Address: 5959 N. Kenmore, Chicago.
Size: One bedroom, 1 bath.
Rent: $635 a month.
Security deposit: 1 1/2 month’s rent.
Utilities: Resident pays electricity.
Two cement lions stand at the entrance to The Ambassador, a lovely 70-unit building in Chicago’s Edgewater Beach neighborhood, which, despite these ferocious-looking guardians, had fallen on hard times.
The seven-story building, which was constructed in the 1920s, was dilapidated and an eyesore. A renovation that was undertaken in 1996, however, revealed that there was still plenty of charm and life left in this building, just a block from Lake Michigan.
The renovation maintained the building’s vintage appearance, which is seen in its blond brick facade and Italianesque details. Arched doorways and decorative ceiling molding help preserve the character in the building’s common foyer.
Bestowing the imposing name of The Ambassador on this building was one way to make it stand out among the many vintage buildings on this tree-lined street. The Ambassador today, however, also includes features with contemporary appeal.
Some interior walls were torn down during the restoration, so the apartments have a spacious, open, almost loft-like feel.
For example, a wall that separated the living room from the kitchen was removed in the one-bedroom unit that we visited. The unit features a small entry foyer that leads directly into the living room. There is a white pillar just to the right of the foyer, which separates this space from the living room.
The shiny hardwood floors throughout this apartment also contribute to its up-to-date feel. The living room is 12 by 19 feet, which is certainly large enough to hold a sofa, entertainment center and desk. A colorful rug at the room’s center would be a nice contrast to the hardwood floors.
The room includes a bank of three windows overlooking Kenmore Avenue. Lots of green plants would thrive in front of these windows, which, when opened, would allow a breeze to flow through the living room and kitchen.
This apartment does not have a separate dining area, which some might consider a drawback. There are ways to make do, however.
The well-sized kitchen includes a movable island. If bar stools were pulled up near to the island, it could be used as a spot for eating. Placed in the area between the kitchen and living room, the island also serves as the dividing line between these areas, while still offering an open vista and the look of lots of space.
The refrigerator and oven, as well as the cabinets, are white and match the island. There is no dishwasher, but there is a broom closet for storing extra cleaning supplies and mops to clean the linoleum floor.
The bedroom, which is 11 by 12 feet, is next to the living room. Next to the bedroom is a full-size bathroom, which has a frosted window that admits natural light while also ensuring privacy.
The bathroom has a beige tile floor and a white tub and vanity topped by a mirror. The neutral colors in this space, as well as throughout the apartment, complement the unit’s updated feel.
Like the windows that were seen in the living room, the bedroom has a bank of three windows overlooking Kenmore Avenue. Besides offering a view of cars that flash by, they also look out on a small green lawn enclosed by a black wrought iron fence in front of the building.
One wall of the bedroom is filled by a double closet with mirrored doors, so you could check your appearance from head to toe before venturing outdoors.
In the middle of this room is a white ceiling fan that could be flicked on for a cooling breeze on warm summer nights. For even hotter days or nights, the apartment comes equipped with central air.
Although the building does not offer parking, spaces can be rented on a monthly basis at nearby buildings. Because the street seems to be lined with cars, such an expenditure would probably be a good idea.
The Ambassador also offers studio apartments for $350 to $475; one bedrooms are $525 to $650. For rental information, call 773-528-7776.
