Address: 4611 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Size: Two-bedroom, one bath; 1,875 square feet.
Rent: $980 a month.
Age of building: 70 years.
Security deposit: Two months` rent.
Floors in building: 2.
Utilities: Heat included in rent.
Parking: One space in two-car garage for $50 a month.
Special features: History and architecture of building; garage storage;
back porch and yard.
If the thought of residing in a local historical landmark building tickles your fancy, check out the two-bedroom apartment for rent in the 4600 block of Lincoln Avenue in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.
This 70-year-old structure has more than age to recommend it. Its elaborately ornamented facade, constructed of glazed, lime-green terra cotta, represents the last known completed design of world-renowned architect Louis Sullivan.
Sunk into either side of the facade around a huge central window are heavy wood doors, which when combined with the sculpted terra cotta, call to mind fairy tale castles.
Of course, the reality is nothing so mythical. The door to the right leads to a commercial art gallery on the first floor; the door to the left opens to reveal a vestibule and a staircase that goes up to the second-floor apartment.
The unit`s plain, almost stark interior is, not surprisingly, a bit of a letdown. The overall impression is one of space and a multitude of hardwood floors. A thin strip of dark wood trim sets apart off-white walls from white- painted ceilings.
Recent renovation
Each room has been renovated recently and, with the exception of the dining area and porch, is connected by either door or passageway to the long, narrow hallway off the entrance.
Immediately to the right of the front door is a mirrored closet that is perfect for storing all-weather gear and, after closing the door, for last-second primping.
At hallway`s end, overlooking Lincoln Avenue, is the apartment`s front room. In addition to newly sanded hardwood floors, track lighting and a wood ceiling fan, this area displays Sullivan`s architectural genius in the four, diamond-paned casement windows of leaded glass that cover the entire streetside wall.
In keeping with Sullivan`s ”form follows function” intent, this area, about 20 by 30 feet, can accommodate an entertainment center, a loveseat, a cocktail table or wet bar and a bean bag chair.
OK, forget the bean bag chair. It is doubtful Sullivan would have approved of that formless fad, anyway. Actually, with very little effort this space could be converted into a work room. It has plenty of phone jacks as well as electrical outlets.
The first bedroom is directly opposite the entranceway. Small and dark, this room has little to recommend it. Even the closet is tiny. The sole window is begrudged even a sliver of light by the proximity of the building next door.
At best, this space can accommodate a small bed, a dresser and a night stand. On a more positive note, there are lots of outlets for very necessary light fixtures.
Across from the bedroom is the bathroom, which is a good-sized area with undersized fixtures-a result of renovation. With the exception of some chipping of the tiles that cover the floors and a large part of each wall, the bathroom passes muster. A roomy linen closet, a tiled ledge in the bath and a charming opaque window add needed character.
Sleep small
The second bedroom, just across the hall, is not an improvement on the first. It, too, is small and dark, its single window within arm`s reach of the next building.
What the storage closet across from this bedroom offers is, not shelves or hanging rods, but space. Lots of it. This would be an ideal place to store the vacuum cleaner.
The last door to the right leads to the living area and sunroom, or porch. About 20 by 15 feet, this space can accommodate an oversized couch or sofabed, several bookshelves, a television set and a desk.
The porch is on the other side of dual, glass and wood bi-fold doors that can close off as little or as much space as you wish. Myriad windows facing the back yard make the sun room appellation fitting. An especially cozy, yet simple, ambience could be created here with a gaily patterned lounge chair or two, a rattan tea table, and a reading lamp.
Located at the back end of the hallway is a kitchen replete with a walk-in pantry that offers a lot of shelving, additional floor space and three oversized drawers built into one wall. Spacious to begin with, the kitchen area appears even roomier thanks to several large windows and a second doorway-complete with transom-that leads to the dining room.
White and beige patterned tile complement a new stove and a refrigerator- still bearing the bill of sale. On either side of a double stainless steel sink is plenty of attractive wood counterspace for small appliances and food preparation.
Exit the kitchen into a small carpeted area with wood paneled walls that could pass for a dining room or a den. The room has a heavy wood and glass door that opens onto a back porch.
The elevated wood porch-with railings on two sides and an 8-foot fence on the side facing the next building-offers both some degree of privacy and space for several deck chairs, a barbecue and a lounge chair.
Transportation into the Loop area from this quiet residential neighborhood is not a problem. The Ravenswood ”L” station is just a block away and the Lincoln Avenue bus stops right out front.
For rental information, call 312-784-2559.
