On a warm spring evening, relaxing on a private patio can be just the ticket. Add a grill and you have the perfect entertainment spot.
A two-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath garden unit at 2738 W. Belmont Ave. in Avondale offers that patio and more. The apartment we visited in a recently completed eight-unit red-brick building is accessed through a ground-level front entrance, into a stone-tiled lobby, then down a short flight of carpeted stairs.
Inside hardwood floors stretch in all directions. Light streams into the 11-by-16-foot great room through south-facing sliding glass doors that lead to the 5-by-6-foot patio. A partial overhang shields the patio from rain. A wrought-iron fence atop a concrete wall adds security. Two coach lights illuminate the outdoor space.
A glass panel to each side of the patio doors, three small glass panels above the doors and three windows facing east on the wall opposite the front door bring in even more light. Nine-foot ceilings add volume to the airy room.
A chrome-and-frosted-glass fixture in the great room suggests a location for a dining table. An island/breakfast bar separates the great room from the 8-by-16-foot L-shaped kitchen.
Kitchen appliances include a white gas stove, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.
A double stainless steel sink, black granite countertops, natural maple cabinets, display shelves and a wrought-iron light fixture with frosted shades complete this inviting cooking space.
A hallway extends from the kitchen into the bedrooms. The first door on the left contains a sump pump to protect against flooding. The pump closet also provides extra storage space.
Next on the left, the half-bath includes a pedestal sink, frosted-glass fixture and marble floor.
On the right side of the hallway, a 10-by-10-foot bedroom has three windows facing east and a large closet. The en suite bath houses a shower stall and pedestal sink. Marble lines the floor and shower stall.
Back in the hallway, on the left, a closet with folding louvered doors holds a stacked washer/dryer and another the heating/air conditioning system.
Next on right, the 10-by-13-foot master bedroom also has three windows facing east, a large closet and an en suite bath with a whirlpool tub. Marble covers the floor and the bath surround.
At the end of hall on the left, the unit’s back door opens to a small lobby with two doors, one to the garage and one outside. Enclosed stairs rise to the building’s upper units. A bicycle rack sits safely under the stairs.
Near California and Elston Avenues, only four blocks from the Belmont Avenue Kennedy Expressway entrance and two blocks from Brands Park, this unit offers plenty of shopping, play and travel possibilities. Elston also has one of the city’s longest bike lanes.
Transportation options include the CTA Belmont No. 77 bus and the CTA Blue line Belmont Avenue station four blocks west.
For rental information, call 773-588-9453.
Vital stats
Address: 2738 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
Size: Two bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths
Rent: $1,500
Security deposit: One month’s rent.
Utilities: Resident pays electric and gas.
Parking: One garage space included.
Pets: Cats and smaller dogs OK.
