replaced by a $1.7 billion mega-complex located at the former Tribune Publishing building, 700 W. Chicago Ave.  The new Casino will offer 3,400 slots, 173 table games, an exhibition hall, a 500-room

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As they say, go big or go home!  The Tribune Tower Condominiums (located at 435 N. Michigan Ave) are in the BIG category when comes to Luxury living.  This historic and Iconic building has everything you can ask for and more.  Starting with the 55,000 square feet of amenities located on 4 floors It trumps even the most sought-after buildings such as the Park Hyatt, New St. Regis Chicago, and Trump Tower.  Rentals Start at $5,500 a month for a 1 bedroom and top out at around $28,000 for a 4 bedroom. So what does $14,000 a month get you? Let's take a look.  This 2-bedroom 2.5 bath is 2693 square feet and offers an oversized south-facing terrace with stunning views of the plaza, river, Wrigley Building, and the city. Each room offers unobstructed city

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  1. Finances - How much are there in reserves?  Are there any current or proposed Special Assessments?  Don’t be fooled because it's been built in the last 5 years or looks like a million dollars.  Condo buildings can be riddled with defects or just plain old age can set in.  Replacing elevators, windows, boilers or facade work can be extremely costly.  A good rule of thumb is at least $2,000 per unit per year.

  1. Minutes of the Board Meetings for the past 6-12 Months.  The proof is in the puddling! And the minutes are a great place to see what board members and residents are talking about.  Everything from changes in pet policies to lawsuits to possible special assessments can be found there.  Be a good detective and read through

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545 N Dearborn - River North
Located in the heart of River North, this building has easy access in and out of the city via Ohio and Ontario Streets.  Located above the Jewel and across the street from great restaurants the likes of Quartios, Steak 48, and Yardbird everything is at your disposal.  Building amenities include an outdoor pool, basketball court, running track, and a full fitness center.  One Bed condos have balconies and amazing views on the higher floors.  Definitely one to add to your list! Search Condos for sale at 545 N. Dearborn

400 N Lasalle (River North)
Located just steps away from Chicago’s new River Walk and popular restaurants such as Chicago Cut Steak House, RPM Seafood, and Prime & Provisions Steakhouse this condo building boasts

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If you haven't been there yet, you are in for a real treat!  On the 11th Floor of New St. Regis Hotel Chicago you will find Miru.  An 'All Day" Japanese restaurant operated by the boys from Lettuce Entertain You.  Besides the amazing views of the River, Lake, and City the food is to die for!  Before I move on I must say the Service is even better!  

Starting with #1, you must try the Burgess, Cab, Napa Valley, 2016,  a bit pricy at $45.00 a glass but well worth it. 

#2. Edamame, Japanese Seven Spice ($9.00) is simple but tasty. 

#3.  Center Cut Beef Filet 6oz ($46.00) Cooked to perfection it never fails me.  #4. Shrimp Fried Rice ($26.00) is a great side to share and complements the beef. 
#5.  Last but not least the Triple
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Along with Streeterville, the Loop, and the South Loop, River North is where renters will find a high density of luxury apartment towers that not only feature modern urban living spaces but also a new-age collection of lifestyle amenities that might include anything from sprawling rooftop sundecks and swimming pools to on-site dog parks and resident lounges complete with golf simulators and co-working space. If River North is your ideal location for a luxury apartment, here is our short list of the best luxury apartment towers to consider in the neighborhood.

Wolf Point West
The sleek glass tower known as Wolf Point West is located in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood, offering a quintessential urban lifestyle. With breathtaking

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Some of Chicago’s best condo buildings are filled with amenities, topped off with an array of desirable features and finishes, sure to appeal to today’s buyers and renters. Some of these buildings have the advantage of large balconies and terraces too, especially in the city’s popular River North neighborhood. Here are just a few of our favorites if you’re in the market for some outdoor space.

340 W. Superior
Take your condo search to one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods, when you take a closer look at 340 W Superior.  There’s a rooftop sundeck to enjoy sweeping views of the city, but residents also have their own private views from the building’s large terraces. The private outdoor space is what truly makes this building unique, as the wraparound

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River North is where you'll find some of Chicago's tallest, most impressive condo buildings and towers. And while desirable living spaces and premium individual unit interior finishes are of vital importance, sometimes the real value lies in the on-site amenities and services featured inside each building. From high-end concierge services to rooftop pools, River North is packed with condo residences that promise a luxurious lifestyle, especially at these highly sought-after buildings.

Trump Tower Chicago
401 N. WabashTrump Tower Chicago is widely regarded as one of the city's finest condo towers thanks in large part to a premium location directly on the Chicago River. There are 92 stories in total, comprising a split of 486 condominium

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In case you haven’t noticed, Chicago is an intensely dog-friendly city. Many of the city’s top condo and apartment buildings allow pets, and most new residential towers that have recently been developed or coming through the pipeline even include dog-friendly amenities like a dog-run or dog-washing station somewhere inside the building. But just in case you like to get outside and keep your dog active, here’s a closer look at some of the best places to take the four-legged member of your family in Chicago’s vibrant and lively River North neighborhood.  

A. Montgomery Ward Park
While A. Montgomery Ward Park might not be Chicago’s largest park, it remains one of our favorites. Positioned right alongside the North Branch of the Chicago River, Ward

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