Who knew that under a certain asking price, you can find charm, history, nearby transit access, and views of Lake Michigan or the Chicago River? For under $400,000, the following condos currently available on the market offer what many buyers are looking for at the right price, such as vintage period details, walkability, amenities, and, in the case of two properties, water views. For example, Fulton House, set directly along the Chicago River, comes with a unique private deck and kayak access, allowing residents to get out on the water whenever they want. Plus, both Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station are within easy walking distance for those needing other kinds of transportation. Then there is Theophil Studios, a one-of-a-kind architectural design located in the landmarked West Burton Place. All the properties show that you can find a nice space at a decent price.
711 Washington Blvd. Unit 2E, Oak Park, $399,900
If you are looking for character and charm inside and out, then this 1400-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo in Oak Park is ideal. Located on the second floor of a former single-family home, originally constructed in the 1890s, the unit boasts amazing vintage details, such as millwork, hardwood flooring, built-ins, and the art glass pocket doors that open to a cozy library with a decorative tiled fireplace. From the living room, you can step out to your terrace — the front porch roof. The U-shaped kitchen features an opening that overlooks the south-facing sunroom. There is also an in-unit laundry and a deeded parking space in the garage at the rear of the property.
143 W. Burton Place Apt. 2S, Chicago, $359,000
In Old Town, the West Burton Place Historic District encompasses a former artists’ colony where artists and craftspeople redesigned old 19th century buildings and converted them into residences during the Great Depression. One such structure is a six-flat called Theophil Studios, which was altered in 1940 by architect Frank Lapasso in the then-emerging Art Moderne style. In addition to its striking white stucco and red brick exterior with a terra cotta frieze done by artist Edgar Miller, the inside is light and airy with one-of-a-kind art glass casement windows. I absolutely love that porthole window in the bedroom!
345 N. Canal St. Apt. 607, Chicago, $399,000
Believe it or not, Fulton House is one of the oldest surviving buildings on the Chicago River. This former cold storage warehouse dating back to the end of the 19th century, converted into a residential building by architect Harry Weese in 1981, is a prime example of adaptive reuse. The loft-like one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo with $809 monthly HOAs, spanning just over 1,000 square feet, features a barrel-vault ceiling designed by Weese himself. From your unit, you can watch boats go by and take in the permanently raised Kinzie Street railroad bridge.
6301 N. Sheridan Rd. Apt. 18E, Chicago, $259,900
Located in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, this 18th floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo lives up to its Shoreline Towers name. The 1,225 square feet end unit offers views of Lake Michigan, and its asking price matches the other listings for sale in the 378-unit, pet-friendly high-rise. I love those bedroom closet doors! The $1,518 monthly HOAs are steep but it covers numerous amenities, including heat, air conditioning, water, insurance, cable, internet, trash, exterior maintenance, 24-hour door staff, a fitness center, and a newly renovated rooftop sundeck.
1219 Hull Terrace. Apt. 2B, Evanston, $250,000
The asking price has just been reduced for this two-bedroom, one-bathroom condo, which is on the market for the first time in nearly 25 years. Located in South Evanston’s Oakton Historic District, just minutes from the Chicago border, the unit is in a Tudor Revival courtyard building, originally designed by architect Leon F. Urbain in 1926. The charming 1,200-square-foot condo features individual rooms, ideal for buyers looking for an alternative to open-concept layouts. The $456 monthly HOAs cover a bike room, storage, heat, water, insurance, and snow removal.
