All Blog Entries by Leo Clark.

There are currently 818 blog entries published by Leo Clark..

1415 N. Dayton St. Lincoln Park - Chicago                                                                                                      Rendering Courtesy of bKL Architecture

Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood — long known for its leafy streets, historic architecture, and vibrant community — may soon welcome a striking new addition to its skyline. Developers Honore Properties and Peerless Development have unveiled plans for a 28-story apartment tower at 1415 North Dayton Street, a project that could bring over 300 new homes to this iconic North Side neighborhood.

The proposal, which is currently under review by city officials, envisions a 340-unit residential high-rise designed by local firm bKL Architecture. At its core, the design blends a traditional masonry podium with a sleek,

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Carmines - Gold Coast Chicago

Carmine’s Reopens in Chicago: A Beloved Gold Coast Fixture Comes Back Better Than Ever

After nearly three long years of closure and a $4 million renovation, one of Chicago’s most iconic Italian restaurants has finally reopened its doors, ushering in a new era for classic Italian dining in the city. Carmine's, a beloved Rush Street staple known for hearty portions, red-sauce classics, and lively atmosphere, launched its reopening this week — giving aficionados and newcomers alike a reason to celebrate the return of a Chicago institution.

A Legacy Reimagined

Carmine’s first made its mark in Chicago’s dining scene in the 1990s as part of the esteemed Rosebud Restaurant Group, a family of Italian eateries with deep roots in the city. Over the

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Lincoln Park Single Family Homes - Chicago

Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood continues to dominate as one of the city's hottest real estate markets, and all signs point to sustained strength heading into and through 2026. This tree-lined, lakefront enclave north of downtown consistently outperforms broader Chicago trends, drawing families, professionals, and investors who prioritize quality of life alongside long-term value.

The numbers tell a compelling story of demand outpacing supply. As of late 2025 data rolling into early 2026, median sale prices in Lincoln Park hovered around $785,000 to $849,000, with year-over-year gains often exceeding 10% in recent months (e.g., +10.6% in November 2025 per Redfin reports). Average sale prices have climbed even higher in some segments, surpassing

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Kith - 54 E. Walton St. Chicago
Photo Courtesy of Kith's 

The highly anticipated store officially opened its doors on October 4, 2025, at 54 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611, just steps from the Magnificent Mile. Spanning two expansive floors and nearly 17,600 square feet, this flagship is more than just a retail space—it’s an immersive experience blending high-end streetwear with sophisticated design elements like walnut millwork, marble flooring, coffered ceilings, and elegant brass accents.

On the ground level, shoppers can browse Kith’s full in-house collections for men, women, and kids, including premium apparel, footwear, accessories, and exclusive collaborations (think ASICS sneakers and limited drops). The vibe is polished yet approachable, evolving the brand from its

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7 W. Elm Street Gold Coast Chicago - Sideview
Photo Courtesy of Goettsch Partners

Chicago's historic Gold Coast neighborhood is no stranger to transformation, blending its elegant past with modern urban living. The latest buzz centers on a proposed 28-story apartment tower at 7 West Elm Street, set to replace a vacant Barnes & Noble bookstore and the beloved Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. This development promises to inject fresh energy into the area, offering new housing options amid the city's ongoing demand for residential spaces.

Spearheaded by Convexity Properties, who acquired the site for $39 million in September 2025, the project revives a stalled plan from 2021. Originally envisioned by Newcastle Limited with a height of 345 feet and 304 units, the updated design scales back slightly to

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Lincoln Park Luxury Home

 

In the heart of the Windy City, where Lake Michigan's waves meet towering skylines, 2025 has emerged as a banner year for high-end homebuyers. Picture this: a sprawling Winnetka estate fetching $31.25 million—the priciest sale of the year—while downtown condos in the Gold Coast trade hands for over $10 million. These aren't isolated splurges; they're symptoms of a booming luxury market that's outpacing expectations and rewriting the rules of upscale living in Chicago.

The numbers tell a compelling story. By early November, the Chicago metro area clocked in 138 transactions for properties exceeding $4 million, eclipsing the previous high of 136 from 2023. This frenzy has already surpassed the full-year tally of 106 from 2024, with seven

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Credit: Related Midwest and Gensler

Nestled along the South Branch of the Chicago River in the vibrant South Loop, The 78 is poised to redefine urban living in the Windy City. This ambitious 62-acre development, named as Chicago's symbolic 78th neighborhood, transforms a long-vacant stretch of former railyard land into a thriving mixed-use hub. Stretching from Roosevelt Road south to 16th Street and from Clark Street west to the river, it's strategically positioned to bridge downtown with historic areas like Chinatown, Bronzeville, and Pilsen. With easy access via rail, road, trails, and even water taxis, The 78 promises one of the quickest commutes in the city, making it a magnet for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

The site's history

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St. Regis Chicago - Penthouse

In the dynamic realm of Chicago's luxury real estate, few properties captivate like the penthouses at The Residences at St. Regis Chicago. This striking 101-story tower, located at 363 E. Wacker Drive, epitomizes opulence, seamlessly merging world-class design with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. Recently, the 79th-floor penthouse garnered attention with its $7.5 million off-market sale, highlighting the enduring allure of ultra-luxury living in the Windy City.

Completed in 2020 and designed by acclaimed architect Jeanne Gang, the St. Regis Chicago is more than just a building—it's a lifestyle. With 393 residences ranging from one-bedroom apartments to expansive five-bedroom penthouses, the tower provides residents with an

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669 N. Michigan Ave. Luxury Apartment Facade Rendering 

Photos courtesy of architect Solomon Cordwell Buenz

Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile is set for a potential transformation with a fresh proposal for a high-rise apartment building that could bring hundreds of new residents to this bustling retail corridor. In a city where downtown living continues to thrive despite economic shifts, developers are eyeing underutilized sites to blend housing with commercial spaces. This latest plan, unveiled recently, targets a prime spot currently occupied by a well-known athletic wear retailer, signaling a shift toward more mixed-use developments in the area.

The project comes from Atlanta-headquartered AMLI Residential, a company with a strong footprint in Chicago through existing properties in neighborhoods

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Maple And Ash - Gold Coast - Chicago

Discovering Maple & Ash: A Culinary Gem in Chicago’s Gold Coast

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Gold Coast neighborhood, Maple & Ash redefines upscale dining with its bold fusion of classic steakhouse fare and modern flair. Located at 8 W Maple St, this culinary hotspot has become a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene, offering an experience that blends sophistication, indulgence, and a touch of playful extravagance. For food enthusiasts, locals, and visitors alike, Maple & Ash is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of Chicago’s dynamic culture. Here’s why this Gold Coast gem stands out and why it’s worth a visit.

A Modern Steakhouse with Unmatched Ambiance
Maple & Ash, opened in 2015, breaks the mold of

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