jameson in the news

January 4, 2007

Jameson Realty Group:
EAST AND WEST ROGERS PARK NEW 'HOT SPOT' FOR CONDOMINIUM BUYERS

CHICAGO-The East Rogers Park and West Rogers Park neighborhoods are taking center stage in the Chicago housing market as one of the newest 'hot spots' for condominium buyers seeking affordable renovated units, according to Jameson Realty Group.

"Condominiums in East Rogers Park and West Rogers Park are in high-demand right now, especially among buyers shopping for an affordable alternative to more expensive North Side neighborhoods," said Charles Huzenis, president of Jameson Realty Group, which is the exclusive marketing and sales agent for several developments in the area.

East Rogers Park is bordered by Howard Avenue on the north, Ridge Avenue on the west and Devon Avenue on the south, as well as Lake Michigan on the east.

"This bustling neighborhood is ideally located just 20 minutes by car from the Outer Drive to the Loop, and direct access to the lakefront makes it even more attractive," Huzenis said.

"Rogers Park is also one of Chicago's most wonderfully diverse neighborhoods with a plethora of ethnic restaurants and more than 50 languages spoken among the community's 63,000 residents," said Huzenis.

Affordable housing choices abound in East Rogers Park, where Jameson Realty recently began marketing The Yellowstone, a vintage 27-unit condominium at 1667-1673 W. Farwell Ave.

The 27-unit rehabbed courtyard building features simplex and duplex residences with 2 or 3 bedrooms and 1 or 2 baths, according to Jameson Realty Group, the exclusive marketing agent. Base prices range from $199,900 to $254,900. Garden units are priced from $169,900.

"With prices starting under $200,000, these affordable condominiums are perfect for first-time buyers," Huzenis said.

"The Yellowstone is in the heart of the East Rogers Park neighborhood and is the only Chicago community with direct access to the lakefront," Huzenis noted. "Many of buildings sit along the beachfront."

"Being so close to Devon Avenue, the parks and all the festivals year round, makes The Yellowstone ideal for anyone looking for a multifaceted experience," Huzenis said.

"East Rogers Park's diversity extends to the housing stock, which includes a mix of new and renovated developments like The Yellowstone," he said.

Despite the affordable prices, buyers at The Yellowstone will benefit from amenities and features found in luxury condominiums.

Standard features include diagonal hardwood floors and kitchens equipped with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Other highlights include rear decks and storage lockers.

A furnished model at The Yellowstone is opened for viewing from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, contact Jameson Realty Group 312-751-0300 or for a virtual tour, visit www.jameson.com

Jameson Realty Group is marketing four other condominium developments in Rogers Park. Here are details on the developments:

  • The Grove at Greenleaf. This 44-unit vintage courtyard condominium development at 1358-1366 W. Greenleaf, only a half-block west of Sheridan Road between Touhy and Pratt avenues. The 2-bedroom condominiums feature 1 or 2 baths. Base prices range from $169,950 to $264,950. Garden units are priced from $134,950.

"These condominiums have been meticulously renovated and are a bargain," Huzenis said. "Where else can you have all the amenities, like a full stainless-steel appliance package and in-unit washer/dryer, with prices beginning at under $170,000?" Huzenis asked.

"All of the condominiums at The Grove at Greenleaf come with exposed brick walls and new 3¼-inch Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring in the living areas and wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedrooms," noted Jody C. Williams, vice president of marketing for Jameson Realty Group.

New kitchens feature stainless-steel appliances, including oven/range, refrigerator, built-in microwave and dishwasher. Other standards are granite countertops and 42-inch cherry cabinetry.

Baths showcase marble floors and tub surround, designer cabinetry, granite vanity countertops and a whirlpool tub.

The condominiums have in-unit washer and dryer; individual storage, intercom entry system, individual high-efficiency gas-forced heating and air-conditioning system. Units are pre-wired for telephone, cable television and high-speed Internet. A model for The Grove at Greenleaf is open Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • The Waverly on Wallen. The 26-unit courtyard building at 1618 W. Wallen in East Rogers Park features units priced from $149,900 to $224,900. The development is 60-percent sold. The Waverly residences offer from 1 to 3 bedrooms and 1 to 2 baths. Homes include new hardwood floors throughout the living areas and wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedrooms.

Kitchens have stainless-steel appliance package with dishwasher, stove, refrigerator and microwave, 42-inch maple shaker-style cabinets, 1¼-inch granite countertops with backsplash, stainless double-bowl sink with pull out faucet.

Baths feature a whirlpool tub, pedestal sink, a maple vanity with granite countertop and under mount sink and marble floors and tub surrounds. Also included are in-unit washer and dryer and individual storage. A model is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

  • North Beach Lofts. This 43-unit adaptive-reuse and new-construction loft condominium development at 1225 W. Morse Ave.-only one block from Lake Michigan-in East Rogers Park, offers residences priced from $274,900 to $344,900. Immediate occupancy is available. The development currently is more than 80-percent sold.

Developer Bill Markle of Markle Development, Inc., said his unique loft project features a mix of new-construction homes and adaptive-reuse residences. Three floors of new-construction condominiums are being added to an existing 2-story concrete loft building, he said.

Ten loft residences in the original building will feature 13-foot ceilings, while the 33 new-construction condominiums on three new floors will have ceiling heights of 10 feet.

There are 42 two-bedroom, 2-bath units with approximately 1,068 to 1,633 square feet. There are 21 different floor plans. Garage parking is $19,900.

All kitchens at North Beach Lofts are equipped with a stainless-steel appliance package-refrigerator, range, microwave and dishwasher.

Other standard features in all residences include hardwood flooring in the foyer, living room, dining room and kitchen; wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedrooms; recessed can lighting and track lighting with modern wall sconces and hanging pendants; chrome-lever hardware throughout; wire storage in closets. Each residence is pre-wired for telephone and cable television.

A furnished model, located at 1225 W. Morse, is open on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Washtenaw Gardens Condominiums. This 22-unit vintage condominium development is in the West Rogers Park neighborhood.

The light brick courtyard development, located at 6341-6345 N. Washtenaw-just south of Devon, between Western and California-features completely remodeled 2-bedroom condominiums that are available for immediate occupancy.

To date, more than 50 percent of the residences have been sold. Base prices range from $168,900 to $194,900.

"The condominiums at Washtenaw Gardens are some of the most affordably-priced residences around," said Huzenis.

"Despite low prices, all of the rehab is of high quality," Huzenis said. "For example, all of the kitchens has been completely gutted and remodeled with granite countertops, 42-inch maple cabinets and stainless-steel appliances.

"These are the kind of amenities you'll find in more expensive condominiums," he said.

Some of the other amenities included in the purchase price are: a private balcony overlooking the courtyard, hardwood flooring throughout the unit, ceiling fans, full-size stackable washer and dryer and new heating and air-conditioning systems.

Bathrooms feature granite and limestone flooring and tub surround, a custom wood vanity with granite countertop, a medicine cabinet with lighting above and Jacuzzi bath tub.

A model is opened for viewing at Washtenaw Gardens Condominiums from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

East Rogers Park is one of Chicago's most wonderfully diverse neighborhoods with more than 60 ethnic restaurants and 80 languages spoken among the community's 63,000 residents.

The neighborhood is bordered by Howard Avenue on the north, Ridge Avenue on the west and Devon Avenue on the south, as well as Lake Michigan on the east.

"The bustling neighborhood is really ideally located just 15 to 20 minutes by automobile on the Outer Drive from the Loop, and their direct access to the lakefront makes it even more attractive," Huzenis said.

One of the anchors of Rogers Park is Loyola University, located on Devon Avenue. It houses more than 10,000 students during the school year.

A block to the east is Loyola Park located at 1230 N. Greenleaf Avenue. There are baseball and soccer fields, basketball courts plus a playground with nearby benches. There is also a field house with two kitchens which is available for rental. Barbecuing is also allowed.

South of Loyola University is Berger Park Cultural Center. Located 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. the center holds concerts in the Parks. The annual holiday concerts contribute to the cultural façade of Chicago's North Shore area, boasting programs that include Writers' Workshop, needlepoint and pottery. The Cultural Center is currently home to the most popular ceramics programs within the Chicago Park District.

Those looking for more information on Rogers Park might want to tour the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society's Historical Museum & Educational Research Center at 7344 N. Western or visit their Web Site: www.rpwrhs.org.

The West Rogers Park neighborhood, also known as West Ridge, is bordered by Kedzie, Howard, Ridge and Peterson avenues. The community is home to a segment of the North Branch of the Chicago River as well as Thillens Stadium, which features a top-rated Little League baseball program.

Neighborhood children attend the highly rated public schools. Elementary school children can attend Decatur Classical School, Boone Elementary or Rogers Elementary. Private elementary schools and high schools include Ida Crown Jewish Academy and Brisk Academy. Teens can also attend CICS Northtown Academy, North Side College Preparatory, Mather, and Sullivan high schools.

The community is also served by Northeastern University at 5500 N. St. Louis.

West Rogers Park has excellent access to transportation. The community is only a few minutes east of the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94) with interchange access at Touhy Avenue.

The neighborhood's retail shopping also is excellent. The recently renovated Lincoln Village Shopping Center, few minutes west by car at Kimball and Lincoln avenues, features a Border's Books, the multi-screen Lincoln Village Theaters and an abundance of shops. A new Home Depot recently opened at the same intersection.

Nearby restaurants include Myron's & Phil's Steak Seafood & Piano Bar at 3900 N. Devon, Via Venetto Restaurante at 6340 N. Lincoln, Campeche, for Mexican cuisine at 6112 N. Lincoln, Monastero's, for Italian dining, at 3935 W. Devon, and the famous Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, at 6649 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lincolnwood.

Established in 1982 by Charles and Harry Huzenis, Jameson Realty Group is a full-service real estate organization with offices in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. Jameson Realty has unparalleled experience in developer representation and has marketed more than $1 billion in multi-family residential projects since 1991.

For more information on Jameson Realty Group's developments in East Rogers Park and West Rogers Park, please call 312-751-0300, or visit www.jameson.com.

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