Tightly bound in the orbit of the Archbishop's Residence, this Gold Coast mansion sold relatively fast for top tier real estate. Our first visit to the exuberant six-bed came in June, when listed for $6.75M. One buyer agreed the 8,400-square-foot home was worth a shit-ton, conceding $6.225M for neon green and yellow rooms. That's not the true allure of course, just our favorite aspect. The money is in the perfect condition of such a huge dwelling, its six fireplaces, double-height solarium, paneled library, and media room. It goes down as one of the biggest sales of 2012.
·Listing: 1525 N State Pkwy [Koenig & Strey]
·Gold Coast Mansion Brushes Up To Archbishop's Residence [Curbed Chicago]
Now for another Curbed favorite: the raw penthouse space of the former Montgomery Ward Observatory. The shiftiest of properties, this 19th floor space at 6 Michigan Avenue has thrown varying square footages at the defenseless shopper, with 6,200 the most consistent. While it demands a custom design job, the suggestion of five bedrooms and six-and-a-half baths is at least present (photos of finished spaces match those of the 18th floor unit). The real trophy is the 35' x 35' great room with monumental arched windows and ceiling height of some 20 feet. This glassed-in observatory might be the best entertaining space after the Cultural Center. Listed for $4M then $3M, the closing price is a mere $1.9M.
·Listing: 6 N Michigan Ave #1901 [@properties]
·Former Montgomery Ward Observatory-Turned-Penthouse [Curbed Chicago]
This one never registered a blip on Curbed's radar despite being listed since summer 2010, and despite being totally killer. A 3,000-square-foot 3/3 duplex at The Regent in Streeterville, the "ultimate entertaining home" has a very cool two-story living room with wrap-around balcony and floating staircase. The 1996 construction has a modernist tilt that leans back toward the 1950s and 60s. The furnishings gang up with finishes and built-ins for a museum-like aura. Thankfully a pair of skinny terraces offer a needed dose of the messy, noisy city. Originally asking $1.475M, the unit closed on Friday for $1.165M.
·Listing: 190 E Walton Place #502 [Coldwell Banker]