As Andersonville has gone increasingly upscale, condo conversions have proliferated on the side streets surrounding its central Clark Street commercial strip. The Catalpa, a traditional three-story brick building at 1457 W Catalpa Ave, is one of the latest.
The seven three-bedroom two-bath condos have been completely gutted, according to Marissa Hopkins of Keller Williams Realty, who is marketing the project along with Keller Willams agent Ray Miller. They are now decked out with new plumbing and electric, security systems and insulation targeted at noise reduction and energy efficiency. They’re also pre-wired for sound, computer networking and cable.
The look is mostly traditional, with a few contemporary touches. In the living room, oak floors are offset by modern track lighting. New Pella windows have wooden frames and mullions reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts period. Developer Great Chicago Properties kept the original fireplaces and surrounding bookshelves, enlisting a local cabinet-maker to fit them with new glass doors.
Hopkins said details like these set The Catalpa apart from the numerous other conversions in the area. In this vein, she demonstrated a unique feature of the toilet, made by Toto: when she pushed the seat down, instead of slamming it inched slowly downward. She gave a similar show in the kitchen, where the drawers, given a preliminary tap, closed by themselves.
The kitchen also features 48-inch cherry cabinets by Omega Cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a subway-tiled backsplash and granite counters. The breakfast bar has two tiers, with one side waist height (for cooking) and the other slightly higher (with bar stools tucked under it, for eating). A laundry area in the hallway just off the kitchen also has granite counters and a stainless steel sink.
The master bedroom has both northern- and southern-facing windows. In addition to the second bedroom, a small room with a partial closet, most suitable for a den or office, sits at the back of the unit.
Recently reduced prices range from $469,900 to $484,900, including an outdoor parking space behind the building. (Last week, prices ranged from $479,900 to just under $500,000.) A model unit (pictured) is available immediately, and the others will deliver within 30 to 45 days. One unit, the only one on the garden level, has sold, according to Hopkins.
