Author: patrick rollens
Ripped from the headlines: Transit funding solution reached after months of negotiation
Mass transit crisis averted Trib
Victory for transit, but questions remain CTA Tattler
Decision puts tax pressure on Chicago Southtown Star
Congr [...]
Foreclosure of the day: Ravenswood conversion stalls out
According to Crain's, a courtyard conversion in Ravenswood has gone belly up after the First Bank of Highland Park filed a foreclosure suit seeking $7 [...]
University Commons nears end of loft redevelopment
University Commons is one of the larger and more successful loft conversions in recent memory. The Enterprise Companies transformed the old South Wa [...]
Lakeshore East welcomes I-GO into rewards program
In this video (a companion to last week's entry on car sharing), we discuss how the innovative program fits into Lakeshore East, a master-planned hi [...]
Ripped from the headlines: City moves closer to landmark status for historic strip in Wicker Park
Landmark status closer for historic strip Chicago Journal
Humboldt Park to get mini Wrigley Field Sun-Times
Daley stands by $900M Olympics cost Tr [...]
Last two units become one mega-penthouse at The Metropolis
Back in 2006, Yo wrote about the last two units available at The Metropolis, a high-rise rehab that offered residences at 8 W Monroe St in the Loop.
[...]
In an uncertain market, it's best to know your developer
We sat down recently with Garry Benson and Christine Lutz, both principals with Garrison Partners Consulting, to discuss the most important factor a [...]
Rainbo Village strikes deal with Urbanest for new models
Buyers interested in the "soft loft" units at Kinetic Lofts (part of the larger Rainbo Village project at 4814 N. Clark St) should plan to visit the [...]
NYC fund manager bets against housing, nets $3B
Here's our good news / bad news post of the day. Today's Wall Street Journal features a profile writeup on John Paulson, a hedge fund manager who deci [...]
An open discussion on the real estate transfer tax increase
We've all seen the headlines: Springfield's pending transit solution is now wrapped up in a rather hefty increase in the state's real estate transfer [...]
Ripped from the headlines: Mass transit solution tied to real estate transfer tax increase
Transit bailout tied to transfer tax Trib
Local Realtors oppose tax bump Southtown Star
City to release Olympics study today AP (via Daily Herald) [...]
Art center showcases lakefront loft living amid Streeterville towers
Streeterville is a neighborhood dominated by glassy high-rises and sleek towers. Nestled in the midst of these paeans to the sky, however, is a rare l [...]
Four luxury homes to replace canceled high-rise in Lakeview East
It's official: the tall, narrow high-rise that was planned for 541 W. Cornelia Ave has been scrapped, according to Robert Stone, of JDL Development Co [...]
Ripped from the headlines: In a softening market, The Chicago Spire officially begins its sales push
Sales office opens today at The Chicago Spire Trib
Friedman proposes hotels in River North Sun-Times
Churches find new life as condo rehabs Trib
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Car sharing stands out as a different kind of perk for urban buyers
As part of an upcoming New Homes Magazine article, we spoke with Rich Kosmacher, business development manager with I-GO Car Sharing.
I-GO is a disti [...]
Bank of America to purchase Countrywide
How about this for an interesting headline: "Nation's biggest bank buys nation's biggest mortgage mess."
That's just what happened today, when Bank o [...]
Deal of the day: $4,500 back at closing for The College Lofts
We've been expecting it ever since we checked in with The College Lofts, 1521 W. Haddon Ave, back in July. They were 90 percent sold then, and Kevin D [...]
Ripped from the headlines: Transit plan hinges on tax bump, special treatment for seniors
Guv wants seniors to ride free on CTA Trib
Free rides should extend beyond seniors CTA Tattler
Meeting set for development near Wrigley Crain's
B [...]
Sales update: 5 units left at Columbia Parc
Over the holidays, we wrote about the starter units available at Columbia Gardens at 1615 W. Columbia Ave in Rogers Park - and last weekend we visit [...]
Odyssey Lofts convenient to Greektown, Loop, Ike and Kennedy
The residents of Odyssey Lofts, 775 W. Jackson Blvd, will never want for gyros. The building is crawling distance from Halsted Street, the main arte [...]