If you’ve been trolling the blocks south of Belmont and east of Halsted in search of condos for sale, you may have stumbled across 639 W Briar (pictured), marketed by The Halpin Group, and 3156 N Cambridge, marketed by Koenig & Strey GMAC. These developments have a lot in common: both offer new construction in Lake View, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, front and rear decks, in-unit laundry, granite countertops and a parking space.
The condos on Briar are a tad smaller – 1,650 square feet compared to 2,000 square feet on Cambridge. They’re also a bit less expensive, starting in the $620s while the units at Briar start in the $650s. And they’re both on residential streets, although 3156 N Cambridge backs up to commercial buildings that stretch along Broadway Avenue.
If we had more than six hundred grand to burn on a condo in Lake View, we’d lean toward 639 W Briar for the simple reason that its brick-enclosed front decks look big enough for a family gathering or a summer barbecue – a place you’d want to sit on summer nights to feel the breeze coming off the lake.
I aree with Jeff; enclosed brick balconies are very nice. I much prefer them to plain steel ones. However, I don’t know what developers obsession is with putting themin front. Itreally cuts down on light in the Living Room. BTW, Briar is abut $50 more per square foot with those numbers. Something to bring to negotiation.
They’re also a bit less expensive, starting in the $620s while the units at Briar start in the $650s.
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With zero down, at a generous 6.00% the mortgage ALONE would cost $3,897! For an apartmen….I mean condo!
WHO THAT DOES NOT ALREADY HAVE A HOME CAN AFFORD THAT?????
Sorry to disappoint, goodgrief, but the answer to your question is “lots of people.”
Based on 2005 Census data, about 10,000 households in Lincoln Park and Lake View alone had annual incomes in excess of $200,000, making these homes easily affordable.