Archive for September, 2008
CHICAGO SPIRE 30% SOLD!
September 11th, 2008 categories: New Developments
The Chicago Spire is without a doubt one of the most attention getting new developments ever seen in Chicago. Trump Tower is a close second. The prices are astronomical for Chicago. What would usually be called a studio (534 square feet) is priced at $750,000 (approximately $1400 per square foot) and the prices go from there to a duplex penthouse for$40,000,000 (approximately $4,000 per square foot). According to the marketing firm, approximately 30 per cent of the units have sold. 15 per cent to citizens of the United States and 15 per cent to people from other countries. The architect, Santiago Calatrava, has designed more than just the building. He also designed the entry door hardware and many other details. Some of the features of the building follow.
- There will be 1,193 residences in the building. No two will be exactly the same.
- Generous 10 foot ceilings and windows. Windows combine vertical and trapezoidal glass panels. Other features include the following
- Unique view of four states (Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan)
- Natural materials include wide plank herringbone hardwood floors, elegant granite, marble and onyx stone, European cabinetry
- American and European appliances
- European plumbing fixtures
The amenities are exclusive to the residents only and include:
- 45,603 total square feet on floors five through seven will be devoted to the amenities
- Full concierge services
- Ringshaped lap and recreational pool
- Cigar room with personal humidors
- Residents’ library
- Children and teen games area
- Private movie screening theater
- Business center and conference room
- Private dining rooms
This unique property is being marketed in Europe and the Far East and Middle East. Apparently, enough people want to own what is essentially an art work AND a home that the project is going to happen. It will be interesting to watch it develop. For a current look at what is happening at the construction site go to the most recent Chicago Tribune article (scroll down past the 9/11 Memorial and Frank Lloyd Wright articles–the Spire article is third from the top.
Related Articles: Chicago Spire Penthouse Sold, Chicago Spire Construction Stopped
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CHINESE TIME IN CHICAGO AND HAWAII!
September 9th, 2008 categories: Market Trends
My good friend in Honolulu, Keahi Pelayo, has said it better than most anyone–the Henny Penny feeling about today’s real estate market. It seems that Chicago and Honolulu are in about the same place–we’re not experiencing the same decline in prices and huge amount of foreclosures that other parts of our country are experiencing. Have prices gone down? YES! Are there foreclosures in every neighborhood and many condo buildings? YES! Please do read Keahi’s blog about Chinese time–he is really saying it like it is. And by the way, the book is a good one!
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EMPTY NEST FAQS
September 3rd, 2008 categories: Lifestyle
When you DO decide it’s time for a down town home, there are a few questions that almost always seem to come up.
CAR–do we need one, two or any? Of course the answer to that is strictly individual. If you drive to work every day, you undoubtedly need a car. If you can take public transportation, you may not need a car at all. Cabs are plentiful, and Chicago public transportation in the central areas is good. For a big grocery shop or a trip to the burbs for a few hours, there are two alternatives available. One is IGO Cars. IGO CARS uses only hybrid cars and has several locations in Chicago. The other hourly car rental service is Zipcar. Zipcar has some hybrid cars. Which one you use will probably depend on the location of their pick up spots. Believe me, after many years of downtown living–YOU DON’T WANT A SECOND CAR!
GROCERIES–where, oh where, in this jungle of high-rise buildings is there a grocery store–you know, someplace to buy a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, and a quart of milk? There is an amazing number of placaes to shop.
- Dominick’s and Jewel stores are around in most areas.
- A bit more upscale is Treasure Island and there are several Treasure Island stores in various city locations.
- The one store that makes it impossible to buy just the milk, eggs, and bread is Fox and Obel–this store has a whole wall of mustards and another of olive oil. The fresh meat is displayed like jewels in a Tiffany counter and is almost as expensive!
- If you are home sick with a cold and don’t want to go outside for anything, many condo buildings have convenience stores inside the building–great for a can of chicken soup, a abit of OJ and a box of tissues.
- Most people are familiar with Whole Foods and they are scattered liberally throughout the neighborhoods.
- Trader Joe’s is another alternative, kind of offbeat items that are well priced and usually good.
- And there is always good old Peapod! You can order online and your order is delivered to you.
- Many of the smaller full-service grocery stores will take an order on the phone and deliver to your door for a minimal fee.
I’ll explore some more Empty Nest FAQs another time–for now you know what to do about a first car or a second car and that groceries are available! You will not have to hitchhike or starve just because you move downtown!
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, another is Zipcar.
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