Making it work.

Here is a fun fact about the Chicago Grid System. "Of the more than a thousand streets within Chicago's city limits today, the greatest number—more than 170—bear the names of real-estate developers. English towns and Chicago's former mayors and aldermen have provided the next most popular sources of names."

This fact highlights how much of an impact real-estate developers had/have on neighborhood architecture, craftsmanship and community planning in general.

Going further up the chain of events you can actually establish a link between the characteristics of the neighborhood with actual events, styles and trends that occurred at the time the community was being built and subdivided.

Fast forward to our most recent real-estate bubble, step back, and look at the types of architectural trends that emerged -good or bad, the types of materials used -good or bad, or the type of craftsmanship employed -also good or bad.

It's easy to determine that most real-estate is a mash-up of developers, big or small, throughout the years. There is a lot to be looked and examined but this also means there is a lot of possibilities to find that unique sweet-spot within the grid.

Nice View Overstock.

Today, I've spent most of the afternoon looking through a range of reasonably "bright" units in the Streeterville, Lake Shore East and River North. Investment or not, I think there is a good little snippet that everyone can take into consideration when browsing listings in high-rise buildings. Consider previewing units on dark and cloudy days, at least once. That's all, I said it was a little snippet, didn't I? :)

The fact is that currently there are around 3,000 unsold condos and townhomes that have been completed or are under construction, according to Appraisal Research. This makes the amount of data overwhelming, unless you apply simple yet fundamental set of rules and prove reasonable judgment in any type of a real estate market.

As a portrait of Urban Landscape I wanted to share with you a view from 400 E. Randolph, looking north at Lake Shore East Development. See the actual picture here.

Chicago's 11 Church Condo Conversion.

Undeniably, there isn't too much going on in the building industry these days.
Individuals looking for a new home with unique characteristics in mind are forced to look into other alternatives in that category. Thus the idea of a Church Condo Conversion.

The truth is that there isn't anything being converted at this point either, but the list of currently existing developments is not to shabby and the fact that local real estate market is going through a price adjustment can mean that there are some great deals out there for the patient and responsive.

To open up your radar a bit more, here I compiled a list of some of the best Church Condo Conversion in Chicago based on Architectural Significance, location and affordability. This data has been collected form the local MLS and through my local observations, property showings and listing previews.

Putting all that behind us, there is something really special about living in a property which was previously used as a Church. Of course one might argue that warehouses, converted Mixed-Use Properties and Industrial Structures are also enticing, and I agree with that, yet there is something additional about a structure used for spiritual use. There is definitely history there, uniqueness and a the fact is there are no two churches alike, and the variety of units and layouts that these offer is ongoing.

But, as I always say, there is no better judge then your eye, at least when it comes to real estate aesthetics. So without further delay here are some of Chicago's top Church Condo Conversions. In no particular order.


- 1243 N Wolcott Street, Chicago 60622 - Total Units 6 - Google Map.


- 1547 N Leavitt Street, Chicago 60612, Total Units 6 - Google Map.



- 1021 W BARRY Unit 1W, Chicago 60657 - Total Units 6 - Google Map.


- 3252 N Kenmore Street, Chicago 60657 - Total Units 14 - Google Map.



- 3516 N Sheffield, Chicago 60657 - Total Units 12 - Google Map.


- 3057 N. Clifton Street, Chicago 60657 - Total Units 10 - Google Map.


- 1043 W. School Street, Chicago 60657 - Total Units 14 - Google Map.


- 2411 W. Walton Street, Chicago 60622 - Total Units 13 - Google Map.


1658 W. Superior Street, Chicago 60622 - Total Units 14 - Google Map.


- 2258 W Huron Street, Chicago 60612 - Total Units 18 - Google Map.


If you live in one of these fantastic homes I along with my readers would love to hear from you about your experience. If your looking to get yourself a unit or two in one of these structures, I can help you with that too. And of course, all other comments are welcome as well.