Address: 4908 N. Glenwood Ave.
Size: 2-bedroom; 1,100 square feet.
Rent: $675 a month, including heat.
Security deposit: One month’s rent.
Size of building: Three-story walkup.
Age of building: Built in 1920s.
Parking: On street.
Special features: Laundry; storage locker; balcony; dishwasher; intercom system; cable-ready.
The old courtyard building at 4908 N. Glenwood Ave. can be found where Argyle Street dead-ends at St. Boniface Cemetery in the neighborhood often referred to rather wistfully as Andersonville Terrace.
Located just east of Clark Street and south of Foster Avenue, this neighborhood is seldom mentioned in the same breath with the likes of Old Town or Lincoln Park, but it’s not without charm just the same. At this time of the year the old graystones that line its quiet streets glitter and twinkle with holiday decorations. And the historic cemetery makes for an interesting community point of interest.
The courtyard building that houses the third-floor unit we toured is accessed by a sturdy wrought-iron gatehouse set well back from the street.
Glossy floors
Just inside the apartment, which boasts glossy hardwood floors and neat white-painted walls and ceilings, is a box-shaped entryway with a single window situated directly over the cemetery’s nursery.
Beyond the entry is the living area, a cozy room dominated by a decorative brick fireplace flanked by wood bookshelves.
On the courtyard side of the room a glass-paned door is sandwiched between two large windows. Beyond the door outside is a sheltered stone balcony that affords a degree of privacy and room for two small chairs.
Directly to the left, off the living area, is the first bedroom. Though small, this room, like every other in the unit, benefits from unobstructed views east or west. The overall effect is one of spaciousness and light.
Opposite the bedroom, across the living area, is the bathroom, an oversized space saved from boredom by delicate white and blue floor tile and a hulking old bathtub shrouded by a heavy curtain on an encircling rod.
Den or dining?
Beyond the living area is the den or, if you prefer, a formal dining room. If the former is your cup of tea, a bookshelf or two, a desk and a reading chair would fit nicely; if you seek the latter, this space can accommodate a dining table seating six and a china cabinet.
At night, the reflection of the overhead ceiling fan can be seen in bay windows overlooking the cemetery and its nursery.
To the right of the den/dining area is the kitchen. In addition to a dishwasher tucked economically under the sink area, this room boasts a 50-year-old Universal stove in mint condition. Across from the refrigerator is a small alcove perfect for a kitchen table seating four.
Opposite the double stainless steel sink and counter area is an additional countertop ideal for small appliances and food preparation. There are about a dozen sturdy wood cabinets as well.
The second bedroom is located beyond the den area, at the back of the unit. It, too, offers the intriguing cemetery view from a single window. A long closet provides lots of hanging space.
