By design
Ranquist keeps focus on design, context from Bridgeport houses to Lincoln Park condos
Two things stand out when perusing the latest offerings from Ra [...]
Building on the Boulevard
Sutherland's new homes help rejuvenate historic Drexel Boulevard
For the better part of a decade, Sutherland Pearsall Development Corporation has pla [...]
'05 condo conversion boom offers buyers more variety than '70s wave
During 1979, the height of condomania in the Windy City, nearly 4,800 rental apartments were converted to condominiums in downtown Chicago. That was d [...]
Most condominium problems found in common areas, not units
One of the questions I mulled over while preparing a final exam for students in my home inspection class was, what percentage of building problems are [...]
As home prices keep growing, Chicago buyers wonder, "What bubble?"
Home prices in 2005 appear to be strapped to the space shuttle and headed for the stratosphere.
Boosted by skyrocketing home prices on the East and W [...]
The mod squad
Big new projects tout progressive design while low-rise looks to past
Speculative housing in Chicago hasn't offered much for architecture aficionados [...]
Hot restaurant scene complements boom in residential building
Where there's smoke there's fire, and presently the fire is on the back of my palate, courtesy of the "Flores de Jaiba" appetizer at Salpicon, 1252 N. [...]
'05 condo conversion boom offers buyers more variety than '70s wave
Housing Watch
During 1979, the height of condomania in the Windy City, nearly 4,800 rental apartments were converted to condominiums in downtown Chica [...]
Loft-like units a hit in Bridgeport
When Tandem Developers opened Union Lofts in Bridgeport, an ethnic working class neighborhood on the Near Southwest Side, the builder was taking a r [...]
Jameson breaks ground on 50 E. Chestnut's full-floor units
Even by the luxury standards of the Gold Coast, it's unusual to find a residential highrise that dedicates only one unit – a virtual penthouse [...]
Building from the inside out
Sutherland's 550 St. Clair touts progressive look, high standards
Streeterville has waited a long time for a taste of progressive architecture, and Su [...]
RDM's Trio embraces street, avoids Ugly Garage Syndrome with creative design
It is unusual to find a project that changes the tenor of a neighborhood, but RDM Development claims that its latest project, Trio, at 650 W. Wayman S [...]
Hardwood floors often poorly installed
Hardwood floors are more popular than ever in new construction, and with good reason. They offer buyers versatility and a rich, natural look. With pro [...]
Zero-down payment loans too good to be true
Just when home foreclosure rates started to decline a bit in Chicago, some crafty lenders began touting amazing new shortcuts to homeownership.
The l [...]
A dream deferred?
Shrinking numbers, soaring prices put new houses out of reach for families
When Paul Bertsche and his wife, Wendy Andrews, began searching for a home [...]
Stepping-stone
Townhouses boost space and privacy for move-up buyers without the cost and maintenance of single-families. So why aren't more getting built?
When Chr [...]
Silver Tower to rise in River North
Silver Tower, a 38-story glass highrise planned for 303 W. Ohio St. might seem alien among the brick and limestone of River North, but its modern sc [...]
The Marquee shows French influence
The Marquee, a 25-story tower planned by Sedgwick Properties in the South Loop, might look at home in the Gold Coast or amidst the historic building [...]
Lakefront development big as Loop about to put South Chicago on map
It's hard to imagine that any of Chicago's 29 miles of lakefront would be available for development in 2005. It's even harder to believe that a lakefr [...]
Deco design marks Astoria Tower
Some architecture buffs equate contemporary design with innovation, but that's a mistake, according to Pat FitzGerald, associate president of FitzGe [...]